Gaumukh & Tapovan vs Kedarkantha
Pick Gaumukh & Tapovan for
nature, a spiritual journey, photography, fewer people
Pick Kedarkantha for
snow, camping, first-timers, an easier walk
| Gaumukh & Tapovan | Kedarkantha | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Uttarakhand, Gangotri, Uttarkashi | Uttarakhand, Sankri, Uttarkashi |
| Highest point | 4,460 m | 3,810 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easy–moderate |
| Trek distance | about 36 km | about 20 km |
| Days on the ground | 6–7 | 6 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep, Oct | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Snow likely | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Busy |
| Daily spend | about ₹2,800 | about ₹2,800 |
| Gateway | Dehradun | Dehradun |
| With kids | Not advised | Possible |
| With seniors | Not advised | Not advised |
| Permits | Gangotri National Park permit; daily entry cap — book in advance. | Forest entry fee (Govind Wildlife Sanctuary area), usually handled by your trek operator. |
Gaumukh & Tapovan: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Kedarkantha: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely