About Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa is a small Himalayan settlement and overnight halt on the Gangotri-Gaumukh trek in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, situated at about 3,800 metres on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Located about 14 km from Gangotri and 4 km before Gaumukh within Gangotri National Park, it serves as the main camping and accommodation base for trekkers and pilgrims heading to Gaumukh Glacier and Tapovan, offering basic lodges and tent facilities amid alpine scenery.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a remote, high-altitude riverside campsite with limited settlement surrounded by Himalayan peaks and the Bhagirathi River. The site consists mainly of the GMVN Tourist Bungalow, Lal Baba Ashram and seasonal tent colonies providing basic overnight shelter and simple meals. There are no shops or luxury facilities. The area is used as a transit halt for acclimatization, with open camping grounds, mountain views, and access to trekking trails towards Gaumukh and Tapovan.
Key highlights
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Key overnight halt on Gangotri to Gaumukh and Tapovan trek at ~3,800 metres altitude
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Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River inside Gangotri National Park
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Base for views of Bhagirathi peaks and access to Gaumukh Glacier snout 4 km ahead
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Accommodation at GMVN Bhojbasa Tourist Bungalow and Lal Baba Ashram
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Named after Bhojpatra (Himalayan birch) trees once abundant in the area
History of Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa is named after Bhojpatra (Betula utilis) birch trees whose bark was historically used as paper for ancient manuscripts. It has long served as a traditional halt for pilgrims and trekkers on the ancient route from Gangotri to Gaumukh, the source of the Bhagirathi River.
Culture & Context
Bhojbasa lies on the sacred pilgrimage and trekking route to Gaumukh, considered the origin of the River Ganga (Bhagirathi). It is an important acclimatization and rest stop for pilgrims visiting Gangotri and Gaumukh, with Lal Baba Ashram providing shelter and spiritual support to travelers.
Route
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