Gomukh
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 | This article is written like a Ganga River . The word Gomukh/Gaumukh (go/gau=cow, mukh= mouth) literally means "Mouth of a Cow."
The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft (4,023 m) in the Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. It is a Hindu holy pilgrimage site, visited by many who visit Gangotri. It is around 20km away from Gangotri and can be reached by trekking.[1][2] In ancient timesGaumukh , Gangotri glacier.Gomukh is mentioned in the cow, and thus it got its name 'Gomukh' . From then many holy saints, sages, sadhus, hermits, adventure seekers, as well as religious people and adventure seekers also went there to worship the place. It is also rumored that, if anyone visits Gomukh / Gawmukh with evil intentions or polluted body or mind, his ancestors fall in Burning Hell and that person experiences grave horrors and deep melancholy.[3]
Geography Gomukh is 18 km from Gangotri in the foothills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4255m. It is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The Bhagirathi river here is pretty speedy. Around the snout, nature presents a wild topography. There are boulders scattered here and there with some pieces of broken snow, along with the hard clayey snow of the glacier. The Gomukh snout is rapidly moving backwards. According to the modern research the snout has moved 1 km in just 70 years. Trek routeThe first and foremost thing for Gomukh trek is that you must have permission from (D.F.O.) District forest officer, Uttarkashi. Only 150 permits are issued per day, permission can be taken via fax also. 9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its Mt. Shivling welcomes the trekkers to the place.
On the trail no horses are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot. The trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan starts from here.  The route after 'Bhojbasa' can be quite difficult, more so since the 2013 floods. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Gomukh snout. The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier and going towards Tapovan has become quite dangerous nowadays because of the landslides. There is no track and one must have a guide and should be prepared to face any type of accident which can even be a life-threatening one. The last climb to reach Tapovan is very stiff, within 2 km a climb of around 1500 foot and is quite a challenging experience.
You may apply for an online permit,[6] even with an online permit you would still need to get it verified at the district magistrate uttrakasi office. References
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