Gomukh-Tapovan is one of the best treks in India. During the trek, one can get a mighty view of Mt. Shivling, right from its base to its summit.
Region:
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Duration: 6–8 Days
Grade: Moderate-Difficult
Max Alt: 14,202 ft
Shivling is a mountain at Tapovan in the Gangotri Group of peaks in the western Garhwal Himalaya, near the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, one of the biggest glaciers in the Himalayas, and Tapovan, beautiful lush meadows, both of which are also popular pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. It lies in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, 6 kilometers (4 mi) south of the Hindu holy site of Gaumukh (the source of the Bhagirathi River). Its name refers to its status as a sacred symbol—Shiva Linga.
It was called “Matterhorn Peak” by early European visitors because of its similarity in appearance to that of Alpine Peak. While not of locally great elevation, it is a dramatic rock peak and the most visually striking peak as seen from Gaumukh; that and the difficulty of the climb make it a famed prize for mountaineers.
The mountain and its setting
Shivling forms the western gateway for the lower Gangotri Glacier, opposite the triple-peaked Bhagirathi massif. It lies on a spur projecting out from the main ridge that forms the southwest side of the Gangotri Glacier basin; this ridge contains other well-known peaks such as Bhagirathi, Thalay Sagar, and Meru.
It was also called Mahadeo Ka Linga or Mahadev Ka Linga. Appearing as a single pyramid when seen from Gaumukh, Shivling is a twin-summitted mountain, with the northeast summit being slightly higher than the southwest summit, 6,501 m (21,329 ft). Between Gaumukh and Shivling lies the Tapovan meadow, a popular pilgrimage site due to its inspiring view of the mountain.
Shivling is well-defended on all sides by steep rock faces; only the west flank has a moderate enough slope for snow accumulation.[4]
