At 3,775 metres in the upper Bhagirathi valley, where the treeline has long ended and the landscape transforms into glacier moraine and bare rock, sits Bhojwasa — the last overnight stopping point before the Gaumukh glacier snout. Spending a night here is an experience unlike any other on the Char Dham circuit.
What is Bhojwasa?
“Bhoj” refers to the bhoj (Betula utilis/silver birch) tree — this area was once the upper limit of birch forest growth. Today, a few ancient, gnarled bhoj trees still stand near the camp, their silvery-white bark glowing in the Himalayan light. The camp itself is a cluster of tents and a GMVN rest house in a broad, flat area of the valley, with the Bhagirathi River visible and the glacier visible further upstream.
GMVN Bhojwasa Camp
The GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates a basic camp at Bhojwasa consisting of:
- Canvas tents (4–6 people per tent) with foam mattresses and blankets
- A basic dining tent serving simple meals (dal, roti, rice, tea)
- Solar-powered lighting (minimal)
- Shared toilet facilities
Booking: Through GMVN’s website (gmvnl.in) or at the GMVN office in Uttarkashi or Gangotri. Peak season (May-June) bookings fill quickly. Cost: ₹700–₹1,200 per person per night (including meals)
Private Camping Options
If the GMVN camp is full, authorized private operators also run tent camps at Bhojwasa. Some offer slightly better sleeping bags and gear. Prices vary — ₹800–₹2,000 including meals.
Altitude and Its Effects
At 3,775 m, altitude effects are real at Bhojwasa. First-night symptoms may include:
- Mild headache
- Poor sleep quality (common at altitude)
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, eat light, and rest. Most people acclimatize well by Day 2.
Dawn Views of the Glacier
The most magical moment at Bhojwasa comes at sunrise — when the first light touches the peaks above the glacier and the ice turns gold, then white. Waking before dawn and sitting outside the tent to watch this transformation is worth the entire effort of the trek. Hotels in Yamunotri Hotels in Kedarnath
