Gangotri, is known as the source of river Ganges and is believed that
Goddess Ganga resides here. Gangotri is one of the four sites of Char
Dhaam. The physical source of the river is at Gaumukh, this place is 18
km ahead. Pilgrims do trek this path to offer prayer to the Goddess at
this holy spot. At the source the river is called Bhagirathi and from
Devprayag it is called Ganga here it meets river Alaknanda. The origin
of the holy river Ganges is at Gaumukh. The place is approachable after
18 km trek along the Gangotri glacier. According to popular legends,
Goddess Ganga took the form of a river in order to wash off the sins
committed by the King Bhagirath's predecessors. There is a submerged
Shivling in the river. It is believed that Lord Shiva sat here and tamed
the gushing flow of river Ganges in his matted locks. The temple dedicated to Lord Ganges is situated at the right bank of the river Bhagirathi. The temple has a height of 3042 mts. The temple was constructed by a Gorkha commander called Amar Singh in the 18th century. The peak season when lakhs of pilgrims visit Gangotri is between May to October. By November Gangotri is covered by snow and hence becomes inaccessible. It is believed that by winter Goddess retreats to Mukhba her winter abode, this place is 12 km downstream. The physical surrounding of this holy spot is such that it proves to be an ideal trekking spot for sport enthusiasts. The other nearby places of interest are-
- Surya Kund : A place where pilgrims offer their prayers
to the Hindu Sun God
- Vishnu Kund : A holy place of worship where pilgrims
offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu-the preserver
- Brahma Kund : A holy spot where the pilgrims offer their
auspicious prayers to Lord Brahma -the creator
- The submerged Shivling : This is a site a pilgrim must
visit. This site has immense visual value. It speaks a silent
language of God's power. It is believed that Lord Shiva sat here to
tame the gushing force of the river Ganges in his locking mates.
- Nandavan Tapovan : This site is ideal for excursion.
Nandan Tapovan is situated at distance of 6 Km from Gangotri. A trek
along the Gangotri glacier leads to this beautiful place which is
really a visual treat. One can see the beautiful Shivalik peak from
here.
- Uttarkashi : Uttarkashi is another place to visit. It is
situated at a distance of 99km from Gangotri. This place is
accessible after a long trek along the Gangotri glacier. situated at
an elevation of 1,150 mts. above sea level on the bank of river
Bhagirathi. There are some important temples to visit in Uttarkashi
like-
- Vishwanath temple
- Ekadash Rudra temple
- Gyaneshwar temple
- Kuteti Devi Temple
Gaumukh : It is the mouth of the sacred Gangs river. Pilgrims reach the spot after a long trek from gangotri. The pilgrim offer their prayers to the Goddess and take a holy dip in the chilling water of the Ganges.
Bhairon Ghati : This spot is surrounded by thick forest and is situated towards Uttarkashi. This place is famous for the famous temple of Bhairo Nath.
Harsil : This location is situated in the mountain district of Uttarkashi. Sat Tal is a nearby tourist destination. Harsil is famous for it's scenic beauty and for delicious apples.
Gangani : This place is noted for it's splendid landscape, thermal springs and peaceful surroundings. Bhatwari a small upcoming town 12 km away from Gangani is a must visit.
Maneri : Maneri is a spot that is worth visiting for its beautiful surroundings, the nearby lake and also the dam across the river Bhagirathi.
Dayara Bugyal : Dayara Bugyal is famous for its magnificent ski slopes spread over an area of 28 sq.km. Dayara is approachable from Bhatwari after a 6km trek. Bhatwari is 27 km from Uttarkashi. The famous Shashang temple is an attraction while trekking. This spot is famous for it's splendid scenic beauty. The spot is situated at a height of 3048 meters.
Dodi Tal : This sparkling lake is situated at an elevation of 2286 mts. The lake is surrounded by dense forests. The famous himalayan fresh water fish are found here in abundance. This site is a must visit for auatic life lovers.
Nachiketa Tal : This spot is famous for its beautiful scenery. A small temple along the lake is also very famous. This spot is approachable after a pleasant trek through a rich green forest.
Tehri : This spot is famous for a giant hydel project. This beautiful spot lies in the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilanga river. This spot is generally visited by tourists who like to travel and venture more into this beautiful pilgrim spot after paying homage at Gangaotri.
Narendranagar : From this spot one can view the beautiful scenic beauty of Ganga valley of Rishikesh and the plains of Haridwar. Narendranagar is the new capital of erstwhile Tehri.
Things to remember
- The main season to visit Gangotri is April to November.
- One may carry light woolen in summer.
- One should carry very heavy woolen in winter.
- The colloquial language is Hindi, Garhwali & English.
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 226 km from Dehradun.
- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh.
- The road route is well connected Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.
- A number of ashrams, dharamshalas, guest houses, private guest houses serve as a convenient stay.
- The local eating joints dhabas are an ideal place to eat. They serve tasty vegetarian food. Non vegetarian food and liqour is prohibited.