Location : In the
north Indian state of Uttaranchal
Tourist Attraction : Gangotri Temple, Gomukh glacier,
Kedar Taal, Submerged Shivalinga, Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, Nandanvan.
Best Activities : Trekking, mountaineering, rock
climbing.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Dodi Taal Lake, Gangotri-
Kedarnath Trek, Gangotri- Nandavan-Tapovan Trek, Gaumukh, Kedar Tal,
Nachiketa Taal, Uttar Kashi. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250
km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
When to Visit : The summers are cool and winters are
very cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the tourists, the
gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.
About Gangotri
Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and
adventure. Located in the hills, 18 kms downstream from Gaumukh is Gangotri.
It is an important pilgrim site located at 3,048 m above sea level. Gangotri
is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal and is very
close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri glaciers, the original source of
the sacred river Ganges,
attracts
tourists in large numbers every season. Discover the daunting rivers and
attempt to reveal the mysteries of the natural world, which are rare to find
elsewhere. Along with the thrill of exploring nature, what one experiences
here is the aura that India is totally Indian.
At Gangotri there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred
stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva.
Submerged in the river here is the natural rock Shivalinga where Lord Shiva
is believed to have received the Ganges (called Bhagirathi here) in his
matted locks. It is visible in the winter months when the water level
recedes.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gangotri
Gangotri
The shrine of Gangotri is around 300 years old. Renovated in the 20th
century, the shrine is a 20-feet high structure of white granite. During the
winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village where it is worshipped.
There is a natural rock Shivalinga, called the Jalamagna Shivalinga. This is
the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. Visible only during
winters.
Gaumukh glacier
The famous site nearby is the Gaumukh glacier, which is at an altitude of
4200 m above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is
at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. Here Ganges is known as the
Bhagirathi.
Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa
From Gangotri is Cheedvasa at a distance of 28 kms. Bhojvasa, is at a
distance of 22 km, both are an ideal camping site.
Nandanvan
Nandanvan is a 6 kms trekking route along the glacier and gives a
spectacular glimpse of the Shivalinga. Across the Gangotri glacier is the
Sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its greenness encircling the base of the
Shivalinga peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a
height of 5590 m to reach Badrinath.
Getting There
Air
: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (26 kms from Rishikesh).
Rail : Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.
Road : Gangotri is connected by road to Uttar Kashi, Tehri Garhwal,
Rishikesh and other parts of the country. It is approximately 300 km from
Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
Accommodation
Accommodations are good enough for all types of tourists coming from all
over. There are numerous forest rest houses, tourist's rest houses set by
the Uttar Pradesh government. There are also several moderate quality hotels
nearby and also a PWD Inspection Bungalow. There are a few dharamshalas and
guesthouses that provide reasonable accommodation.
