Just a dip in the Ganga and you are absolved of all sins, such is the importance of the Ganga in the Hindu mythology. There are many other legends associated with the river that make Gangotri, the source of the holy river, a popular pilgrimage in India. The picturesque journey to the foothills of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga first touched earth for the first time.

According to mythology, King Bhagirath did a long penance here and convinced Ganga to come on earth but some means was required to hold the tremendous force of Ganga. Lord Shiva, pleased with King Bhagirath, agreed to receive her in his thick matted hairs, minimizing the impact of her fall. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the killings of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. According to another legend,
Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the killings of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. Gangotri is also one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, which should be visited along with Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

An ancient temple of Ganges is found here at a height of 3200 mts which is 100 kms from Uttarkashi. The flowing waters and the cool winds blowing through the deodar forest rejuvenate one's inner self.The surroundings here are so beautiful that one tends to forget all ones tensions.The Gangotri temple was built by the Gurkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century and is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi. The gates of the temple are opened on a fixed date in May and then Gangotri gets crowded. On the day of Deepavali (festival of lamps) the gates are closed again for winter. The whole town then wears a deserted look. The statue of Ganga is then taken for 6 months to a nearby village called Mukhwa (Mukhimath) for worship. One day before the gates open in summer this statue is taken in a procession on a cart with a lot of pomp and show.

Besides, Gangotri and the adjoining areas offer some fabulous natural beauty and exhilarating trekking opportunities. Thermal springs, close-up views of mountain peaks, lakes, apple farms - overall a peaceful and tranquilizing environment in and around Gangotri is ideal for meditation as well as relaxation. It is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year. There are a number of ashrams. Tourist Rest House, PWD Inspection House and Forest Rest Houses available along the banks of the Bhagirathi. Dharamshalas, guesthouses and private hotels offer comfortable accommodation to pilgrims.


How to reach:

Gangotri is a very important religious and holy place, located in Uttarakhand. Gangotri is well connected to other parts of the country through air, rail and road.The National Highway (NH 58) from Delhi to Mana is accessible throughout the year. Reaching Gangotri is not a tough task. Read on to find out how to reach Gangotri.


-Airport

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 17 kms. from Rishikesh and. 24 kms. from Dehradun, 275 kms. from Gangotri.


-Rail

Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh 248 km.


-Road

The local and State Transport bus services connect Gangotril with many centres in the region while porters and ponies are available for excursions to
Gaumukh and other places from Gangotri during the yatra season.

Bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyawastha Samiti connect Gangotri with many major centres in the region like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri,
Uttarkashi Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, etc.


Some important road distances are :
Uttarkashi - 97 km.
Tehri - 167 km,
Dharasu - 125 km
Yamunotri - 232 km
Mussoorie - 250 km.


Sightseeing & Things to do

Specialities of Gangotri

-Jalmagna Shivling

A natural rock Shivling; submerged in the river, where, according to legend, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks, is visible in winter months when the sediment content in the waters of the Ganga is least.


-Trekking

The Gangotri region has some very excellent trek routes for the avid trekkers.


-Gangotri- Kedarnath

Trek is an ancient trek route and is along the old pilgrim route from Gangotri to Kedarnath.


-Gangotri- Nandavan - Tapovan

Trek is wonderful trek route for the adventure buffs, who can embark on mountain climbing, rock climbing, boulder-hopping and glacier traversing on this trek.


Mountaineering

Gangotri Glacier is surrounded by many high peaks, which offer challenging opportunities for mountaineering. It is an exciting adventure soprts, liked my many daring people. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi is the places where you learn mountaineering.


Camping

Both Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa at a distance of 28 km and 22 km respectively are ideal for those who are looking for camping sites.


Dodi Taal Lake

Situated at an elevation of 3024m above sea level, Dodi Tal is a breathtaking expanse of water, enveloped by a dense forest of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron. The forest sports a pristine look.


Gaumukh

Just 19km from Gangotri is Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges. Gaumukh is situated at a height of 12,960 ft. The Gangotri Glacier, which lies at a height of 13,662 ft beyond Chaukhamba, extends as far as Gaumukh.


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.


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.