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Home > Holiday Ideas > Pilgrimage India > Gangotri - The Source of the Ganga

Gangotri - The Source of the Ganga

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.

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Gangotri
Uttarakhand

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. Gangotri is also one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, which should be visited along with Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

The holy river itself begins at Gangotri, where a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located. The temple is situated amidst captivating surroundings in the lap of splendid beauty. The shrine of Gangotri opens either in the last week of April or 1st week of May with the special puja of Ganga, both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes in October-November, every year. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village for six months, where it is worshipped.

Gaumaukh is the actual source of the Ganga, which is 18 km trek from Gangotri. It is here one can view the Gangotri glacier and take a dip in the ice-cold waters of the river.

Places of Interest

Gangotri Temple: The temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga was built in the 18th century and is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. High structure made of white granite.

Places Nearby
Nandanvan Tapovan: Not for the casual traveller, Nandanvan Tapovan is an arduous trek along the Gangotri Glacier after you cross the source of the Ganga - Gaumukh. Tapovan is known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of the Shivling Peak. It is about 28 km from Gangotri.

Gaumukh: The source of the Ganga, Gaumukh or the Gangotri Glacier is an 18 km trek from Gangotri. Pilgrims trek up to the sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water.

Harsil: Known for its scenic landscape Harsil is 28 km from Gangotri. The town is on the way to Gangotri after you cross Uttarkashi. Sat Tal or seven lakes, nearby (2 km) is a must visit in Harsil.

Kedar Tal: An enhancing lake, 4425 m. above sea level Kedar Tal is situated against the splendid backdrop of mighty Thalaiyasagar peak. Accessible through a rough mountain trail, it is the base camp for trekking to surrounding peaks. The trek to Kedar Tal needs a local guide. It is about 18 km away.

Dayara Bugyal: A motorable road connects Bhatwari, which is 27 km from Uttarkashi with Raithal village, from where Dayara Bugyal is a 6 km long trek. The famous Sheshnag Temple en-route is an attraction of the trek. One can also trek down to Dodi Tal (30 km) from Dayara.

Uttarkashi: An important pilgrimage centre, situated at an elevation of 1,150 m above sea level Uttarkashi is on the bank of the Bhagirathi River. Some of the important temples worth visiting in Uttarkashi are - Vishwanath Temple, Gyaneshwar Temple, Ekadash Rudra Temple and Kuteti Devi Temple. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located near by. Every year, during the 'Magh Mela' people visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi along with the image of their village deity.

Stay Options

There are a number of ashrams, Tourist Rest House, PWD Inspection House and Forest Rest Houses are available along the banks of the Bhagirathi. Dharamshalas, guesthouses and private hotels offer comfortable accommodation to pilgrims. Check more hotels in Gangotri.

How to reach

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is a Rishikesh, 250 km away.

By Road: The road to Yamunotri diverts at Uttarkashi then you go to Harsil and reach Gangotri.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gangotri is between May-June and September-November.

About Gangotri: Gangotri Information & Fact File

Altitude

3080 meters

Temp

Summer	22 (Max) & 6(Min) Degrees Celsius
Winter	8 (Max) & -6 (Min) Degrees Celsius

Best time to Go

May â€“ September

Monsoon

July - August

Summer

May - September

Winter

October - March

Clothes

Very heavy woolens in winter and moderate woolens in summer

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant, 260 km

Nearest Railway Station

Rishikesh, 248 km

Bus Station

Gangotri â€“ Direct buses from Rishikesh, Dehradun

Hospital & Doctor

The District Hospital at Uttarkashi (100km) is fairly well equipped to handle emergencies

Places to see

Gangotri Temple, Bhairon Ghati, Harsil, Pandu Cave, Gaumukh, Tapovanâ€¦

Save & Share Articles

	Gangotri Origin By: Vikram Das
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	Ganga By: Fagun Pandya
	Nilkanth Mountain By: Sandeep R

› A journey to gangotri, gomukh and tapovan
By: Arun Sharma

Check Hotels
in Gangotri

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