:: Divine Gangotri Temple in Uttarakhand ::

Gangotri Dham is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a sacred place associated with the source of the River Ganges, which is considered one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. Here are some key points about Gangotri Dham:

The main attraction of this town is the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Every year, thousands of devotees and travelers come here to take blessings and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas.

The temple was built in the 18th century by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Made of white stone, the temple looks beautiful with snow mountains in the background. It opens in April/May on the day of Akshaya Tritiya and closes in October/November on Diwali. In winter, when the area is covered with snow, the idol of Goddess Ganga is moved to Mukhba village near Harsil.

Mythology : According to legend, King Bhagirath prayed here to bring the river Ganga from heaven to Earth to wash away the sins of his ancestors. To reduce the force of the river, Lord Shiva held Ganga in his hair and released her gently. Since then, the river is worshipped as Goddess Ganga.

Location:

• Gangotri is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level.
• It is part of the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage circuit that also includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Source of the Ganges:

• According to Hindu mythology, Gangotri is believed to be the place where the River Ganges descended to the earth from the matted locks of Lord Shiva. The spot is called “Gomukh,” which means “cow’s mouth,” and it is the actual source of the Ganges.

Gangotri Temple:

• The main attraction in Gangotri is the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The temple was built in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander.
• The temple is open to devotees only during the summer months, generally from May to November, because during winter, the region is covered with heavy snow.

Ganga Aarti:

• Like many other sacred places along the Ganges, Gangotri also hosts a daily Ganga Aarti (ritual of worship with light) in the evening. Devotees gather on the banks of the river to witness this religious ceremony.

Trekking and Surrounding Areas:

• The journey to Gangotri involves a trek from the town of Uttarkashi. The trek is picturesque, offering views of the Himalayan peaks.
• Nearby attractions include places like Gaumukh (the actual source of the Ganges), Tapovan, and Bhujbas.

Pilgrimage and Tourism:

• Gangotri is an important destination for Hindu pilgrims, and thousands visit the temple during the pilgrimage season.
• The region also attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and opportunities for trekking.

Accessibility:

• Gangotri is accessible by road from Rishikesh and Uttarkashi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh.

Major Attractions in Gangotri

• Gangotri Temple – The sacred shrine of Goddess Ganga, open from May to October.
• Bhagirathi Shila – A sacred stone where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated to bring Ganga to Earth.
• Gaumukh Glacier – The actual source of the River Ganga, located about 18 km from Gangotri.
• Pandava Gufa – A legendary cave where the Pandavas are said to have meditated during their journey to the Himalayas.
• Harsil Valley – Just 25 km from Gangotri, known for its apple orchards and natural beauty.

Nearby Places to Visit from Gangotri

1. Harsil Valley (25 km from Gangotri)

Harsil is a serene valley situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Surrounded by deodar forests and snow-capped peaks, it is famous for its apple orchards and peaceful environment. The valley is ideal for nature walks, photography, and spending time away from the crowd. It is also known as the “mini Switzerland of India.”

2. Gaumukh Glacier (18 km trek from Gangotri)

Gaumukh, meaning “cow’s mouth,” is the actual source of the River Ganga. This glacier lies at an altitude of about 4,000 meters and can be reached by a moderate trek from Gangotri. Pilgrims and trekkers visit this holy spot to witness the origin of the sacred river amidst breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

3. Tapovan (23 km trek from Gangotri)

Located beyond Gaumukh, Tapovan is a high-altitude meadow offering stunning views of Mount Shivling and other Himalayan peaks. It is a popular trekking destination, known for its lush grasslands, crystal-clear streams, and a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation and camping.

4. Pandava Gufa (1.5 km trek from Gangotri)

According to legend, the Pandavas from the Mahabharata meditated here during their journey to the Himalayas. The cave is surrounded by deodar trees and offers a peaceful environment for those interested in mythology and spirituality.

5. Bhairon Ghati (10 km from Gangotri)

Bhairon Ghati is known for its temple dedicated to Bhairav Nath, located amidst dense forests near the confluence of the Jadh Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers. The place is scenic and holds mythological importance.

6. Dharali (3 km from Harsil)

A beautiful Himalayan village known for its apple orchards, Dharali is also famous for its Radha Krishna Temple. Surrounded by mountains and pine forests, it is a quiet destination for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty.

7. Gangnani (50 km from Gangotri)

Gangnani is a small town on the way to Gangotri, famous for its natural hot water springs. Pilgrims often take a dip in these thermal springs before visiting Gangotri Temple as it is considered purifying.

8. Dayara Bugyal (80 km from Gangotri, near Bhatwari)

One of the most beautiful alpine meadows in Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is located at an altitude of 3,408 meters. It is a perfect trekking and camping destination, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Bandarpoonch and Draupadi ka Danda peaks.

9. Uttarkashi (100 km from Gangotri)

Uttarkashi is the nearest major town and a popular stopover for pilgrims. It is home to many temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple and also serves as a base for several trekking and mountaineering expeditions.

Best Trekking Routes around Gangotri

Gangotri is not only a holy place but also a wonderful spot for trekking. Surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and green valleys, it has some of the most beautiful trekking routes in Uttarakhand.

1. Gaumukh Trek (18 km from Gangotri)

• This trek takes you to the starting point of the holy River Ganga.
• The glacier looks like a cow’s mouth, hence the name “Gaumukh.”
• Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best For: Pilgrims, beginners, and nature lovers.

2. Tapovan Trek (23 km from Gangotri via Gaumukh)

• A high-altitude meadow with clear streams and green fields.
• Famous for its amazing views of Mount Shivling.
• Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Best For: Trekkers, photographers, and camping lovers.

3. Kedartal Trek (17 km from Gangotri)

• A tough trek that leads to the stunning Kedartal Lake at 4,750 m.
• Offers views of big peaks like Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth.
• Level: Difficult
• Best For: Experienced trekkers and adventure seekers.

4. Nandanvan Trek (24 km from Gangotri via Gaumukh)

• A grassland area near Tapovan with wide open views of mountains.
• Great for those who want to see the Bhagirathi Peaks.
• Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Best For: Trekkers who love exploring high altitudes.

5. Dayara Bugyal Trek (80 km from Gangotri, starting from Bhatwari)

• One of the most beautiful meadows in Uttarakhand.
• Covered with flowers and green grass, with amazing mountain views.
• Level: Easy to Moderate
• Best For: Families, beginners, and camping trips.

6. Gangotri to Bhojbasa Trek (14 km from Gangotri)

• A simple trek that goes up to Bhojbasa, the last stop before Gaumukh.
• The route gives stunning views of the Bhagirathi mountains.
• Level: Easy
• Best For: Pilgrims and first-time trekkers.