A very holy center of pilgrimage and one of the Char Dham of Northern India in Himalayas.
Video: Morning Aarti at the Gangotri temple
Background:
Situated high up in the Garwhal Himalayas, on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, Gangotri is one of the 4 most holy pilgrimage center for the Hindus, which are collectively called Char Dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath).
The 18th century temple at Gangotri was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Legend says that in the ancient time, King Bhagirath prayed to Ganga from here, asking her to descend on Earth. Hence the river here is called Bhagirathi, which after meeting the river Alaknanda at Devprayag becomes known as the Ganga.
Goumukh, 18 km from Gangotri temple is the source of the Bhagirathi river.
Gangotri is surrounded by forest and Himalayas and has some amazing scenery. It is also the base for many Himalayan treks.
Video: Pilgrims take bath and perform puja at Gangotri
What to see:
Gangotri Mandir
Location: On the banks of the Bhagirathi river
The shrine of Gangotri is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. It is about 20-feet high and made of white marble and granite. It has a natural rock Shivling of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva received the descending Ganga in his hair locks. The evening prayer held at the temple by the river is an unforgettable experience.
Gaumukh
Location: about 18 km from Gangotri, at 4200 m
Gaumukh (Gau means cow and Mukh means mouth), has the Gangotri glacier, which is believed to be the origin of the holy river Ganges. The river here is called Bhagirathi, which after meeting the river Alaknanda at Devprayag becomes known as the Ganga.
Nandanvan and Tapovan
Location: 6 km from Gaumukh, opposite the Gangotri glacier
It can be reached after trekking from Gaumukh and has amazing view of the Himalayas, the Shivling Peaks, and is the base for many treks to places like Shivling, Meru, Kalindikhal, Vasuki Tal, etc.
Video: Roaring Bhagirathi Waterfall near Gangotri Temple
Sites Nearby:
Mala and Khush Kalyan
Location: Mala is 30 km from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri
Mala is base for the 16 km trek through forest and mountains to the 20 km lush green meadows of Khush Kalyan. In winters the place is covered with snow and has good ski slopes.
Mala is also the base for the Gangotri-Kedarnath trek
Uttarkashi
Location: 99 km from Gangotri
Situated at the banks of the river Bhagirathi and surrounded by mountains, Uttarkashi is a very scenic and picturisque town. It is the base to go to the holy shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri and is also known for its temple dedicated to Bhairavnathji. Trekkers going on the numerous treks in the region can stay here in the tourist bunglow.
Video: Gaumukh glacier the origin of Ganga
Reaching there:
Air:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (275 km) is the nearest airport. However Delhi (473 km) has airports, which are more convenient with better connection to different places.
Rail:
Haridwar (273 km), is the nearest railway station.
Road:
Gangotri is connected to Haridwar and Rishikesh via Uttarkashi - Tehri Garhwal. Private taxis, Jeeps, buses and tempos are available to reach Gangotri.
Video: The amazing trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh
Video: Evening aarti at the Gangotri Temple
Video: Gaumukh, the origin of River Ganga
Video: Uttarkashi, 99 km from Gangotri
Video: Driving to Gangotri in heavy rains
Video: The small town near Gangotri Temple
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