The picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga , the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.

According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimise the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

Along the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at a height of 3042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims throng the sacred temple between May and October.By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode ( 12 kms downstream ).

The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. further uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies.The verdant valleys, dense forests and towering peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Guidance and assistance can be obtained from - the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi or the Tourist Office ( Tel.: 2290) and OSD ( Adventure Tourism ), Uttatkashi or Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Benito Juarez Road, Anand Niketan, New Delh - 110 021 Tel.: 671211.

Accommodation Gouri Kund, Gangotri Vacations

A number of Ashrams along the banks of Bhagirathi, Tourist Rest House, PWD Inspection House, Forest Rest House are available. Dharamshalas, Guest Houses and Private Hotels also ensure convenient accommodation.

Eating Out
Only local eating places (dhabas) are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Gangotri.

Fast Food Centers
ENROUTE
Agrakhal, Tehri-Rishikesh route.
Chinyalisaur, Uttarkashi-Chamba route
Naitala near Uttarkashi-Gangotri root
Ginoti, Dharasu-Yamunotri route.

Prime Sites

Gangotri templeThe 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where Kind Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata.The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. high structure made of white granite.

How to get there

Air : Jolly Grant, Dehradun 226 kms.

Rail : Rishikesh, 249 kms.

Road : Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.

Important Road Distances : Dharasu ( 129 Km.), Yamunotri (224 Km.) Mussoorie ( 247 Km.), Tehri ( 172 Km.)

General Information

Altitude : 3042 mts.
Climate : Summer - Cool during the day and cold at night. Winter - Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.
Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English.
Clothing : (Summer/Winter) Cotton/Heavy Woollens
Season : April to November

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India travel Guide
Agra Tourism	Badrinath Tourism	Bikaner Tourism
Dalhousie Tourism	Delhi Tourism	Dharamshala Tourism
Gangotri Tourism	Goa Tourism	Haridwar Tourism
Jaipur Tourism	Jaisalmer Tourism	Jodhpur Tourism
Kedarnath Tourism	Khajuraho Tourism	Kullu - Manali Tourism
Leh - Ladakh Tourism	Mandawa Tourism	Mumbai Tourism
Nanital Tourism	Pushkar Tourism	Rishikesh Tourism
Shimla Tourism	Udaipur Tourism	Varanasi Tourism
Yamunotri Tourism

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