Gangotri Tourism
Gangotri is one of the Chardhams of the country or one amongst the four pilgrimages which every Hindu must take once in his lifetime. At a height of 3048 mts, Gangotri holds a mystic charm.Anyone who comes up till here can not remain untouched by the holy aura that hangs in the air of the place. Gangotri is of immense importance to Hindus since it is the source of the holiest of the Hindu rivers, river Ganga.
99 kilometres form Uttarkashi, blessed by mother nature, this picturesque pilgrimage is bound to be a lifetime experience for you. This is the place where the sacred water of Ganga tou
ches earth for the first time.From here it begins its long journey of approximately 2500 kms, stretching across the Indian subcontinent, blessing people with its sacred water and fertile minerals in two countries, India and Bangladesh.It finally forms world's largest and most fertile delta, Sunderban delta in Bangladesh.
The Legend
The mythological story that goes behind River Ganga is perhaps the most interesting and powerful legend.It says that King Bhagirath carried out severe penance for several centuries to please Goddess Ganga to absolve the sins of his predecessors.Finally Goddess Ganga, daughter of heaven, agreed to his wish and decided to take form of river and flow on earth.But earth could not sustain the immense flow of Ganga and soon it was water everywhere.Lord Shiva then took the flowing Ganga in his hair locks to reduce the impact, henceforth, it flowed down in 12 streams of water.
The stream at the source came to be known as Bhagirathi (named after Bhagirath), flowing like this since centuries, absolving the sins of mankind.
Attractions In Gangotri
1. Gangotri
The shrine of Gangotri is around 300 years old. Renovated in the 20th century, the shrine is a 20-feet high structure of white granite. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village where it is worshipped. There is a natural rock Shivalinga, called the Jalamagna Shivalinga. This is the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. Visible only during winters.
2. 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.
3. Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa
From Gangotri is Cheedvasa at a distance of 28 kms.Bhojvasa, is at a distance of 22 km, both are an ideal camping site.
4. 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.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (26 kms from Rishikesh).
By Rail
Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.
By Road
Gangotri is connected by road to Uttar Kashi, Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh and other parts of the country. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
