Gangotri

Gangotri is a world famous point from where the river Ganges originates. Till the yesteryears pilgrims could reach here only after a long walk filled with hardships. But now a motorway reaches right up to the temple. The main point from where Ganges rises is 18 kms from here. This place is called Gaumukh. At least half  the people visiting Gangotri visit Gaumukh. The adventurers and the mountaineers take the challenge of going till Gaumukh. Beyond Gaumukh are Nandanvan and Tapovan which are both well known.

An ancient temple of Ganges is found here at a height of 3200 mts. The flowing waters and the cool winds blowing through the deodar forest rejuvenate one's inner self. The story goes that King Bhagirath brought the Ganges down here from the heaven  for the salvation of his sons. The surroundings here are so beautiful that one tends to forget all ones tensions.

The Gangotri temple was built by the Gurkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The gates of the temple are opened on a fixed date in May and then Gangotri gets crowded. On the day of Deepavali (festival of lamps) the gates are closed again for winter. The whole town then wears a deserted look. The statue of Ganga is then taken for 6 months to a nearby village called Mukhwa (Mukhimath) for worship. One day before the gates open in summer this statue is taken in a procession on a cart with a lot of pomp and show.

Places of Interest:

Jalmagna Shivling: This naturally made Shivling  (emblem of Shiva) of  stone is found underwater in the river. When the water level decreases this is visible. There are many stories attached to this.

Gangnani: This place is famous for its hot water springs. Many famous mountain peaks can be seen from here. Gangotri is 53 kms from here. After a long journey, a dip in one of the hot pools removes all signs of tiredness. This place seems to be quite popular with the English people.

Bhairon Valley: On the Uttarkashi road,  9 kms away this is close to  where the rivers Bhagirathi and Jat Ganga meet. The main attraction here is the  temple of Bhairavnath.

Gaumukh Glacier: 18 km from Gangotri , this is where the Ganges rises. The river Bhagirathi has its springs here.  Gaumukh is at the height of 4200 mts above sea level. The most important thing to remember is that this place is not very difficult to cover by foot. The road that passes through the valleys is not at a slope. The river Ganges flows besides the road constantly.

The whole route way is surrounded by deodar, birch and padma trees. If one starts walking  early in the morning taking the straight road, one reaches a camp called Cheedvasa 10 kms later. There are many shops here for utilities. 4 kms later is the Bhojvasa camp (3792 mts). Here there is a tourist guest house, Lalbihari  Ashram and a few lodges. A canteen is available for food.

After visiting Gaumukh tourists stop here for the night.  Gaumukh is just 4 kms from Bhojvasa. From beneath a massive cave in Gaumukh,  Ganges is born in the form of a stream. The snow-covered scenery here is a feast to the eyes .In the background of the glacier the collective peaks look very majestic. Between the  Gangotri and Gaumukh one finds many shops that serve hot tea, cool drinks, Indian food and other snacks. On rare occasions deer can be seen around Bhojvasa.

Tapovan: Above the Gaumukh glacier is a road  through many steep rocks with a climb of 4 kms which reaches a very serene place called Tapovan. This grassy field is situated on the Shivling peak which is 6543 mts above sea-level. Many flowers bloom here and streams flow out of every nook and corner.

Nandanvan: Another way from Gaumukh leads to Nandanvan  through a very steep pass. There is no accommodation available here. Adventurous tourists can camp out here. Further from here one road leads to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal (5590 mts) and from here goes to Badrinath.

Bhagirathi Waterfall: This is also called Gowri Kund.  The other name for the river Ganges is Bhagirathi. At one point,  this river widens and falls in the form of a waterfall.

Bhagirath Rock:  This is close to the temple and many tourist come here to worship. This place is also used for bathing. A little further, Kedarganga  which comes from Kedartal joins the river Bhagirathi.

Patangana:1.5 kms from Gangotri  is a picnic spot  filled with deodar and conifer trees. Many rocks surround this area.

Kedartal: 18 kms from Gangotri, after a very difficult walk one finally views Kedartal lake which is always covered with snow. This looks like it reflects the high Himalayan peaks. If one wants to camp here all arrangements must be made  prior to the journey.

Harsil: 25 kms before Gangotri Harsil is a picnic spot with rivers, streams and waterfalls  which add to the beauty of the valley. Many hotels, guest houses and restaurants are available.

Sat Tal: 20  kms before Gangotri, in the 6 kms periphery of the village Dharali are 7 small lakes which together are called Sath Tal. Among these two are drying up. The rest have cold  fresh water. The trek from Dharali is beautiful.

Dayara Bugyal: When coming from Gangotri to Uttarkashi  70 kms away is a small town called Bhatwadi. 10 kms  above is  the  last bus stop called  Raithal. 10 kms from Raithal by foot is Dayara which is spread over miles of land and is famous for its snow sports like skiing. In summer,  thousands of flowers bloom here. In winter the slopes get covered by snow.

Dodi Tal:  Dodi Tal is a well known lake that can be reached after a 21 km trek from Sangam Chatti. It is 10 kms from Uttarkashi.

Uttarkashi: Gangotri is 99 kms from here. This is the most beautiful town of Garhwal. The whole town is full of temples.

Maneri: 11 kms from Uttarkashi , is a big electricity power station . The river Ganges looks like a big lake here.

Clothings: Light woollens in summer and heavy woollens in winter .

Temperature:

Travel Plans:

The closest airport is Jolly Grant which is 18 kms from Rishikesh. Buses and taxis are available here. The closest Railway station is Rishikesh which is 249 kms away. Buses and taxis and coach tours are available from here. Gangotri is connected by road to Uttarkashi, Tehri and Rishikesh.

Distances from Cities and Towns:

Hotels:

1. Government Tourist Guest House
2. Travelers Lodge (Garhwal Mandal Corporation).

Gangotri has no big hotels. The Forest Department has also Rest Houses apart from the Government rest houses. Ashrams also are  available.

To move in and around Gangotri, buses, taxis and ponies can be hired. Guides also can be engaged.