This sacred
shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,200 mt is the source of the river
Bhagirathi. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks of Shivling,
Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters. Accessible by a motorable road, it is
one of the most pious Hindu pilgrimages.PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Temple Of
Gangotri
As the legend
goes, Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone near
which the temple is located. It is believed that goddess Ganga first
descended to earth from Heaven, at this stone. Amar Singh Thapa, the
Gorkha Commander of Garhwal, in the 18th century A.D. constructed this
temple. It is also believed that the Pandavas, came here to perform the
great 'Deva Yagna' to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of
Mahabharata.
Submerged
Shivling
Submerged in the
river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to
mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted
locks. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
EXCURSIONS
Kedartal
A spectacular
lake situated at a distance of about 18 km trek from Gangotri,
negotiable through a rough mountain trail. The trek is very tiring and
testing even for a hardy trekker. There is no facility of any kind on
the way and one haste make all arrangements in advance. A local guide is
essential. The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalaysagar (sphatikling)
peak forming a splendid backdrop. The place is about 15,000 feet above
sea-level and is the base camp for scaling to Thalaysagar, Jogin,
Bhrigupanth and other peaks.
Kedar Ganga
Sangam
Around 100 yards
from the Ganga temple, flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the
Kedar valley, this river meets the Bhagirathi river on its left bank.
Gaumukh
This is the snout
of the Gangotri glacier and the present source of the Bhagirathi river.
It is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the
opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. The 18 km
distance from Gangotri haste be covered on foot or by ponies. The trek
is easy and many people come back to Gangotri the same day. Porters and
ponies are available for excursions to Gaumukh and other trekking routes
at Gangotri. There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 km from
Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available.
Bhaironghati
10 km from
Gangotri. Astride the road to Uttarkashi and near the confluence of Jat
Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers is situated, Bhaironghati . The temple of
Bhairav Nath surrounded by thick forests is worth visiting.
Bhairon Mandir
After traveling
by road from Lanka to Bhaironghati one has to cross the Jahanvi river on
foot. After crossing the Jahanvi river and moving uphill, the Bhairon
temple can be seen.
Harsil
26 km from
Gangotri. Located in the topographically mountainous district of
Uttarkashi, this hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious
apples. Harsil is situated at a distance of 72 km from Uttarkashi on the
main highway to Gangotri and is at a height of 2,620 mt above sea-
level.
From Harsil, the
adventurous tourist can trek to Sat Tal, situated just above Dharali, 2
km beyond Harsil, to be greeted by the rewarding sight of seven lakes
situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The Harsil-Jangala
Chatti route is amidst dense Deodar forest.
Gangnani
55 km from
Gangotri. Noted for its thermal springs and close-up views of famous
mountain peaks, its peaceful and tranquilising environment provides an
ideal setting for meditation.
Bhatwari
70 km from
Gangotri. It is a small upcoming town located at about 25 km from
Gangnani.
Maneri
92 km from
Gangotri. It has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a
result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi river, from
where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8 km long tunnel at
Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant lake at Maneri has added to the
charm of the place.
