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Uttar Pradesh >
Gangotri |
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| Gangotri |
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| Accommodation | Places
of Interest | Excursions |
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Gangotri is one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3048 meters and is 105 km from Uttarkashi. The Gangotri shrine is seen as the spiritual source of Hinduism's most sacred river, the Ganga. According to Hindu mythology, Ganga, the stream of life, was granted as a reward for king Bhagirathi's severe penance, and the river is worshipped as a deity. The physical source of the river is at Gaumukh, 18 km southeast of Gangotri, along the Gangotri Glacier.
The temple at Gangotri, which is visited by thousands of pilgrims between May and November, was built by a Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. |
| Area |
1 sq. km. |
| Population |
1180 (1991 census) |
| Altitude |
10,250 ft. above sea level. |
| Season |
May-June, September - October |
| Clothing |
Summer – Woollens; Winter - Heavy Woollens |
| Language |
Hindi, Garhwali, English |
| Local
Transport |
Buses/Taxis/Cars |
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Code |
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| Accessbilty |
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Rail
Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh 248 km. See Rishikesh for rail connections.
Road
Bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyawastha Samiti connect Gangotri with Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Delhi etc. Some important road distances are : Uttarkashi - 97 km. Tehri - 167 km, Dharasu - 125 km, Yamunotri - 232 km, Mussoorie - 250 km. |
| Accommodation |
Ganga Niketan Hotel, Near Gangotri Temple, Gangotri, District Uttarkashi
Forest Rest House ( For reservation contact : DFO Uttarkashi).
PWD Inspection Bungalow.
UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, (GMVN), Gangotri.
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| Places
of Interest |
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Gangotri Temple
The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 mtrs. above sea level. It is said that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone nearby. This temple is credited to have been built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Modho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur renovated the temple in the early 20th century. The 20 ft high temple is made of white granite.
Submerged Shivling
A natural rock Shivling, which according to legends, is where Lord Shiva sat to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. It normally shows up during the winter months when the waters are clearer.
Other places of interest are : Bhagirathi Temple, Gauri
Kund, Bhojvasa, Harsil, Lanka, Sat
Tal. |
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Excursions
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Gaumukh
Situated at a height of 12,960 ft, Gaumukh is the source of the river Ganga. The Gangotri Glacier, which lies at a height of 13,662 ft beyond Chaukhamba extends as far as Gaumukh. The Ganga gushes out of the glacier, here. En route accommodation is available only at Chirbasa (11,830 ft)10 km before Gaumukh.
Nandan-Van/Tapovan
Nandanvan is 6 km of difficult trekking along the glacier on the same side as Gaumukh. Base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks, it affords a stunning view of the Shivling peak. Tapovan is across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and requires trekking experience to reach. It is known for its exquisite meadows which encircle the base of the Shivling peak.
Bhairon Ghati
It is situated at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri towards Uttarkashi. The temple of Bhairav Nath in thick forests, is an added attraction.
Uttarkashi
This pilgrimage centre is at a distance of 97 km from Gangotri. Its main attraction are the Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples. It is accessible by road.
Gangnani
53 km. Famous for its thermal springs and a close up view of the Himalayan peaks, Situated at 1,855 mtrs.
Kedartal
This enchanting lake lies 18 km from Gangotri, and is about 15,000 feet above sea level. It serves as a base camp for trekking to the surrounding peaks.
Harsil
Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, 2620 mts high is the quiet resorts of Harsil. Sightseeing here includes the Wilson cottage built in 1864 and Sat tal or Seven lakes, one also has a choice to set off on various treks that introduce one to meadows, waterfalls and valleys.
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