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Location : In the north Indian state of
Uttaranchal
Tourist Attraction : Gangotri Temple, Gomukh glacier, Kedar
Taal, Submerged Shivalinga, Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, Nandanvan.
Best Activities : Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Dodi Taal |
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Lake, Gangotri- Kedarnath Trek, Gangotri-
Nandavan-Tapovan Trek, Gaumukh, Kedar Tal, Nachiketa Taal, Uttar
Kashi. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from
Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
When to Visit : The summers are cool and winters are very
cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the tourists,
the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to
November.
About Gangotri
Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and
adventure. Located in the hills, 18 kms downstream from Gaumukh is
Gangotri. It is an important pilgrim site located at 3,048 m above
sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northern part of the state of
Uttaranchal and is very close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri
glaciers, the original source of the sacred river Ganges, attracts
tourists in large numbers every season. Discover the daunting rivers
and attempt to reveal the mysteries of the natural world, which are
rare to find elsewhere. Along with the thrill of exploring nature,
what one experiences here is the aura that India is totally Indian.
At Gangotri there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the
sacred stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped
Lord Shiva. Submerged in the river here is the natural rock
Shivalinga where Lord Shiva is believed to have received the Ganges
(called Bhagirathi here) in his matted locks. It is visible in the
winter months when the water level recedes.
Major Tourist Attractions in Gangotri
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.
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.
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.
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
Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (26 kms from Rishikesh).
Rail : Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.
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.
Accommodation
Accommodations are good enough for all types of tourists coming from
all over. There are numerous forest rest houses, tourist's rest
houses set by the Uttar Pradesh government. There are also several
moderate quality hotels nearby and also a PWD Inspection Bungalow.
There are a few dharamshalas and guesthouses that provide reasonable
accommodation.
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