Travel Sites in
Uttar Pradesh
&
Uttaranchal

Lucknow
Taj Mahal
Varanasi
Allahabad
Chardham
Gangotri
Yamunotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
Rishikesh
Hardwar
Corbett Park
Rajaji Park
Kumaon
Mussoorie
Dehra Dun
Nainital

Reserve Hotels in Corbett Reserve Hotels in Agra Reserve Hotels in Almora Reserve Hotels in Bulandshahr Reserve Hotels in Dehradun Reserve Hotels in Haridwar Reserve Hotels in Lucknow Reserve Hotels in Mathura Reserve Hotels in Mussorie Reserve Hotels in Rishikesh Reserve Hotels in Nainital Reserve Hotels in Varanasi

GANGOTRI

     Gangotri is the source of the river Bhagirathi. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks of Shivalik, Satopanth and Bhagirathi Sisters. There are several legends connected with Gangotri. One is that King Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone here and hence the name.

How to reach: The nearest airport is jolly Grant, between Rishikesh and Dehra Dun. The airport is 26 km from Rishikesh. The nearest rail head is in Rishikesh, 249 km from Gangotri. Bus goes right up to the shrine. There is bus service to several places like Uttarkashi, Tehri, Rishikesh, Hardwar.

Altitude: 3200 mts.

Climate: Summer is cool during daytime and cold at night. Winter is snow-bound.

Clothing: Wear light woollens during summer and very heavy woollens during winter

Languages: Hindi, Garhwali and English.

Accommodation: Government rest houses and dharamshalas are available.

Food: Only dhabas (local eating places) are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are prohibited in Gangotri.

Nearby sites:

Kedar Ganga Sangam is close to Gangotri. Bhaironghatti is 10 km from Gangotri. The Bhairav Nath temple is in the midst of forests. It is a tourist attraction. Beyond Bhaironghatti, across Jahanvi river, is situated Bhairon temple. This can be reached on foot.
Gaumukh Glacier,18 km from Gangotri,is the source of Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims make it a point not to miss this mystic site though they have to tread the terrain or ride on a pony. One can return to Gangotri the same day. Trekking is easy on this route. Further from Gaumukh are Nandan Van and Tapovan from where the Shivalik peak can be seen.
Harsil, 26 km from Gangotri, and Gangnani, 55 km from Gangotri, on the way to Gangotri, are known for their natural scenic beauty and trnquil environment. Further town is Uttarkashi, 92 km from Gangotri and 155 km from Rishikesh. This is also a venerated pilgrim centre where Lord Vishwanath temple is situated. The temple is described in Kedar Khand of Skand Puran. Magha Mela is celebrated here on every January 14 when devotees take holy dip in Bhagirathi. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is also located in Uttarkashi.