Gangotri - The Eternal Gift Of Bhagirath's Penance
Be it man's urge to placate the Gods above or to quench his desire for adventure, Gangotri is an ideal location. Gangotri, the origin of the sacred river Ganges, attracts tourists in large numbers every year. The confrontation with the daunting rivers and attempts to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural world are ubiquitous sights here. Along with the thrill of conquering nature, what one experiences here is the mystical aura that India is so famous for.

This small town is centered around a temple of the goddess Ganga, which was built by the Gurkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the late 18th or early 19th century. The temple is closed on Diwali day every year and is reopened in May. During this time, the idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village, near Harsil.

Ritual duties are supervised by the Semwal family of pujaris. The aarti ceremony at the Gangotri is especially impressive, as is the temple, a stately affair that sits on the banks of the rushing Ganga. Adventurous pilgrims can make an overnight 18 km trek to Gaumukh, the actual current source of the river Ganga.

For a large number of tourists, Gangotri town serves as the starting point of the Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan and Gangotri-Kedartal trekking routes.

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.

Excursion

• Nandanvan Tapovan An arduous trek along the Gangotri Glacier leads to scenic Nandanvan - the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks, that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivaling peak. A trek across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier leads to Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of the Shivling Peak.
• Uttarkashi (99 kms.) An important pilgrimage centre, situated at an elevation of 1,150 mts. above sea level on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Some of the important temples worth visiting are - Vishwanath temple, Ekadash Rudra temple, Gyaneshwar temple and Kuteti Devi Temple. Nearby is the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Every year, during the 'Magh Mela' people visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the image of their village deity.
• Kedar Tal (18 kms.) An enhancing lake, 4425 mts. above sea level against the splendid backdrop of mighty Thalaiyasagar peak. Accessible through a rough mountain trail, it is the base camp for trekking to surrounding peaks. The trek to Kedartal needs a local guide.
• Gaumukh( 18 kms.) The snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims trek upto the sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water.
• Dayara Bugyal (93 kms.) A breathtakingly beautiful meadow, situated at a height of 3,048 mts. above sea level. A motorable road connects Bhatwari (27 kms. from Uttarkashi) with Raithal village, from where follows a 6 kms. long trek to Dayara. The famous Sheshnag Temple enroute is an attraction of the trek. From Dayara, one can also trek down to Dodi Tal (30 kms.). During winters, Dayara provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq.kms.
• Nachiketa Tal (131 kms.) A pleasant trek through lush green forests leads to this peaceful retreat. A small temple along the lake and lovely surroundings are an attraction.
• Tehri (173 kms.) Lying at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers is the former capital of Tehri Garhwal principality. It is the site of a giant hydel project.
• Narendranagar (239 kms.) The new capital of erstwhile Tehri state, offers a magnificent view of the Ganga valley of Rishikesh and the plains of Haridwar.

How to get there

• Airport
  Jolly Grant, Dehradun 226 kms.
• Rail
  Rishikesh, 249 kms.
• Road
  Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.