Gangotri, (Ganga' + ’Uttari’ which means descended) the picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga , the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.Situated at 99 km from Uttrarkashi, at height of 3140 meters. A shrine dedicated to the Goddess was built some 250 years ago by Amar Bahadur Thapa, the Gorkha Commander.

According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. further uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies. The verdant valleys, dense forests and towering peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

Near by Places ( Gangotri)

Bhagirath Shila
Near the temple is a great stone slab-the ‘Bhagirath Shila’ dedicated to Bhagirath, whose penance is believed to have brought the Ganga down from the heavens.

Gomukh
Gomukh(4200 meters), the identified source of the holy river Ganga, is 18 kms. further uphill from Gangotri. The trek to Gomukh is gradual and several pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage the river at its known source.

Bhaironghati
Furhter downstream,10 km from Gangotri, is the picturesque forested halting place of Bhaironghati. There exists a small temple of Bhairon, appointed by Shiva to safeguard this region which gives the place its name. The bridge over the Jhanvi river at Bhaironghati is said to be the highest in Asia

General information about Gangotri

Altitude : 3140 meters
Temperature >>
Summer : Max.20 deg.C. Min.6 deg.C.
Winter : Sub-Zero, Snowbound

Clothing >>
Summer:  Light woolen.
Winter : Very heavy woollen.

Languages/Dialects >>
Hindi, English & Garhwali.
Best Season:  May to June and September to October.

Gangotri Travel Information

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 17 kms. from Rishikesh and.
24 kms. from Dehradun, 275 kms. from Gangotri.

Railhead:
Nearest railheads are Rishikesh (248 kms.), Haridwar and Dehradun.

Distance from the Major Cities :