Gangotri- Uttaranchal


Fast Facts

Altitude 3,140 metres
Languages Hindi, English, Garhwali
Best time to visit May-September
(avoid rainy season June-August)
STD Code 01374

A spiritual date with the Himalayas is what precisely defines a tour to Gangotri. The origin of the holy Ganges in the Himalayas is an important pilgrimage center of the Hindus. But Gangotri is equally favorite destination for an intrepid traveler. One who is looking for solace in the Himalayas. The journey to Gangotri is long and arduous, as one has to negotiate many hairpin bends but once at Gangotri, the scenic beauty and serene environment takes one over. Hill Resorts in India offers complete information and online tour booking facility to tour Gangotri, Uttaranchal.

Location

Perched in the Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri is located at an altitude of 3,140 metres above sea level. The hill station Gangotri comes under Uttaranchal, which is located in the north of India. Gangotri is at a distance of about 240 kilometres from Rishikesh and 105 kilometres from Uttarkashi.

Mythological history

Gangotri is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus. Legend has it that King Bhagirath spent years in penance praying Ganga to descend upon the earth. Hence the river is known as Bhagirathi before it meets the Alaknanda at Devprayag and known as the Ganges here onwards.

Places to visit

Besides the shrine of the Gangotri, the chief attraction at Gangotri is the Gauri Kund Falls. Gangotri glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi, which is beyond Gomukh some 18 kilometres from Gangotri. The natural rock Shivling known as Jalamagna Shivling is another beautiful spot. The Shivling is visible during winters.

Sites nearby

There are a number of beautiful places in and around Gangotri that one can visit. Besides Gaumukh, tourist can head to Cheedvasa, which is 28 kilometres from Gangotri. Bhojvasa is another beautiful spot located at a distance of about 22 kilometres from Gangotri.

Gangotri is a hill resort ideal for trekking as well. Nandanvan offers a magnificent trekking trail that offers scenic views of the area. You can also trek to Tapovan and from there one can proceed to Vasuki Tal and Kalindikhal. Bhairon Valley, the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Jat Ganga is other wonderful place that you can visit. The other places that you can include in your tour itinerary are Uttarkashi, Harsil, Dayara and Yamunotri.

Visiting time

It is wonderful to travel to Gangotri from May to September. But it would be best if you can avoid monsoon season from June to August, as the region is prone to landslides.

Where to stay

There are no premium hotels in Gangotri but what you can find is the government tourist houses, PWD bungalows and forest guesthouses. You can stay at the GMVN's lodges or take shelter in ashrams and dharmsalas. The food available is vegetarian.

How to reach

Jolly Grant, 25 kilometres from Dehradun and 17 kilometres from Rishikesh, is the nearest airport. It is about 165 kilometres from Gangotri. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh. Gangotri is connected to Dehradun, via Tehri and Uttarkashi.