Gangotri City Travel Guide -
Uttranchal
General Information Of
Gangotri
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Area 0.14 sq. km
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Population 129 (1991)
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Altitude 3,140 metres
above sea level
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Languages Hindi, Garhwali
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Best time to visit May to
September
STD Code 01374 (Uttarkashi)
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Introduction to city Gangotri -
In Uttranchal
Gangotri, the name brings an image of solitude, tranquillity,
mystery, adventure, and reverence. It is the ultimate
destination to fulfil all your wishes—be it the urge to placate
the gods above, the thirst for adventure, or just to seek the
tranquillity of the Himalayas. Nevertheless, Gangotri, more than
anything else, is known as the origin of the sacred river Ganga
and attracts tourists in large numbers every year. Legend has it
that the Ganga came down to earth after prolonged penance by
King Bhagirath to Lord Shiva. However, since the earth would be
devastated if the Ganga came down in her full force and pride,
Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was proclaimed that
Shiva/’s consort Parvati would bathe in the Ganga daily.
Sightseeing : Places to visit in
destination - Gangotri
Ganga has remained in the Indian psyche as the ultimate source
of attaining nirvana and every important place along the Ganga
has become major pilgrimage centres for millions of Hindus.
Gangotri is the place where the Ganga is believed to have
descended on earth. Two notable attractions in Gangotri are the
Gangotri Temple
and Submerged Shivling (Jalmagna Shivling).
Gangotri Sightseeing :
Places to visit in destination Gangotri
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Places to visit in the city Gangotri |
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GANGOTRI TEMPLE - Gangotri
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The most important attraction in Gangotri is its temple
believed to have been built in the 18th century by a
Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa. The temple was
renovated in the 20th century by the Maharaja of Jaipur.
It is a white marble structure with a height of 20 feet.
The statue is taken to Mukhimath village for six months
every year during the winters and worshipped there.
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SUBMERGED SHIVLING (JALMAGNA
SHIVLING) - Gangotri
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Situated near the main temple, this natural Shivling (Shivling
is the phallic form of Lord Shiva) is said to be the place
where Ganga was received by Lord Shiva in his locks. The
Shivling is visible in the winters only when the water is
clear. |
Excursions : Places nearby city -
Gangotri
The entire Himalayan region is considered as the abode of gods
by the Hindus. The tranquillity and serenity combined with the
majestic charm and mystery behind the high hills of the
Himalayas have always been a matter of curiosity. Each step
along Gangotri is a revered place and that makes hundreds of
pilgrimages. Some of the famous ones are Gaumukh, Nandanvan,
Tapovan, Bhairon Ghati, Uttarkashi, Gangnani, Kedartal, and
Harsil
Gangotri Excursion : Places
nearby Gangotri - Uttranchal
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Places to visit nearby destination - Gangotri |
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Bhairon Ghati
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Bhairon Ghati or Bhairon Valley is located en route
Uttarkashi, at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri. The
valley is situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and
Jat Ganga rivers. It is known for its Bhairavnath Temple. |
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Gangnani
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Situated at an altitude of 1,855 metres above sea level,
Gangnani is a place famous for its hot water springs
called Gaurikund. It is located on the road to Uttarkashi
at a distance of around 53 km from Gangotri. Apart from
the springs, Gangnani also has a 15th-century temple. |
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Gaumukh
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Perched at an altitude of 4,200 metres above sea level,
Gaumukh (literally, cow/’s mouth) Glacier is the
geographical origin of the Ganga. The Ganga is known as
Bhagirathi here and it is situated at a distance of 18 km
uphill from Gangotri. |
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Harsil
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Situated at a distance of 25 km from Gangotri, Harsil is
one of the most beautiful hill stations in the Garhwal
Himalayas. It/’s an off-the-beaten-track destination still
unexplored by the tourists. It is perched at an altitude
of 2,620 metres above sea level. The main attraction at
Harsil is the Wilson Cottage built in 1864. A seven-kilometre
trek from Harsil would take you to Sat Tal (Seven Lakes)
near the village of Dharali. |
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Kedartal
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Kedartal is a spectacular and enchanting lake situated at
a distance of 18 km from Gangotri. With the Thalaiyasagar
Peak forming the backdrop, the lake looks amazingly
beautiful. The trek to Kedartal (4,000 metres above sea
level) from Gangotri is arduous and needs professional
help for the amateurs. Kedartal also serves as the base
for further trek to Thaliyasagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth, and
other peaks. |
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Nandanvan and Tapovan
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A tough 6-km trek along the Gangotri glacier would take
you to Nandanvan, the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks.
There are some excellent views of the Shivling peak from
Nandanvan. Tapovan is situated across the snout of the
Gangotri Glacier and is known for its exquisite verdure
encircling the base of the Shivling Peak. From Tapovan you
can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, and Badrinath.
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Uttarkashi
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Situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is the
headquarters of the district by the same name. Uttarkashi
is located at a distance of 97 km from Gangotri and is
known for its Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples. It is
also the last important place from where you can stock up
on your supplies to the treks up in the north.
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