Gangotri - India HillTop Trips - Splendid hills and Majestic retreats

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.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Gangotri Map

The Hill Resort

Gangotri is a favorite pastime for the adventure seekers. It is an ideal site for trekking and river rafting. The sidelining beaches, and green surrounding slopes provide the right ambience to experience both thrill and leisure. At a distance, one can also spot deer, leopards, and monkeys. The huts of the sadhus or the hermits add to the touch of spirituality.

There are many exotic trekking tracts in the Garhwal hills. The trek from Gangotri follows the trail of the Bhagirathi River. Before reaching Gaumukh, there are several pilgrim stopovers and one can get food and other necessities here.

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.

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.

According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva's consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi.

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.

Travel Tips

One is advised to follow the diet customs in Gangotri and not hurt the local sentiments. It is always advisable to carry woolens no matter what time of the year one is traveling. For rafting and trekking, it is better to carry one's own equipment, although there are a number of tour agents, who provide both equipment and guidance. While trekking, one should carry enough food provisions for oneself. There is no facility for exchange in Gangotri and so the cash should be in Indian currency. Tourists should be careful about being duped by fake hermits and pimps.

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Elevation

Gangotri - 3048 meters.

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Location Details

Couched in the magnificent Garhwal hills, Gangotri is at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttar Pradesh and is very near the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.

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How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is approximately 270 km from Gangotri, via Rishikesh.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, to which one can get trains from Dehradun and Delhi.

By Road

Gangotri is connected by road to Uttar Kashi, Tehri Garhwal, Rishikesh and other parts of the country. Jeeps and tempos are available from Rishikesh to Gangotri.

Local Transport

Buses, Taxis, Cars.

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Accommodation

Book Rooms and Resorts at Gangotri using yatra.com

There are no lavish lodging facilities at Gangotri. One can find government tourist guesthouses, PWD inspection bungalows, forest guesthouses, Garhwal Vikas Mandal Nigam's (GMVN) travelers' lodges, dharamshalas, ashrams and other small lodges. The food available is by and large vegetarian and liquors are neither available nor encouraged.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

The summers are relatively cool and winters are freezing cold, with rains in the months of May and June. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.

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Tourist places near Gangotri

Places To Visit

The shrine of Gangotri is around three centuries old. It was renovated in the 20th century and is a 20-feet high structure of white granite. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village for six months, where it is worshipped. There is a natural rock Shivling (Shiva worshipped in his phallic form, as the originator of life) as well. It is called the Jalamagna Shivling. This is the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. It is visible only during winters.

Sites Nearby

The most famous site nearby is the Gaumukh (literal meaning, cow's mouth) glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. The Ganges is called the Bhagirathi here. At a distance of 28 km from Gangotri is Cheedvasa, where one can pick up local artifacts. Bhojvasa, at a distance of 22 km, is an ideal camping site.

Nandanvan is a 6-km tough trekking route along the glacier and gives a view of the Shivling. Across the snout of the Gangotri glacier is the sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its exquisite verdure encircling the base of the Shivling peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 meters and reach Badrinath.

En route Uttarkashi, at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri, is the Bhairon Valley, at the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Jat Ganga and is famous for its temple dedicated to Bhairavnath. Also on the same route is Dayara, at a distance of 90 km from Gangotri via Bhatwadi, which is a newly developed snow sports complex. At a distance of 53 km from Gangotri is the place known for its hot water springs, Gangnani, which is at an altitude of 1855 meters above sea level.

At a distance of 97 km from Gangotri is the pilgrimage spot of Uttarkashi. It is known for its Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples. Maneri, at a distance of 108 km from Gangotri, is a powerful electricity station. At a distance of 18 km from Gangotri is Kedartal, which serves as a base camp. Dodi Tal is a nearby lake.

Harsil is 25 km from Gangotri and is perched at a height of 2620 meters above sea level. It is well known for its resorts. There is the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864, which is often visited. Sat Tal or the seven lakes is wonderful sight and is near the village Dharali (20 km).