Gangotri Yatra, Uttaranchal, India
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The 18th century shrine of Gangotri is believed to have been built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Situated at an elevation of 3048 m above sea level, the 20 ft high temple is made of white granite. It is said that king Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone nearby. Modho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur renovated the temple in the early 20th century.
Submerged Shivling: Inundated in water is the natural rock 'Shivling', which according to legend, is where Lord Shiva sat to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The shivling is visible in winters when the water level goes down. Other places of interest are: Bhagirathi Temple, Gauri Kund, Bhojvasa, Harsil, Lanka, Sat Tal. { Book Religious Tours }
GANGOTRI TEMPLE
As the legend goes, King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva at the sacred stone,
near which this 18th century temple is located. Ganga is beleived to have
touched earth at this spot. It is also beleived that the Pandavas, came here
to perform the great Deva Yagna to atone the death of their kinsmen in the
battle of Mahabharat. The temple is an exquisite 20ft. high structure made of
white granite.
SUBMERGED SHIVLING
The natural rock Shivling submerged in the river, is an amazing sight
reinforcing the power of the divine. According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at
this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The Shivling is visible in
the early winters when the water level goes down.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate :
Summer : Cool during day and cold at
night. Min. 6 degree C & Max. 20 degree C.
Winter : Sept. to Nov. Cold during the da and chilly at night. Dec. to
March Snowbound touching sub-zero.
Clothing : April to July - Light Woolens, Sept. to Nov. - Heavy
Woolens.
Season : April to November.
Language : Hindi, English and Garhwali.
Accommodation : GMVN Tourist Rest House (TRH), Private Guest Houses and
Dharamshalas available at Gangotri and at all main places along the yatra
route.
HOW TO REACH
Air : Jolly Grant Dehradun 226 Km is the nearest Airport.
Rail : Rishikesh 259 Km is the nearest railhead.
Road : Gangotri can be reached from Rishikesh 259 Km by bus, car or
taxi. Yamunotri to Gangotri is 8 Km trek down to Phoolchatti and 229 Km upto
Gangotri by bus, car or taxi.
DISTANCES
Route No. 1B
YAMUNOTRI TO GANGOTRI(237 Km)
Yamunotri - (5 Km trek) Jankichatti - (3 Km trek) Phoolchatti - (2 Km) Banas -
(3 Km) Hanumanchatti - (3 Km) Ranachatti - (5 Km) Sayanachatti - (12 Km)
Kuthnur - (15 Km) Gangnani - (9 Km) Barkot - (58 Km) 3 Km of Dharasu - (16 Km)
Nakuri - (12 Km) Uttarkashi - (5 Km) Gangori - (3 Km) Netala - (6 Km) Maneri -
(14 Km) Bhatwari - (13 Km) Gangnani - (19 Km) Sukhi Top - (12 Km) Harsil - (11
Km) Lanka - (2 Km) Bhaironghati - (9 Km) Gangotri.
Route No. 2B
HARIDWAR/RISHIKESH TO GANGOTRI (283 Km)
RISHIKESH TO GANGOTRI (259 Km)
Haridwar - (24 Km) Rishikesh - (16 Km) Narendranagar - (45 Km) Chamba - (17
Km) Dobata - (40 Km) Dharasu - (19 Km) Nakuri - (12 Km) Uttarkashi. From
Uttarkashi to Gangotri (96 Km) follow the Route No. 1B.
PLACES TO SEE
GAUMUKH
The snout of the Gangotri Glacier is the source of the Gangotri Glacier is the
source of the Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims trek 18 Km from Gangotri upto the
sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water. The
Gangotri Glacier, which is situated at the height of 4255 m above the sea
level, is nearly 24 Km in length and 6-8 Km in width. It starts from beyond
the Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks, in the neighbourhood of Badrinath &
extends as far as Gaumukh. Almost 16 Km northeast of Gangotri, Gaumukh is
generally accepted as the physical source of holy river. The trek of Gaumukh
is enough to hipnotise one with mesmerising view of Bhagirathi peaks, the
ranges of Shivling. Chirbasa, 9 Km from Gangotri, is a beautiful site with its
blue pine. This popular camping site offers glimpses of glaciated heights of
Gaumukh. 14 Km trek from Gangotri, Bhojwasa is the place with its forest of
Bhojpatra trees. The paper like bark of this tree locally known as Bhojpatra
was used for writing in ancient times.
KEDARTAL
18 Km from Gangotri, 4225 m above sea level, negotiable through a rough &
tough mountain trail is the spectacular and enchanting lake of Kedartal. The
Lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalayasagar, Sphatikling peak forming a
splendid backdrop. The place is about 400 m high and is the base camp for
trekking to Thalayasagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks. The trek to
Kedartal is testing and one needs to have local guide and made all
arrangenments in advance.
UTTARKASHI
At an elevation of 1158 m on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this pictureseque
town is also the district headquarter. It is located in a wide stretch of a
valley. Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage centre, equated with Varanasi or
Kashi in divinity. The town is situated between Varuna and Assi streams with
ghats bearing the same names as those of Kashi. Topographically, the district
is mountainous but a network of roads has made all parts easily accessible.
Rishikesh is at a distance of 145 Km. From the religious point of view, the
place is important because the temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here with
other important temples like Ekadash Rudra, Bhairon, Gyaneshwar and Goddess
Kuteti Devi. Shiv is the presiding deity at this ancient temple of Lord
Vishwanath. Description about this temple is given in Kedarkhand(Skandpuran).
A massive old brass trident(26 ft high) is erected here supposedly by son Guh
of King Ganeshwar.
Every year on the occassion of Magh Mela(14 Jan) people visit Uttarkashi to
take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local deities.
GANGNANI
43 km from Uttarkashi & 14 km from Bhatwari, Gangnani is noted for its
thermal springs where one can take a bath for relaxation & rejuvenation.
It is a small paradise with its spectacular views & tranquil surroundings
offer peace & solitude.
The place can best be taken up as a place for meditation. Further 18 km
ascent, is Sukhi Top at an altitude of 2744 m offering splendid view of the
snowcapped Himalayas & trailing waterfalls on the opposite mountains. It
is also known for its seasonal fruit harvest of apples, apricots, etc.
HARSIL
73 km Uttarkashi on way to Gangotri, this sylvan hamlet is famous for its
natural beauty. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, 2620
m high, Harsil is the quite resort to discover the undiscovered stretches od
green, grassy land and enjoy the surroundings.
SAATTAL
It means seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 Km beyond Harsil. The
7 Km trek is rewarding, as this group of lakes is situated amidst beautiful
natural surrounding. It also provides a lovely camping site.
DODITAL
The origin of this Tal is from the natural springs and the source of river Asi
Ganga. The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, bifurcates after 4 km at Gangotri,
from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go upto Kalyani, 7 km, further up from where
Agoda is 5 Km away at an altitude of 2286 m. The trek from these ascends
gradually through thick forests and beautiful mountainous scenery.
Dodi Tal is 16 km further from Agoda, situated at an elevation of 3307 m. The
lake is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by forests.