Location : -
Situated at 99 km from Uttrarkashi, at height of 3140 meters in Icy Garhwal ranges

Visit Time : April to October.

Chardham Travel – The Chardham yatra must be visited from left to right -beginning with Yamunotri, going on to Gangotri, Kedarnath and culminating the journey at Badrinath. This route follows the Hindu tradition of parikrama.

Holy Himalayas up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttaranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience for the devout.

Gangotri, (combination of two words 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.

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 minimise the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

The shrine dedicated to the Goddess was built some 250 years ago by Amar Bahadur Thapa, the Gorkha Commander.

Gangotri Temple - Located at the spot where the Ganga descended to earth, this temple was constructed in the 18 th century. Some people also believe the Pandavas also performed the Deva Yagna here to atone the deaths of all their kin who died in the Mahabharata. The temple is an imposing structure made of white granite and 20 feet high.

The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. further uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier.

i)  Pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on small ponies.
ii) Even helicopter services are also provided for the darshan. These services can be taken from Agastyamuni to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

The dense forests lush with greenery and towering peaks offer marvelous trekking and mountaineering opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

The temples which are otherwise closed open once a year for some months for the devotees.
Interesting :-
Submerged Shiv ling - Legend states that Lord Shiva caught Ganga in his locks to prevent her from destroying mankind with her tremendous force. There is a natural shiv ling made of rock at that very point where this is said to have happened and its visible only in the early winter months when the water level goes down.

Gangotri Temple - Situated at the spot where the Ganga descended to earth, this temple was constructed in the 18 th century. People also believe the Pandavas also performed the Deva Yagna.

Gangotri starting point for many excursions. Like :-

i) Nandanvan Tapovan -
ii) Uttarkashi
iii) Kedar Tal.
iv) Dayara Bugyal Nachiketa Tal - This beautiful retreat is surrounded by dense forests. It is at a distance of 131 from Gangotri.

TO REACH GANGOTRI

Through Airport
the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant in Dehradun (226 km from Gangotri).

Through RAIL
Closest railway station is in Haridwar (310 km from Gangotri)

BY Road
Well connected by road to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Delhi.