Gangotri

Gangotri lies in the hinterlands of Himalayas at an altitude of 3,200 m above sea level and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the devout Hindus. The Gangotri shrine is visited by huge number of pilgrims every year. The temple is near the spot where the goddess Ganga is said to have touched the earth for the first time, in answer to the prayers of King Bhagirath.

According to the Hindu religious scriptures, the heavenly goddess Ganga manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Sagar's sons. After three generations of severe penance, performed over several centuries, Ganga conceded to descend to the Earth. At the legendary source of the river, Goddess Ganga is worshipped in the form of deity. Lord shiva received her into his matted locks to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri, was called Bhagirathi.

There are a number of ashrams locked on other side of the Bhagirathi, many of which provide accommodation facilities to the travellers. A dip in its icy waters is almost a must for the pilgrims; and to the temple of Bhairavanth at Bhaironghati, (10 km.) Pilgrlims also trek to Nandanvan (6km) and Kedartal (18km) from Gangotri.

The Pandavas, it is said, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yajna' to atone for the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat. The Gangotri temple was built in the early 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. Gomukh, the identified source of the river Ganga is situated 18 kms further uphill.

How to Get There
Air: The nearest airport (306 kms) is Jolly Grant, 17 kms from Rishikesh and 24 kms from Dehradun.

Rail: The nerest railway stations are Dehradun (24 kms) and Haridwar ( kms).

Road: Gangotri is easily approached from Rishikesh (24 kms from Haridwar and 43 kms from Dehradun), which is connected to all important centres in the region through good roads. En-route accomodations & other facilities are available at the follwing places:- Narendra Nagar, Chamba, Tehri, Dharasu, Uttarkashi, Bhatwari, Gangotri, Sukhi, Harsil, Lanka, Bhaironghati. Road distances from Gangotri:- Rishikesh 248 kms, Delhi 472 kms.

Local Transport: Porters available at Lanka and Gangotri.