Gangotri
The
picturesque pilgrimage in the hinter lands 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 minimize the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called
Bhagirathi at her legendary source.
Along the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddesss. Perched at a height of 3.042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa.
Every year, lakhs of pilgrims throng the sacred temple between May and October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12 kms. Downstream). The Physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 19 kms. Further uphill, along the Gangtri glacier.
Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies. The verdant valleys, dense forests and towering peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities for adventure enthusiasts. Guidance and assistance can be obtained from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering; Uttarkashi or the Tourist office (Tel. : 22290) and OSD ( Adventure Tourism), Uttarkashi or Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Benito Juarez Road, Anand Niketan, New Delhi - 110021.
How To Get There
Airport : Jolly Grant, Dehradun 266 kms.Railhead : Rishikehs, 249kms.
Road : Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi Important Road Distances : Dharasu (129 kms.), Yamunotri (224 kms.) Mussoorie (247 kms. ) Tehri (172 kms.) Uttarkashi (99 kms.)