Gangotri

Gangotri, the holy place, part of the Char Dham circuit is a small town centered around the Gangotri Temple. The other parts are Yamunotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath respectively. It is the highest and important temple of the river Ganga, worshipped as Goddess in India. It exists in the heart of Uttarkashi and is close to the Indo-Tibetan border.

The Ganga River though originates at Gaumukh, 19 km away at the Gangotri Glacier; mythologically this is the place where the river Ganga descended from heaven when Lord Shiva released this mighty river from his luscious locks.

Gangotri is perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters on the banks of Bhagirathi River. It is the home for many ashrams, shrines and temples. The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya which falls in May and closes on Yama Dwitiya or Bhai Duj in November. For the next six months the temple is closed, the deity is worshipped at Mukhwa near Harsil.

Gangotri is the perfect destination to breathe in a serene and pious atmosphere. The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place. One feels close to God in the high altitude of this pious hill station.