Situated amidst ethereal beatific Garhwal hills, Gangotri is one of the Four Holy Hindu Pilgrimage Spots that constitute Chaar Dhaam Yatra. At an altitude of 3048 m above sea level., Gangotri is quite near the Tibetan border and shares the alpine climate of the neighboring country. Accessible only from May to November, Gangotri has cool summers and freezing winters. Daunting trek takes you to the main pilgrimage spot - the glacial origin point of River Ganges. The mythology states that Bhagirathi performed severe penance to bring the godly river to Earth, where its great flow was checked by matted hair of Lord Shiva (represented by a submerged Shivling rock visible only in winters).
Places to See
Gangotri is the source of River Ganges and one of the Four Holy Pilgrimage Centers of Hindus. One has to trek to Gangotri on foot or pony. At Gangotri, you must see:
- Submerged Shivling
- Nandanvan Tapovan
- Kedartal
- Kedar Ganga Sangam
- Bhaironghati
- Harsil
- Bhairon Mandir
- Gangnani
- Maneri Dam and Lake
Shopping
Gangotri is a pilgrimage place, far away from permanent human settlement and not ideal for shopping. However, you can shop at Dehradun, the Capital of Uttaranchal, that offers some of the best handicrafts of the region.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels exactly in Gangotri but you will find several budget to deluxe hotels and accommodation facilities at base camps and entry points, from where pilgrims start their trek to the main pilgrimage site. These include the ones at Bhairon Ghati, Gangnani, Lanka, and Sukhi. The best accommodations are at Harsil though. We recommend:
- The Chardham Camp
- Hotel Bhagirathi Sadan
- Hotel Mandakini View
- Hotel Ganga view
- GMVN Govt. Tourist Rest House
- Harsil
- Bhairon Mandir
- Gangnani
- Maneri Dam and Lake
How to Reach Gangotri
Gangotri is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage places. It does not have a railway station or airport of its own but is well connected by roads to other cities nearby.
By Road: 471 km from Delhi, Gangotri is well connected by road and regular bus services to Uttarakashi, 97 km from here; Tehri, 167 km from here; Yamunotri, 232 km from here, and Mussoorie, 250 km from here. State buses are cheaper and charge one-third of the private deluxe bus charges but we still recommend deluxe buses for a more comfortable journey.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gangotri is at Rishikesh, 250 km away. We recommend Hemkunt Express to reach Rishikesh, where you can easily find a bus or a cab to the sacred pilgrimage site of Gangotri.
By Air: The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 226 km away. The airport has daily flights to and from
Delhi and Chandiarh.
