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INTRODUCTION
The 18th century shrine of Gangotri is believed to have been built by Gorkha General Amar Singh
Thapa. Situated at an elevation of 3048 m above sea level, the 20 ft high temple is made of
white granite. It is said that king Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone
nearby. Modho Singh, the ruler of Jaipur renovated the temple in the early 20th century.
Submerged Shivling:
Inundated in water is the natural rock 'Shivling', which according to legend, is where Lord
Shiva sat to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The shivling is visible in winters when the
water level goes down. Other places of interest are: Bhagirathi Temple, Gauri Kund, Bhojvasa,
Harsil, Lanka, Sat Tal. { Book Religious Tours }
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GANGOTRI, UTTARANCHAL |
The Shrine of Gangotri situated at an altitude of 3042 M above sea level
amidst captivating surroundings, along the right bank of Bhagirathi is
100 Km from Uttarkashi. The temple was constructed in the early 18th
century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. The existing temple is
said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty. Every Year
hundred thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred shrine between May &
October. Like Yamunotri the shrine of Gangotri opens every year on the
auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya & closes on the day of Diwali.
GANGOTRI TEMPLE
As the legend goes, King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva at the sacred
stone, near which this 18th century temple is located. Ganga is beleived
to have touched earth at this spot. It is also beleived that the
Pandavas, came here to perform the great Deva Yagna to atone the death
of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharat. The temple is an exquisite
20ft. high structure made of white granite.
SUBMERGED SHIVLING
The natural rock Shivling submerged in the river, is an amazing sight
reinforcing the power of the divine. According to mythology, Lord Shiva
sat at this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. The Shivling
is visible in the early winters when the water level goes down.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Climate :
Summer : Cool during day and
cold at night. Min. 6 degree C & Max. 20 degree C.
Winter : Sept. to Nov. Cold during the da and chilly at night.
Dec. to March Snowbound touching sub-zero.
Clothing : April to July - Light Woolens, Sept. to Nov. - Heavy
Woolens.
Season : April to November.
Language : Hindi, English and Garhwali.
Accommodation : GMVN Tourist Rest House (TRH), Private Guest
Houses and Dharamshalas available at Gangotri and at all main places
along the yatra route.
HOW TO REACH
Air : Jolly Grant Dehradun 226 Km is the nearest Airport.
Rail : Rishikesh 259 Km is the nearest railhead.
Road : Gangotri can be reached from Rishikesh 259 Km by bus, car
or taxi. Yamunotri to Gangotri is 8 Km trek down to Phoolchatti and 229
Km upto Gangotri by bus, car or taxi.
DISTANCES
Route No. 1B
YAMUNOTRI TO GANGOTRI(237 Km)
Yamunotri - (5 Km trek) Jankichatti - (3 Km trek) Phoolchatti - (2 Km)
Banas - (3 Km) Hanumanchatti - (3 Km) Ranachatti - (5 Km) Sayanachatti -
(12 Km) Kuthnur - (15 Km) Gangnani - (9 Km) Barkot - (58 Km) 3 Km of
Dharasu - (16 Km) Nakuri - (12 Km) Uttarkashi - (5 Km) Gangori - (3 Km)
Netala - (6 Km) Maneri - (14 Km) Bhatwari - (13 Km) Gangnani - (19 Km)
Sukhi Top - (12 Km) Harsil - (11 Km) Lanka - (2 Km) Bhaironghati - (9
Km) Gangotri.
Route No. 2B
HARIDWAR/RISHIKESH TO GANGOTRI (283 Km)
RISHIKESH TO GANGOTRI (259 Km)
Haridwar - (24 Km) Rishikesh - (16 Km) Narendranagar - (45 Km) Chamba -
(17 Km) Dobata - (40 Km) Dharasu - (19 Km) Nakuri - (12 Km) Uttarkashi.
From Uttarkashi to Gangotri (96 Km) follow the Route No. 1B.
PLACES TO SEE
GAUMUKH
The snout of the Gangotri Glacier is the source of the Gangotri Glacier
is the source of the Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims trek 18 Km from Gangotri
upto the sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the
ice-cold water. The Gangotri Glacier, which is situated at the height of
4255 m above the sea level, is nearly 24 Km in length and 6-8 Km in
width. It starts from beyond the Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks, in
the neighbourhood of Badrinath & extends as far as Gaumukh. Almost 16 Km
northeast of Gangotri, Gaumukh is generally accepted as the physical
source of holy river. The trek of Gaumukh is enough to hipnotise one
with mesmerising view of Bhagirathi peaks, the ranges of Shivling.
Chirbasa, 9 Km from Gangotri, is a beautiful site with its blue pine.
This popular camping site offers glimpses of glaciated heights of
Gaumukh. 14 Km trek from Gangotri, Bhojwasa is the place with its forest
of Bhojpatra trees. The paper like bark of this tree locally known as
Bhojpatra was used for writing in ancient times.
KEDARTAL
18 Km from Gangotri, 4225 m above sea level, negotiable through a rough
& tough mountain trail is the spectacular and enchanting lake of
Kedartal. The Lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalayasagar,
Sphatikling peak forming a splendid backdrop. The place is about 400 m
high and is the base camp for trekking to Thalayasagar, Jogin,
Bhrigupanth and other peaks. The trek to Kedartal is testing and one
needs to have local guide and made all arrangenments in advance.
UTTARKASHI
At an elevation of 1158 m on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this
pictureseque town is also the district headquarter. It is located in a
wide stretch of a valley. Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage centre,
equated with Varanasi or Kashi in divinity. The town is situated between
Varuna and Assi streams with ghats bearing the same names as those of
Kashi. Topographically, the district is mountainous but a network of
roads has made all parts easily accessible. Rishikesh is at a distance
of 145 Km. From the religious point of view, the place is important
because the temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here with other
important temples like Ekadash Rudra, Bhairon, Gyaneshwar and Goddess
Kuteti Devi. Shiv is the presiding deity at this ancient temple of Lord
Vishwanath. Description about this temple is given in
Kedarkhand(Skandpuran). A massive old brass trident(26 ft high) is
erected here supposedly by son Guh of King Ganeshwar.
Every year on the occassion of Magh Mela(14 Jan) people visit Uttarkashi
to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local
deities.
GANGNANI
43 km from Uttarkashi & 14 km from Bhatwari, Gangnani is noted for its
thermal springs where one can take a bath for relaxation & rejuvenation.
It is a small paradise with its spectacular views & tranquil
surroundings offer peace & solitude.
The place can best be taken up as a place for meditation. Further 18 km
ascent, is Sukhi Top at an altitude of 2744 m offering splendid view of
the snowcapped Himalayas & trailing waterfalls on the opposite
mountains. It is also known for its seasonal fruit harvest of apples,
apricots, etc.
HARSIL
73 km Uttarkashi on way to Gangotri, this sylvan hamlet is famous for
its natural beauty. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain
peaks, 2620 m high, Harsil is the quite resort to discover the
undiscovered stretches od green, grassy land and enjoy the surroundings.
SAATTAL
It means seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 Km beyond Harsil.
The 7 Km trek is rewarding, as this group of lakes is situated amidst
beautiful natural surrounding. It also provides a lovely camping site.
DODITAL
The origin of this Tal is from the natural springs and the source of
river Asi Ganga. The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, bifurcates after
4 km at Gangotri, from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go upto Kalyani, 7
km, further up from where Agoda is 5 Km away at an altitude of 2286 m.
The trek from these ascends gradually through thick forests and
beautiful mountainous scenery.
Dodi Tal is 16 km further from Agoda, situated at an elevation of 3307
m. The lake is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by forests. |
