GANGOTRI DHAM

Gangotri Dham is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites in the Char Dham Uttarakhand Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the sacred river Ganges originated from the Gangotri glacier. Gangotri Dham is also a town and a nagar panchayat(municipality) in Uttarkashi, the main district headquarters. The town and temple is located in the beautiful Himalayan ranges at the impressive and stunning height of 3100 meters(10200 ft.).

                           GANGOTRI DHAM LOCATION

Location                                                                                           Gangotri Town

District                                                                                               Uttarkashi

State                                                                                                 Uttarakhand

Country                                                                                              India

Deity                                                                                                  Devi Ganga

Elevation                                                                                           3100mtrs/10200ft

Coordinates                                                                                       N 30.994402 E 78.941250

 

                     History and facts about Gangotri Dham

 

Mythological significance: The sacred river Ganga is believed to have been brought by King Bhagirath from Heaven he penance for several years to bring the celestial Ganga to the earth to purify the souls of his ancestors and the Goddess took the form of a river at Gaumukh glacier. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself spreads the water gently onto the earth.

Although the river is called Ganga and the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga but both mythologically and geographically, the river that starts at Gaumukh is not named Ganga but Bhagirathi named after sage Bhagirath. The river starts from Gaumukh comes to the temple around 18 km from the glacier and then goes to Devprayag where river Alaknanda which comes from Badrinath meets river Bhagirathi and forms the Holy River Ganga.

Origin: The Gangotri glacier is situated around 18-19 k.m. from Gangotri temple and offers a beautiful and memorable trek of Gaumukh and Tapovan of 3-4 days.

Temple construction: The present temple structure that is standing here was built by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The architecture follows a north-Indian style and is made with white granite.

 

 

                                     The best time to visit

The best time to visit Gangotri Dham is between April and June or September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temple is accessible. Monsoon season, which typically occurs from July to August, is not recommended due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides.

 

                                                                     How to reach

Gangotri Dham is in Gangotri town which is well connected to transportation and roads. All the buses, rented taxis, or personal cabs will get you to Gangotri town directly, which is a big town and all the vehicles will get parked here. There is a town called Ganganani 70 km. before Gangotri Dham which has a hot water spring that is always functional make sure to take a break here for bathing before you start your journey further for Gangotri Dham.

Gangotri Dham is about 260 k.m away from well well-known city of Rishikesh which is the main station for Char Dham Yatra where you will find loads of transportation services like,

1. Govt. and G.M.O. buses.
2.  Fairy taxi.
3. Shared cab, you can hire a cab for yourself.
4. Even can rent a two-wheeler.

                                                                        Distance

 

Rishikesh to Gangotri Dham                                                    260 k.m.

Haridwar to Rishikesh                                                               35 k.m.

Dehradoon(Airport) to Rishikesh                                              25 k.m

The nearest railway stations                                                     Rishikesh and Haridwar

Nearest Airport                                                                            Dehradoon(Jolly Grant)

 

 

 

Gangotri Dham is such a beautiful and spiritual place, and I think it’s important to learn about different cultures and their histories when you visit here.

Some of the surrounding locations you might want to explore include:

 

1. Gaumukh: The source of the Ganges River, located about 18 km from Gangotri. It’s a beautiful trek that offers stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks.

 

2. Tapovan: A picturesque meadow situated above Gaumukh, known for its natural beauty and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

 

 

3. Harsil: A charming village located about 25 km from Gangotri, known for its apple orchards and serene atmosphere.

4. Kedartal: A glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

 

As for things to do and see, you can:

 

1. Attend the Ganga Aarti: A beautiful evening prayer ceremony held at the Gangotri temple.

 

2. Trek to Gaumukh: A challenging but rewarding trek that takes you to the source of the Ganges River.

 

3. Explore the local culture: Interact with the locals and learn about their customs, traditions, and cuisine.

 

4. Visit nearby temples: There are several other temples in the area, such as the Bhairon Temple and the Pandava Gufa, which are worth exploring.

 

Some tips for travelers:

 

1. Dress modestly: As Gangotri is a sacred place, it’s important to dress appropriately and respect the local customs.

 

2. Carry cash: Many places in the area may not have an atm and you may experience cellular signal interruption so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.

 

3. Stay hydrated and acclimatize: The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, so make sure to drink plenty of water and give yourself time to adjust.

 

4. Hire a local guide: A knowledgeable guide can help you navigate the area and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Gangotri Dham so you may consider hiring a local guide especially if you are going to the Gaumukh and Tapovan trek.

 

I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Gangotri Dham! Remember to take in the beauty and spirituality of the place, and maybe even find some inspiration for a song or two. Safe travels!