Gangotri Travel Guide
Plushly located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Gangotri is a holy place for Hindus and one of India's most popular pilgrimage destinations. The town has been named after Goddess Ganga (River), which flows nearby. It is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state, at an altitude of 3100 meters. It is an important pilgrimage under Char Dham Yatra and is highly regarded as the point of origin of the Ganges' holy river.
According to legends, the Goddess Ganges came down on earth in the hair locks of Lord Shiva. Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa constructed this town in the 19th century.
History Of Gangotri Temple
The Grand Temple of Ma Ganges in Gangotri Dham is situated at an elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level. The temple is built on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and is one of the most sacred temples in India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maa Ganga, and she is believed to reside here. The Government of Uttarakhand maintains the temple. It is also known as Panch Prayag Dev Mandir and is visited by thousands of devotees daily.
The temple is built in the form of a square structure surrounded by five walls. There are four entrances to the temple: north, south, east and west. Each entrance leads to different parts of the temple. One can see idols of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Devi Shakti, Hanuman, Sita Mata, Lakshmi Mata, Parvati Mata, Brahma, Shani, Chandra, Agni, Yama, Kubera, Saraswati, Varuna, Vaidurya, Indra, Gandhari, Kunti, Krishna, Rama, Bharata, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. In addition, there are many smaller shrines within the temple premises.
The temple is famous for its natural beauty. It is covered with dense forests and is surrounded by mountains. It is a perfect example of nature's magnificent creation. The temple is also famous among tourists due to its rich history. Let's explore more about Gangotri in this article.
So, let's get started:
Places to visit in Gangotri
Gangotri is one of the holiest shrines of Hinduism and is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. This place attracts millions of pilgrims every year. There are many temples here like Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Jogeshwari Devi Mandir, Ramanjaneya Temple etc. All these temples are very famous among people. These temples are built around 1000 years ago. Here you can see beautiful mountains, snow-covered peaks and lush green forests. You can enjoy trekking in the area.
You can take a trip on the local train and enjoy the region's beauty. There are several hotels in the city where you can spend your holiday. Check out our list of best hotels in Gangotri.
About Harshil
Harsil
Harsil has located 76km from the town of Uttarkashi and 24km from Gangotri. This place offers ample scope in the lap of the Himalayas Mountains for those looking for peace and serenity while being close to nature. Located at an altitude of 2,620m above sea level, the place is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance. It is one of the most sought destinations among tourists and travelers alike.
The highlight of this destination is the BhagirathiRiver, the chirping birds and a safe climate throughout the year.
During the summer months, the temperature of Harshil remains pleasant, and during winter, it is cold. However, there is no shortage of things to do here. Apart from trekking, you can enjoy boating, fishing, paragliding, rafting, and many other activities. There is an excellent variety of accommodation options available in Harsil. You can choose from homestays, resorts and lodges.
Gangnani
The town of Gangnani lies in the lap of the Himalayas, nestled between the holy towns of Uttarkashi and Gangotri. This small village is a popular destination among trekkers and adventure seekers alike. Located just 2 hours from Dehradun, it is situated on the banks of the river Ganga.
This picturesque hill station offers visitors some of the best views of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayan range. The quaint little villages dotting the hillsides around Gangnani offer a glimpse into the life of local villagers.
One can enjoy the majestic beauty of the mountain ranges while indulging in treks and hikes here. There are many short walks and longer ones too. One can even go for paragliding rides over the beautiful valleys of the region.
Visitors generally come here to witness the spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.
Gaumukh
The Gangotri Glacier's terminal is said to resemble the shape of a cow's mouth. Its name translates into "cow's face ."This glacier is one of the most popular trekking destinations in India. It is situated in Uttarakhand state, close to the Indian border with Nepal.
The exact source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganges river, is Goumukha, which is about 18km away from the town of Gangotri.
Goumukha is located near Shivling's base. The Tapovan meadow lies between.
Beliefs Behind the Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state, it is considered sacred because it is believed that Lord Shiva took birth as Nataraja, the Hindu god of dance. In addition to being known as the birthplace of the Ganga River, it is also famous for the historical evidence of its temples built during the period of Mahabharata.
The legend says that King Bhagirath of Ayodhya performed severe penance for the sake of Lord Vishnu. He prayed to Lord Shiva, asking for the river Ganga to descend from heaven. After hearing the prayer, Lord Shiva blessed King Bhagirath with the flow of the Ganges. As per the belief, Ganga came down from the heavens and flowed into the earth as Lord Shiva granted the wish of King Bhagirath.
What is the Best time to Visit Gangotri?
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
When we talk about Gangotri Dham, we are talking about Gangotri Glacier, which is situated in the upper region of the Himalayas. Snow-clad mountains surround this glacier, and the temperature goes down to sub-zero degrees Celsius.
The best time to visit Gangotri Dham is from May to October. You must remember that the weather becomes freezing and harsh during this period. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Gangotri Dham without facing extreme cold conditions, you must plan your trip accordingly.
Traveling Tips to Gangotri
Gangotri, one of India's holiest places, is in Uttarakhand state. This place attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is advised to travel to Gangotri during the summers. To make your trip comfortable, follow some tips.
1. Carry a first aid kit along with you. In case of emergency, you can seek medical help. It includes essential medicine like painkillers, antibiotics, antiseptics, bandages, etc.
2. Carry an umbrella. Rainy days are standard here. An umbrella helps you protect yourself from rain.
3. Carry enough money with you. Banks, ATMs, credit cards, and transportation are unavailable at frequently visited places. So, carry a sufficient amount of cash with you.
4. Check out the opening and closing dates of the temple and confirm the reservation for accommodation and transportation to avoid the last-minute hassle.
How to Reach Gangotri
Gangotri is accessible by road as well as by air. The recommended mode of transportation is chartering a helicopter for Gangotri. Blueheight Aviation offers the superior experience of visiting Gangotri Dham. You can board a Helicopter from Shastradhara Helipad in Dehradun to reach Gangotri Dham.
To Get the best deals and discounts on Helicopter Yatra for Gangotri Dham, call us now!
You can also send us a mail @.... chardham@blueheightavciation.com
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