Gangotri is situated in Uttarakhand at the height of 3,048 meters in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas. The 6 meters high Gangotri shrine is dressed in white granite stone and is situated on the right bank of the river, Bhagirathi. This 18th century temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga who is believed to have descended from heaven as the "stream of life" in response to King Bhagirath&39s penance.
14 kms from Gangotri is Gaumukh, where the source of the holy Ganges - the Gangotri glacier - is situated. Submerged in the water is the "shivling", the rock on which Lord Shiva supposedly sat to receive Ganga. At the legendary source of the river, Goddess Ganga is worshipped in the form of deity. The trek to Gaumukh is gradual, and several pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage to the river at its known source.
Altitude: 3140 meters, Climate: Summer- Max.20, Min.5; Winter- Max Subzero, Min.Snowbound, Clothing: Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woolens, Languages Spoken: Garhwali, Hindi, English, Best Season: May-June and September-October.
Places Of Interest: Submerged Shivling: A natural Shivling formed of rock, submerged in the river, where according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when the Ganga first descended to earth. The Shivling is visible only when the water is clear in early winter. Gaumukh Trek (23 Km): Snout of Gangotri glacier & source of the river Bhagirathi, Gomukh is located at an altitude of 4200 meters.
Reach - By Air: The Nearest Airport (306 kms) is Jolly Grant. By Rail: Nearest Railway head are Dehradun -24 kms and Haridwar. By Road: Rishikesh- 24 kms from Haridwar and 43 kms from Dehradun, Delhi- 472kms.