Best Places to Visit in Gangotri, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Places to Visit in Gangotri

Places to Visit in Gangotri

One of the Char Dham (the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in northern India with four holy destinations), Gangotri, in Uttarkashi, is a small town with the temple of Goddess Ganga at its heart. A 12-hour drive from Rishikesh, Gangotri is nestled among lofty Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and dense forests and is one of the highest pilgrimages in India (approx 3,415 m). Other than its divine atmosphere, Gangotri offers stunning vistas all around. According to Hindu legends, the most sacred of all rivers, Ganga descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri, when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from his locks.

Famous visiting place of Gangotri

The original origin of the river is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 km away from Gangotri, and is accessible by trekking. After it originates from Gaumukh, the river is known as Bhagiraathi and it acquires the name ‘ Ganga’ after the river Alknanda merges into it near the town of Devprayag. Gangotri becomes a bustling hub of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra Season (May to October). The weather is mostly cold throughout the year; therefore, to enjoy the best time here, you must choose any day from the summer months.

1. Gangotri Temple

Char Dham Yatra Package

The temple of Gangotri, famous tourist spot of Gangotri is located at a height of 3200 m above sea level. It is 100 km from Gangotri and was established in the 18nth century by General Amar Singh Thapa, on the banks of the Bhagirathi. It is very popular among pilgrims. Quite a number of ashrams have come up on various sites which offer decent accommodation. Some of the nearby places that can be visited are Krdearkund, Gaurikund and Patangna.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

2. Bhagirathi Shila

Bhagirathi Shila is the rock where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated. This stone near

The temple of Ganga signifies the site where Goddess Ganga first stepped down to earth.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

3. Pandav Gufa

The Pandav Gufa, another famous tourist attraction of Gangotri can be reached after a trek of 1.5 km from Gangotri. This very site is believed to be the place where the Pandavas of Mahabharata meditated on their way to Kailash.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

4. Gauri Kund and Surya Kund

Gauri Kund and Surya Kund’s famous Gangotri Sightseeing lie on either side of an iron bridge located half a kilometer ahead of the Gangotri Temple. Surya Kund is known for the Surya Kund waterfalls.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

5. Gaumukh

Gaumukh, the terminus or snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where the Bhagirathi River originates, is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, along with Gangotri, as well as a trekking destination. Gaumukh is also referred to as “Gaumukh” or “Gaumukhi” (go+mukh) means “Mouth of a Cow”.

According to some sayings, the snout exactly looked like the ‘Mouth of a Cow’. Gaumukh which is about 18 km (11.2 m) from the town of Gangotri, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganges. Gaumukh is situated near the base of Shivling; in between lies the Tapovan meadow. The Gangotri Glacier is a traditional Hindu Pilgrimage site. Devout Hindus consider bathing in the icy waters near Gangotri town to be a holy ritual, and many make the trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

6. Kedar Tal

Kedartal, the beloved tourist spot, this spectacular and enchanting lake is situated at a distance of about 18 km. From Gangotri. It is negotiable through a rough and tough mountain trail. The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalaysagar (Sphatiklin) Peak, providing a splendid backdrop. The place is about 15,000 feet above sea level and is the base camp for trekking to the Thalaysagar, Jogin Bhrigupanth, and other peaks. The trek to Kedartal is a very tiring one and there are testing moments even for a seasoned trekker. There is no facility for any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements in advance.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

7. Dharali

Located 2 from Harsil, Dharali is famous for its apple orchards and red bean cultivation. Lord Shiva’s deity is there in an ancient temple in this village. Ancient stories believe that Bhagirathi meditated in this place to get the Ganges Out of heaven to flow into the earth. The temple stands to prove the incident. Dharali is a village panchayat located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state, India.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

8. Dodital

Dodital is a freshwater lake in Uttarakhand India, situated at a height of 3,024 meters. To reach Dodital, one may reach Uttarkashi by road and then walk to Dodital here via Bebra and other minor villages alongside the Ganges river. From Uttarkashi, a short jeep ride will take you to Sangamchatti from where the 21 km trek to Dodital begins. This is a mostly gentle trek, with overnight halt options at the village of Agora of Bebra. At Agora, which is 7km from Sangamchatti, can stay at one of the private lodges or alternatively, camp at Bebra which is 9 km from Sangamchatti,

one can stay at one of the private lodges or alternative, camp at Bebra which is 9 km from Sangamchatti. From there one can start the second leg of the trek the next day which will take you to Dodital via the small village of Manjhi. The Lake is famous for its Himalayan trout, the exoticness rendered by the surrounding forest, and the tranquility provided by the calm waters of the lake. This is an imposing destination with impeccable beauty and many facts that are a lot adorable.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

9. Ganges Glacier

The Gangotri Glacier is retreating like other glaciers in the Himalayas and its volume and size are shrinking as well,” a report, titled ‘Estimation of retreat rate of Gangotri glacier using rapid static and Kinematic GPS survey,’ by scientists from the Almora- based G.B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development has stated. The institute has been monitoring the Himalayan glaciers, particularly the Gangotri since 1999.

According to the report, “Recessional moraines and board glacial terrace-like features provide sufficient evidence of shrinking of the glacier in the recent past between Gamukh and Bhojbasa”.Gangotri, one of the largest Himalayan glaciers, is in Uttarkashi district. Originating at about 7,100m above sea level, the glacier is 30.2 km long and has a width that varies between 0.5 and 2.5 km.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

10. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Situated amid dense Green Forests is a beautiful Wildlife Sanctuary in Puroka Town of Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand State, India. This tourist place of Gangotri is also considered the home to wide-ranging medicinal plants that have been used in the making of life-saving drugs. Founded in 1995, the Govind National Park Sprawls a vast expanse of 958 sq km and contains mountain ranges like black peak, Swarg Rohini, and Bandarpunch.

This region is highly popular for its extreme natural beauty and its white leopard inhabitants. The elevation at the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary varies from the average height of 1400 meters to an astounding 6323 meters and includes scrub tropical euphoria scrub, chirping, and oak species.

According to the legendary stories of Ramayana. This is the place from where Laxman kept a watch on Lanka. This Sanctuary is also well known for its varied flora and fauna. The Virgin Beauty of this National Park has always attracted a large number of nature lovers, botanists, and adventure enthusiasts.

  • Opening Time: Open All Day
  • Entry Fee: No entry fee
  • Exploration Time: 1 Hour

11. Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal is a large meadow that is at an elevation of 3950 meters above sea level. Here you can find verdant green landscaped with fresh air., cows grazing on the hillside, and a pleasant wind passing through

Things to do in Gangotri

1. Kalindi Khal Trek

One of the must-do tourist activities in Gangotri is trekking. The trek is quite tough and must be taken by people who have experience in it. The trek takes some hours; however, the scenic view will take your breath away. You will witness rolling alpine meadows, beautiful streams gushing down, and verdant meadows. The majestic Himalayas in the backdrop make it look even more beautiful.

  • Timing: NA

2. Jalmagna Shivling

Jalmagna Shivling is a unique attraction of Gangotri that you will not be able to see during the summer season. This is a natural Shivling right beside the Gangotri temple. You can see the Shivling only during the winter since the water level goes down.

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3. Kedar Lake

Another tourist place in Gangotri, Kedar Lake is the epitome of serenity. The lake is situated at a height of 4425 meters above sea level. This is again a favorite option of the adventure lovers as they get to trek from here. The trekking trail here is quite popular and a must-visit place.

  • Timing: NA

4. Dodi Tal

Another famous place in Gangotri is this  Lake you must add to your bucket list is Dodi Tal. The unique thing about this lake is the several camps that you will find here. The lake is located at a height of 3204 meters. You can try your hands at fishing here.

  • Timing: 24×7

5. Auden’s Col

Named after the very famous trekker, John Bicknell Auden, this site was discovered in 1935 by him. After your expedition to this site, you can enjoy the view of the mesmerizing Gangotri sightseeing Garhwal region from here.

Timing: NA

6. Dayara Bugyal

It is a verdant lofty meadow that is located at a height of 3950 meters. Perche between the peaks of white Peak and Bandarpunch, this is one kind of place for adventure enthusiasts. You can start your trek to this place from Barsu. As you cross Raithal village to make it to this place, you will find yourself surrounded by thick oak woods as well as snow-laden Himalayan peaks.

  • Timing: Ideal months are May to November

7. Tapovan

Your road trip to visit tourist places in Gangotri is incomplete if you do not make a plan to visit Tapovan. The place has gained a lot of attention for its beauty. You can find hot springs here. You can take a dip in the hot springs, especially if you have any kind of skin ailments. The hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties that help in improving skin ailments. Apart from this, you can also enjoy glimpses of famous peaks such as Dronagiri Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi. Tapovan is also the gateway to the valleys of flowers and Badrinath.

  • Timing: The ideal months are May to June and September to November

Where to Stay in Gangotri?

1. Harsil Cottages| rooms & Wi-Fi

Harsil Cottages| Rooms & Wi-Fi is a favorite among budget hotels in Gangotri. Excellent reviews from guests praise the property’s convenient check-in/check-out, accommodation policies, and helpful staff.

2. Shivalik Kitchen

Located in Harsil, Shivalik Kitchen is about 37 kilometers from Gangotri National Park. all rooms include a balcony with mountain views. The guest rooms all include modern conveniences including flat-screen television. Each room has its own bathroom, and guests are provided with complimentary slippers. Every apartment has its own closet

3. Dharali Heights Mountain Village

The Dharali Heights Mountain Villages is an isolated luxury cottage in an apple orchard at an altitude of 8610 feet, with a magnificent mountain and valley view. You will find Dharali Heights, a mountain village with a traditional Himalayan pine wood and stone design.

Conclusion

Apart from the pilgrims, this destination is also visited by bikers and adventure enthusiasts. Gangotri sightseeing is actually a place for everyone. Whether you want to take a break and experience tranquility or just want to seek the blessings of God, you must plan a trip to Gangotri once in your lifetime.

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