Accommodation
Ashrams
Yamunotri
Harsil
Dayara Bugyal

Gangotri is the picturesque pilgrimage in the Himalayas. It is considered to be the most sacred spot because it was here that 'GANGA', the stream of God, touched Earth for the first time. According to a mythology, Goddess Ganga- the Daughter of heaven manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance for several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks (hair) the holy Ganga to minimize the impact of her fall. From that day onwards, Ganga is called Bhagirathi at her legendary source. The shrine of Gangotri stands at the Right Bank of the river Bhagirathi. A Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa constructed this shrine, in the early 18^th century. Every year lakhs of pilgrims visit this shrine and also the Gaumukh, along the Gangotri Glacier, which is at a distance of 18 kms from the shrine of Gangotri. In the winters Gangotri is covered by snow and it is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12 kms downstream)

Trekking and Mountaineering This valley region offers many trekking and mountaineering opportunities.

Guidance and assistance can be obtained from:

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering,Uttarkashi,Uttar Pradesh.

O S D Adventure Tourism,Uttarkashi,Uttar Pradesh

Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Benito Juarez Road,
   Anand Niketan, New Delhi- 110021  Tel. 671211

Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple is situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi.It was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in 18th Century. Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Ganga first descended to earth from Heaven, at this stone. According to Hindu Mythology Pandavas performed the great "Deva Yagna" here to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharat.

Submerged Shivling
According to mythology, Lord Shiva sat at this spot to receive the Ganga in his matted locks. This is natural rock Shivaling. It is visible in winter when water level decreases.

EXCURSIONS

Kedar Tal   A spectacular Lake, 4425 Mts. (15,000 feet) above sea level situated at a trekking distance of about 18 Kms. From Gangotri the trek is very tiring. There is no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all the arrangements in advance. The trek to Kedar Tal needs a local Guide.
The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalaysagar (SPHATIKLING) peek forming a splendid backdrop.

Dodi Tal   Dodi Tal, a sparkling and crystal clear lake at an elevation of 2286 Mts. surrounded by dense forests. The famous Himalayan Trouts are found in the lake.

Nachiketa Tal   A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangi-khal, a place 29 Kms from Uttarkashi. From there a 3 Kms trek through lush green forests takes one to Nachiketa Tal, a tranquil spot. There is greenery all around and a small temple at the back of the lake gives a serene look, to the otherwise beautiful surroundings. Nachiketa the devout son of Saint Uddalak is said to have created this lake, hence the name.
There is no accommodation facility and visitors have either to come back to Uttarkashi or stay at the PWD Inspection House at Chaurangi-khal.

Sat - Tal   Sat Tal meaning seven lakes is situated just above Dharali, 2 Km. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 7 Kms is rewarding, as this group of lakes is situated amid beautiful natural surroundings.

Gaumukh   It is 18 Kms from Gangotri. The GAUMUKH is the glacier which is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. The trek is easy and at times people come back to Gangotri on the same day.

Gangnani   On way to Gangotri, about 37 Kms. from Maneri is the Gangnani. Noted for its thermal springs and close-up views of famous mountain peaks, its peaceful and tranquilizing environment provides an ideal setting for meditation. A small upcoming town - Bhatwari, lying 12 Kms from Gangnani is worth a visit.

Bhatwari   It is a small upcoming town located at about 25 Kms. from Gangnani.

Bhairon Ghati   Situated towards Uttarkashi and near the confluence of Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers is Bhairon Ghati. The temple of Bhairav Nath surrounded by thick forests is worth visiting.

Bhairon Mandir   After travelling by the road from Lanka to Bhairon Ghati one has to cross the Jahanavi River on foot. After crossing the Jahanavi River and moving uphill, the Bhairon temple can be seen.

Harsil   Situated at a distance of 72 Kms. from Uttarkashi on the main high - way of to Gangotri, at an elevation of 2623 Metres, this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples.

Maneri   On the way to Gangotri, at a distance of about 13 Kms. from Uttarkashi is Maneri. It has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi River, from where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8 Kms. long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The dam across the Bhagirathi and a surrounding lake are worth visit.

Kedar Ganga Sangam   Around 100 yards from the Ganga Temple, flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar Valley, this river meets the Bhagirathi River on its left bank.

Tehri   Former capital of Tehri Garhwal principality, the town lies at the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers. It is also the site of a giant hydel project.

NarendraNagar   The new capital of erstwhile Tehri State offers a magnificent view of the Ganga valley of Rishikesh and the plains of Haridwar. There is a Tourist Office at the NarendraNagar.The kings palace has been recently converted into five star deluxe hotel cum health resort.

 Uttarkashi   An important pilgrimage centre situated at an elevation of 1,150 Mts. above sea level on the bank of the river Bhagirathi and at a distance of 155 Kms. from Rishikesh. From the religion point of view as well as, it is considered important because the temple of Lord Vishwanath, is located here where the massive iron trident is erected. Description about this temple is given in 'Kedar Khanda' (Skanda Puran).
The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav and Gyaneshwar. The temple of goddess of Kuteti Devi is situated at the top of hill about 1.5 Km away.

Dayara Bugyal   In local dialect, Bugyal means "high altitude meadow", it is situated at a height of 3,048 Mts. above sea level. Dayara Bugyal is most unspoiled wonder. During winters it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. Kms. on the banks of the picturesque quaint lake you can realize your fantasy of camping on the riverside. At 3084 meters, Dayara Bugyal offers one of the most captivating views of the majestic Himalayas.