Gangotri
Origin of Ganga

Located within the mighty Himalayas, the Gangotri Temple is one among the char dhams, which are a crucial pilgrimage for Hindus. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the temple holds a really special place within the hearts of devotees.
Located at a height of three ,100 m above water level , the Gangotri Temple stands proud because the highest temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga within the state of Uttarakhand. inbuilt the 18th century by a Gorkha commander, the temple is an exquisite 20-ft-high structure made from white granite. it’s located near a sacred stone where mythological king Bhagiratha is believed to possess worshipped Goddess Ganga. consistent with legend, Ganga had touched earth at this spot. consistent with another legend, Pandavas performed the good Deva Yagna (a fire ritual) here to catch up on the deaths of their kinsmen within the battle of Mahabharata. The Gangotri Temple remains open from May and is closed on the day of Diwali.

Perched at an altitude of 14,640 ft above water level , Tapovan or the forest of penance, comprises a rocky terrain, huge mountains and little streams. it’s famous for the Gangotri-Tapovan trek, which may be a heart-thumping adventure. The trek may be a great option for first-timers who are keen on experiencing the majestic Himalayas altogether their glory. It takes one through picturesque routes, diverting beyond lush forests and into craggy mountains. If trekkers wish to explore further, they will head to the nearby Nandavan. the simplest time to go to this place is from April to May.
The natural hot springs of Tapovan are another attraction that invite tourists. Believed to possess curative properties, they often draw travellers to require a dip.

Lying at the confluence of Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers, the scenic Bhairon Ghati is home to the famous Bhairon Nath Temple. While this temple draws thousands of devotees per annum for its spiritual significance, its picturesque surroundings also are inviting. Surrounded by lush forests and skirted by the Chenab and Tawi rivers, the valley, lies at the spot where the low hills of the Shivalik range merge with the plains.
It is believed that when Ganga was on her thanks to Gangotri after passing through Lord Shiva’s matted hair, she disturbed a sage, called Jahnu, who was performing penance. The angry Jahnu captured the water flow within his thighs and it’s only Bhagiratha, an excellent king who brought the river from heavens, pleaded to the sage that he allowed Ganga to go away through his ears. Legend has it that Lord Shiva had appointed Bhairon to safeguard the place after which it came to be referred to as the Bhairon Ghati and one can still find the Bhairon Temple welcoming devotees with its spiritual charm.

Gangotri isn’t just a delight for those on a spiritual quest but also for adventure travellers and trekking enthusiasts. one among the classic treks of the Garhwal Himalayas is that the Gaumukh-Tapovan-Nandvan circuit. an excellent experience for both first-timers and experts, the trek passes through the Gaumukh glacier, which is that the origin of the holy River Ganges.
The most preferred trek for tourists is that the one to the Gaumukh from Gangotri. this is often the spot where you’ll find River Ganges gushing out of a snout-like opening. For a seasoned trekker, the journey are often completed in around eight hours. The trek can get tricky at some points and therefore the previous couple of kilometres involve passing through a rocky terrain. However, a serious a part of the trek is fairly easy with few steep inclines.
The Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan trail is rated as moderate, which suggests that both mountaineers and non-mountaineers can undertake the trek given they’re in healthiness . you’ll undergo variety of lovely glaciers like Gangotri, Meru and Kirti Bamak, on the way. The trek also gives a chance to witness some majestic peaks like Mount Shivling Peak, the Gangotri group of peaks and therefore the Kedardome Peak. Stop at Bhojwassa for a bird’s eye view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks.
The Mount Shivling peak is one among the foremost amazing mountain peaks one can ever witness. Watching the mountain in its entirety from its base to summit at Tapovan may be a blissful experience, which may be enhanced by camping at the purpose . If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to ascertain herds of blue mountain goats, referred to as bharal, grazing on the verdant mountains.