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Gangotri is considered to be one of the most religious places for Hindus and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage spots. Located in the Uttarkashi district, Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The Gangotri river is also popularly known as Ganges. According to history, Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river. The reason behind this transformation was to get rid of the sins of King Bhagirath's forefathers.
Gangotri is a famous religious place, popular amongst devotees seeking serenity in the abode of God. The Gangotri tourist spot is an ideal place for all travellers, be it families, couples, friends or solo travellers. We hope we motivate you enough to take a trip there, with your near and dear ones, after reading our tips on what to do there. Let’s begin:
1. Gangotri Temple
Gangotri temple is of huge religious importance in Indian religion and it is a must-visit destination for every pilgrim. Its name comes from Goddess Ganga and is the highest shrine dedicated to the Goddess. One can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Himalayas from this place, and also enjoy the beauty of Mother Ganga flowing in her full glory. In the mornings, one is captivated by the sun rising behind the majestic Himalayas, as its golden rays are seen dancing over the flowing water. Watch the colour change to a bright gold and enjoy this breathtaking sight.
Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand.
Distance from railway station: Rishikesh at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: April to May
How to reach: By air, rail or road
2. Surya Kund
Surya Kund is located at almost half a km from Gangotri temple and is a spectacular waterfall in that area. When the sun is shining bright here, one can see a beautiful rainbow creation, as the water falls down in the Kund.
Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand.
Distance from railway station: Rishikesh at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
How to reach: By air, rail or road
3. Gangotri National Park
No visit to Gangotri is complete without a visit to the Gangotri National Park. It is a popular Gangotri tourist spot. It is also known as Govind National Park. This place is home to a variety of medicinal plants that help in making life-saving drugs. Besides the presence of these plants, this National Park also houses wild animals like white leopards and other exotic wildlife, flora, and fauna.
Location: Gaumukh Pedestrian Way, Post Taknaur Range, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
Distance from railway station: 1.5 km from Gangotri; Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Gangotri at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November
How to reach: By air, rail or road
4. Gaumukh
The Gaumukh or Tapovan Trek is one of the best places to visit in Gangotri and is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site as well as a famous trekking destination. In case you are planning to go for Gaumakh trek, it takes approximately three days to visit Gaumukh from Gangotri. It the source of the holy river of Ganges and is considered as the second-largest glacier of the Indian subcontinent. The spectacular views from this place will leave you in awe.
Location: 19 kms from Gangotri
Distance from railway station: 19 km from Gangotri; Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Gangotri at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: May to October
How to reach: By road from Gangotri
5. Nelong Valley
The Nelong valley is a stunning place to visit in Gangotri, and is located inside the Gangotri National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This valley has a mountain-desert landscape which is similar to Lahaul-Spiti and Leh-Ladakh. If you are planning to visit Nelong Valley in Gangotri, main attractions include Garstang Galion wooden bridge, Lal Devta Temple, Tibetan Plateau. You will also find a lot of wildlife species like the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and musk deer here.
Location: 25 kms from Bhaironghati
Distance from railway station: 24 km from Gangotri; Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Gangotri at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: May to November
How to reach: By road from Gangotri
6. Dharali
Dharali is located at an altitude of 648 metres above the sea level. It is popular for apple orchards and red beans. Dharali is considered as a very scared place as it is believed that the Bhagirathi meditated at this place in order to get the holy River Ganga out of heaven, into the earth. Enjoy all the fresh mountain air amidst the lofty pine trees and deodars surrounding this gorgeous place.
Location: 20 kms from Gangotri
Distance from railway station: 20 km from Gangotri; Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Gangotri at a distance of 234 kms
Best time to visit: April to July
How to reach: By road from Gangotri
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