GANGOTRI:
The Eternal Gift of Bhagirath's Penance

The Picturesque pilgrimage in the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the most sacred spot where Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time.

According to 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 of several centuries. Lord Shiva received her into his matted locks to minimise the intense impact of her fall. She came to call as Bhagirathi as her legendary source.

Along the right bank of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at the height of 3042 mts. it was constructed in the early 18^th Century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa.. Lakhs of pilgrims throng the temple between May and October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12 Kms downstream)

The physical source of the river is at Gaumukh, 18 Kms further uphill, along the Gangotri glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies.

General Information
Altitute : 3048 mts.
Climate : Pleasant during the day and cold at night
Season : April to October
Clothing : Heavy woollen throughout the season.
Languages : Hindi, Garhwali and English

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