Gangotri Background & History
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 a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s predecessors, followings his severe penance of 5500 years.
Gangotri tour operator Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall. The river itself begins at Gangotri which literally means Ganga Uttari or Ganga descending She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source. The Shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Yatra The Shrine of Gangotri opens during the last week of April or the first week of May, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temple’s opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes on the day of Diwali followed by a formal closing ceremony amidst a row of oil lamps. The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by Gorkha Commander Amar Sigh Thapa.
HOW TO GET THERE
Airport: Jolly Grant Dehradun, 266 Km.
Railhead: Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road: Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Delhi Important Road Distance from Gangotri: Dharasu (129 Kms.), Yamunotri (224 Kms.) Mussoorie (247 Kms.), Tehri (172 Kms.), Ullarkashi (94 Kms.)..
GENERAL INFORMATION
Altitude: 3,140 Mts.
Climate Summer: Cool during the day and cool at night
Climate Winter: Snowbound, Touching, sub-zero.
Clothing: April to July: Light woolens
Clothing: Sep to Nov: Heavy woolens
Language: Hindi, Garhwali & English
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