Gangotri is a town in the Uttarakhand state of North India. It is famous for the Gangotri temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga (river Ganges). It is a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Along with Gangotri, there are 3 other sites in this Yatra namely; Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri. In these sites, Badrinath is also a art of Char Dham Yatra. The temple is situated at a height of 3100 meters. It is the highest temple in terms of it’s location dedicated to Goddess Ganga. There are many places near Gangotri, which can you visit.
Top Places to visit near Gangotri
1. Gangotri Glacier
This is the origination point of river Ganga. Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in India. This glacier is the Northern pole of the Chaukhamba mountain range in the Himalayas.
2. Gaumukh
Gaumukh is the bottom of Gangotri glacier where the river Ganga originates. It is an ideal place for trekkers and it may take upto 2 days from Gangotri to reach there.
3. Surya Kund
Surya Kund is basically a waterfall located at a distance of 500 meters from the Gangotri temple. This site is famous for it’s beautiful rainbow which is created every time the sun rays fall into the water.
4. Kedar Tal
Kedar Tal is basically a glacial lake. It is also known as Shiva’s lake. It is surrounded by Mount Thalaysagar, Mount Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, Mount Jogin and Mount Gangotri. This Tal is situated at an altitude of above 4,700 meters.
5. Pandava Gufa
Being at a distance of 1.5 km from the Gangotri temple it is an ideal destination for trekkers. The important fact is that this is a natural cave. People believe that Pandavas(from Mahabharata) meditated here before going to Mount Kailash.
6. Harsil
Harsil is a small village. It is also an ideal place for trekkers. This village has the best scenic view for those people who want to enjoy peace and can also meditate here. Primarily this village is famous for it’s apple orchards.
7. Vishwanath temple
The Skanda Purana or the Kedar Khanda is kept here. It is believed to be built by Lord Parashuram. In 1857, the temple was further renovated and repaired by Maharani Khaneti. The main deity is Shiva. The Shivlinga is 60 cm tall and is 90 cm wide.
8. Tapovan
The name means the “Forest of meditation/austerities. It is situated at the foot of the Shivlinga peak. Many sages and hermits live here. It is a famous destination for trekking.
9. Gangotri National Park
It is one of the best destinations for the adventure seekers. The National Park houses 15 mammal species and 150 bird species and is famous for its snow leopard.
10. Gangnani
It is a small town which is 46 km away from Gangotri. The place is ideal for those who seek spiritual awakening and peace of mind. It attracts tourists who are religiously inclined as well as those who want to meditate and are nature lovers. The place is famous for it’s hot water spring. There is a temple of Sage Parashar (the father of Ved Vyas)
