One of the four important parts of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It 
is the place where Goddess Ganga descended from the mighty locks of Lord Shiva. Gangotri Temple is the holy abode of the Goddess where she is revered by her devotees. The mighty river Ganga originates from Gaumukh, the holy place in the Gangotri glacier nearby. Gangotri temple is visited after seeking blessings at Yamunotri.
Places to visit near the Gangotri Temple
- Bhagirath Shila is believed to be the holy rock where King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva.
- Pandava Gufa, located 1.5 km from Gangotri, is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated and rested en route Kailash. Pilgrims will have to trek up to the Pandava Gufa.
In the pilgrimage journey of Chota Char Dham, Gangotri is often visited after Yamunotri (located on the western region of Garhwal Hills). Pilgrims generally make Uttarkashi as their base camp. The time taken from Uttarkashi to Gangotri temple is about 4 hours by road.
Historical relation
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagiratha’s predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries.
Gangotri is a perfect place to enrapture in the serenity and sanctity as the place has a picturesque landscape. With the snow-clad Himalayas located in the vicinity and the Bhagirathi River flowing in eternity at this heavenly place, one can feel close to God in the blissful aura of Gangotri. One can pay obeisance at the Gangotri temple which stands at an altitude of 3,415 metres above sea level. Gangotri offers scenic vistas of rugged terrains, gushing water of Bhagirathi River and snow clad peaks.
Why Visit Gangotri?
Gangotri is also the starting points for some trek routes like Tapovan, Bhojwasa, Gaumukh, Gangotri glacier, Gangotri national park, Shivling peak etc. Some of the popular tourist attractions in and around Gangotri town are the Gangotri temple, Bhagirath Shila, Pandava Gufa, Tapovan, Bhairon Ghati, the Gaumukh glacier and the submerged Shivalinga.