Set amid tall deodar pine forests at the head of the Bhagirrathi
gorge, 248km north of Rishikesh at 3140m, Gangotri is the
most remote of the four dhams (char dham) of Garhwal. According
to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested
herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King
Bhagiraths predecessors, following his severe penance of
several centuries. Although the wide Alaknanda, which flows
past Badrinath, has in some ways a better claim to be considered
the main past Badrinath, has in some ways a better claim
to be considered the main channel of the Ganges, Gangotri
is for Hindus the spiritual source of the channel of the
Ganges, Gangotri is for Hindus the spiritual source of the
great river, while its physical source is the ice cave of
Gomukh on the Gangotri Glacier, 14 km further up the valley.
From here, the Rive Bhagirathi begins its tempestuous descent
through a series of mighty gorege, carving great channels
and cauldrons in the rock and foaming in white-water pools.
The revered shrine of Gangotri, situated at an altitude
of 3,200 mts. above sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings,
constitutes one of themostimportant pilgrimages for the
devout Hindu. Lord shiva received her into hismatted locks
to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged
into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri
was called Bhagirathi.
Ashrams in Gangotri
Althogh most of the so-called "ashrams" in Gangotri
are in reality boarding houses, a few sadhus offer rooms
on a donation basis for visitors looking for a quiet retreat.
The simple, atmospheric Kailash Ashram, overlooking the
confluence of the Kedar Ganga and the Bhagirathi, is run
by the affable Bhim Yogi, who welcomes guests for medium
and long term stays. Nearby, Nami Mata's Ashram belongs
to an
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Gangotri - Gaumukh-Tapoban
--------------------------------------------
Duration: 08 Nights - 09 Days
Places Covered: Delhi - Haridwar
Day 1 : Reaching Gangotri
from Haridwar
Option: if Traveling from Delhi-night stay at Haridwar
is recommended.
Day 2 : Gangotri- Bhojbasa
:
Walking Time 6-7 hrs. > Gangotri 3050m is very important
religious place and Hindus from al over the world comes
here for pilgrimage. Trail is plain and easy walk to Bhojbasa
3790m.
Day 3 : Bhojbasa-Gaumukh:
Walking Time 2 hrs.> Origin of sacred river Ganges
which has great importance in lives of Hindu masses. One
can come back to Bhojbasa and next day return to Gangotri
but people who are headed for Tapoban can either keep
walking to tapoban or can make a camp w.e.f avialbility
of water source beyong Gaumukh.
Day 4 : Gaumukh-Tapoban:
Walking Time 5 hrs.> Gradual ascending of terminal
moraine, Tapoban 4450m is very scenic spot in footsteps
of Bhagirathi peaks.
Day 5 : Stay At Tapoban
Day 6: Return Back :
Come back though same route to Bhojbasa.
Day
7 & 8 : Back to Gangotri & travel to Haridwar.
Day 9:
Back to Delhi
