Places To Visit In Gangotri, Sightseeing And Things To Do

Gangotri is a part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra and is one of the most pious tourist spots in the world. India’s largest and holiest river, Ganga owes her existence to Gangotri and the natural beauty of the place makes it a favorite amongst nature lovers, history lovers, photographers, pilgrims, and theologizes. Gangotri is preferred by Hindu families and couples who consider visiting this place a soul-cleansing experience. Here are some amazing places you can see when you visit Gangotri through a good Gangotri Travel Package.

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple is a famous Hindu temple that’s situated in Gangotri which is a small hamlet near the road head and on the banks of the holy Ganges. This is an 18th-century temple that is milky white in colour and looks its loveliest when bathed in moonlight. The material is imported white granite and the structure stands at a towering 20 feet. There is a Shivalinga-shaped rock submerged inside the temple. The beautiful shrine of the Goddess Ganga that is inside the temple is a major attraction and attracts thousands of devotees each day who want to seek the blessings of the holy Goddess.

A major attraction inside the temple is the Bhagirathi Shila which indicates the spot where King Bhagirath had prayed and performed penance. It is also the spot where Goddess Ganga first took her steps on Earth. It’s interesting to learn the fascinating stories surrounding Bhagirathi Shila.

Jalmagna Shivalinga

The Jalmagna Shivaling is a famous Rock that remains submerged in Gangotri during summer. It is believed that this is the exact spot where Shiva held the gushing waters of Ganga in his dense locks to break her force before she was released on Earth. Interestingly, the Jalamagna Shivaling in Gangotri is only visible during winter when the water level goes down. There is also a Jalmagna temple near the rock.

Pandava Gufa

A famous mystical cave that can be entered by starting a short trek of 1.5 k from the Gangotri Dham, Pandava Gufa is the place where the Pandavas meditated when they were going off to Kailash. The trek to the Gufa/ Caves is medium difficulty and one can actually enjoy it as it passes through winding woods amidst tall Deodar trees flanked by ice-capped Himalayas. The Caves are just 2 km away from the Ganga Mata temple.

Gauri Kund and Surya Kund

Surya Kund

About 600 m ahead of the Gangotri temple lies an ancient iron bridge. Two natural cauldrons of holy water called Gauri Kund and Surya Kund lie on either side of the bridge. The Surya Kund also has a waterfall that falls from the Bhagirathi River and signifies the playground of the Sun God and devotees come here to do the Surya Namaskar and pay homage to the Sun God. The Gauri Kund is believed to be the preferred bathing spot of Devi Gauri.

Bhaironghati

A small intriguing settlement at the juncture of the Bhagirathi and Jadh Ganga rivers up there in the mountains in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Bhaironghati is an interesting place. The crowning attraction is the rather terrifying tantric temple of Bhairav Nath that’s surrounded by lush green forests. One can also view the beautiful Jahanvi River that’s nearby by walking a short distance through the lovely woods. The Bhaironghati town is 10 km away from Gangotri.

Bhojbasa and Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri Glacier

Bhojbasa is a lovely scenic spot that’s perched at an altitude of 3775 meters and it can be reached after trekking for 14 km from Gangotri. It represents the last inhabited place before the sacred Gaumukh glacier. Gaumukh glacier is believed to be the origin of the Ganga and one can view the Bhagirathi peaks (6890 meters) from here. On the way one also has to pass Chirbasa or the settlement of pine trees. This is rather difficult trek but has its own rewards in the form of a beautiful spiritual experience.