Places to Visit in Gangotri

Gangotri is situated in the mighty Himalayas and is one of the holiest of towns in Uttarakhand. River Ganga originates from Gangotri as Bhagirathi. Gangotri is also part of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra. Gangotri is a small town which is famous for Gangotri Temple. There are many places to visit in Gangotri. Pilgrims will find many places which are related to Hindu mythology. Trekkers will find many trekking trails. You can plan your trip to Uttarakhand with Shrine Yatra and see all the beautiful places here.

1. Gangotri Temple

River Ganga is worshipped as a goddess in Gangotri Temple. This temple is the easiest to reach out of all Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage places. The temple is built of marble and is believed to be 300 years old. Bhagirathi flows near Gangotri Temple.

2. Gaumukh Glacier

River Ganga originates from Gaumukh Glacier as Bhagirathi. You can trek 19 km to reach Gaumukh Glacier from Gangotri Temple. Gaumukh Glacier is also one of the largest glaciers in India. The waters of the glacier have healing properties and are very pure.

3. Harsil

Harsil is a picturesque village on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Many trekking routes start from Harsil. Pine forests and apple orchards make Harsil one of the most scenic places to visit in Gangotri. You can visit the people of the Bhotia tribes in Harsil and know a little about their ways of life.

4. Tapovan

Tapovan is famous for its hot springs which have medicinal properties. It is also the starting point for many treks like Valley of Flowers, Badrinath, etc. You can see scenic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba mountain peaks.

5. Jalmagna Shivlinga

Jalmagna Shivlinga is a naturally formed shivalinga that you can see near Gangotri Temple. This shivalinga is a submerged shiv linga, which is underwater. This shiv linga can be seen completely during winter when the water level is low. Locals believe that Lord Shiva held the powerful force of the Ganga at this place.

6. Dharali

Dharali is a small village which is famous for its scenic views. It is on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. You can visit apple orchards in Dharali. It is believed that the great sage Bhagirath meditated at this place to bring Ganga from the heavens. Dharali is close to Mukhba, the winter home of Goddess Ganga.

7. Surya Kund

Surya Kund is a waterfall, which is close to Gangotri Temple. During morning time, you can see a colorful rainbow here. It is believed that Goddess Parvati used to bathe here is Surya Kund. You will love seeing the thunderous waters fall in force and the roaring sounds of this spectacular waterfall in Gangotri.

8. Bhaironghati

Bhaironghati is a picturesque valley that is located in the confluence of the Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers. There is a temple of Lord Bhairavnath here. You will see lush green forests and scenic river valleys when you visit Bhaironghati near Gangotri.

9. Gangnani

Gangnani falls on the route to Gangotri. The thermal hot springs at Ganganani are famous for their medicinal properties. Being situated in scenic surroundings of mountains and forests, Ganganani is perfect for meditation and scenic views.

10. Bhojbasa

Bhojbasa is a trekking designation in Gangotri. It is 14 km from Gangotri. Bhojbasa is a rugged landscape that is also the last stop on the route to Gaumukh Glacier. It is also very picturesque and here you will find some accommodation for a short stay.

11. Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple is one of the temples that you can visit in Gangotri. It was founded by Lord Parshurama and is surrounded by lofty mountains and natural beauty. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the big shiv linga is similar to that in Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi.

12. Gangotri National Park

Gangotri National Park is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. It is also situated on the high-altitude ranges of the Himalayas. Gaumukh Glacier is located inside this national park. You can go on trekking and wildlife safari. You can spot the rare snow leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Monal, and much other wildlife.

13. Kedar Tal

Kedar Tal is a high-altitude alpine lake, which is located 17 km from Gangotri. You can reach Kedar Tal after a trek of 17 km from Gangotri. Tall ice-capped Himalayan mountain peaks of Thalay Sagar, Jogin 1, Jogin 2, Bhrigupanth surround Kedar Tal. Lucky trekkers can spot Himalayan animals on the route to Kedar Tal.

14. Dodi Tal

Dodi Tal is one of the beautiful alpine lakes near Gangotri. You can reach Dodi Tal only by trekking. Dodital is famous for its trout fish. There is a temple of Lord Ganesha near Dodital. You can go on treks to Ganga Valley and Yamuna Valley. Asi Ganga river originates from Dodi Tal and later on, it meets Bhagirathi near Gangotri.

15. Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal is a lush green meadow where you will see shepherds grazing their cows and sheep. It is one of the best trekking destinations near Gangotri. Dayara Bugyal is located between Bandarpunch and White Peak mountains. You can also camp here and see the beauty of nature.

16. Auden’s Col

Auden’s Col is one of the best places near Gangotri for trekking. It is a mountain pass in the Garhwal region. Though the trek to Auden’s Col is a bit tough, you will see the magnificent mountain peaks, glaciers, mountain streams, jagged rocks, alpine forests, and temples along the way.

17. Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is a land of temples and the best places near Gangotri. It has many tourist places where you do sightseeing. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Shakti Temple are famous among devotees. You can go on so many treks here like Har ki Doon trek, Dodital trek, etc.

18. Kalindi Khal trek

One of the treks that you can do from Gangotri is the Kalindi Khal trek. On this trek, you will find the spectacular natural beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. You will pass through icy glaciers, lush green forests, alpine meadows, river streams, and Himalayan peaks like Shivling Peak, etc.