Gangotri

Gangotri is a town and Hindu pilgrimage site in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the Uttarkashi district, on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, at an elevation of about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. The town serves as a base for pilgrims and trekkers visiting the upper Bhagirathi valley during the summer months.

Gangotri is best known for the Gangotri Temple, a shrine dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The temple complex sits at the origin site of the Ganges river and is regarded as a significant point of pilgrimage in Hinduism. The current temple was rebuilt in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, and earlier structures are believed to have existed at the site.

Geography and hydrology: The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier. The point Gaumukh at the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier is traditionally considered the river’s source; downstream, the Bhagirathi River is joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga. The region is protected as part of the Gangotri National Park and surrounding high-altitude terrain.

Accessibility and seasons: The road to Gangotri is typically open from late spring to late autumn (roughly May to November), with heavy snowfall blocking access in winter. The area is remote and experiences high-altitude conditions, with trekking routes to Gaumukh and nearby peaks attracting both pilgrims and hikers.