Gangotri glacier, situated at an altitude of 3042 mtrs, is the ritual source of the Ganges. The original source is the glacier at Gaumukh ten miles upstream. According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of king Bhagirath's predecessors .

The Gangotri shrine is situated at an elevation of 3200 metres amidst Deodar and Pine forests. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva on a slab of rock called "Bhagirath Shila" which is situated near the temple. Submerged in the river is a natural rock Shivalinga, where according to the mythology Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. Prepare yourself for some trekking as the trek might take four days to reach the mouth of the glacier.

Sightseeing at Gangotri
Gangotri Temple: The 18th century Gangotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is a 20 ft. high structure made of white granite. The Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa constructed it in 18th Century, and according to Hindu mythology the Pandavas performed a yajna here to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharat.

Bhagirath Shila: This is a sacred slab of stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva, Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot.

Gaumukh: The Gaumukh (literal meaning, cow's mouth), which is at an altitude of 4200 mts above sea level, is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from the Gangotri uphill. From beneath a massive cave in Gaumukh, Ganga was born as a stream. Gaumukh is the snout of the Glacier, a huge wall of ice about 328 ft high, which melts to form the source of all rivers. At this source, the Ganges is called the Bhagirathi.

Jalmagna Shivling: Situated near the main temple, the Jalmagna Shivlinga is said to be the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. This ShivlingA is usually visible in the winters when the water level goes down.

Reaching Gangotri -
Air : Jolly Grant, Dehradun 266 kms. Prefer Delhi airport.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh (249 kms).
Road : Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi by road. Important Road Distances : Dharasu (129 kms.), Yamunotri (224 kms.) Mussoorie (247 kms. ) Tehri (172 kms.) Uttarkashi (99 kms )

Trek Route to Gaumukh -
From Rishikesh drive down to Gangotri (550kms), a 13 hour drive through the mountains. Thereon, one has to take a 22 km footpath to reach Gaumukh.

Shopping in Gangotri -
You can find some basic utilities, ceremonial offerings for the deity. One might even visit the village artisans.