Best Places to Visit in Gangotri - Sightseeing & Things to Do

On your visit to Gangotri you will be faced with an astounding amount of natural beauty which remains unmatched to anywhere else. With thick deep green forest covering and wide open blue skies and the gushing Bhagirathi River cutting through the valley, Gangotri is truly an impeccable work of natural art. You would want to just takes a moment, look around and get immersed in the stunning and picturesque beauty that surrounds you.

Gangotri Temple

Here are a few places where you should definitely pay a visit during your Gangotri Yatra if you want to have a complete spiritual experience:

Jalmagna Shivling

Also known popularly as Kalp Kedar this temple is truly a unique structure dedicated to lord Shiva and situated at a distance of just 20 minutes within the holy pilgrimage town of Dharali, it is known for its ‘submerged’ Shivling. Believed to date back to the era of Mahabharata, the Shivling situated inside is not entirely visible which only adds on to its mysterious vibe. Although rich with history this temple receives a very limited amount of visitors but you should definitely pay it a visit if you are looking for some peaceful spiritualism. All the other temples in its vicinity is believed to be buried ages ago and due to this one the top part of the temple is accessible. The ancient relevance of the temple is still prominent here.

Surya Kund

Surya Kund, Gangotri

Situated at a mere distance of just 500 metres from the main temple of Surya Kund, this place is one of the prime tourist spots for pilgrims and devotees making their way to Gangotri. This is a waterfall of sparkling clear blue water from river Bhagirathi and the rock formations that are formed looks like a true work of art. These glistening rocks are a true testament to the real power and force of these waters that has been making its way through the ages. This is a great place for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. The fast flowing river along the artsy stone structures have a hypnotic effect on the visitors there who tend to just stand there and gaze at this water.

Gaumukh

Gangotri Peak with the Gomukh Glacier

Rightfully named after the snout of a cow (believed to be extremely holy) and increasingly becoming a hub for adventure seekers and avid trekkers, this glacier is the source of the holy river of Ganga. This place offers a surreal landscape replete with loose glacial stones and rough trails, making your way up to the source of river Ganga is not an easy task since it requires covering a difficult and challenging trekking journey, but in the end, when you are standing there gazing at the birth place of the holiest river of India which is worshipped by millions, that moment is worth every sweat and hard work. On your way you will be encountering a typical high altitude eco system of tall coniferous trees, lush green meadows and colorful flowers. Truly a treat!

Harsil

Harsil Valley

Surrounded by impeccably quaint and peaceful natural beauty is a town whose elegant beauty still remains unmatched to anywhere else, is the town of Harsil which is situated at a distance of just 25 minutes from Gangotri. One of the most striking feature about this place is the presence of a small mini beach – like structure which is located right in the middle of the clean blue river where you can relax under the sun or even take a dip in the holy water. The entire region is dotted with glistening and richly red apple orchards with the ever present and looming snow bound mountain peaks that give a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. A must visit for every nature lover at least once in their lifetime.   

Gangotri National Park

Gangotri National Park

Considered being one of the largest high altitude national parks in India and consisting of an extremely diverse collection of flora and fauna, Gangotri national park is every traveller, animal enthusiast and nature lover’s dream come true. The entire park is covered entirely in a deep green forest covering along with the towering snow clad Himalayan peaks every step of the way inside the park is truly a magnificent sight. This is located in close vicinity to the main temple of Gangotri and should be visited for its stunning beauty where the clouds meet the grounds and the Bhagirathi River that dances her way through the park while simultaneously creating a sustainable high altitude ecosystem.

Tapovan

Tapovan, Gangotri

Named rightfully the meadow of meditation (Tapo) since all the ancient sadhus and saints used to make their way to this incredibly lush meadow to perform penance and do some deep meditation. Due to its location right before Gaumukh glacier, Tapovan is visited primarily by trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Tapovan is dotted with a number of forests and radiates a deeply peaceful vibe of simple elegance and the solemn spirituality. Sitting on the foot of the peaks of Shivling range, Tapovan also serves as the perfect starting point for the expedition to its nearby peaks. However you don’t have to be an avid adventurer to appreciate the simply incredible and undeniably beautiful views of the surroundings.
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