Gangotri & Yamunotri

Gangotri is visited by hundreds of thousands pilgrims every year, this 18th century temple constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa , is near the spot where the goddess Ganga is said to have first descended on earth from heaven, in answer to the prayers of King Bhagriath.

The revered shrine of Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3,200 mts. about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindu.

Lord shiva received her into his matted locks to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri was called Bhagirathi.

The Pandavas, it is said, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yajna' to atone for the death of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat. The temple itself is situated on the right bank of the Bhagtathi .

There are a number of ashrams locked on the other side of the ashrams locked on the other side of the Bhagirathi, many of which provide accommodation facilities to the travellers.

Places of Religious Interest

Gaumukh glaciers

(18 km.) - the sourse of the Bhagrithi for a dip in its icy waters is dip in almost a must for pilgrims; and to the temple of Bhairavanth at Bhaironghati, (10 km.). GMVN Tourilst Bungalow is located at Bhojbasa, about 14 km., from Gangotrli, on the road to Uttarkashi, at thle confluence of the Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers.

Pilgrlims also trek to Nandanvan (6km) and Kedartal (18km) from Gangotri.

 

FACILITIES:

Gangotri is well connected to other parts of the country through air, rail and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 26 km. From Rishikesh, 249 km. The local and State Transport bus services also connect Gangotril with many centres in the region while porters and ponies are available for excursions to Gaumukh and other places from Gangotril during the yatra season.

The temple remains closed from Nov. to May due to severe winter conditions.

Yamunotri Tourism

Yamunotri the revered shrine of Yamunotri, source of the shadow of the 6,315 mts. high Bandarpunchh mountain. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni,used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti (7km. Away).

The source of the Yamuna lies a further km. Ahead at an altitude of approximately 4421 mts. Since the approach is extremely difficult, pilgrims usually offer obeisance at the temple itself.

The present temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the nineteenth century.

Facilities

For reaching Yamunotri, one has to undertake a 220 km journey from Rishikesh to Hanumanchatti, where the motorable road ends. The remaining 13 km journey has to be covered on foot or on ponies, the rates of which are fixed before the start of every Yatra season.

The temple remains closed during the winter months of Nov. to April.