Gangotri
Location
About
The source shrine of the Ganges River at 3,100 meters, where the goddess Ganga is believed to have first touched earth at Bhagirath Shila, the sacred rock. The first stop on the Char Dham Yatra for many pilgrims.
Significance
Gangotri is where King Bhagirath performed tapas to bring the Ganges from heaven to earth to liberate his ancestors; bathing in the Bhagirathi here at the river's origin confers supreme merit.
History & Historical Arc
The current temple was built by Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa in the early 19th century; the sacred site itself is men…
Archaeological Notes
The Gangotri Glacier has retreated approximately 22 km over the past 200 years, reflecting climate change; the shrinking…
Key Features & Structures
- Gangotri Temple (Ganga Devi shrine)
- Bhagirath Shila sacred rock
Visitor Information
Open May–November; temple closes for winter at Diwali. The Gaumukh trek requires a forest department permit. Altitude si…