Gangotri is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred sites of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Gangotri is situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level and is the source of the river Ganges.
The Ek Dham Yatra to Gangotri typically involves visiting the Gangotri temple and taking a dip in the holy Ganges river. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is believed to have been built in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gurkha general.
The yatra usually begins from Delhi, and pilgrims can take either a bus or a taxi to reach Gangotri. The journey involves passing through several picturesque towns and villages, including Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Harsil. The entire journey takes around 10-12 days to complete.
During the yatra, pilgrims also visit other important religious sites in and around Gangotri, such as the Gaumukh glacier, which is the origin of the river Ganges, and the Kedartal lake, which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The Ek Dham Yatra to Gangotri is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus and is believed to provide spiritual benefits and cleanse one’s sins. It is advisable to undertake the yatra during the summer months, as the weather in the region can be extremely harsh during the winter. It is also important to carry warm clothing and other essential items, as the yatra involves trekking in high altitudes.
