about sea-level amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of themostimportant pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. Lord shiva received her into hismatted 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 deathof their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharat. The temple itself is situatedon the right bank of the Bhagtathi .There are a number of ashrams lockedonthe 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.

Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. Located in the hills, 18 kms downstream from Gaumukh is Gangotri. It is an important pilgrim site located at 3,048 m above sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal and is very close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri glaciers, the original source of the sacred river Ganges, attracts tourists in large numbers every season. Discover the daunting rivers and attempt to reveal the mysteries of the natural world, which are rare to find elsewhere. Along with the thrill of exploring nature, what one experiences here is the aura that India is totally Indian.

At Gangotri there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Submerged in the river here is the natural rock Shivalinga where Lord Shiva is believed to have received the Ganges (called Bhagirathi here) in his matted locks. It is visible in the winter months when the water level recedes.Major Tourist Attractions in Gangotri Gangotri

The shrine of Gangotri is around 300 years old. Renovated in the 20th century, the shrine is a 20-feet high structure of white granite. During the winters the statue is taken to Mukhimath village where it is worshipped. There is a natural rock Shivalinga, called the Jalamagna Shivalinga. This is the place where Lord Shiva received Ganga in his locks. Visible only during winters.

Gaumukh Glaciers (18 km.)
The famous site nearby is the Gaumukh glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 m above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. Here Ganges is known as the Bhagirathi. 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.

Cheedvasa & Bhojvasa:
From Gangotri is Cheedvasa at a distance of 28 kms. Bhojvasa, is at a distance of 22 km, both are an ideal camping site.

Nandanvan:
Nandanvan is a 6 kms trekking route along the glacier and gives a spectacular glimpse of the Shivalinga. Across the Gangotri glacier is the Sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its greenness encircling the base of the Shivalinga peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 m to reach Badrinath.