Gangotri Char Dham Yatra 2023 All You Want to Know
The Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ganga, who is believed to have descended on Earth from the heavens. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Ganges.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is said that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges near the temple can wash away one’s sins.
The Gangotri Temple was originally built in the 18th century by a Nepalese general named Amar Singh Thapa. However, it has been rebuilt several times over the years due to damage caused by natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and a large courtyard where devotees can offer prayers and perform rituals. The main temple is made of white granite and features intricate carvings and sculptures.
The Gangotri Temple is open to visitors from May to November every year, and during the winter months, it remains closed due to heavy snowfall in the region. To reach the temple, one has to trek for around 14 km from the town of Gangotri, which is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level.
How to Reach Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Here are the different ways to reach Gangotri Temple:
- By Road: One can reach Gangotri by road from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Uttarkashi. The road to Gangotri is scenic but can be challenging as it is a steep climb through the hills.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 250 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangotri.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangotri is in Dehradun, which is about 230 km away. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangotri.
Once you reach Gangotri town, which is located at an altitude of 3,048 meters, you can trek for around 14 km to reach the Gangotri Temple. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin to make the journey easier, especially for elderly people and those with physical limitations. The trek to the temple is scenic, passing through beautiful forests and hills, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Gangotri Temple to Gaumukh Trek
The Gangotri Temple is the starting point for the popular trek to Gaumukh, which is the source of the river Ganga. Here are the details of the Gangotri Temple to Gaumukh Trek:
The trek starts from Gangotri town and covers a distance of around 18 km to reach Gaumukh. The trek passes through picturesque valleys, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
The trail is well-defined and marked, and there are several rest stops and camping sites along the way. The trek is moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty level and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
On the way, you will come across several landmarks such as Chirbasa, Bhojwasa, and Tapovan. Chirbasa is a beautiful meadow surrounded by mountains, while Bhojwasa is a small settlement located at the foot of the glacier. Tapovan is a high altitude meadow located at an altitude of 4,463 meters, and it offers panoramic views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
The trek culminates at Gaumukh, which is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and is considered a holy site by Hindus. The glacier is the source of the river Ganga, and it is believed that taking a dip in the icy waters of Gaumukh can wash away one’s sins.
The Gangotri Temple to Gaumukh Trek is a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination and is best undertaken during the summer months from May to June and from September to October. It is important to carry adequate warm clothing, trekking gear, and provisions for the trek. It is also recommended to take a local guide or join a trekking group for safety and convenience.
Fees for guide for Gaumukh trek
The fees for a guide for the Gaumukh trek can vary depending on several factors such as the duration of the trek, the level of expertise of the guide, and the season. Here is a general idea of the fees you can expect to pay for a guide for the Gaumukh trek:
- For a day trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh and back, the guide fees can range from INR 1500 to INR 2500.
- For a 2-3 day trek that covers other areas such as Tapovan or Nandanvan, the guide fees can range from INR 3000 to INR 5000.
- During peak seasons such as May and June, the guide fees can be higher compared to the off-season.
It is recommended to negotiate the fees with the guide before starting the trek and to clarify the services that are included in the fees such as accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also advisable to hire a certified guide who is registered with the local tourism authorities for safety and reliability.
Gangotri Char Dham Yatra Budget
The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage to the four holy shrines of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. Here is a rough estimate of the budget for the Gangotri Char Dham Yatra:
- Transportation: The cost of transportation can vary depending on the mode of travel, duration, and distance. The following are some approximate costs:
- By road: The cost of a shared taxi or bus from Dehradun to Gangotri can be around INR 1000 to INR 1500 per person.
- By air: The cost of a one-way flight from Delhi to Dehradun can range from INR 2000 to INR 4000.
- By train: The cost of a one-way train ticket from Delhi to Dehradun can range from INR 500 to INR 1500.
- Accommodation: The cost of accommodation can vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, and season. The following are some approximate costs:
- Budget hotels and lodges: The cost of a night’s stay can range from INR 500 to INR 1500 per room.
- Guesthouses and ashrams: The cost of a night’s stay can range from INR 200 to INR 500 per person.
- Camping: The cost of a night’s stay in a tent can range from INR 300 to INR 1000 per person.
- Food: The cost of food can vary depending on the type of food and location. The following are some approximate costs:
- Budget restaurants and dhabas: The cost of a basic meal can range from INR 100 to INR 200 per person.
- Street food and snacks: The cost of snacks and street food can range from INR 50 to INR 100 per person.
- Miscellaneous expenses: This includes expenses such as entry fees, permits, tips, and souvenirs. The following are some approximate costs:
- Entry fees: The cost of entry fees to the Gangotri Temple and other shrines can range from INR 50 to INR 500 per person.
- Permits: The cost of permits for the trek to Gaumukh can range from INR 200 to INR 500 per person.
- Tips and souvenirs: The cost of tips and souvenirs can vary depending on personal preferences.
Overall, the total budget for the Gangotri Char Dham Yatra can range from INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 per person, depending on the duration of the trip, the level of comfort, and the mode of travel. It is important to plan and budget for the trip accordingly to ensure a comfortable and safe pilgrimage.
Places to visit near Gangutri temple
Gangotri, situated in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is a place of immense religious significance, and there are several places to visit near the Gangotri temple. Here are some popular tourist attractions near the Gangotri temple:
- Bhagirathi Shila: It is a sacred rock located near the Gangotri temple and is believed to be the place where King Bhagirath meditated to bring the river Ganga to earth.
- Pandava Gufa: It is a natural cave located at a distance of 1.5 km from Gangotri and is believed to have been used by the Pandavas during their exile.
- Kedar Tal: It is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 4,750 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
- Gaumukh: It is the origin of the river Ganga and is located at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri. The trek to Gaumukh is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the region.
- Tapovan: It is a meadow situated at an altitude of 4,463 meters and is surrounded by the peaks of Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi.
- Gangotri National Park: It is a national park located in the upper catchment area of the river Bhagirathi and is home to several rare and endangered species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.
- Gaurikund: It is a holy site located at a distance of 12 km from Gangotri and is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win the heart of Lord Shiva.
These are just a few of the many places to visit near the Gangotri temple, and there are several other natural and cultural attractions that you can explore during your visit.
Also Read :- Ten Temples You Must Visit in Uttarakhand
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