Located in the district of Uttarkashi and known for its incredible and fascinating views of the surrounding Himalayas, Gangotri Dham is the perfect place where anybody can experience the untouched natural beauty and deep spirituality. The prime attraction of Gangotri is the Gangotri Dham shrine but there are numerous other places of tourist interest which also attract a number of peace seekers and nature lovers via the Gangotri Yamunotri heli trip. The biosphere of Gangotri is made out of lush green Himalayan trees and clear open blue skies making it a treat for the visitors on their spiritual journey.
If you are planning on exploring the bountiful beauties of Gangotri then these are a few places that should not be missed out on:
Tourist Places to Visit in Gangotri
Kedar Tal
Popular for being one of the highest lakes in Uttarakhand, Kedar Tal is named after “Lord Shiva’s lake’. Perched on an elevation of 4,912 metres above sea level and bound on all sides by snowbound mountain peaks, this Tal is formed out of the melting water from the glacier of Kedar. The trekking journey commences from Gangotri and requires you to cover a distance of 18 kms and allows you to experience some of the most beautiful trails that can be viewed throughout the trekking journey. This serene lake offers reflections of the towering Thalay Sagar peaks which can be an experience in itself.
Harsil
Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand is replete with a number of hidden gems and the stunning hamlet of Harsil is one of them. Famous for its glistening apple orchards and mesmerizing scenic beauty the village of Harsil is also set against the clear blue-green river of Ganga. The overall environment of Harsil is extremely breathtaking and taking a village tour of Harsil will be an incredibly refreshing experience. People choose Harsil as the ideal destination to perform Meditation and yoga activities. Harsil is also situated in close proximity to Gangotri National Park and serves as one of the bases for trekking there.
Dharali
The quaint hamlet of Dharali is believed to be an ideal destination for performing meditation. The ambience of this place has an unmatched spiritual significance and holiness. Ever since the ancient ages several sages and saints have made it a point to visit this place and perform their penance and achieve their sense actualization. If you are on a pursuit of composing music, writing or anything else then a visit to Dharali will definitely be a life-changing experience for you. The panoramic view and the pure environment of Dharali offer a spiritual vibe and a deep sense of bliss due to the peace that can be experienced here.
Tapovan
Literally meaning the ‘forest of meditation’ this exotic place is named so since ever since the past ages a number of sages and saints used to visit this place to perform their penance and meditation. The place holds immense spiritual importance in the lives of the sages and saints as well as for people looking to get some time off and experience peace amongst the beauty of nature. Located on the foot of the snow-clad peak of Shivling and above the glacier of Gangotri, Tapovan is filled with lush green Rolling Meadows and dotted all over with colorful exotic flowers.
Gaumukh Glacier
Named so due to its resemblance of a cow’s snout, Gangotri glacier is known for being the source of the holy river of Ganga. The entire glacier is surrounded the Gangotri group of peaks like mount Shivling, Meru peaks and Thalay Sagar amongst which Chaukhamba peak is the tallest one. Pilgrims visit Gangotri Dham as a part of their holy pilgrimage and bathing in the freezing cold water of Gangotri water is considered to be an extremely holy ritual. This glacier falls on the way to Tapovan and is often frequented by avid outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Gangotri National Park
Panning over an area of 2,390 sq. km. this national park is known for being the third-largest national park of India. The entire park is covered in a thick and lush green covering of coniferous forests and rolling green meadows. The majestic beauty of the glacial world here encapsulated you with a sense of tranquility. The collection of flora and fauna is impeccable and consists of various high altitude plants and animals amongst the alpine vegetation. You will also be able to have a closer look at the surrounding peaks of the mighty Himalayas which binds the beauty of this iconic place together.
Vishwanath Temple
Surrounded by immense peace and quiet this ancient temple is believed to hold incredible significance which is at par with the Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the lingam inside the temple is in the exact form like the one at the Vishwanath temple of Varanasi. Believed to be built by Parashuram this temple also houses the Kedar Khand or the Skanda Puran. Due its incredible significance, this place is visited by visitors from far and wide who are looking to offer their prayer to the lord. The place also offers some of the most magnificent views of the valley below.
Bhojbasa
This serene village can be easily reached after covering a distance of 14 kms and this trekking trail makes its way from the rugged terrain along the holy river of Bhagirathi. Situated on an elevation of 3,775 metres above sea level this exotic and serene destination is known for being the last stopover and halt option for the people heading on to Gaumukh glacier and is located at a distance of 5 kms from Gaumukh Glacier. You will be witnessing some of the most enchantingly mesmerizing sites of Bhagirathi peaks. The clear blue skies and the gushing river water along with the quiet surroundings makes this place one of the most ideal destinations for peace lovers.
Dayara Bugyal
Located at a distance of 1 hour and 40 minutes from the main spiritual town of Gangotri, Dayara Bugyal has to be one of the most popular and well-known treks to the meadows in Uttarakhand. The entire terrain of this Bugyal looks like it is covered in a lush green carpet and the scenery here is unmatched to anywhere else in India. From here you will be able to witness the grandness of the Himalayas. Trekkers make their way up to Bakaria top and savour some of the most awe-inspiring views of the surrounding.
Maneri
Placed at a distance of 8 kms from the town of Uttarkashi, Maneri is a popular destination among outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Lined by the gushing and fast-flowing river of Bhagirathi, people indulge in various outdoor sports activities such as – white water rafting, trekking, and mountaineering. The entire village is filled with colorful covering of rhododendron and lush green trees. This lesser-known town is quickly gaining importance in the world of adventure sports activities. People also come here to witness the beauty of the gushing water from the dam that is being built here. The predominant beauty here is surrounded on all sides from undulating green cover as far as the eyes can see and offers a deep sense of peace.