Gangotri Excursion : Places nearby Gangotri - Uttranchal

Places to visit nearby destination - Gangotri

Bhairon Ghati

Bhairon Ghati or Bhairon Valley is located en route Uttarkashi, at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri. The valley is situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Jat Ganga rivers. It is known for its Bhairavnath Temple.

Gangnani

Situated at an altitude of 1,855 metres above sea level, Gangnani is a place famous for its hot water springs called Gaurikund. It is located on the road to Uttarkashi at a distance of around 53 km from Gangotri. Apart from the springs, Gangnani also has a 15th-century temple

Gaumukh

Perched at an altitude of 4,200 metres above sea level, Gaumukh (literally, cow/’s mouth) Glacier is the geographical origin of the Ganga. The Ganga is known as Bhagirathi here and it is situated at a distance of 18 km uphill from Gangotri.

Harsil

Situated at a distance of 25 km from Gangotri, Harsil is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the Garhwal Himalayas. It/’s an off-the-beaten-track destination still unexplored by the tourists. It is perched at an altitude of 2,620 metres above sea level. The main attraction at Harsil is the Wilson Cottage built in 1864. A seven-kilometre trek from Harsil would take you to Sat Tal (Seven Lakes) near the village of Dharali.

Kedartal

Kedartal is a spectacular and enchanting lake situated at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri. With the Thalaiyasagar Peak forming the backdrop, the lake looks amazingly beautiful. The trek to Kedartal (4,000 metres above sea level) from Gangotri is arduous and needs professional help for the amateurs. Kedartal also serves as the base for further trek to Thaliyasagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth, and other peaks.

Nandanvan and Tapovan

A tough 6-km trek along the Gangotri glacier would take you to Nandanvan, the base camp for the Bhagirathi peaks. There are some excellent views of the Shivling peak from Nandanvan. Tapovan is situated across the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and is known for its exquisite verdure encircling the base of the Shivling Peak. From Tapovan you can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, and Badrinath.

Uttarkashi

Situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is the headquarters of the district by the same name. Uttarkashi is located at a distance of 97 km from Gangotri and is known for its Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples. It is also the last important place from where you can stock up on your supplies to the treks up in the north.