Gangotri is a famous hill station situated at an altitude of 3048 mts above sea level in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Located on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi River, Gangotri is one of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand. It is the highest and the most important temple of river Ganga which is worshipped as a Goddess in India.  It is a picturesque spot with rocky terrain, rapidly flowing water, and snow-clad peaks.

Stretching around 30 km in length and 2.5 km in width, Gangotri Glacier is the largest glacier in the Himalayas. It holds a very high importance in the country as it is the source of River Ganga, which is the most pious river in India. The glacier is not only a pilgrimage place but an ardent adventure spot as well.

According to Hindu mythology, Ganga, also known as the “daughter of paradise” was transformed into a river at this spot in order to release the ancestors of King Bhagirath from their sins. The story says that King Bhagirath meditated here to bring Ganga down from heaven to earth. Hence, the river is also called Bhagirathi. Submerged Shivling, also known as the ‘Jalmagna Shivling’ is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Gangotri where the Lord Shiva held Goddess Ganga in his matted hairs when she descended from heaven and manifested into a river. The Shivling remains underwater during summers and could only be visible during winters, when the water level drops.

The famous Gangotri National Park has a rich wildlife comprising of Snow Leopard, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Snowcock, Bharal (the famous blue sheep of the Himalayas), Ibex along with many other mammals and birds species that migrate here.

Source:

https://www.tourmyindia.com/hill_stations/gangotri.html

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