Gangotri is world-famous as the origin of the holy river Ganga. This place is also very famous among the tourists for its natural beauty as well as it has a deep connection with faith. This is the holy place of Ganga Maya which is also revered as a Hindu pilgrimage site. Every year there is a queue of devotees who come here to have a glimpse of Maa Ganga. Gangotri is an extremely beautiful hill station in the lap of the Himalayas. Where you can visit Ganga Maya and also enjoy trekking. If you love culture, civilization, customs, faith, and Ganga Maya will make your stay here.
Gangotri National Park is surrounded by snowy hills, high mountains, deep valleys and dense forests. These things give a perfect description of Gangotri National Park. Gangotri National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located on the high peaks on the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This national park is the third-largest national park in India.
Location of Gangotri National Park
Spread over an area of 23,000 sq km, it is situated at an altitude of 1800 to 7000 meters from the sea leve. The sanctuary is situated amidst the serene atmosphere of Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi comes under a biogeographical zone. Uttarakhand is also called Dev Bhoomi and Dev Bhoomi means Land of the Devas. This place is filled with natural beauty. Uttarakhand has dense forests of cedar, palm and rhododendron on the one hand, and on the other side you can see the high mountains of the Himalayas.
Traveling on hilly routes can make you feel very thrilled. This National Park is a place that is rich with flora and fauna. Here you will find rare exotic species of plants, birds and animals. Some rare and endangered species such as snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, blue sheep, are found in this national park.
Situated amidst the beautiful snowy mountains, Gangotri National Park has many magnificent glaciers such as Gaumukh. This is the origin of the river Ganges. Many rivers also flow inside the park. Every year thousands of tourists, wildlife lovers and trekkers visit Gangotri National Park for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.
Gaumukh, Gangotri, Bhojwasa and Chibasa are some of the most popular trekking points. There is also a valley of cold desert of Nelong. The barren lands of Kedartal and Tapovan in the National Park are also worth seeing.
In this area you will find many places associated with the Mahabharata period as many stories from the Mahabharata period are attached to these places. These places are naturally beautiful as well as they are also known for their mysteries which no one has been able to solve till date.
Gangotri is also a stop for the Char Dham Yatra which makes it a major pilgrimage center for Hinduism.
Best Time to Visit Gangotri National Park
The best time to visit Gangotri National Park is from spring to early summer, April to May and from September to October after the monsoon months. During the monsoon there is a risk of landslides and heavy rains, so do not travel here during this time.
You might find it difficult to stay here during the winter season. Even the local and rural people here go to migrate to lower altitude areas during the winter season. During the snowfall in this region, the valley’s Gangotri Dham is also closed for six months.
How to reach Gangotri National Park
The best way to reach Gangotri National Park is from Dehradun which is located 300 km from Gangotri and you can hire a taxi from Dehradun. The city of Dehradun is well connected to other major cities of the country by air and rail.
It is better to hire a vehicle than to drive by yourself because the roads here are very crooked and bumpy. It is better to leave early in the morning, because the weather in the mountainous areas can change dramatically, so try to leave early so that you can reach early before the nightfall.
Some Place to visit in Gangotri
Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple is world famous for its archeological beliefs and reverence of devotees. The holy environment here will make you not want to leave the temple premises.
Harsil
Harsil is very popular among tourists for its beauty. The apple orchards here are going to take your breath away. Looking at the natural beauty of Harsil will make you feel that nature was made with great leisure.
Gomukh
Gomukh is situated at a very high altitude, if you can climb it, climb easily, and do visit this place because it is believed that the Holy Ganga originated from this place. Make sure that you go with a reputed trekking company and follow all the rules because it can be dangerous. It is also believed that one who takes a bath in the icy water here is freed from all his sins.
