gangotri

Gangotri is a town in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a Hindu pilgrim town situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi which is the origin point of river Ganges. And is located on the Greater Himalayan Ranges, at a height of 3,100 metres.

Following are some places of interest to see in Gangotri:

• Bhojbasa – A picturesque spot situated on the mountainous terrains near Gangotri, and sitting at an altitude of 3,775 m above sea level; can be reached by hiking, or trekking too. 
• Gangotri Glacier – A lovely natural glacier originating in Gangotri.
• Harsil – A scenic and popular spot on the lap of the Himalayas; with flowing water and natural beauty.

• Gangotri Temple – An important temple in the town; situated about 3100 m above sea level.
• Surya Kund Gangotri – A revered pilgrimage spot and water body.
• Jalmagna Shivling – A popular Shiva Linga (a sacred stone idol representing the Hindu Lord Shiva) in Gangotri; which is immersed in the river during one part of the year.

The popular festivals celebrated in Gangotri include the following:

• Badri Kedar Festival – This is a Hindu temple festival, jointly celebrated here with the neighboring town of Kedarnath.
• Maha Shivratri – People worship Lord Shiva and fast for long hours.
• Makar Sankranti – an auspicious harvest festival celebrated in the month of January.
• Holi – Festival of colours; celebrated in the month of March.
• Dussehra – A 10-day festival, where people worship goddess Durga.
• Krishna Janmashtami – The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
• Diwali – festival of lights.

North Indian cuisines are predominant in Gangotri’s food scene – particularly whole wheat flatbreads (Roti, Parathas) and Lentils and vegetable curries. Some good places to eat in Gangotri are:

• Cafe Himalaya
• The Saket

Some good hotels in Gangotri for a comfortable stay are:

• Prakriti – The Retreat
• Hotel Leela Palace
• Shanti Kunjh

Gangotri city STD Code – 013772 (to be used before dialling numbers from a number that is not locally registered).

Common emergency numbers:

• Police –100
• Fire – 101
• Ambulance – 102
• Women Helpline – 1090
• AIDS Helpline – 1097
• Child Helpline – 1098

Hindi is the official language of Gangotri.

Hindi:

• Welcome - Svagat
• How are you? - Aap kaise hai?
• What's your name? - Aapka naam kya hai?
• I don't know - Mujhe nahi pata
• I don't understand - Mein samjha nahi
• Thank you - Dhanyavad