Gangotri is one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and is among the four pilgrimages which every Hindu wants to visit during his lifetime. Situated at an altitude of 3,048 metres above sea level, it holds a beautiful charm. It is located about a hundred kms. from Uttarkashi and is surrounded by some of the most picturesque mountains and places.
Gangotri is also the birthplace of the holy river Ganga. It is from here that it begins its long journey of about 2,500 kms stretching through the Indian subcontinent and passing through two countries - India and Bangladesh. The temple of Gangotri is a shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and it is located on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. This temple is about 300 years old and was constructed by the Gorkhas.
Apart from the Gangotri temple, there is also the submerged shivling located here. According to legends, it is the place where Lord Shiva stood to receive Ganga in his locks.
