Introduction

Gangotri Glacier Trek is one of the arduous trek of the Himalayas spread  from gangotri to Gaumukh. It’s   18 Km  trek which is  spread  along the  banks of Bhagirathi river which  leads to the marvelous shrine .Gangotri trek is one of the most challenging trail in the Garhwal Himalayas that makes  it a memorable trip to the origin of the  Ganges. It’s totally  an enlightening experience to go for such an adventure  full of difficult trails as we learn a great deal from the challenges that we face while trekking .Trekking  at an altitude of 11700 ft in the himalayas is the ultimate thrill for the adventure seekers.

Why is Gangotri trek Famous

• Gangotri trek is famous as according to the hindu mythology the most sacred of all rivers ,Ganges(or Ganga),descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri,when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from his locks.

• The actual origin of the river Ganga is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier which is atleast 17 Km away and is accessible by trekking.A Shrine dedicated to goddess Ganga (personification of the revered ganga )is situated along the holy river Bhagirathi ,which is one of the two head streams of Ganga which flows alongside the Gangotri Temple which is also one of the reason why people go for such an adventurous journey.

Best time to visit

Summers are considered best if you are considering  gangotri glacier for  trekking.May,June and September are the months which you should prefer  as gangotri glacier trek is cold all year round covered with blankets of snow.

The winter are very colder with temperature falling to -2°C in December which makes it difficult for trekking.

Monsoon season at gangotri begins in late July and lasts till August .It is recommended that pilgrims avoid traveling during the monsoon season because of landslides and rainfall which makes the trek slippery.

Places to stay around

Gangotri trek is filled with  range of meadows ,wildlife sanctuary ,hot springs,treks and temples which evokes a feel of divinity in its ambience.

Here is the list of hotels near Gangotri glacier trek :-

• Hotel Prakriti Retreat –located in Uttarkashi at Gangotri road,Dharali this hotel provides superior room service with balcony in each room that opens to the view of nature which rejuvenates your soul.
• Hotel Manisha –located on Gangotri road ,Uttarkashi.This spectacular stay option has beautifully decorated rooms together with delicious food where you can rest after a tiring .
• Hotel Shantikunj-It is situated right across the Gangnani hot springs .It’s located at Gangnani,Uttarkashi on Gangotri road.
• Hotel Gangaputra-locateed on gangotri highway near the holy Gangotri –Dham .This hotel is quite spacious and articulately crafted which brings so many trekkers to the hotel each year.
• Hotel the Great Ganga-This hotel is located in the middle of breathtaking mountains and offers a great deal of relaxation to your mind and body.

Location of Gangotri glacier trek

Gangotri glacier trek is  located in Gangotri National park which is around 6 Km away from the Gangotri shrine ,taken up mostly by the devotees to seek blessings of Goddess Ganga some take a step further and also visit Gomukh which is the end of the Gangotri glacier trek which is one of the popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts.

The Gangotri trek starts from the Gangotri town .The permits are obtained before going for the trek.Permits are verified at the checkpost which is around 2Km away from the Gangotri town.

After receiving permit for Gangotri National park the trekkers track throught the lush green forests and reach Chirbasa which is located at an altitude of around 3500 m above the sea level.

After that we will head for Bhojbasa which is around 5Km away from Chirbasa.To reach the Gangotri glacier trek one has to undertake a 5km trek from Bhojbasa.

How to reach Gangotri Glacier Trek-

The trek startsfrom gangotri which is connected by road.You can easily reach Gangotri from major cities of Garhwal region.

• Uttarkashi is the nearest town from Gangotri glacier trek
• Whereas the closest railway station and airport is located at Dehradun.
• The Gangotri trek starts from the Gangotri town .The permits are obtained before going for the trek.Permits are verified at the checkpost which is around 2Km away from the Gangotri town.
• After receiving permit for Gangotri National park the trekkers track throught the lush green forests and reach Chirbasa which is located at an altitude of around 3500 m above the sea level.
• After that we will head for Bhojbasa which is around 5Km away from Chirbasa.To reach the Gangotri glacier trek one has to undertake a 5km trek from Bhojbasa.