About Gangotri Yatra
One of the char dhams (the most sacred pilgrimage circuits in northern India with four holy destinations), Gangotri, in Uttarkashi, is a small town with the temple of Goddess Ganga at its heart. A 12-hour drive from Rishikesh, Gangotri is nestled among lofty Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and dense forests, and is one of the highest pilgrimages in India (approx 3,415 m). Other than its divine atmosphere, Gangotri offers stunning vistas all around.
According to Hindu legends, the most sacred of all rivers, the 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 is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 km away from Gangotri, and is accessible by trekking. After it originates from Gaumukh, the river is known as Bhagirathi and it acquires the name ‘Ganga’ after the river Alaknanda merges into it near the town of Devaprayag.
Best time to visit Gangotri yatra 2023
Gangotri becomes a bustling hub of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra season (May to October).
The most important things to carry before Going to Gangotri Yatra 2023:
Identity proof (with photo)
Everyone must have photo identity proof while traveling
Pocket diary
important contact numbers of relatives and other services should be there which could be contacted in case of emergency
Some extra cash other than a wallet
some extra cash you must carry other than the wallet in case of emergency
Warm clothes
Clothes preferred are woolen, mufflers, cap, and gloves as Gangotri is a cold climate area thermals and woolen clothes must be carried
Sunglasses for eye protection
To protect your eyes from the cold temperature you must carry glasses which could cover your full eyes
First aid kit
First aid kit with some basic medicine carries a First aid kit when we are going to the Yatra. It is a very important thing to carry before a journey. You can take some medicines like painkillers, Disprin, Glucose, ORS and other tablets, Moov, etc.
Mobile/power bank
chances might be there that you won’t be able to get a place to charge your phone so must carry a power bank with you
Instant food
some snacks and instant cooking food as its long journey takes some snacks to munch while traveling.
Thermos
Water bottle preferred warm water take good quality water bottle at least 1 liter which could keep water warm for some good time.
Extra carry bag
Extra carry bag to put waste in it- maybe while traveling you won’t be able to get dustbins everywhere so keep small bags to keep waste.
Durable backpack
backpack which could hold a good amount of material- a good size of bag that could carry all the items you are carrying and should be comfortable to wear.
Raincoat & umbrella
Raincoat & umbrella- As weather cant be predicted there keep a raincoat or umbrella with you to keep yourself safe.
Waterproof trekking shoes
Waterproof trekking shoes Normal shoes would not work there so have good quality trekking shoes to avoid chances of slipping
Toiletry kit
Toiletry kit- take a toiletry kit as while in Yatra it would help.
Face mask
Face mask – You can also carry a face mask to cover your face from cold winds
Urine Bag
urine bag – it would come into play when toilets are not easily accessible.
Moisturizer Cream
Moisturizer cream – To protect your skin must carry good moisturizer cream.
Torch
torch – you must have this in your bag for night situations.
Trekking Stick
Trekking stick – if needed you can have a stick to trek easily.
Camera With Extra Batteries
If carrying a camera, take extra batteries.
Offline Map Downloaded
offline map downloaded it would work if by chance network doesn’t work there properly.
Water Purification Tablet
A water purification tablet can be used if you doubt that water is impure.
Rental Oxygen Cylinder
Rental oxygen cylinder. If anyone feels even a little scarce of oxygen while going high in altitude this oxygen cylinder must be taken.
All the best wishes for your Gangotri Yatra 2023
