Gomukh Ganga in Gangorti, Uttarakhand: A Complete Travel Guide

Gaumukh Ganga is also known as Gomukh or Gomukhi, is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the River Ganga. Located at the Gangotri glacier, it sits at an altitude of 13,200 ft (4,023 meters) and is about 19 kilometers from Gangotri.

The motorable road ends at Gangotri, and the remaining distance to Gaumukh Gnaga must be covered on foot. This site holds significant religious importance for Hindus and is a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination due to its moderate difficulty. The name “Gaumukh” means “Mouth of a Cow,” referring to the glacier’s snout, which once resembled a cow’s mouth.

Learn about the trek to Gomukh, the source of the Bhagirathi River, and the place where the Ganges River begins, and explore the town of Gangotri, the source of the Ganges River and home to the revered Gangotri Temple.

Suggested Read: Gangotri to Gomukh distance, route, trek & tips

Gangotri Temple

Gangotri temple sits 19 km before from Gomukh Gang and It is the source of the Ganges River. It is also one of the four holy shrines in the Hindu religion collectively known as “Char Dham Yatra.”

The town is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters  by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. Gangotri Temple is the main attraction of the town and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

Gangotri, Gaumukh to Tapovan 

Duration: 5 nights, 6 days
Destinations: Gangotri, Chirbasa, Bhojbasa, Gaumukh, Tapovan
Total Distance: Over 550 km from Dehradun
Travel Type: Group Travel
Experience: Trekking (moderate to challenging)
Budget: Approx INR 5000 per person

Things To See on the

Here’s a list of things to see around Gangotri Temple:

• Gangotri Temple: The primary attraction is the Gangotri Temple itself. The temple stands for Goddess Ganga.  It is on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
• Bhagirathi Shila: It is a holy rock slab near the Gangotri Temple, where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated to bring River Ganges down to the earth.
• Gangotri Glacier: This is the origin of the River Ganges and is around 18 km trek from Gangotri Temple.
• Tapovan: It is a high-altitude meadow at the foot of the Shivling Peak. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Pandava Gufa: According to Hindu mythology, Folklore tells  that the Pandavas, from the epic Mahabharata, and they meditated in these caves during their exile.
• Submerged Shiva Temple: As the Gangotri Glacier recedes, an ancient submerged Shiva Temple becomes visible at times.
• Harsil: A picturesque village located about 25 km  before Gangotri. It is famous for its apple orchards and stunning views of the surrounding hills.
• Surya Kund: Another hot water spring lies near the Gangotri Temple, where devotees cook rice and potatoes to offer to the deity.
• Gangnani: A small town known for its thermal springs and picturesque landscapes, situated about 36 km beofre Gangotri.
• Gangotri National Park: Spread over a vast area, this national park is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
• Bhairon Ghati: A revered site located on the way to Gangotri, dedicated to Bhairav (an incarnation of Lord Shiva).
• Kedar Ganga Sangam: It is the confluence of the Kedar Ganga River and the Bhagirathi River, located near Gangotri.
• Gartang Gali: An addition to the list! Gartang Gali is a ancient silk route, famous for its wooden bridge used by Tibetans traders and tranquil surroundings.

FAQ

Gomukh Altitude

• it sits at an altitude of 13,200 ft (4,023 meters)

Gomukh Ganga Udgam Sthal

• It  is in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Gomukh Cave

• The mouth of of the river Ganga.