Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri glacier perched in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This glacier originates at the northern slope of Chaukhamba range of peaks. This glacier serves as a vital source of Ganga River and is the largest glacier in the Himalayas, having an estimated volume of about 27 cubic km.

Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and is the primary source of Ganges, the largest river in India. The glacier is about 30 kilometers long and 4 kms wide.

Tourists and pilgrims who travel to Gangotri temple to seek blessings of Goddess Ganga, some pilgrims take a step further and visit Gomukh, the source of river Ganges located 19 kms from Gangotri. Gomukh is the terminus of Gangotri glacier which is a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts who love to visit the Gangotri glacier and submerge themselves in its grandeur.

The Gangotri glacier is surrounded by majestic peaks of Gangotri Group, offering arduous trekking to Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru and Bhagirathi III. This glacier is a combination of several other glaciers that drains into it and forms a huge mass of ice. The Bhrigupanth (6772m), Kirti stambh (6285), Sumeru Parvat (6380) respectively and, Ratavana Bamak, Chaturangi Bamak and Swachand Bamak which lies on the northeast slope of Srikailash, Man parvat, Satopanth and an un-named group of peaks.

Trekking Route To Gangotri Glacier

Gomukh and Tapovan near Gangotri Glacier are not only revered by pilgrims and devotees but also a favorite trekking destination among adventure souls. For a proper Gomukh-Tapovan trek, it usually takes around 6-7 days on an average.

After obtaining permit to enter Gangotri National Park, the trek commences from the Gangotri town itself. Permits are verified at forest check post, just 2 kms from the Gangotri town. As the trekkers enter deeper into the lush green valley, one reaches Chirbasa, located 9 kms from the Gangotri town. Chirbasa is perched at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The majestic Bhagirathi peaks never leaves your sight as one reached Bhojbasa, 5 kms ahead of Chirbasa. In order to reach the Gangotri glacier, one needs to undertake a 5 km trek from Bhojbasa.

Location & How to Reach Gangotri Glacier

The trek starts from Gangotri, which is well connected by motorable road. Buses from all major cities of garhwal are available to Gangotri. Uttarkashi is the nearest big town and Dehradun is the closest railhead and airport.

Read How to Reach guide for Gangotri National Park.