Day 2 – Uttarkashi-Gangnani-GANGOTRI-Bhaironghati-Harsil-Bhatwari-Uttarkashi

Part II ... Contd (Gangotri)

Suryakund Waterfalls and Gaurikund

After taking the darshan of Maa Ganga at the Gangotri Temple, we visited the spectacular Surya Kund Waterfall. One has to cross an iron bridge to have a clear view of the magnificent falls. On one side of the bridge lies the Surya Kund and on the other side lies the Gauri Kund.

The beautiful bridge across which is located the Surya Kund
The beautiful bridge across which is located the Surya Kund

Magnificient Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri
Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri, as seen from the bridge

Gauri Kund at Gangotri
Gauri Kund situated on the other side of the bridge

The thundering milky white water bellowing down and the resulting froth that ensued made for an extremely pretty sight… What made it even more beautiful was the tiny little rainbow that had formed on the water by the sun’s rays!! Enlarge the pic to get a clear view of it!

Magnificient Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri
Magnificient Surya Kund waterfall at Gangotri

The beautiful smooth curves of the rocks implied that in the summers and the rainy season the water must be falling from the top of the cliff... what an astounding sight it would be then!!

Char Dham - Gangotri
View from the bridge

Some of the places which are definitely worth mentioning here and which I could not get a chance to visit this time around are:-

Natural Shivling

There is also a Shivling which is submerged in the river here. This natural rock Shivling is the place where Lord Shiva sat when he received the River Ganga in his matted locks. It is visible only in the winter months when the water level decreases.

Pandav Gufa

There is also the Pandav Gufa (cave) which is a 1.5 km trek from Gangotri. This is the place where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated on their way to the Kailash. The entire trek and the place around the cave is said to be very beautiful, full of natural splendor.

Gangotri is also a place from where numerous treks start. These places include –

Gaumukh Glacier

The Gaumukh glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) river and it is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. The 18 km distance from Gangotri has to be covered on foot. There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 km from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available. Extremely magnificent panoramic views of the Bhagirathi peaks are visible during this trek.

Gaumukh - The origin of River Ganga near Gangotri
Gaumukh - The origin of River Ganga near Gangotri,
(image courtesy Google images)

Bhagirathi peaks Gaumukh, trek from Gangotri
Bhagirathi peaks, Gaumukh
(image courtesy Google Picasa)

Nandanvan Tapovan

A trek across the Gangotri glacier leads you to these two places. An ardous trek of 6 km from Gaumukh is worth the view it offers – the surrounding Shivling peak and beautiful meadows that surround its base.

Shivling Peak, Trek to Nandanvan and Tapovan from Gangotri
The Awesome sight of the Shivling Peak, 
(image courtesy Google Picasa)


Kedartal

An enchanting lake at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri situated at an elevation of 4425 feet above the sea level against the majestic Thalaiyasagar peak in the background. The trekking route is rough and requires a local guide.

Kedartal in the Himalayas, Gangotri trekking
Kedartal in the Himalayas,