Out of the Cow's Mouth

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Gangotri and Gaumukh Trek

Gangotri is right up near the northern border of India. It is one of the holiest places in India and consequently a major pilgrimage site because it is located at the source of the Ganges River. It is one of the Char Dham, four pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Gangorti temple is built near the place where the god Shiva supposedly received the Ganges in his matted locks. Above Gangotri sits Gaumukh, the glacier that gives birth to the Ganges. The most determined pilgrims can make a trek up to the glacier. Because its such a popular destination, the path is well-established and guides are generally not needed. This seemed like a good idea for me. Kevin has been telling us about these places since we were children, and it had been my plan from the beginning to go there. Unfortunately, because of the altitude and remote locations of these sites, they usually are only open in the summer, beginning in May. Some areas didn’t open until June. Due to the way I worked out my schedule towards the end, I would only have time for one of the sites, so I decided on Gangotri since it was so important in the Hindu world.

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Photos

Quite the setting
Looking back from the river towards the temple

Frying jalebis
Jalebis are about the most unhealthy thing ever: fried swirls of dough drenched in syrup...why are they so tempting???

Misty mountains
I love this one. This is the beginning of the trek.

Comments

[pushpendra gujjar]

good image
photo of temple is very nice.i have been post this photo of my pc desktop

[pushpendra baisla]

analysesof photography
this photo is very nice.i have added this photo in my home album..

[vinqy]

computer-chair travel experience.thanks
thanks for sharing your exciting travel visuals --- Vinay

[wanderlust1806]

well described..probably the best photos seen till date of the trek route and the place...

[The River Po]

Thanks all
Many thanks for the comments!