FROM DEHRADUN
Overview
Gaumukh, literally meaning “Mouth of a Cow,” is a sacred and geographically significant location in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,023 meters (13,200 feet), it is the terminus, or snout, of the Gangotri Glacier. This makes it the primary source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the main headstreams of the holy Ganges River. The Bhagirathi flows for about 205 km before merging with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to form the Ganges.
The name “Gaumukh” is derived from the glacier’s appearance, which historically resembled a cow’s mouth. This site holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus, attracting numerous pilgrims and trekkers seeking to witness the origin of the sacred river. Mythology links the Bhagirathi’s descent to Earth with King Bhagiratha’s penance, who is believed to have brought the goddess Ganga (in the form of the river) from the heavens to cleanse his ancestors’ sins.
Highlights
- Source of the Bhagirathi River
- Immense Spiritual Importance
- Gangotri Glacier
- Breathtaking Himalayan Views
- Challenging but Rewarding Trek
- Unique Ecosystem and Wildlife
- Tapovan
