Gaumukh is the second-largest glacier of India with 30
kms in length and 4 kms in width, first one being
Siachen. The Himalayan peaks visible during this trek are Shivling, Sudarshan, Meru, Bhagirathi sisters,Kharchkund and more.
The trail to Gaumukh is open for trekkers and pilgrims from May to October. Gangotri National Park remains closed during winters as it is prone to heavy snowfall.
Visit the Gangotri Temple is a key attraction of this
trek. It is one of the sacred Char Dham of Uttarakhand Gangotri is the place from where Bhagirathi River descends. Situated at an altitude of 3,048mts above sea level, Gangotri acts as the base camp of the trek to Gaumukh Glacier.
About Rive Ganga (Ganges)
Gang is a sacred river which nurtures entire North
India. Bhagirathi River is the most important tributary of Ganga. Gaumukh Glacier is the source of Bhagirathi River which is also referred to as Ganga before its confluence with Alaknanda River at Devprayag.
Mythology about Gaumukh Trek
According to Hindu mythology, Gaumukh is the source of the holy river Ganga which is revered by the Hindus.
According to a local legend, once a shepherd boy
came across the glacier in Gangotri, while searching
for his lost sheep and named the glacier as 'Gomukh
due to its striking resemblance to the mouth of a cow. From then onwards, many sage, hermits, religious people, and travelers went there to worship the place.
Gaumukh has also been mentioned in the Puranas.
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