Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi, at the height of 3,048 mt, in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas. The 6 mt high Gangotri shrine is dressed in white granite stone and is situated on the right bank of the river, Bhagirathi. As the legend goes, this shrine was built by the Gorkha general, Amar Singh Thapa and rebuilt by the maharaja of Jaipur. This 18th century temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga, who is believed to have descended from heaven as the "stream of life" in response to king Bhagirath's penance.

14 km from Gangotri is Gaumukh, where the source of the holy Ganges - the Gangotri glacier - is situated. Submerged in the water is the "shivling", the rock on which Lord Shiva supposedly sat to receive Ganga.
The best season for a trip to Gangotri is from Apr-Nov.