Gangotri

Gangotri is a town in Uttarkashi District in the state of Uttarakhand, the birth place of river Ganga and the abode of Goddess Ganga. Considered a pilgrim destination by Hindus, it is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, lies on the Himalayan range and is at an elevation of 3,753 metres. The holiest river, Ganga, originates from the town of Gangotri and is called Bhagirathi and its name changes at Devprayag where it goes on to meet with the Alakanda river. A major tourist and religious attraction is the temple of Goddess Ganga, which was built by a Nepalese general, Amar Singh Thapa. The temple is closed on Diwali every year and then reopens in the month of May. During the closure, the idol of Goddess Ganga is kept at Mukhba village near Harsil.