Gangotri - Origin of river Ganga

Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi district. It is approximately 270 kms from Rishikesh and at a distance of 99 Kms from Uttarkashi. Gangotri means 'Udgam of ganga' (starting of river ganga). Actually Bhagirathi river, which is the main tributary of river ganga starts from Gaumukh. It is 18 kms upwards from gangotri. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 meters, amidst captivating surroundings.
Gangotri temple was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The temple is situated on the left of river Bhagirathi.
A number of Ashrams are located on the other side of the river Bhagirathi. Some of these Ashrams also provide accomodation facilities to the visitors.

Yamunotri - Origin of yamuna River

Yamunotri is situated in uttarkashi district of Garhwal. yamunotri is the place of origin of river Yamuna. There is a long story behind the Yamuna river. Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Sun and Sangya. Yamraj is brother of Yamuna. Shani Dev is said to be the step brother of Yamuna who is son of Chhaya.

Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of 3323 m and is neary 215 kms from Rishikesh. It includes 6 kms of trek.

Badrinath - place of vishnu

Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Badrinath is one among the four major shrines of Garhwal popularly known as 'Chaar Dhaams of Garhwal'. This temple is one of the renowned temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Badrinath is an ancient temple founded around in 9th century by Shri Shanakracharya.


image: Badrinath Temple


Badrinath, situated at a height of 10,250 ft is approximately 300 Kms from Rishikesh, the nearest railway station. To reach this sacred place you have to go by road transport from Rishikesh onwards. From Rishikesh you have to leave to Srinagar which is approximately 160 Kms from Rishikesh. After Srinagar is Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag only the ways to Badrinath and Kedarnath are separated. Nearest Airport is JollyGrant Airport of Dehradun.

Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath is one among the four major shrines of Garhwal Himalayas and hence Kedarnath Yatra is one of the four journeys of four shrines of Garhwal i;e. "Char Dham Yatra". Kedarnath Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is nearly 320 Kms from Dehradun and 290 Kms from Rishikesh. Kedarnath temple is located at a height of approximately 3580 metres. This is a temple of Lord Shiva and it is regarded as one of the twelve well known Jyotirlingas.

The best time to go to Kedarnath Yatra is in May-June. The temple is open from mid April to October and during winters the whole area is covered with the snow.
It is said that Lord Shiva wished to elude the Pandavas here. Pandavas remain here as during at the time they had to leave for Vanvaas.