Gangotri - गंगोत्री

The Ganges is the holiest river in India, and its source is thus an important place of pilgrimage. The village of Gangotri is 3140 m high and surrounded by giant deodars. The temple of the Goddess Ganga was built in the early 19th century by the Gurkha general Amar Singh Thapa, when Nepal still ruled this area. The actual source is reckoned to be at Gaumukh (Cow's mounth), an ice cave at the foot of the Gangotri Glacier. This is 1100 m and a 14 walk above Gangotri village.
It is the spiritual source of Ganga, the holiest river in the country. The 20ft. high Gangotri temple an altitude of 3048 metres is set on the left bank of Bhagirathi. It was built in early 18th century by Amar singh thapa, a Gorkha general and was renovated in 20th century by the ruler of Jaipur. Raja Bhagirathi is said to have worshipped Lord shiva at the sacred wstone nearby. There is also a 'submerged' shivlinga, which is believed to be the site where Ganga descended into the matted locks of Lord Shiva.