
One of the main religious places among the four Char Dham pilgrimage areas, Gangotri, situated in Uttarkashi, is closely related to Goddess Ganga, the river that we know as Ganges. The history of Gangotri dates back to centuries when Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s forefathers, following his penance. Gangotri is a popular pilgrim place in India, which stands at an altitude of 3042m and emits a highly pious aura. Religious rituals are in full swing in the Gangotri temple with the aarti ceremony performed by the pujaris of the Semwal family.The river Ganga originates from the Gangotri glacier and is known as Bhagirathi. The name Ganga picks up later on after the river passes Devprayag and merges into the river Alaknanda. The striking presence of the snow-clad mountains in the vicinity and the pure crystal clear water of the Ganges flowing around add to the sanctity of the place. Vegan food dominates the culture and is available in the local food joints or dhabas. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are a strict no-no.
Located at an altitude of 2286 m and away from the city hustle-bustle, Dhanaulti offers a range of serene places for sightseeing and absolute relaxation. Devoid of fancy hotels and modern cafe-style eateries, this is the place if you are seeking a weekend of privacy in the hills.