Gangotri is in among the remotest place that I have ever been so far, its deep in Himalyas far away from civilization. Place where holy Ganga (Bhagirathi river) originated and started as a small stream with an intention to nurture life all along its path.
Our journey began from Mumbai, with a night halt at DehraDun and start of a long drive by a rented private car to Gangotri (should cost about 100$ for 4 days car rental including fuel charges). It was a very scenic drive, passing through remote villages in high Himalays.
Most of the route had a single winding lane supporting a two-way traffic, some stretches might not even meet the safety standards and so it is advisable to hire an experience driver who is familiar with the route. After 10 Hrs. drive we reached Gangotri, a very small town in heart of Himalya with sufficient number of hotels to take care of pilgrims.
After reaching Gangotri I felt as if I have logged out of civilization network and entered into land of spirituality (Carpet travelers may have to compromise on luxury, considering the remoteness of this beautiful holy place)
Early morning we started on 18 km. trek up the hill to Gaumukh Glacier (Gaumukh in Hindi means cow?s mouth), which is an originating point of the Ganga. Climb was a little tiring for software engineer like me who has never done trekking before and almost confined to a cubicle (ponies are also available at a reasonable cost for elderly and children). We took a night break at Lal Baba ashram in Bhojvasa (place about 14 km. from Gangotri).
It felt as if we are in 18th century in middle gigantic mountains around the ashram with no electricity, no telephone exchange and no medical facilities close by. I guess one can now feel the presence of God (creator and only protector of life) with humming sound of flowing Bhagirathi river in background. Ashram had bare minimum facility to keep the pilgrim warm and comfortable, serving everyone with vegetating food and hot tea. After sunset everyone is invited for a common dinner.
I felt very thankful for organizers of ashram living in such solitude and serving the pilgrims in remote wilderness.
Early morning about 6:30 AM we headed toward Gaumukh situated at height of 4200 meter above sea level, vegetation on the hills now starts disappearing showing the sign of harsh cold climate and landscape becomes drier and rocky. After 4 km we were able to witness the end point of a glacier and also origination of a small stream from a cave naturally carved in a glacier. It is supposed to be the holiest place on Earth, hometown of Lord Shiva, and meditation ground for Rishi?s (Heavy weight/Gurus of spirituality).
On the way back from Gaumukh, we visited temple of Gangotri and took a warm water bath at Gangnani in a swimming pool naturally created from hot water spring (Gangnani about 50 Km from Gangotri).
Advice: Travel with warm clothing, raincoat, and first aid/survival kit. If planning to travel by car, do not drive; you will be better off hiring an experience driver.