Uttaranchal is one of the most beautiful, well-preserved and enchanting states located on the northern part of India. The region is blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic rivers, gigantic Himalayan peaks, skiing resorts and dense forests. Nature has endowed this region with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that the land is also known as Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods). It has within its borders the char-dhams (the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples): Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This is the land where Vedas and Shastras were composed and the great Indian epic - Mahabharata was written. The region has always been the source of inspiration for nature lovers and seekers of peace and spirituality. The locals are friendly, warm, with rich culture and traditions

The Himalayas
The highest and the youngest mountain ranges in the world, the Himalayas form the northern border of the Indian sub-continent. In Sanskrit Himalayas means "abode of snow", truly characterizing the vast and permanent snowfields above the snowline. In the heart of these majestic mountains lies the state of 'Uttaranchal' with Kumaon district on its east and Garhwal on the west. This mountainous region offers a wonderful panorama of high snow-clad peaks, making one fall in love with the Himalayas and feel closer to God. Of the many beautiful peaks the most famous are Mt. Everest, Mt. K2, Mt. Kamet and Mt. Nanda Devi.

Home of the Ganga
Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttaranchal. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent. It represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history and civilization. The source of Ganga is at 'Gaumukh' (the shape of the ice formation is like a cow's mouth), where the mighty river emerges from the depths of the Gangotri glacier. Rising in the icy caves the gushing and gurgling Bhagirathi starts its long journey downwards where later it joins river Alaknanda and becomes Ganga.

DEHRADUN

The capital city of Uttranchal, surrounded on the east by river Ganga, on the west by Yamuna, the Doon Valley is a most picturesque region at the foothills of the panoramic Shivalik ranges.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max 36.6, Min 16.7; Winter- Max 23.4, Min 5.2
Clothings : Summer- Cottons, Winter- Woollens.
Season : Throughout the Year.

GANGOTRI

In the hinterlands of the Himalayas is Gangotri where, it is believed, Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time. According to the Hindu religious scriptures, the goddess manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirathi's sons, following his penance of several centuries. At the legendary source of the river, goddess Ganga is worshipped in the form of deity. The Gangotri temple was built in the early 18th century by a Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. By November, Gangotri is snowbound, and so the deity is taken 25 kms downstream to Mukhba, so that her devotees are not thwarted. Despite the severe cold, however, several "SADHUS" remain at Gangotri year round, even through the very severe winter. Gomukh, the identified source of the river Ganga, is 18 kms further uphill. The trek to Gomukh is gradual, and severl pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage to the river at its known source.

PLACES OF INTREST & EXCURSIONS
SUBMERGED SHIVLING :
A natural Shivling formed of rock, submerged in the river, where according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when the Ganga first descended to earth. The Shivling is visible only when the water is clear in early winter.
GOMUKH TREK (23 Km):
Snout of Gangotri glacier & source of the river Bhagirathi,Gomukh is located at an altitude of 4200 metres. En route accommodation is available at Bhojwasa in Tourist Rest House.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max.20, Min.5; Winter- Max Subzero, Min.Snowbound
Clothings : Summer- Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woollens.
Best Season : May-June and September-October.

BADRINATH

The temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries. Once reached after tortuous treks but easily accessible today by road. At Uttarkashi at a height of over 3000 metres the snow melts to form the sacred rivers of Ganga and Yamuna in the deep recess of the mountains. The route to the two sources begins at Rishikesh and passes ancient temples and Valleys along the way. The Shrines are open from 1st week of May upto Diwali day.

USEFUL INFORMATION :
1. Inoculation against Cholera is necessary.
2. Boiled Water is advisable for drinking.
3. Tinned provisions are useful.
4. Travellers should carry warm clothing, blankets, water proof ground sheets, rain coat, umbrella, torch, walking sticks, canvas shoes and some medicines.
5. Dandies, Kandies, Ponies are available at all the bus terminals at reasonable charges with the help of G.M.V.N. conducted tour guides.

HARIDWAR

Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the point where the river Ganga reaches the plains. It is an ancient pilgrimage site, held in reverence for centuries. Legend has it that King Bhagiratha brought the Ganga onto the earth, and it was at this point where his ancestors were burnt to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila.

Haridwar (and Rishikesh) represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrines begins only when the sun reaches the zodiac sign of Aries. Haridwar is also the site of celebration of the Kumbh Mela, once in twelve years, when Jupiter transits to the zodiac sign of Aquarius. The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. Gangadwara is the most important temple here. The Ganga Aarti performed in all temples at Haridwar simultaneously at 7 pm each evening, is a spectacular sight.