Gangori - Maneri - Bhattevari - Gangadhni - Sughi - Ghala - Harshil - Langha - via Bayonvatti to Gangotri is almost 228km. The journey to Gangotri via Uttarakashi is by passing through the mountains on this journey Bhagirathi (at Devaprayag it joins with Alanthanandha to form Ganga river ) can be seen. Even though it was noon it was really cold. Through out the journey agricultural land, Apple plantation, Coniferous trees, Pine trees and thousands of sheeps and goats along with the shepherds are also seen. At the place where conveyance stops it leads to a narrow road leading to Gangotri temple. From Gangotri to Gomughe it's 18kilometres.
The way starts with a huge uphill. On side there is Bhagirathi river and on the other side mountains. These mountains stay in such a way that it can fall down at any moment. In most locations the road is blocked. In many of those locations there are temporary roads. It's situated 10300 feet above sea level and 14640 feet above Gangotru, as the altitude increases lungs has to work more. It may cause breathing trouble if tried to walked speedily. Precaution for the above involves slow walk with breaks in between for relaxation. There is a checklist situated almost 2km from Gangotri. Here the entry pass and baggages will be checked. Plastics are prohibited beyond this limit. If it's unavoidable, a declaration has to be given and while coming back it has to be reported back at the counter. Otherwise there will be fine for it. By 1pm Cheerbhasa the first waiting area is situated 9km from Gangotri. There are many Dhabas over here. It has also got the facility to stay over nights. On the way flocks of sheep and goats are seen. It's a wide ground situated on the bank of Bhagirathi which is almost 2kilometres and has got lot of Flowers, short scrubs, rocks and mountains. For the stay there are limited buildings and few tents. It's owned by Gad Val Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) and by few private owners. We have arranged to stay in one of such building in their dormitory.
Gomudhe is situated 13776 feet above sea level. Gomughe looks like a cave front. Caves upper part is projected forward. Gangotri glacier which almost 26km in length and 4km wide starts from here. This glacier melts and flows out as flowing out from a cave. From here Bhagirathi river flows out. It's believed Gomukhi and Gangotri were at the same place and later they were parted. Since Ganga river cannot be seen beyond Gomukh, it's believed that Gangadhar origin is from Gomukh. From Gomukhi after crossing Gangotri glacier walking for almost 3 kilometres leads to Thapovana. Because of extreme cold, strong breeze and high altitude the level of oxygen supply is less and it makes the journey bit difficult. There are no special roads made for it. By walking over many small and big rocks one can reach there. On few of those rocks sign boards are drawn. Under the glacier there are several huge deep pits covered by thin layer of snow, stepping on it will cause great danger. Sound of glacier snow rocks melting and the huge rocks falling from mountains on to the glacier can always be heard. Since glacier was in the melting stage, there was a danger of falling into deep pits. Huge hills, deep valleys, hanging slopes with almost 26 kilometres and 4 kilometres wide is the Gangotri glacier and it's a miracle to be watched.
