Things to Do During Gangotri Yamunotri Yatra
Gangotri and Yamunotri are the beginning spots of two holy rivers in India Ganga and Yamuna respectively. Accordingly, these two places hold a high place in Hinduism. Hindu mythology states that Gangotri is the place where King Bhagirath performed atonement and after which River Ganga descended on the earth. Yamunotri is the place where travelers look for the endowments of the Yamuna, who is the sister of Yama (God of Death). As per the legends, it is believed that the Yamuna is the daughter of God Sun.
These two holy places are a part of spiritual destinations in Do Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. There are many things to explore during your Do Dham Yatra of Yamunotri and Gangotri including its impressive culture, auspicious festivals, adventurous activities, paying homage at the revered places. Gangotri Yamunotri Yatra by helicopter plays a vital role in making your pious journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Impressive Culture
Kanwar Yatra of Gangotri
With the beginning of the Hindu month of Shravan (commences in mid-July and continues till August) initiates hallowed Journey venture, Kanwar Yatra in Uttarakhand and in different parts of India too. It is a divine journey in which millions of devotees from all over the country come and make a journey to the holy shrines of Lord Shiva in Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Glacier in Uttarakhand and Bol Bam in Bihar to get the heavenly water of the Ganges River to pour it on different Shiva shrines in India. They walk around a hundred of miles to fetch the heavenly water of the holy river of Ganges.
The opening Ceremony of Yamunotri Temple
During winter the temple gets closed and the idol is taken to Kharsali and the temple gets opened when summer starts and the opening ceremony of the temple is quite impressive in which thousands of devotees recite the prayer of Goddess Yamuna and the temple is beautifully decorated with colorful scented flowers.
Auspicious Festivals
However, both the sacred destinations od Do Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is always flocked by thousands of devotees throughout the year but there are certain auspicious festivals on which the temple gets heavily crowded with devotees including Ganga Dussehra, Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya in Gangotri and Vasant Panchami, Phool Dei, Olgia and many more in Yamunotri. As per the Hindu calendar, Basant Panchami is celebrated in the last month of the year called Magh and even the festival highlights the starting of spring season. On this auspicious festival of Goddess Saraswati, the whole ambiance is dipped in yellow color.
Fun Activities
Despite reckoned as the religious destinations of Uttarakhand, Gangotri and Yamunotri offer many activities to get enthralled and entertained well. River rafting, trekking, and mountaineering are some of the subtle fun and adventurous activities in Gangotri. Trekking and camping activities in Yamunotri should not be missed out during your spiritual and religious journey in Uttarakhand.
Religious Places
There are many other religious places to visit and pay homage to the gods in and around Gangotri and Yamunotri. Gaumukh, Gangotri Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Mandir, Shakti Temple are some of the most visited religious places in Gangotri. Surya Kund (a natural hot water spring), Divya Shila, Lakhamandal, Janki Chatti (famous for hot water springs) and Yamunotri temple are some of the most sacred and heavily crowded religious destinations in Yamunotri.
Sightseeing Destinations
Uttarakhand is a state which is known for its mesmerizing scenic beauty which leaves the tourists and the devotees spellbind and astonished. Gangotri is beautifully studded with scenic splendors including Kedar Tal, Harsil, Dodi Tal, Auden’s Col, Dayara Bugyal and even there are many imposing mountain peaks. Yamunotri is also home to various scenic beauties including Kharsali, Badkot and many more where you can enjoy the utmost beauty of nature and a tranquil atmosphere.
Harsil
An unspoiled and a hidden jewel of Uttarakhand which is a perfect place if you are seeking for peace and deep serenity. Nestled in the lap of Himalayas at an elevation of 2260 meters above the sea level and on the river bank of Bhagirathi River. The region receives heavy snowfall during winter and the temperature goes below the freezing point. Numerous Apple and Deodar trees surround and décor the area beautifully.
Dodi Tal
Dense Alpine forests, snow-clad mountain peaks (during winter), gurgling streams, ample variety of flowers, and the picturesque trek complete the beauty of this grassland. This emerald lake is located at an elevation of 3310 meters above the sea level and amidst the high mountain ranges. As per Hindu epics, this is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha which gives it a religious significance too. This pristine and high altitude lake is counted as one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand.
Delicious Cuisines
Food is the basic necessity of our body and especially if we are on any trip then we want to try some lip-smacking and cuisine of that particular region. Tourists can savor various delicious Indian vegetarian dishes which are prepared from fresh local ingredients including authentic Garhwali cuisine like Phaanu, Gahat Ke Parathe, Chainsoo, Aloo Tamatar Ka Jhol and many more.
