Historically and mythologically recognized as the source stream of the Ganga, the Bhagirathi River is born in the shadow of the colossal Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi peaks at Gaumukh (3,892 meters) at the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier. Named after the legendary sage-king Bhagiratha whose intense penance brought the celestial river down to earth, the Bhagirathi carves some of the deepest, sheerest granite canyons in the Himalayas.
Gaumukh and Gangotri Dham
From the melting snout of Gaumukh, the river rushes past Bhojwasa and Chirbasa to Gangotri Dham, where Goddess Ganga is worshiped in a pristine 18th-century white granite temple built by Gurkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.
The Great Tehri Dam Reservoir
At New Tehri, the Bhagirathi is impounded by the 260.5-meter-high Tehri Dam, the tallest dam in India and one of the highest in the world. The massive emerald reservoir submerged the historic capital of Old Tehri, creating a vast 42-sq-km lake that is now a hub for watersports.
Bhilangna Confluence
Before the construction of Tehri Dam, the town of Old Tehri marked the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and the Bhilangna river (originating from Khatling Glacier). Today this confluence is submerged within the deep reservoir.
High-Altitude Whitewater Corridors
The upper reaches of Bhagirathi between Harsil, Uttarkashi, and Dharasu feature exhilarating rapids, scenic apple orchards, deodar forests, and deep cultural heritage among the Jadh Bhotia communities.