Gangotri Glacier - Definition and Overview

Gangotri Glacier is located in Uttaranchal, India in a region bordering Tibet. The glacier is about 30 km long and 2 to 4 km wide. The source of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow's mouth, and the place is called Goumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). Goumukh, which is about 18 km from the town of Gangotri, is the precise source of the Bhagirathi river, an important tributary of the Ganga.

The Gangotri glacier is a traditional Hindu pilgrimage site. Devout Hindus consider bathing in the icy waters near Gangotri town to be a holy ritual, and many make the trek to Goumukh.

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