Gaumukh Peak is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s famous primarily because of its association with the Gangotri Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which eventually becomes the Ganges River. The peak itself is not very high compared to other Himalayan peaks, standing at an elevation of around 6,479 meters (21,250 feet).
| Location | Uttarkashi |
| Parent range | Garhwal Himalayas |
| Altitude | 6,479 meters (21,250 feet) |
| First ascent | In 1974 by a team of Indian mountaineers led by Hukam Singh. |
| Best time to visit | May, Jun, Sep, Oct |
Mythology About Gaumukh peak
Gaumukh, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality. It’s the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier and is considered the source of the Bhagirathi River, which eventually merges with the Alaknanda River to form the holy Ganges River.
One of the most popular myths associated with Gaumukh is its connection to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Ganges River originally flowed in heaven and was brought down to earth by Lord Shiva to alleviate the suffering of humanity.
Gaumukh, which translates to “cow’s mouth” in Hindi, derives its name from the shape of the glacier, which resembles a cow’s mouth. It’s said that the Ganges emerges from a cavern shaped like a cow’s mouth at the snout of the glacier. The water that flows from Gaumukh is considered extremely sacred by Hindus, and many pilgrims undertake arduous journeys to reach this spot to bathe in its icy waters and perform religious rites.
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