Gangotri (3,415 m) in Uttarkashi is the origin temple of the Ganga. According to legend, King Bhagirath performed penance here to bring the Ganga to earth. A trek to Gaumukh — the actual snout of the Gangotri Glacier 18 km away — is one of India's most revered spiritual treks. Yamunotri (3,293 m), also in Uttarkashi, is the source temple of the Yamuna. The Surya Kund hot spring nearby is where pilgrims cook rice and potatoes as sacred prasad — a unique ritual tradition. Both temples open in April-May and close in October-November when snow makes them inaccessible.

•           Gangotri (3,415 m) in Uttarkashi district is the origin temple of the sacred Ganga river.

•           The Bhagirathi river flows through Gangotri town, having descended from the glacier 18 km away.

•           According to legend, King Bhagirath performed penance at Gangotri to bring the Ganga to earth.

•           The Gangotri temple was built in the 18th century by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.

•           A trek to Gaumukh — the snout of the Gangotri Glacier — is one of India's most revered spiritual treks.

•           Yamunotri (3,293 m) in Uttarkashi is the source temple of the Yamuna river.

•           The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is surrounded by high Himalayan peaks.

•           Surya Kund, a boiling hot spring near Yamunotri, is where pilgrims cook rice and potatoes as sacredprasad.

•           Yamunotri is accessible only by a 6-kilometre trek from Janki Chatti or Phool Chatti.

Both temples are open only May-November; the deities are moved to winter abodes when the shrinesclose

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