Like other Pilgrimage in India Gangotri too has a legend associated with it. According to an old legend, Lord Shiva rewarded King Bhagirath after his penance and Ganga came down to earth. However, due to her pride, and the fact that the earth would be devastated if Ganga came down in her full force, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was then proclaimed that Goddess Uma or Parvati, Shiva's consort, would bathe in the Ganges daily and only then would she descend on the earth. The sacred stone near the temple denotes the place where Ganga first came down to earth. This is why Ganga is also called by the name of Bhagirathi.

According to mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received into his matted locks to minimize the immense impact of her fall. She came to be called Bhagirathi at her legendary source.

Along the right back of Bhagirathi stands the shrine of Gangotri dedicated to the Goddess. Perched at a height of 3042 mts., it was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander, Amar Singh Thapa. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims throng the sacred temple between May and October. By November, Gangotri is covered by snow. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhba, her winter abode (12 kms downstream).

The physical source of the holy river is at Gaumukh, 18 kms. furthur uphill, along the Gangotri Glacier. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies.

The most famous site nearby is the Gaumukh (literal meaning, cow's mouth) glacier, which is at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. It is the geographical origin of the Ganges and is at a distance of 18 km from Gangotri uphill. The Ganges is called the Bhagirathi here. At a distance of 28 km from Gangotri is Cheedvasa, where one can pick up local artifacts. Bhojvasa, at a distance of 22 km, is an ideal camping site.

Nandanvan is a 6-km tough trekking route along the glacier and gives a view of the Shivling. Across the snout of the Gangotri glacier is the sylvan Tapovan, which is known for its exquisite verdure encircling the base of the Shivling peak. From here, one can go to Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, at a height of 5590 meters and reach Badrinath.

On route Uttarkashi, at a distance of 9 km from Gangotri, is the Bhairon Valley, at the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Jat Ganga and is famous for its temple dedicated to Bhairavnath. Also on the same route is Dayara, at a distance of 90 km from Gangotri via Bhatwadi, which is a newly developed snow sports complex. At a distance of 53 km from Gangotri is the place known for its hot water springs, Gangnani, which is at an altitude of 1855 meters above sea level.

At a distance of 97 km from Gangotri is the pilgrimage spot of Uttarkashi. It is known for its Vishwanath and Kuteti Devi temples. Maneri, at a distance of 108 km from Gangotri, is a powerful electricity station. At a distance of 18 km from Gangotri is Kedartal, which serves as a base camp. Dodi Tal is a nearby lake.

Harsil is 25 km from Gangotri and is perched at a height of 2620 meters above sea level. It is well known for its resorts. There is the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864, which is often visited. Sat Tal or the seven lakes is wonderful sight and is near the village Dharali (20 km).