Monday, May 11, 2020

Tapovan, Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Tapovan, Gangotri, Uttarakhand
Tapovan is a naturally diverse area carpeted by the lush green grasslands that are considered to be the best high-altitude grasslands in India. It is perched at an elevation of 4463 metres (14,640 feet) above sea level beyond Gaumukh at the feet of Mount Shivling. Tapovan is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts etc. Tapovan has emerged as a popular trekking destination in recent past and people from far-off places come to see the enchanting grasslands of Tapovan, decorated with flowering plants.



Etymology
Tapovan (Sanskrit) comes from the two root words tapas – meaning penance and by extension religious mortification and austerity, and more generally spiritual practice, and Vana, meaning forest or thicket. Tapovan then translates as forest of austerities or spiritual practice.

Tapovan
Tapovan is the area situated above the Gangotri Glacier at one of the primary sources of the Ganges It is a barren area situated at the foot of Shivling peak. Tapovan is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts etc. Tapovan means forest of penance and as the name suggests it is actually a cold barren dry land suitable for offering penance.


Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowering plants and the meadows are considered as one of the best high-altitude meadow in India. It is one of the most visited trails in Uttarakhand trekking. The trekking usually starts from Gomukh and the trek was considered moderate to difficult prior to the destruction of much of the trail from Gangotri to Gomukh by the 2013 North Indian Floods.

Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering expeditions including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak etc. There is also a place named Nandanvan near Tapovan, and Nandanvan is also trekked by trekkers and pilgrims. Nandanvan is also a spacious meadow located at the base of Bhagirathi massif.
Trekking & Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;
Location

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