Best tourist Places in Ghangaria, Uttarakhand, India

Best tourist Places in Ghangaria, Uttarakhand, India

Six kilometers en route to Hemkund Sahib, there is a small village by the name Ghangaria. Ghangaria village is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The geographical coordinates of Ghangaria puts the place at 30.701697⁰N and 79.593587⁰E. Ghangaria is 3049m above sea level. Two rivers, Bhyundar Ganga and Pushpawati, meet near the place Ghangaria, forming the Lakshman Ganga. The river flows downstream and meets with the river Alaknnda near Govindghat. Ghangaria is at a distance of 13km from Govindghat. One can reach the place by foot or take a ride on a mule from Govindghat to Ghangaria. In winter season temperatures drop to as low as -2 ⁰C and in Summers the temperature touches a maximum of 28 ⁰C.

The period beginning from June till the end of October is the most preferable time for vacation at Ghangaria.

History of Ghangaria

Over the years, Ghangaria city was ruled by many dynasties such as Kunindas, Guptas, Gurjara-Pratihara, Katyuris, Raikas, Palas, Panwars, and Sikhs before the British took control of the city.

During the 2nd century, Ghangaria was ruled by Kunindas dynasty. There are also some artifacts that show the existence of Buddhism in some parts of the town. In 1803, the Gurkha Empire conquered Ghangaria. Later in 1816, the Gurkha Empire was defeated by the British Raj who later took control of the city.

In the year 1947, after the Indian Independence, Ghangaria became a part of Uttarakhand state.

In 1982, The Valley of Flowers National Park, near Ghangaria was declared as UNESCO World Heritage site. This National Park spans over an area of 87.5 km².

People & Culture of Ghangaria

There are people worshipping either Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Muslim and Hinduism religion in Ghangaria. Punjabi, Garhwali and Hindi are the languages spoken by the people in and around Ghangaria, with Hindi being the local language.

Dance has been the main culture in this region.

Purna Kumbh mela is hosted every year to mark the eve of Makar Sankranti. This Mela attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Harela Mela, Nanda Devi Mela is some other Melas that are organized every year.

Food and Shopping at Ghangaria

Wheat has been the staple food in this region. Punjabi food is also available in Ghangaria village since it is en route to Sikh pilgrimage center. There are restaurants that serve excellent vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes to tourists.

Tourist Places in Ghangaria

There are a few religious places with wonderful architecture and beautiful natural landscapes of interest in and around Ghangaria. Some of these are mentioned below

Valley of Flowers National Park

Spanning over an area of 87.50 km² and this park exhibits a wonderful flora with over 500 different varieties of wild flower plants growing in the park.

Hemkund Sahib

This a religious place dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The place is surrounded with hills covered by dense green forests.

Vasundhara Waterfall

Being one of the most beautiful destinations in Ghangaria, the waterfalls provides an amazing experience to tourists.

Govind Ghat

Located at a height of 5999 feet from sea level, one have a birds view of the surrounding region.

Nanda Devi National Park

Spread over a total area of 629 km², this park offers tourist a breath taking view of the spectacular peaks.

Other places of interest in Ghangaria are mentioned below

Narsingh Temple
Gurdwara Gobind Dham
Adi Badri
Kalpavriksha
Badrinath
Mana
Joshimath
Auli

Means of Commutation to Ghangaria

Ghangaria is well connected with the rest of the places in India.

To reach Ghangaria one has to walk 13km from Govind Ghat since all mortar roads ends at Govind Ghat. NH58 connects Govindghat to other places in India. The distance of Govind Ghat, via road, from cities within the state and neighboring states are given below

Haridwar is located at a distance of 300 km
Rishikesh is located at a distance of 267 km
Pauri is located at a distance of 252 km
Rudraprayag is located at a distance of 143 km
Karnaprayag is located at a distance of 120 km
Srinagar is located at a distance of 162 km
Delhi is located at a distance of 492 km

Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railway to Govindghat which is located at a distance of 275 km.

Jolly Grant Airport in the state of Uttarakhand is located at a distance of 292 km from Govind Ghat. This is the only airport which connects Ghangaria to the rest of the world.

Accommodation Options at Ghangaria

One can come across hotels in Ghangaria offering deluxe, luxury and budget rooms to tourists. There are also five star hotels with first class services, rooms priced at Rs. 3000/- per day. There are also hotels renting room at a charge of Rs. 500/- per day.