Gomukh

Gomukh, nestled in the Indian Himalayas, is not just a cave but a revered natural site that marks the spiritual source of the Ganges River. This remote pilgrimage destination, whose name literally translates to "cow's mouth," is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters in the state of Uttarakhand. Gomukh serves as the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier, from where the Bhagirathi River emerges, later joining the Alaknanda River downstream to form the Ganges proper.

The site has been a destination for devout Hindus for centuries, who undertake the arduous trek to pay homage to the river considered a goddess in Hinduism. The trek to Gomukh starts from the town of Gangotri, about 18 kilometers away, and takes one through rugged mountain paths, offering both spiritual solace and a touch of adventure.

The cave itself, at the base of the glacier, is a natural formation that resembles the mouth of a cow, giving it its name. Over the years, the glacier has been receding, and hence, the cave and the point where the water gushes out have been changing. However, the sanctity of the site remains undiminished.

Gomukh is also a critical spot for environmentalists and glaciologists studying the effects of climate change on the Himalayan glaciers. Its retreat is carefully monitored as an indicator of the health of the region's ecology.