Which Himalayan glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi River?

Gangotri Glacier is the source of the Bhagirathi River.

The glacier lies in Uttarakhand, India, in the Garhwal Himalayas. Its terminus, traditionally called Gaumukh or “cow’s mouth,” is regarded as the source of the Bhagirathi, one of the principal headwaters of the Ganges.

The Bhagirathi flows through Uttarakhand and joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag. From that confluence, the river is called the Ganges. This means Gangotri Glacier is linked to one of South Asia’s most important river systems, even though the river’s name changes downstream.

Gangotri is also a major Hindu pilgrimage destination. The glacier has retreated over time, as have many Himalayan glaciers, due to a combination of climate trends and local environmental factors. It should not be confused with Yamunotri Glacier, which is associated with the Yamuna River.