Glaciers in Garhwal region :

Glaciers in the state of Uttarakhand are the prime source of some of the important streams of India. The sacred River Ganga has its origin in the meltwater of Gangotri Glacier ,apart from this glacier, Bandar Poonch,  and Pindari are some of the popular glaciers in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. 
Most of the known glaciers in Uttarakhand feed the enduring rivers that flow through the state and are an important source of fresh water for the locals. Needless to say that hiking to these glaciers is a popular adventure activity amongst the adventure aficionados. However, some of the glaciers are counted as holy in Uttarakhand making a must see or a place to perform the pilgrimage, while there are some glaciers that are admired for their enormous size, high altitude, and resplendence.

Bandarpunch Glacier :

Bandarpunch which literally means “monkey’s tail”, is a glacier which lies in the western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. With numerous legends attached to it, this glacier is one of the most popular escapades for countless trekking fanatics. Situated around 6316 m above the sea level, Bandarpunch Glacier nestles broadly on the slope of three peaks namely Bandarpunch I (6316m) and Bandarpunch II (6102m) and Kalanag also known as the Black Peak (6387m). The beauty and the uniqueness of this natural wonder is that it feeds the river Ganga and the river Yamuna.

The month of May or June is considered to be the perfect time to trek this spot. During this time the trail to Bandarpunch Glacier features abundant spring flowers in their full bloom.

Gangotri Glacier :

Located in the Uttarkashi district of Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri Glacier is considered as one among the most pious glaciers. Being the source of the sacred River Ganges, Gangotri Glacier is significant to Hindu pilgrims.

Popularly known as Gaumukh, the terminus of the glacier resembles a cow’s mouth. Bordering China, this glacier also feeds River Bhagirathi. The trek to Gangotri Glacier is a legendry one and features an exhilarating trail. The route is challenging but it opens up to some of the most fascinating views of enchanting Himalayan Peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, Meru and many more. Gangotri glacier is one of the most intriguing natural wonder. Characterizing glacial troughs, crevasses, waterfalls, smooth rock walls and supraglacial lakes, it stands testimony to the beauty of creation.

Khatling Glacier :

Khatling Glacier is situated in the state of Uttarakhand. Positioned alongside the Gangotri Glacier, Khatling glacier is a lot significant. Being the source of River Bhilangana, it has numerous myths and legends attached to it. It is said that a beautiful Bhil maiden had tried to tempt Lord Shiva during his meditation. On receiving rejection from Lord Shiva, she had turned into liquid, which led to the origin of River Bhilangana.

Blessed with abundance of natural beauty Khatling Glacier is adorned by the two extremely surreal lakes Masar Tal and Sahasra Tal. Khatling Glacier is also surrounded by some of the most magnificent peaks such as Jogin group (6466m), Sphetic Pristwar (6905m), Barte Kauter (6579m) Kirti Stambh (6902m) and Meru.

Doonagiri Glacier :

Doonagiri Glacier is a prominent glacier located near Joshimath in Garhwal Himalayas. Imperative to the Dhauli Ganga system of glaciers, Doonagiri Glacier is around 5.5 km in length. A crystal clear stream originating from this glacier merges into the Dhauli Ganga near the Juma village.

Chorabari Glacier :
Chorabari Glacier also known as the Chorabari Bamak Glacier lies in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Spanning over 15 square kilometers it is around 7 kms in length. Situated close to Kedarnath, the scared shrine of the Hindus, this glacier is a lot popular among avid adventure enthusiasts. The Chorabari Glacier features two snouts which form the source of the Mandakini River and Chorabari Tal respectively.

Satopanth Glacier :

Satopanth Glacier is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Deriving its name from two words, Sat-o- meaning truth and Panth meaning way or path, this glacier is a divine destination for avid trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Located amidst the nature’s lap, the glacier is fed by the ice found on the eastern slopes of Chaukhamba group of peaks.

The Satopanth glacier sprawling around 13 km is adorned by an extremely enticing trail. Another major highlight of this glacier is that it lies on the northwest side of Nilkantha, one among the most significant peaks of the Garhwal division of the Himalayas. River Alaknanda is the one that originated from this glacier, which further merges with Uttar Ganga upstream to Alkapuri.

                             The glaciers of Uttarakhand source some of the most important river systems of India. While the river Ganga has its origin in the melt waters of Gangotri glacier, the melt waters of Yamunotri glacier feed the headstream of river Yamuna. Feeding the perennial rivers of Himalayas, the glaciers of Uttarakhand have a live and beauty of their own. Glaciers here are very popular with tourist, trekkers in particular. Some of these mighty glaciers are considered holy while some are visited just because of there sheer magnificence.