Shivaling Peak above the Tapovan meadow

Shivaling Peak, originally uploaded by Oda's Courses.

“This photo was taken the morning of full moon in May, 2007, while walking the Char Dam pilgrimage, a holy pilgrimage undertaken by Hindus to the four sacred temples at Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath”, says the photographer under the post, and adds, Shivaling Peak, at an altitude of 6,500 meters, is snow-capped all year round, royally adorning the clear blue skies above the Tapovan meadow (4,500 meters). Tapovan is situated above Gangotri and Gomukh Glaciers, the source of the Ganges River, with its lingam-shaped top, thus associating it with the God Shiva. This meadow is the ancient home of many sadhus and yogis who retreat from the world into make-shift dwellings of natural caves and rocks, into a hermit-like seclusion to do tapas (spiritual practice) as part of the spiritual quest.”

Golden Mount Everest at Sunset

Mount Everest at Sunset, originally uploaded by Shift 1.

North Face of Mount Everest at Sunset

Sunset on Mount Everest, originally uploaded by larryhe.

Mount Everest: view from the base camp

Mount Everest--the Top of the World, Tibet, originally uploaded by star_trooper.

Trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh-view3

trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh-view3, originally uploaded by Piyush Dunagiri.

This photo was originally uploaded by Piyush Dunagiri on 22 Feb 07, 11.24PM PDT. He has a wonderful set of photos at http://flickr.com/photos/dunagiri/sets/72157605839778400/

Source of the Ganges, Gangotri Glacier, India

Source of the Ganges, Gangotri Glacier, India, originally uploaded by Ran Chakrabarti.

Hindu religion's prayer flags on the way to the face of the Gangotri Glacier beneath the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III. Photos of Gangotri and places around it are by Ran Chakrabarti. To view the original images and to get a glimpse of the wonderful works of Ran Chakrabarti, click on the photo.