GANGOTRI DHAM
Gangotri is revered as the origin point of the sacred River Ganga, also called Bhagirathi at this stage. According to Hindu mythology, this is where the Ganga descended from the heavens upon Lord Shiva’s hair and flowed down to Earth through Bhagirath’s penance.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GANGOTRI DHAM IN HINDUISM
Mythological Story:
- King Sagara performed a Ashwamedha Yagna, but his horse was stolen by Sage Kapila.
- His 60,000 sons disturbed the sage and were burnt to ashes.
- King Bhagirath, a descendant of King Sagara, meditated for centuries to bring Ganga down to Earth to liberate the souls of his ancestors.
- Lord Shiva agreed to receive Ganga in his matted hair to soften her fall, prevent destruction and let her flow gently, allowing the river to flow from Gaumukh downwards.The river descended at Gangotri, and her physical source lies at Gaumukh Glacier, 18 km above.
- The Gangotri Temple is built where Ganga first descended and became known as Bhagirathi.
- This tale of devotion, perseverance, and divine grace forms the core of the temple’s spiritual magnetism.
About the Temple:
- Built in the 18th century by a Gorkha commander.
- Temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes around Diwali (Oct/Nov).
- Managed by the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board.
BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGOTRI
Season | Details |
May–June | Ideal weather, pleasant daytime temperatures |
July–Aug | Monsoon season, risk of landslides |
Sept–Oct | Post-monsoon freshness, clear skies |
Nov–April | Temple closed due to heavy snowfall |
Season | Details |
May–June | Ideal weather, pleasant daytime temperatures |
July–Aug | Monsoon season, risk of landslides |
Sept–Oct | Post-monsoon freshness, clear skies |
Nov–April | Temple closed due to heavy snowfall |
The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Bhai Dooj (Oct/Nov). In winter, Ganga idol is worshipped at Mukhba village.
HOW TO REACH GANGOTRI DHAM
By Road:
- Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Gangotri (Approx. 500 km)
- Road is accessible by car, taxi, or bus. Buses are available from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Uttarkashi.
- Shared jeeps & private taxis available from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km)
Nearest Railway Stations:
- Rishikesh (250 km) or Haridwar (290 km)
Nearest Airport:
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (270 km)
THE BEAUTIFUL ROAD JOURNEY TO GANGOTRI TEMPLE
Location:
Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas, near the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Scenic Beauty Along the Route
The road journey to Gangotri is a divine experience that takes you through towering cliffs, pine forests, gurgling rivers, and quaint Himalayan villages. The roads are carved along mountain ridges with spellbinding views of deep valleys.
Common Route (From Delhi):
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Key Scenic Stops:
- Rishikesh & Shivpuri: Ganga ghats, yoga ashrams, white-water rafting views.
- Chamba & Tehri Lake: Breathtaking panoramas of Tehri Dam and blue reservoir.
- Uttarkashi: Spiritual center with ancient Vishwanath Temple and riverfront serenity.
- Harsil Valley: Often called “Mini Switzerland of India,” known for apple orchards and pine forests.
- Sukhi Top & Bhaironghati: Narrow roads with hairpin bends and panoramic glacier views.
The entire route is dotted with waterfalls, snow peaks, hanging bridges, and mountain rivers.
Road Distance Chart to Gangotri
From | Distance to Gangotri (Approx.) |
Delhi | 490 km |
Haridwar | 290 km |
Rishikesh | 270 km |
Dehradun | 310 km |
Uttarkashi | 100 km |
Harsil | 25 km |
From | Distance to Gangotri (Approx.) |
Delhi | 490 km |
Haridwar | 290 km |
Rishikesh | 270 km |
Dehradun | 310 km |
Uttarkashi | 100 km |
Harsil | 25 km |
- Road condition: Fair to moderate
- Best travel time: Early morning drives with overnight stops in Rishikesh or Uttarkashi
- Options: GMVN guesthouses, private taxis, shared jeeps, and buses
HELICOPTER SERVICES TO GANGOTRI
Gangotri doesn’t have a direct helipad like Kedarnath or Badrinath, but helicopter charters are available up to Harsil, located 25 km before Gangotri.
How to Book:
- Via Char Dham helicopter packages offered by:
- Pawan Hans
- IRCTC
- Heritage Aviation
- UTair India
- Departure point: Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun
- Helicopter packages typically include Gangotri via Harsil with car transfers.
Note: There’s no regular helicopter service to Gangotri, unlike Kedarnath. Book a complete package or arrange a private charter to Harsil with onward road transfer.
WHERE TO STAY IN GANGOTRI
Budget Dharamshalas & Ashrams:
- Birla Dharamshala
- Gangotri Mandir Committee Guest Houses
- Rama Sadan Ashram
- Bhartiya Dharamshala
Rates: ₹200 – ₹500 per night (basic rooms, no frills)
Mid-range Hotels:
- Hotel Mandakini, Hotel Bhagirathi Sadan, Hotel Ganga Niketan
Rates: ₹1000 – ₹2000 per night
Luxury Stays (in Harsil or Gangotri outskirts):
- Himalayan Eco Lodge – Harsil
- The Chardham Camp – Harsil
Scenic views, comfortable lodging, excellent food
Rates: ₹4000 – ₹8000 per night
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY
- Warm clothes (even in summer)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Personal medicines & first aid
- Raincoat/Umbrella
- Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Cap
- Government-issued ID (for hotel & Gaumukh trek permits)
- Water bottle & energy snacks
- Torchlight or headlamp
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FROM GANGOTRI
Place | Distance | Description |
Gaumukh | 18 km trek | Glacier source of River Ganga; sacred trekking trail. |
Bhojwasa | 14 km trek | Scenic camping ground on the way to Gaumukh. |
Harsil | 25 km | Picturesque village with apple orchards, river views, and peace. |
Dharali | 28 km | Serene Himalayan hamlet on Bhagirathi River bank. |
Gangnani | 46 km | Hot water spring; popular for spiritual bathing before the temple visit. |
Uttarkashi | 100 km | Town with temples, river ghats, and ashrams. Gateway to Gangotri. |
Place | Distance | Description |
Gaumukh | 18 km trek | Glacier source of River Ganga; sacred trekking trail. |
Bhojwasa | 14 km trek | Scenic camping ground on the way to Gaumukh. |
Harsil | 25 km | Picturesque village with apple orchards, river views, and peace. |
Dharali | 28 km | Serene Himalayan hamlet on Bhagirathi River bank. |
Gangnani | 46 km | Hot water spring; popular for spiritual bathing before the temple visit. |
Uttarkashi | 100 km | Town with temples, river ghats, and ashrams. Gateway to Gangotri. |
TRAVEL TIPS FOR GANGOTRI DHAM PILGRIMAGE
- Start early morning from Uttarkashi to Gangotri to return same day, or stay overnight.
- Carry snacks and water – limited food options at high altitudes.
- Oxygen levels may be low – acclimatize if coming from lower altitudes.
- Network availability is limited. Inform family in advance.
- Respect local customs, keep the place clean, and avoid plastic usage.
TREK FROM GANGOTRI TO GAUMUKH – SACRED SOURCE OF GANGA
Distance: 18 km one way
Trek Duration: 2 days (can be done in 1 long day)
Start Point: Gangotri (3,100 m)
End Point: Gaumukh Glacier (3,900 m)
Trek Highlights:
- Bhojwasa (14 km): Scenic camping ground with GMVN guesthouse and tent sites.
- Gaumukh (4 km ahead): The cow-mouth shaped snout of the glacier where River Ganga emerges.
- Tapovan (for experienced trekkers): Meadow with views of Shivling and Meru peaks.
Natural Beauty:
- Trek passes through Gangotri National Park, home to blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and rare birds.
- Jaw-dropping views of Mount Shivling, Sudarshan, and Bhagirathi peaks.
- Wildflowers, chirping birds, crystal streams, and sacred silence.
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GAUMUKH:
- Considered the exact origin of the Ganga River.
- A place of deep meditation for sages like Bhagirath and the Pandavas.
- Pilgrims take a dip here despite glacial temperatures to cleanse karmic sins.
- Many sadhus and yogis undertake this yatra for spiritual awakening.
BEST TIME TO VISIT GANGOTRI & GAUMUKH
Month | Weather & Conditions |
May–June | Best time: Clear skies, pleasant weather, full bloom |
July–Aug | Monsoon: Risk of landslides, limited trekking |
Sept–Oct | Ideal for trekking; post-monsoon clarity & freshness |
Temple closes by late October for winter.
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY FOR GAUMUKH TREK
- Woolens & thermals (even in summer)
- Trekking shoes with grip
- Raincoat/poncho
- Energy snacks & water bottles
- Government-issued ID (for permits)
- Torch/headlamp & basic medical kit
- Sunscreen, cap & sunglasses
Trek to Gaumukh requires permission from the Forest Department, which can be obtained in Uttarkashi or online through the Gangotri National Park portal.