Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

What is Gangotri?

Gangotri is the origin of the sacred river Ganga, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The river Ganga is considered the holiest river in Hinduism, and its source, Gangotri, holds immense spiritual significance.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga descended from heaven to earth at this very place to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath’s ancestors. The Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, was built in the 18th century by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander. The actual source of the Ganga, Gaumukh Glacier, is located 19 km from Gangotri and can be reached by trekking.

History and Mythology of Gangotri

Gangotri has a rich mythological past. It is believed that King Bhagirath performed rigorous penance to bring Ganga to earth. Lord Shiva caught the descending river in his matted locks to prevent the earth from flooding, releasing it in small streams. This sacred river came to be known as Bhagirathi at its origin and later merges with the Alaknanda River to form the Ganga.

The Gangotri temple is perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters and is surrounded by the breathtaking peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Bhagirathi purifies one’s soul and removes sins.

Gangotri Travel Information

1. The Char Dham Yatra traditionally begins from Yamunotri and then moves to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
2. Rishikesh is the main starting point for the journey. Direct motorable roads connect Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Gangotri.
3. The last motorable point before Gangotri is Harsil, a picturesque town known for its apple orchards.
4. Pilgrims can also trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh, the glacier from which the Ganga originates.
5. The journey can be challenging due to high altitudes and weather conditions, so carrying warm clothes and trekking gear is essential.
6. Avoid consuming unknown herbs, fruits, or water from natural sources without purification.
7. The best time to visit Gangotri is from May to June and September to October.

How to Reach Gangotri?

By Air-

• The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located approximately 250 km from Gangotri.

• After reaching Dehradun, travelers can hire cabs or take buses to Gangotri.

By Train–

• The closest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh, which is around 234 km away.

• From Rishikesh, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gangotri.

By Road-

• Gangotri is well connected by road to major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.

• Regular buses and taxis are available from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Gangotri.

• The last motorable road ends at Gangotri, and from there, treks to nearby pilgrimage spots begin.

The ideal time to visit Gangotri is between May-June and September-October. The temple remains open from Akshaya Tritiya (May) to Diwali (October/November) and remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Gangotri Temple Timings

• Opening Time: 4:00 AM

• Closing Time: 9:00 PM

• The temple remains closed from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for afternoon rituals.