Gangotri, a famous small town centered around the Gangotri Temple is one of the holy shrines among the four Chardham. It is the most important pilgrimage of River Ganga and is worshipped as a Goddess all over India. The air of the temple reverberates with the devotional chants that enchant the entire holy place.
Away from the hustle-bustle of city life, the place is inhabited by 600 people downhill 19 km from Gangotri glacier. This is a beautiful compact town where locals revolve around a temple and welcome the tourists with hospitality. The place has its own uniqueness, devotees visit the temple, come across the Hindu Sages wearing saffron and white clothes, vagabonds sitting beside the temple for alms, and locals selling colorful trinkets and religious items from makeshift tents.
The place is so pious and nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is surrounded by the Garhwal mountains at a height of 3,048 meters. It’s a mesmerizing place flourished by tourism and offers beautiful multi-storeyed houses to the multitude of visitors thriving in this sacred abode of Chardham Yatra.
Geographic Location: 30.98°N 78.93°E
State: Uttarakhand
District: Uttarkashi
Weather Condition: Cold (Snowy)
Avg Temperature: 29°C
Gangotri Altitude: 3, 415 meters (11,200ft)
Gangotri Height: 3,100 meters (10,200ft)
History of Gangotri Yatra
There is a well-known legendary history behind the origin of the Gangotri Temple and the ritual to visit the Gangotri Dham once in a lifetime. According to ancient beliefs, Lord Shiva was pleased by King Bhagirath’s severe penance and blessed him with the flow of Ganga to absolve his sins collected throughout his life. Hindu mythology believes that Lord Shiva holds Ganga in these luscious locks and flows down the Earth only when Goddess Parvati takes her bath in it. This place is a wonderful sight to witness the known evidence and several mythological proofs of Shiva’s bestows, Parvati’s presence, and King Bhagirathi’s hard penance.
A million of devotees visit such an enlightening place to take a holy dip to wash sins and liberate their souls from the early ties in the pious River Ganga gushing through the highlands of the Himalayas, Gaumukh.
Gangotri Yatra Registration
Plan out your next vacation to Gangotri Yatra and register yourself for the most sacred trip to Uttarakhand in North India. Registration for Gangotri Yatra is important for all devotees to stay safe, secure, and under Government surveillance. After completing your formalities of Gangotri Yatra Registration, you will get your biometric Registration Card (Yatra Pass) to keep with you throughout the journey.
You can apply online/offline for Chardham Yatra Registration. For offline Registration, you can visit any of the 14 offline Registration Centers near the temple such as SonPrayag, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Phata, or Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Yatra Opening Date 2023: 26th April 2023
Gangotri Yatra Closing Date 2023: 15th Nov 2023 (Tentative)
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
Summer Months in Gangotri sets the best time to visit starting in April and lasting in October. During summers the place offers calm and pleasant climatic conditions with the average temperature ranging between 15 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius. As winter months are very cold and the temperature reaches down to almost zero degrees, that makes it tough for devotees to make a movement.
Gangotri Yatra Best Time to visit is during the month of April, May, June, September, and October. Try to avoid traveling during the Rainy Season due to the risk of natural avalanches and harsh landslides.
Best Places to Visit
Gangotri is the most popular spiritual adobe in Chardham India, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The small town resides in the hinterlands of the Himalayas and offers picturesque views of the most sacred spot with the magnificent glimpse of the Ganga that seems touching the earth for the first time. The place is full of beautiful sights and a tranquil environment to spend a holiday full of amusements. Let’s check out the best places to visit in Gangotri Yatra Guide 2023.
Harsil
Harsil is one of the known hill stations of the Himalayas nestled at a distance of around 25 minutes from Gangotri Temple. The place is so amazing that it offers charismatic views of tall lush green trees and snowbound peaks. Situated at the banks of Bhagirathi River, Harsil is an army area that stands at a height of 2,620 meters from sea level. Harsil is the most enchanting Chardham Yatra Places to visit.
Gangotri National Park
A high altitude wildlife sanctuary, Gangotri National Park is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, known as the third-largest national parks in the state. Gangotri National Park is home to various species of flora and fauna and its habitat offers the dynamic view of Gaumukh Glaciers, Alpine Meadows, and Coniferous forests. It’s a must-visit place among many Chardham Yatra Places to visit.
Jalmagna Shivlinga
According to Hindu belief, Jalmagna is the place where Lord Shiva held River Ganga in his luscious locks, before letting her flow. During summers, when the sea level rises up, the idol of Shiva or Shivlinga submerges and offers an enchanting glance of Shiva in the clear turquoise water that works as nectar for devotees. It’s a spell-binding place among many Chardham Yatra Places to visit.
Uttarkashi & Guptkashi
Known as the ‘Kashi of the North’, Uttarkashi is one of the most attractive places in Uttarakhand. Catch the holy vibes at umpteen number of temples and well-known ashrams in Uttarkashi. The place is so mesmerizing and is home to the national institute of Mountaineering.
You can also visit Guptkashi, known for Vishwanath Temple, which is a vibrant place nested in the Northern Himalayan belt. The place is dedicated to Lord Shiva and resides between the Mandakini Himalayan valley. It’s a must-visit place during the Chardham Yatra.
Gangotri Yatra Route
If you want to visit Gangotri Dham, you can do so from Rishikesh. The distance between Rishikesh and Gangotri is approximately 244 km, and you can Reach Gangotri by Air, Road, or Rail. You can also avail of Helicopter services for Gangotri Yatra. Being one of the holy shrines of Chardham Yatra, Gangotri Dham is a sacred place of River Ganga which is well-linked by motorable roadways. It is simply up to your preference of choosing the mode of travel for your Gangotri Yatra. Chardham Yatra Route Map guide can help you guide the best way to reach Gangotri and the possible distance of Dhams.
Let’s see the best possible way to reach Gangotri Dham.
By Road
Gangotri Temple is well-connected by roadways with major spots of Uttarakhand. You can easily catch buses to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Srinagar from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. You can also visit Gangotri by hiring a taxi directly to the main destination, without the stress of catching a bus early in the morning. After reaching to Gaumukh through Uttarkashi, there’s a short trek route to Gangotri of 18 km. You can either hire a pony or be a part of devotees in Kawad Yatra trekking on foot.
Start your Journey Gangotri Yatra by Road from Delhi NCR.
| Gangotri Road Route | Distance (in km) | Time (in hours) | Mode of Travel |
| Delhi – Rishikesh | 238 km | 5-6 hrs | Bus/ Taxi |
| Rishikesh – Uttarkashi | 169 km | 6 hrs | Bus/ Taxi |
| Uttarkashi – Gaumukh | 65 km | 7 hrs | Jeep/ Taxi |
| Gaumukh – Gangotri | 18 km (Trek) | 4 hrs | Trek by Foot |
The Chardham Yatra Road trip starts from Hardwar. The Chardham Yatra travel by car to all four holy places and sightseeing the distance between the Chardham. With the help of LIH.travel agency provide the best Chardham Yatra Package from Haridwar.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Gangotri Temple in Rishikesh, nested on NH58 at a distance of around 295 km from Gangotri Uttarakhand. Rishikesh is well-connected with Indian Railway networks of the country. There is umpteen number of frequent trains available from Delhi to Rishikesh. Continue the further trip by roadways. After reaching to Gaumukh, there’s a short trek route to Gangotri of 18 km. You can either hire a pony or be a part of devotees in Kawad Yatra trekking on foot.
The Route of Gangotri Yatra by train starts from the Delhi Railway Station-
| Gangotri Train Route | Distance (in km) | Time (in hours) | Mode of Travel |
| Delhi – Rishikesh | 238 km | 5-6 hrs | Train |
| Rishikesh – Uttarkashi | 169 km | 6 hrs | Bus/ Taxi |
| Uttarkashi – Gaumukh | 65 km | 7 hrs | Jeep/ Taxi |
| Gaumukh – Gangotri | 18 km (Trek) | 4 hrs | Trek by Foot |
By Air
By Air visiting Gangotri Mandir is the most convenient and easiest way to travel. Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun with a distance of 314 km, is the nearest airport to Gangotri. The Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected to Delhi by daily flights, tourists are supposed to continue their trip by roadway, either take a bus or hire a cab.
The Route of Gangotri Yatra by Air starts from the Delhi Airport-
| Gangotri Air Route | Distance (in km) | Time | Mode of Travel |
| Delhi – Dehradun Airport | 202 km | 1 hr | Airplane |
| Dehradun Airport – Sahastradhara Road | 30 km | 57 mins | Taxi |
| Sahastradhara Road – Harsil | 25 km | 15 mins | Helicopter |
| Harsil – Gangotri | 25 km | 49 mins | Jeep/ Taxi |
LIH travel agency provides various packages to visit pilgrim places with comfort. We are providing Chardham Yatra by Helicopter package for 6 Days & 5 Nights and Do dham yatra by helicopter tour package with same-day or 2Nights & 3 days options. These packages will make your travel easy and comfortable without getting bothered by the rough terrain. Fly high, feel the positive vibes, and reach your destination with LIH.travel.
Gangotri Yatra Fun Facts
- Gangotri Mandir was built 250 years ago by Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa.
- Even when Kapat of the temple is closed, an oil lamp is kept burning inside during the whole winter months. This oil lamp is also called the Eternal Flame.
- The charisma of Shiva’s power can be seen through Jalmagna Shivlinga, that is an idol of Lord Shiva submerged under the water, and only visible during winters when sea level goes down.
- The whole Gangotri temple is constructed from white granite that comes out a stark contrast with the lush green surroundings of the place.
- Gangotri temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall covering the area.
- After 6 months, when Kapats are re-opened, a huge procession is followed where Lord Shiva and co-deities are adorned with new colorful clothes, jewelry, and seated in Dolis.
- In India, Gangotri is worshipped as the main residence of the goddess Ganga.
Perched exotically at the whopping slope above the sea level, nestled on the magnificent Himalayan ranges, Gangotri Temple is a mesmerizing representation of deep spirituality.
Gangotri is the most crucial pillar of the Char Dham Yatra. The place is surrounded by enchanting grace of nature with gushing pious nectar of Ganga, in which every Hindu being wants to take a dip to wash away his sins and get salvation. The radiating energy of the white granite built temple will take you to the unique spiritual world. To grab the energy dipped in spirituality, book your Chardham Yatra by Helicopter with LIH.travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is any accommodation facility available at Gangotri?
Yes, Gangotri Mandir offers a few small hotels to stay. Devotees can also choose to accommodate themselves in Uttarkashi and Harshil, located at a distance of a few km from Gangotri.
Q. What is the Darshan Timings at Gangotri Dham?
Gangotri Darshan Timings:
Morning- 06:15 am to 02:00 pm
Evening- 03:00 pm to 09:30 pm
Q. How is the weather conditions of Gangotri?
Throughout the year the weather condition of Gangotri remains so cold with a high drop of temperature during nights. The average temperature ranges between 15°C – 29°C in summers and -1°C – 5°C in winters.
Q. Is food available at Gangotri?
Only 6 months Gangotri Dham is open and accessible, so the availability of hotels and restaurants serving food is temporary. There are some dhabas where you can get Parathas, Sabji, Dal, Chawal, Maggi, etc.
Q. What are the Opening and Closing Dates of Chardham Yatra 2023?
Gangotri Yatra Opening Date 2023: 26th April 2023
Gangotri Yatra Closing Date 2023: 15th Nov 2023 (Tentative)
Q. Can a person Trek to Gangotri from Gaumukh and back in a day?
Yes, one can trek to Gangotri from Gaumukh in a single day. Most people choose to stay at Gaumukh camps to explore more of the place.
Q. Can a person travel to Gangotri on his own?
Yes, a person can travel and explore Gangotri on his own. Gangotri offers comfortable staying facilities with easy access by buses and taxis from Haridwar or Rishikesh. You can also book a Chardham Yatra by Helicopter from Leisure India Holidays which is the Chardham Best Travel Agents in India.
Q. Is it Safe to travel Gangotri Dham?
Yes, Gangotri Dham is safe to visit via Uttarkashi. The place is well-linked via road and receives a large number of devotees during every Yatra Season.
Q. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is in the months of May & June and September & October.
Q. What is the best time to visit Badrinath?
The best time to visit Badrinath is in the months between May and June, and September and October.
