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Gangotri Dham Details

30 April 2025 to 22 Oct 2025 (tentative)

Gangotri is a small but important town in Uttarakhand that people flock to on pilgrimage. It is one of the four holy sites in the Char Dham Yatra. The Bhagirathi River, which is also called the Ganga River, starts here. This holy location is more than 3,000 meters above sea level. King Bhagiratha had to undertake a great deal of penance in order to release the souls of his ancestors. That's when the river came down to the ground. Lord Shiva caught Ganga's enormous fall in his hair, which was a mess, so she could fall more readily. That's how the river started to flow from Gangotri. People who seek to grow spiritually can find peace in this town. Beautiful forests of deodar and pine surround it, and snow-covered mountains encircle it. The main attraction in Gangotri is the 18th-century white granite temple. It gets thousands of visitors every year. When it snows in the winter, the temple's idol is transported to Mukhba village since it's hard to get to. From Gangotri, you can also start your hikes to Gaumukh, Tapovan, and other amazing spots. Not only is the location important for religious reasons, but it is also quite beautiful and includes many diverse plants and animals. It is still a popular spot for both nature lovers and tourists on a pilgrimage.

Importance in Char Dham Yatra: Gangotri is one of the four sacred locations that people visit as part of the Char Dham Yatra. People who go on pilgrimages think that visiting this place helps them get rid of their sins and find their road to moksha, which is spiritual freedom.

 High-Altitude Setting:
Gangotri lies over 3,000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush deodar forests and the peaks of the Himalayas. The calm spot is ideal for praying, thinking, and connecting with the spiritual power of nature.

 Myth of King Bhagiratha: People claim that King Bhagiratha sat here in meditation to bring Goddess Ganga to Earth so she might free the souls of his forefathers. His promise is a sign of selfless penance and the start of the holy Bhagirathi River.

 Shiva’s Role in Ganga’s Descent: At Gangotri, Lord Shiva held Ganga in his tangled hair to stop her from falling. This good deed made the Bhagirathi River, which represents God's grace and balance in creation.

 Temple’s Historical Background: Amar Singh Thapa, a commander in Gorkha, built the Gangotri Temple in the 18th century. It is a statement of long love and powerful architecture in the Himalayas because it is composed of white granite.

 Winter Idol Shift to Mukhba: When it snows in the winter, the idol of Goddess Ganga is relocated to Mukhba because Gangotri is blocked. There are still poojas and other events happening there until the temple opens again in the spring.

 Trekking Base for Spiritual Trails:
In Gangotri, you start your hikes to holy places like Gaumukh and Tapovan. You can see the Himalayas, glaciers, and other natural things better on these hikes. They also make you feel more connected to nature and God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gangotri is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is 3,100 meters above sea level. It is a magnificent place since the holy Bhagirathi River passes through it.

Gangotri is where the goddess Ganga descended down to Earth, and many people think that the River Ganga starts there. People go to the temple to be blessed, get clean, and do ancient Vedic rituals.

The finest times to go are from May to June and from September to October. During these months of pilgrimage, the weather is lovely, the roads are clear, and the temple ceremonies are in full swing.

The hike from Gangotri to Gaumukh isn't too hard. It is 18 to 19 kilometers long, and you need to be in excellent shape, wear the right clothes, and spend some time getting used to the high altitudes and rough terrain of the Himalayas.

Yes, Gangotri is usually a safe place. Get used to the weather, dress warmly, and don't go overboard. Dharamshalas, police stations, and local aid are some things that can help keep you safe.

In Gangotri, close to the temple, there are cheap guesthouses, dharamshalas, and tiny lodges. Most places to stay are clean, welcoming to pilgrims, and offer warm hospitality the whole yatra season, even though the amenities aren't great.

They do Mangala Aarti, Shodashopachar Pooja, and Ganga Aarti every day in the evening as part of their routines. Pilgrims can also do ancestral rites like pind daan and tarpan at Bhagirath Shila, which is close to the temple.

During the summer, temperatures are cool (10°C–20°C), monsoon rains occur from July to September, and winters are very cold. Make sure to check the weather before you leave and bring warm clothes and raincoats because it changes frequently.

You may see the Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan, Bhagirath Shila, Surya Kund, Pandav Gufa, and Harsil Valley, all of which are nearby. There are many spiritual sites in these areas, as well as great views of the Himalayas and places to walk.

You should include wool sweaters, thermals, walking shoes, rain gear, a flashlight, a power bank, medicine, and dry snacks. Lightweight backpacks are useful when hiking or visiting temples in places with uneven ground.

Yes, dhabas, ashrams, and other restaurants in the neighborhood serve simple vegetarian meals. The food is frequently satvic, fresh, and not too expensive, which is perfect for hikers and pilgrims.

Uttarkashi and tiny camps around Gangotri offer basic medical services. If pilgrims are sick, they should see a doctor before they go and bring their medicine.
Gangotri Opening Date of 2026 Gangotri Closing Date of 2026
30 April 2025 22 Oct 2025 (tentative)
Gangotri Facts
Area 3 sq kms
Altitude 3048 mts
District Uttarkashi
State Uttrakhand
Season April to Jun, Sep to Nov
Famous for Origin of River Ganga
Pincode 249137
STD Code 01381
Gangotri Guide
Gangotri Dham Yatra
Gangotri Travel Guide
Gangotri Temple
How To Reach Gangotri
Gangotri Weather
Gangotri Gallery
Places To See in Gangotri
Gangotri Opening Dates
Gangotri History
Gangotri Pooja

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