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.
| 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 |