30 April 2025 to 22 Oct 2025 (tentative)
In northern India, Gangotri Temple is a very important place of worship. People flock there to pray to Goddess Ganga. The temple stands on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in the Uttarkashi district and is around 3,100 meters above sea level. People erected the temple out of white granite in the early 1700s. The design is simple but appealing, which is how buildings in the Himalayas normally look. People believe that a Gorkha commander built it and that local leaders improved it later on. From the end of April or the beginning of May until Diwali, people can go to the temple. Then it closes because there is too much snow. In the winter, the goddess moves to Mukhba village, where rituals still happen. The Semwal priest family goes to the temple every day to do puja in the morning, make offerings in the middle of the day, and aarti in the evening. The monks at the temple also plan special poojas for anyone who comes to pray. The mountains all around, the sound of the river, and the quietness of the place make it a profoundly spiritual spot for everyone who comes. The temple complex contains numerous small shrines and sacred sites that highlight the area's significance in local legends.
The Holy Temple of Goddess Ganga: People pray to Goddess Ganga at the Gangotri Temple, which is a holy place. It is 3,100 meters high near the Bhagirathi River and attracts hundreds of pilgrims who wish to come closer to God, ask for blessings, and purify themselves.
Building temples in the past: The temple was built in the early 1700s out of white granite and has a style that is common in the Himalayas. A Gorkha captain started building it, and throughout the years, local officials helped keep it up and add to it.
Seasonal Temple Access: The temple opens in late April or early May and closes in October or November when there is a lot of snow on the ground. People say that these months are the official time for the Gangotri yatra.
Idol Relocation During Winter: The idol of Goddess Ganga is relocated to the village of Mukhba in the winter. Mukhba is adjacent to Harsil. People continue to worship there throughout the closed season, even when the weather is bad. This practice keeps the spiritual link strong.
Daily Rituals by Semwal Priests: The Semwal family priests do pujas in the morning, offerings at lunch, and aartis at night every day. They also set up specific poojas for people or organizations based on their prayers and goals.
Tranquil and Divine Setting: The shrine is surrounded by the sound of the Bhagirathi River and the peaks of the Himalayas. This holy place makes the spiritual and meditative atmosphere even stronger, so both pilgrims and nature lovers will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Other Shrines and Sacred Spots: There are lesser shrines and well-known spots like Bhagirath Shila and Gauri Kund in the temple complex. These places show how important Gangotri is to religion and culture, which makes the trip more special.
| 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 |