Gangotri Travel Guide
The source shrine of the Ganga on the Bhagirathi, with the Gaumukh glacier trek beyond.
- Altitude
- 3,100 m
- Best season
- May – Nov
- From Dehradun
- ~240 km
- Category
- Char Dham
Why visit Gangotri
- Source shrine of the Ganga — one of the most spiritually significant river sites in Hinduism
- The 18th-century granite temple sits at 3,100 m in a narrow valley beside the thundering Bhagirathi
- Gaumukh glacier, the Ganga's physical origin, lies 18 km further — a serious trek through Gangotri National Park
- Tapovan, 5 km above Gaumukh, is one of the finest high-altitude meadows in the Garhwal Himalaya with views of Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks
Gangotri temple marks where the Ganga — here called the Bhagirathi — is worshipped at its source. The 18th-century shrine sits at about 3,100 metres and opens from Akshaya Tritiya to just after Diwali.
The river's physical source, Gaumukh, lies 18 km further up a permit-controlled trail through Gangotri National Park — a serious two-day trek, not a stroll.
Explore around
Places near Gangotri
The glacier snout from which the Bhagirathi emerges — a permit-controlled trek through Gangotri National Park
Meadow at 4,463 m; base for Shivling, Bhagirathi peaks; serious trekkers and climbers camp here
The deodar-and-apple village on the Bhagirathi; excellent pre/post-Gangotri base
Uttarkashi100 kmNearest market town; has ATMs, hospitals and the Nehru Mountaineering Institute
What to do
Activities at Gangotri
Temple darshan
The Gangotri temple opens from approximately 6 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm. The Bhagirath Shila — the rock on which King Bhagirath performed penance to bring the Ganga to earth — sits adjacent to the temple.
Gaumukh trek
18 km one-way through Gangotri National Park. Permits required from the Forest Department in Gangotri (₹150/day for Indians). Two days minimum — overnight at Bhojwasa (14 km, a basic rest camp).
Tapovan
23 km from Gangotri, 5 km above Gaumukh. An advanced alpine meadow with Shivling (6,543 m) dramatically close. Requires experience and acclimatisation; camping at Tapovan is the only option.
Book with us
Tours covering Gangotri
Before you go
Gangotri travel tips
- Gaumukh permits are capped — obtain from the Forest Department checkpost in Gangotri town; permits sell out in May–June
- The trek to Gaumukh crosses loose moraine and is at altitude — anyone with heart or breathing conditions should consult a doctor first
- Gangotri town has no ATM; carry sufficient cash from Uttarkashi (100 km) or Harsil
- Plastic bags, bottles and non-biodegradables are banned inside Gangotri National Park — strictly enforced at the permit checkpoint
Getting there
How to reach Gangotri
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km via Rishikesh). Journey time 8–9 hrs.
Rishikesh (240 km). Drive via Tehri → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Gangotri (9 hrs).
Rishikesh → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Gangotri (240 km, 9 hrs). Shared jeeps from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km, 4 hrs) available daily in season.
Where to stay in Gangotri
- GMVN Tourist Rest House in Gangotri is the main option; private dharamshalas cluster near the temple
- Bhojwasa (14 km up the Gaumukh trail) has a GMVN hut and Lal Baba Ashram — only option for Gaumukh overnight stay
- Harsil (25 km below) has better hotels for those who prefer more comfort with daily drives to the temple
Food & dining
- Strict vegetarian zone — no meat, eggs or alcohol
- Dhabas serve the standard Garhwali pilgrim menu: dal, rice, roti, puri, aloo
- Food at Bhojwasa (on the Gaumukh trail) is limited and expensive — carry packed meals from Gangotri
Background
History of Gangotri
Gangotri's most sacred object is the Bhagirath Shila — the natural rock where King Bhagirath of the Ikshvaku dynasty performed penance for thousands of years to persuade Lord Shiva to receive the Ganga's force in his matted locks, breaking the torrent before it reached earth. The Ganga is named Bhagirathi here in his honour.
The present temple was built in the early 18th century by the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa, who was based in Uttarkashi following Gorkha expansion into Garhwal. The temple is managed by a semwal Brahmin from the Mukhwa village at the Bhagirathi's source, who also officiates at the winter seat (devta moves to Mukhwa village when Gangotri closes for winter).
Plan your trip
Suggested Gangotri itinerary
- Day 1Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (150 km, 6 hrs). Overnight.
- Day 2Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km, 4 hrs). Afternoon temple darshan. Overnight at Gangotri.
- Day 3Trek to Bhojwasa (14 km, 5–6 hrs). Overnight at Bhojwasa.
- Day 4Trek to Gaumukh (4 km, 1.5 hrs), view glacier. Return to Gangotri. Overnight.
- Day 5Return to Uttarkashi or Rishikesh.
Common questions
Gangotri FAQ
- Is the Gaumukh trek difficult?
- Moderate to challenging — 18 km one-way with significant altitude gain and moraine walking. Anyone in reasonable fitness can complete it with a slow pace; experience at altitude (3,000+ m) is an advantage.
- Do I need a guide for Gaumukh?
- Not mandatory but advisable for first-time trekkers. A registered guide from Gangotri can be arranged at the local trekking association office.
Keep reading
Gangotri guides
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