Gangotri – The Sacred Source of River Ganga in the Himalayas
Explore Gangotri, the sacred Char Dham destination and birthplace of River Ganga. Discover temples, Gaumukh glacier, trekking routes, weather, and how to reach this Himalayan paradise.
About Gangotri
Gangotri is a sacred Himalayan town dedicated to Goddess Ganga, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four holy sites of the Char Dham Yatra, making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in North India.
Situated at an altitude of around 3,415 meters, Gangotri is surrounded by lofty Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and dense forests, making it both a spiritual and natural paradise.
According to Hindu mythology, River Ganga descended from heaven to earth at Gangotri when Lord Shiva released her from his locks to reduce her destructive force. Though the actual source of the river is Gaumukh Glacier (19 km away), Gangotri is where Ganga is worshipped in her divine form.
The temple gates (Kapat) are currently open for darshan, and the town becomes a vibrant hub of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra season from May to October.
Gangotri – One of the Char Dhams
Gangotri is the second stop of the Char Dham Yatra, which follows this sacred route:
- Yamunotri
- Gangotri
- Kedarnath
- Badrinath
Millions of pilgrims visit Gangotri every year to seek blessings and to witness the sacred river Bhagirathi, which later becomes the Ganga after meeting the Alaknanda at Devaprayag.
Major Attractions in Gangotri
Gangotri Temple
The Gangotri Temple is the heart of the town. Built in white stone, it stands on the banks of the Bhagirathi River with the Himalayas as a majestic backdrop. Inside is a beautiful idol of Goddess Ganga.
Pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip in the Bhagirathi before entering the temple.
Gaumukh Glacier
Gaumukh is the glacial source of River Ganges, located 19 km from Gangotri. The river gushes out of a snout-shaped opening in the glacier and is called Bhagirathi here.
The trek to Gaumukh is moderately challenging and takes around 10 hours.
Kedartal
Kedartal is a breathtaking glacial lake at 4,912 m, also known as Lord Shiva’s lake. The 18 km trek from Gangotri is tough but rewards you with views of peaks like Thalaysagar, Meru, Manda, and Bhrigupanth reflected in its emerald waters.
Tapovan & Nandanvan
Tapovan is a high-altitude meadow at 4,463 m, around 25 km from Gangotri. It is the base camp for peaks like Shivling and Bhagirathi and is considered one of the most beautiful meadows in the Himalayas.
Nearby lies Nandanvan, another scenic alpine meadow.
Bhairon Ghati
Located about 10 km from Gangotri, Bhairon Ghati lies at the confluence of Jad Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers. It is famous for the Bhairav Nath Temple, surrounded by dense forests.
Underwater Shivling
Near the Gangotri Temple lies a natural Shivling submerged in water. During winter, when the water level drops, it becomes visible.
This is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva received Goddess Ganga in his locks.
Pandava Gufa
This small cave 1.5 km from Gangotri is believed to have been used by the Pandavas of Mahabharata. Reached through a scenic forest walk, it is also associated with Baba Ramdev’s early meditation years.
Gauri Kund & Surya Kund
Located just 500 meters from the temple, Surya Kund is a waterfall where devotees pray to the Sun God. An iron bridge leads to Gauri Kund, which is also sacred and visually stunning.
Things to Do in Gangotri
Trekking
Gangotri is a major trekking base. Some of the popular treks include:
- Gaumukh
- Tapovan
- Nandanvan
- Kedartal
The trekking routes pass through Gangotri National Park, offering breathtaking mountain and glacier views.
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
Gangotri is accessible mainly during the Char Dham Yatra season (May to October). Winters are extremely cold, and most routes remain closed due to snow.
How to Reach Gangotri
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km). It is well connected to Delhi with daily flights.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (230 km).
By Road
Gangotri is well connected by motorable roads. Buses and taxis are easily available from all major towns of Uttarakhand.
Nearby Places to Explore
- Harsil – A beautiful Himalayan village known for apple orchards and river views.
Why Visit Gangotri?
Gangotri is not just a pilgrimage site — it is a place where spirituality, mythology, glaciers, rivers, and Himalayan beauty come together. From the sacred Gangotri Temple to the icy Gaumukh Glacier and the high-altitude meadows of Tapovan, every corner of this region feels divine and untouched.
If you seek peace, faith, and natural beauty, Gangotri is one of the most powerful places you can ever visit.
