Gangotri is the shrine of Goddess Ganga and one of the four Char Dham. The white temple stands at about 3,100 m in Uttarkashi district, beside the rushing Bhagirathi, the main source stream of the Ganga. Deodar forests and rocky cliffs close in on both sides.
A road goes all the way to Gangotri, so it is easy to reach. For those who want to go further, the trail to Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier where the river is born, starts right from town.
The legend of Gangotri
King Sagar's 60,000 sons were burned to ashes by the sage Kapil, and only the waters of the heavenly Ganga could free their souls. Generations later, his descendant King Bhagirath did long tapasya here to bring the river down to earth. Ganga agreed, but her fall would have shattered the earth, so Lord Shiva caught her in his matted hair and released her gently.
That is why the river here is called the Bhagirathi. Near the temple is the Bhagirath Shila, the rock where the king is said to have meditated. The present temple was built in the 18th century by the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.
Why go to Gangotri
Ganga's own shrine
One of the Char Dham, by the young Bhagirathi.
Evening aarti
Lamps and chants at the ghat as the river roars past.
Gaumukh trek
Walk to the glacier source of the Ganga.
Main things to see
Gangotri temple
Darshan of Goddess Ganga and the evening aarti at the ghat.
Bhagirath Shila
The rock where King Bhagirath is believed to have meditated.
Surya Kund
A waterfall crashing into a narrow gorge just below the temple.
Gaumukh
The glacier snout, about 18 km from Gangotri via Bhojbasa.
Distances from Gangotri
Places nearbyBefore you go
- Registration for the Char Dham Yatra is required.
- The road beyond Uttarkashi passes landslide zones; avoid July and August.
- The temple closes around Diwali; in winter the goddess is worshipped at Mukhba village near Harsil.
- The Gaumukh trek has a daily permit limit; apply early.
Gangotri FAQs
When does Gangotri open and close?
It opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April or May) and closes around Diwali, usually on the day after (Annakut / Govardhan Puja).
Is there a trek to Gangotri temple?
No. The road goes up to Gangotri town and the temple is a short walk away.
How far is Gaumukh from Gangotri?
About 18 km one way, via Chirbasa and Bhojbasa. Most people take 2-3 days for the round trip.
Where is Goddess Ganga worshipped in winter?
At Mukhba village, near Harsil, where her doli is taken after the temple closes.
Who built the Gangotri temple?
The present temple was built in the 18th century by the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.
