Overview
Gangotri temple sits on the left bank of the Bhagirathi river at 3,048 m in the deep Bhagirathi gorge, surrounded by the peaks of the Gangotri massif. The road from Haridwar follows the Bhagirathi for most of its 265 km journey, making it one of the most scenic driving routes in India. GPS: 30.9945°N, 78.9396°E.
| Location | Coordinates | Altitude | Distance from Gangotri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri Temple | 30.9945°N, 78.9396°E | 3,048 m | — |
| Harsil | 31.0036°N, 78.7891°E | 2,620 m | 24 km |
| Uttarkashi | 30.7274°N, 78.4382°E | 1,158 m | 100 km |
| Gaumukh glacier | 30.9199°N, 79.0726°E | 3,892 m | 18 km (trek) |
| Tapovan | 30.9199°N, 79.1°E | 4,463 m | 24 km (trek) |
| Rishikesh | 30.0869°N, 78.2676°E | 372 m | 249 km (road) |
| Haridwar | 29.9457°N, 78.1642°E | 314 m | 265 km (road) |
Planning
Route map: Haridwar to Gangotri (265 km):
The road route follows the Ganga (Bhagirathi) all the way from Rishikesh to Gangotri. Key waypoints and road distances from Haridwar:
Haridwar (0 km) → Rishikesh (25 km) → Narendra Nagar (50 km) → Chamba (90 km) → Tehri Dam (105 km) → Dharasu Bend (165 km) → Uttarkashi (190 km) → Bhatwari (225 km) → Gangnani (240 km, hot spring kund) → Harsil (241 km) → Gangotri (265 km). The road from Tehri Dam onwards rises steeply into the mountains, hugging cliff faces above the Bhagirathi river. The most dramatic section is from Uttarkashi onwards.
Gangotri to Gaumukh trek map:
The Gaumukh trek (18 km one way) begins at the Forest Department office in Gangotri where permits are issued. Trail: Gangotri (3,048 m) → Chirbasa (3,600 m, 9 km) → Bhojbasa (3,775 m, 14 km, camping / Lal Baba Ashram) → Gaumukh glacier (3,892 m, 18 km). The trail follows the Bhagirathi gorge, gradually rising through pine and silver birch forest, past the treeline, and onto the glacial moraines before the ice mouth at Gaumukh. A forest permit is required: ₹150 (Indian) / ₹600 (foreign national), available at the Forest Office by the Gangotri temple.
Travel Tips
- Download offline maps before Uttarkashi: Mobile signal is unreliable above Uttarkashi. Download Google Maps, Maps.me or OsmAnd offline maps for the Gangotri area and the Gaumukh trek route before leaving Uttarkashi. The offline maps work reliably even without signal.
- BRO maintains road sign markers: The Gangotri highway has BRO kilometre markers — useful for estimating your position on the road when GPS or maps are not available. Note your kilometre marker when stopping at Harsil or Gangnani for easy reference.
Accommodation Near Key Map Points
- Gangotri (3,048 m): GMVN Tourist Rest House, guesthouses ₹600–₹2,500. Base for Gaumukh trek and temple darshan.
- Bhojbasa (3,775 m, 14 km from Gangotri): Lal Baba Ashram offers basic rooms and meals for Gaumukh trekkers (free–₹200). GMVN hut (seasonal, basic).
- Harsil (2,620 m, 24 km before Gangotri): GMVN Tourist Rest House Harsil (₹1,200–₹3,000). Best base for comfort in the Gangotri area.
FAQs
- What are the GPS coordinates of Gangotri temple?
- 30.9945°N, 78.9396°E — altitude 3,048 m, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Left bank of Bhagirathi river. Search "Gangotri Temple" on Google Maps or enter coordinates directly. Motor road accessible from Haridwar (265 km) and Rishikesh (249 km).
- Which road leads to Gangotri?
- NH108: Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri. Last 100 km follows the Bhagirathi river. BRO-maintained, open late April–November. No helicopter. See how to reach guide.
- How far is Gaumukh from Gangotri on the map?
- 18 km by trekking trail (no road). Altitude: 3,048 m → 3,892 m (844 m gain). 4–5 hrs each way. Forest permit ₹150 (Indian). Trail: Gangotri → Chirbasa (9 km) → Bhojbasa (14 km, camping) → Gaumukh (18 km).