Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is the second Char Dham in the traditional yatra order. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, sits at 3,100m on the banks of the river Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi district. According to Hindu mythology, it was here that King Bhagirath performed penance to bring the heavenly Ganga to earth to liberate his ancestors.
The 18th-century temple is built from gleaming white granite — one of the most beautiful pilgrimage temples in Uttarakhand. The surrounding Gangotri National Park (2,390 sq km) is a UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone with snow leopards and Himalayan black bears.
Gaumukh – Source of the Ganges
The actual source of the Ganges is Gaumukh (3,892m) — the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, 18 km trek from Gangotri town. The name means "Cow's Mouth" — the glacier is shaped like a cow's mouth from which the Bhagirathi river (Ganges) emerges.
Gaumukh Trek Details
- Distance: 18 km one way from Gangotri
- Altitude: 3,100m (Gangotri) to 3,892m (Gaumukh)
- Duration: 2 days (camp at Bhojbasa, 14 km)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Permit: Required from Forest Department (₹150/day Indians, ₹600/day foreigners)
- Best time: May–June, September–October
Attractions Near Gangotri
Surya Kund
A natural hot spring near the Gangotri temple where pilgrims take a ritual dip before darshan. The water is icy cold despite the "kund" name — very invigorating!
Pandava Gufa
A natural cave 2 km from the temple where the Pandavas are believed to have meditated on their way to the Himalayas after the Mahabharata war.
Kedar Tal Trek
An off-beat 17 km trek from Gangotri to the stunning Kedar Tal glacial lake (4,750m) — one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Uttarakhand. Advanced trekkers only.
How to Reach Gangotri
- By Road from Rishikesh: 250 km via Tehri, Chamba, Uttarkashi
- By Road from Dehradun: 245 km via Vikasnagar, Barkot, Uttarkashi
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (249 km)
- Nearest Railway: Rishikesh (250 km)
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps and taxis from Uttarkashi (100 km)
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
- May–June: Opening season — fresh snow on peaks, mild weather
- September–October: Clearest skies, best Himalayan views
- Avoid July–August: Monsoon causes landslides on the access road
Gangotri National Park
The Gangotri National Park (2,390 sq km) surrounds the town and glacier. Wildlife includes Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Blue Sheep (Bharal), Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand).