Gangotri Travel Guide
Source of the holy Ganga: route from Uttarkashi, Gaumukh trek, Harsil valley and packing list.
Best time to visit
May–June and September–October. Temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya, closes on Diwali.
About Gangotri
At 3,100 m, Gangotri marks where Goddess Ganga descended to earth. The white granite temple was built by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century.
Don't miss
- Evening Ganga aarti on the ghats
- Bhagirath Shila and Pandav Gufa
- Harsil apple orchards (25 km before Gangotri)
How to reach & route tips
By road: Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri (approx. 260 km). Road goes right up to the temple.
Gaumukh trek: 18 km from Gangotri to the glacier snout; permit from Uttarkashi forest office required.