Gangotri Temple

Gangotri is the second dham in the popular Char Dham Yatra circuit of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the temple is associated with the origin of the River Ganga at Gomukh. However, Gomukh, the actual source of the Ganga River, is located approximately 19 km from the temple at the Gangotri Glacier.
 

According to legend, Gangotri is the place where the mighty River Ganga descended from heaven to Earth. However, the actual River Ganga forms at Devprayag, at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.
 

Nestled amidst the Himalayas, dense forests, and glaciers, the Gangotri temple offers picturesque landscapes and a divine atmosphere. It is one of the highest pilgrimage sites, perched at a height of 3,415 meters above sea level.

Gangotri Temple - Second Dham of the Char Dham Circuit

The sacred Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand starts from Yamunotri Dham, followed by Gangotri Dham. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi District. The 20-foot-tall temple is made of white granite, offering an enchanting view with snow-covered mountains in the backdrop. The temple remains open to devotees for only six months each year, as the region receives heavy snowfall during winter.
 

During the winter season, the palanquin of Maa Ganga is ceremoniously shifted to its winter seat at Mukhba village. The beauty and piousness of this temple attract lakhs of pilgrims every year to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the deity Ganga Maa. Unlike Yamunotri Dham, devotees are not required to undertake a trek to reach the Gangotri Dham. The temple is just a few metres away from the main road and is accessible to all.

History of Gangotri Dham

It is believed that the original Gangotri Temple was built by the Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa and was later restored in the 19th Century. Located around 237 km from Dehradun, a blissful 9-hour journey by road will bring you to this holy place. The temple is well-connected by road and can be accessed using various modes of transportation. The site has a history of more than 1200 years. In earlier times, devotees visited the Gangotri Temple on foot. However, a motorable road was constructed in 1980, which makes the pilgrimage easier for the devotees. Ample accommodations are available near the temple for pilgrims to rest and commence their pilgrimage.

Gangotri Dham Opening Date for 2026

Like the other Char Dham shrines, Gangotri Dham closes during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. The shrine reopens to devotees every year on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya. In 2026, the doors of Gangotri Dham will reopen on 19 April 2026. On this day, the palanquin of Maa Ganga will be brought ceremoniously from its winter seat at Mukhba Village. Being a popular shrine, the site offers plenty of prasad shops where devotees can purchase offerings. During the pilgrimage, pilgrims usually collect the water from the holy Bhagirathi River here and offer it at the Kedarnath Temple.

Significance of Gangotri Temple

Legends have it that Mother Ganga descends to Earth from the dreadlocks of Lord Shiva to absolve the sins of King Bhagirathi's ancestors, who had been cursed. King Bhagirathi performs an intense penance to please Lord Shiva and bring the sacred river to Earth. This is why Ganga is considered the epitome of purity for mankind. It is said that there is a sacred stone near the river where King Bhagiratha performed his penance.
 

The significance of this temple is also linked with the Pandavas. As per the legend, post the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas visited this region to perform the Deva Yajna to atone for the death of their kinsmen. It is believed that performing ancestral rites on the river Bhagirathi frees the ancestor's spirit from the cycle of rebirth, and a holy dip may cleanse all your sins committed from the past to the present.

Gangotri Weather

Located in the Uttarakashi district, Gangotri experience cold weather most of the year. The region receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon and snowfall in winter. Pilgrims visiting from other states must carry woollen clothes as the the temperature remains low even during summer evenings.

Accommodation near Gangotri

A plenty of accommodation options are available near the Gangotri Temple, including hotels, homestays, and guesthouses to suit different budgets.

Food Guide

Gangotri houses multiple restaurants and dhabas, where devotees can satisfy their cravings. Most of these food outlets offer local and other popular cuisines.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory.
• Confirm your registration at least two to three weeks before your travel date.
• Check the weather forecast before planning your yatra.
• Avoid travelling during the monsoon due to risks of e road blockage and landslides.
• Carry adequate woollens, as the weather remains cold.
• Pilgrims with BP, sugar or other medications should consult their doctor before the yatra.
• Keep essential medicines, cash and important documents handy.
• Book accommodation in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
• Carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as the weather conditions may change rapidly.

Major Nearby Attractions

During your visit to Gangotri Dham, you can also explore other religious and popular attractions in the region, such as:

• Gauri Kund and Surya Kund
• Gaumukh
• Pandava Gufa
• Underwater Shivling
• Tapovan
• Kedartal
• Bhaironghati
• Gartang Gali
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Mukhwa.