Gangotri Travel Guide
Located on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi River, the Gangotri shrine is one of the four sacred Char Dhams in Uttarakhand. Gangotri lies at an elevation of about 3,048 m above sea level in the Garhwal hills. The breathtaking beauty of Gangotri entices devotees and tourists with its classic charm.
A wonderland of pines, deodar trees, and snow-covered mountains allows you to soak in the refreshing vibes of tranquil nature. Apart from its religious importance, Gangotri is a gift from the Himalayas, and its scenic beauty offers a peaceful respite from bustling city life. Gangotri Uttarakhand is a wonderful pilgrim town for a relaxing and peaceful stay. Adventure enthusiasts have an excellent opportunity to indulge in adventure activities like camping, trekking, and hiking, among many others.
History & Legends of Gangotri
It is stated that Ganga, a stunning young woman, was born from Lord Brahma’s Kamandalu (water vessel). There are two different accounts of this specific birth. One relates that after Lord Vishnu, in his reincarnation as Vaman, purged the universe of the demon Bali, Brahma washed his feet and stored the water in his kamandalu.
According to legend, General Amar Singh Thapa constructed the current shrine in the 18th century. On this holy site, it is said that Goddess Ganga descended from the sky to earth, passing through Lord Shiva’s matted hair as she divided herself into five tributaries that eventually merged into the Ganga River.
Gangotri opening and closing dates 2024
The temple opens up its gates for devotees on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya. This year the Gangotri Dham opening date is May 10, 2024(tentative), and it will close on November 02, 2024 (tentative), on Diwali in 2024.
Gangotri Temple Aarti
The Gangotri temple aarti timings are 6:00 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. The Gangotri temple darshan timings are exact. From May to June, pilgrims are allowed to do darshan for four hours; from July to October, the temple provides darshan only for one hour. The Gangotri temple’s entry fee is free. The temple has no charges or fees for seeing Aarti or doing Darshan.
Registration for Gangotri
Gangotri Dham can start after April 20, 2024. As Char Dham registrations are mandatory in the Char Dham Yatra 2024 and can be done quickly online via the app and WhatsApp, thousands of pilgrims register daily.
Places to visit in Gangotri
Rooted deep in Hindu folklore, Gangotri offers a pleasant sightseeing experience that will mesmerize you. Most tourists visiting Gangotri are pilgrims who visit the famous Gangotri temple. However, a few places to visit also have tourist appeal. Whether looking for religious sites or are heading to Gangotri on an adventurous journey, the following are the most popular places to visit in Gangotri:
- Gangotri Temple
- Dharali
- Kalindi Khal Trek
- Maneri
- Gangotri river
- Gomukh Gangotri
Things to do in Gangotri
The destination is ideal for all travelers, including families, friends, couples, and solo travelers. A lot can be discovered and tried in this beautiful town of Uttarakhand. There are various things to do in Gangotri that are worth indulging in, as they’ll not only make your trip productive but will also give you an insight into the culture and tradition of this town!
- Take Goddess Ganga’s Blessings
- Trek Your Heart Out
- Enjoy The Natural Environs
- Strolling Amidst Orchards
- Fishing
Best time to visit Gangotri
Gangotri remains cold almost annually, yet the best time to visit this place is between April, June, September, and October. Summers here are pleasant, marking the ideal season to pay homage at the Gangotri shrine. However, monsoons are accompanied by heavy rainfall, and it’s the time when traveling becomes a little tricky. Winters are freezing here with a lot of snowfall, making the weather too chilly. So, the best time to visit Gangotri is in the summer. Plan your trip accordingly.
How to reach Gangotri
Reaching Gangotri is a relatively easy task. The place is well-connected by a road that remains open most of the year. Depending on your preference, you can drive here by your vehicle or board a bus or rent a private taxi. The only time you may need help reaching Gangotri is during the winter after it starts to snow. This is because the road gets blocked after heavy snowfall in December, January, and February, and the entire Gangotri town gets shut down.
Accommodation in Gangotri
Gangotri has many accommodations, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guest houses to Dharamshala. Gangotri has some great accommodations for every kind of traveler, whether solo, with family, or with friends. Apart from that, Gangotri also has camping services for tourists and pilgrims. The government has also set up GMVN guesthouses. However, during the peak season, Gangotri is flocked with pilgrims, and finding a place to stay takes time and effort.
Where to eat in Gangotri?
Food and restaurants play essential roles while going on a trip. Gangotri is religious, but there are many eateries and roadside food stalls. Here you can savor North Indian vegetarian food and some popular Chinese dishes. Being a sacred site, consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in and around Gangotri. The hotel in Gangotri also serves delicious meals at its in-house restaurants. So pack your bag and fall in love with the delicacies of Gangotri restaurants.
How to get around in Gangotri?
Gangotri is a small town, and you do not need local transport to wander around. However, porters are readily available to carry out your baggage.
Travel Tips
- Maintain the sanctity of the place by refraining from alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
- The weather at Gangotri remains chilly throughout the year. Carry ample woolen when visiting the region.
- Traveling to Uttarakhand in monsoons is risky as the region witnesses road blockages due to frequent landslides. The best time to visit Gangotri is from May-April and September-October.
- Wear appropriate clothing as it is a pilgrimage city that does not allow wearing revealing clothes.
Gangotri Tour Packages
Things To Do in Uttarakhand
- Uttarakhand Tour Packages
- Best Time to Visit Gangotri
- How to Reach Gangotri
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