Daily Hindu Panchang
Where Goddess Ganga is worshipped at her source
Gangotri temple honours Goddess Ganga. The river is called Bhagirathi here, and the actual glacier source, Gaumukh, is a trek of about 18 km beyond the temple.
| Place | Gangotri, Uttarakhand |
|---|---|
| Known as | Char Dham · source of the Ganga |
| Best time | May to June and September to October. The temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya and closes around Diwali or Bhai Dooj. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days from Uttarkashi |
| Nearest railway | Rishikesh |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun |
Gangotri is the source temple of the Ganga and one of the four Chota Char Dham. The temple stands at about 3,100 metres on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district. The actual glacier source, Gaumukh, is about 18 km further by foot.
The road reaches the temple, so Gangotri is one of the easier high Himalayan darshans. The trek to Gaumukh is for those who want to go to the source itself.
This guide covers the temple, the nearby sights and the Gaumukh trek.
The usual route is Rishikesh to Uttarkashi to Harsil to Gangotri. Uttarkashi is the main night halt, about 100 km before the temple. The temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya and closes near Diwali, and in winter the goddess is worshipped at Mukhba village.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
For a short trip.
A comfortable family plan.
For fit travellers who want the source.
The first half of the Char Dham.
A white stone temple built in the early 18th century by the Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Beside it is the Bhagirath Shila, where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated to bring Ganga to earth.
Local tip: Bathe at the ghat only where it is marked safe. The water is very cold.
Surya Kund is a waterfall a short walk from the temple. Gauri Kund is another cascade nearby. Both are good spots to rest after darshan.
Local tip: Wear shoes with grip. The rocks are wet.
The snout of the Gangotri glacier, about 18 km from Gangotri, from where the Bhagirathi starts. The trek needs a permit from the forest department and good fitness, and it is usually done over two days.
Local tip: Book the permit in advance and carry warm clothes. Go with a local guide.
Harsil is a quiet village on the route with apple orchards and river views. Mukhba is the winter home of the goddess and is worth a stop.
Local tip: A calm place to spend a night before Gangotri.
| May to June | Main season, with a clear road. |
|---|---|
| July to August | Monsoon and landslides. |
| September to October | Clear skies and fewer crowds. |
| November to April | Temple closed. |
GMVN lodges, ashrams and guest houses at Gangotri and Harsil. Uttarkashi has more options.
Simple vegetarian food. Carry dry fruits.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Two to three days from Uttarkashi or Rishikesh. Add two days for Gaumukh.
No. The goddess is worshipped at Mukhba in winter.
Yes, from the forest department. Book in advance.
Yes, the temple is on the road. Gaumukh is not suitable for them.
May to June and September to October. The temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya and closes around Diwali or Bhai Dooj.
Plan 1 to 2 days from Uttarkashi.
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Ganga Dussehra; Opening day around Akshaya Tritiya.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:39 AM to 11:58 AM, worked out for Gangotri's own sunrise.
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