Gangotri Yatra is part of Char Dham pilgrimage and it is located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas near holy Bhagirathi River. People love this place for its amazing mountain views and the peaceful atmosphere. Each year a lot of pilgrims and nature lovers visit this place to feel its peaceful and spiritual vibe.
This complete guide covers everything you need to plan your Gangotri Dham trip including best travel routes and places to stop, perfect time to visit and helpful tips for smooth and enjoyable journey. If it is your first visit or you have been to Gangotri before this guide will make your trip smooth, easy and full of good memories!
How to Reach
By Flight
Air travel is the easiest and quickest way to reach Gangotri Dham if you’re coming from a long distance-
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- From Delhi – You can take direct flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport to Jolly Grant Airport. Distance is around 208 kilometers and the flight takes about 1 hour.
From Jolly Grant Airport
- Taxi to Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun- Once you reach Jolly Grant Airport you can take a taxi to Sahastradhara Road. It usually takes around 57 minutes to cover the 30 km distance.
- Helicopter Service to Harsil – From Sahastradhara Road you can take a helicopter to Harsil. It’s the closest helipad to Gangotri, and the flight takes about 15 minutes over 25 kilometers.
- Taxi from Harsil to Gangotri- From Harsil, you can catch a taxi or share a jeep to reach Gangotri. It’s about 25 kilometers and takes around 49 minutes.
By Train
Closest train station to Gangotri Dham is Rishikesh. From there you have to travel by road to reach Gangotri-
- Nearest Railway Station– Rishikesh Railway Station.
- From Delhi– You can catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Rishikesh. It is about 258 kilometers and usually takes 5 to 6 hours.
From Rishikesh
- Taxi or Bus to Uttarkashi- After reaching Rishikesh you can travel to Uttarkashi by taxi or bus. It’s around 171 km away and usually takes about 6 hours.
- Taxi from Uttarkashi to Gomukh – You can continue your journey from Uttarkashi to Gomukh by taxi or jeep. It’s about 116 kilometers and takes nearly 4 hours.
- Trek from Gomukh to Gangotri- To complete the journey you’ll need to trek 18 kilometers from Gomukh to Gangotri. It takes around 4 hours, and you can either walk yourself or rent pony.
By Road
Going to Gangotri temple by road is a popular choice because it allows travelers to take breaks, explore spots on the route, and enjoy the beautiful views.
From Delhi:
- Delhi to Rishikesh- From Delhi, you can go by a taxi or bus to Rishikesh. The journey is around 233 km long and takes about 5–6 hours.
- Rishikesh to Uttarkashi- From Rishikesh it’s a 6-hour journey to Uttarkashi by road. You can travel by taxi or bus and distance is around 171 kilometers.
- Uttarkashi to Gomukh – You can go from Uttarkashi to Gomukh by jeep or taxi. It covers about 116 kilometers and takes nearly 4 hours to reach.
- Trek from Gomukh to Gangotri – You need to trek 18 kilometers from Gomukh to Gangotri on foot that takes around 4 hours to complete.
- Direct Buses – From ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, direct buses go to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Srinagar. After reaching these cities you can take taxi or a bus to continue your trip to Gangotri.
Gangotri Route Map
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Uttarakhand) → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Distance to Gangotri from Major Cities in India
City | Distance |
Chennai | 2692 Kms |
Bangalore | 2658 Kms |
Kolkata | 1980 Kms |
Kochi | 3198 Kms |
Hyderabad | 2072 Kms |
Mysore | 2807 Kms |
Tiruchirappalli | 2992 Kms |
Ahmedabad | 1512 Kms |
Indore | 1480 Kms |
Vishakhapatnam | 2716 Kms |
Mumbai | 2011 Kms |
Bhubaneswar | 2275 Kms |
Delhi | 535 Kms |
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Gangotri Dham, go during summer or autumn. The weather is pleasant, and you won’t face road issues-
- Summer Season- If you’re planning a trip, May and June are a good time to go. The weather is comfortable and great for trekking.
- Autumn Season- September to October is also a great time to visit, because the weather is comfortable and the skies are usually clear.
Opening Closing Dates
- Temple Opening Date (2025) – The Gangotri Temple opens on 30 April 2025.
- Temple Closing Date (2025) – The temple closes on 23rd October 2024. (Tentative)
Additional Information
- Height- Gangotri Dham is located 3,415 meters (about 11,204 feet) above sea level.
- Temperature- The average temperature stays around 8°C, and it’s usually very cold all year round.
- Weather- The weather in Gangotri is mostly cold, no matter the season. Summer days are cool, but early mornings and nights can be chilly. In winter, there’s heavy snow and the temple doesn’t stay open.
Places to Visit
There are many interesting places around Gangotri Dham that you can visit during your trip –
- Gaumukh Glacier – Gaumukh Glacier where the River Ganges starts, is a popular spot for trekking. Many people like to trek here because of its amazing scenery and calm surroundings.
- Tapovan- At Tapovan you’ll find a beautiful meadow in the mountains, perfect for camping and trekking while enjoying the amazing Himalayan views.
- Kedar Tal – About 17 kilometers from Gangotri you’ll find Kedar Tal, a lovely lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks.
- Harsil- Harsil is a wonderful village about 25 kilometers from Gangotri, famous for its apple orchards and beautiful views.
- Uttarkashi- Uttarkashi is city famous for its old temples and beautiful nature. It is about 100 kilometers away from Gangotri.
- Yamunotri- Yamunotri is another important Hindu pilgrimage spot, located about 227 kilometers from Gangotri.
- Nelong Valley- A beautiful valley about 34 kilometers from Gangotri, famous for its wild animals and amazing views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: How far is Kedarnath from Gangotri ?
Ans: The total distance is around 409 kilometers.
Q-2: What is the distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri?
Ans: It’s around 227 kilometers.
Q-3: How can I travel from Haridwar to Gangotri?
Ans: You can travel from Haridwar to Gangotri by road. Buses and shared taxis are available, or you can take a private taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Q-4: How is the mobile network connectivity in Gangotri ?
Ans: Airtel’s mobile network works well in this region.
Q-5: What is the distance from New Delhi to Gangotri National Park?
Ans: Trip covers around 401 kilometers and is great for people who love beautiful natural views.
Conclusion
Going to Gangotri Dham is an exciting trip with different ways to travel, so you can choose what’s easy and fits your budget. Whether you travel by plane, train, car, or on foot, each path gives you amazing nature and a peaceful experience. Traveling to Gangotri Dham is not only a trip but also a spiritual journey you will always remember. Make sure to plan your trip well, think about the best time to go, and choose the right way to travel so your visit to this holy place is easy and unforgettable.
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