2nd Dham
Gangotri
Marks the point where the Ganga is believed to have descended to earth. The actual source, Gaumukh, lies about 18 km further via a trek. The temple was built by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa in the early 19th century.
- Deity
- Goddess Ganga
- Elevation
- 3,100 m
- District
- Uttarkashi
- Ideal Duration
- 1 day for temple; add 2 days for Gaumukh trek
About Gangotri
Gangotri is unique among the four dhams in being fully accessible by road, which makes it the easiest stop logistically despite being among the most spiritually significant.
The temple town sits on the banks of the Bhagirathi River — the name given to the Ganga at this stretch, before it is joined by the Alaknanda at Devprayag further downstream.
Pilgrims wanting to visit the literal source of the river continue on a well-marked but physically demanding trek to Gaumukh, requiring a forest permit obtainable in Gangotri town.
Legend & Mythology
King Bhagirath is said to have performed severe penance to bring the Ganga down from the heavens to liberate the souls of his ancestors. Shiva agreed to break the river's fall by catching it in his matted hair, releasing it gently onto the earth — the origin of the name Gaumukh ("cow's mouth"), the glacier snout from which the river emerges.
How to Reach
Directly motorable — temple is located in Gangotri town, about 100 km from Uttarkashi and 250 km from Rishikesh.
Quick Facts
Trek Distance
Temple is roadside; Gaumukh extension is ~18 km one-way
Trek Difficulty
Temple: none. Gaumukh trek: moderate, permit required
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh (~250 km)
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~260 km)
Portal Open/Close
Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) to Diwali (Oct/Nov)
Temple Architecture
White granite structure built in the early 1800s by Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa; renovated by the Kingdom of Jaipur.
Rituals & Puja
- Ganga aarti held every evening on the temple ghats, similar in spirit to the Haridwar/Rishikesh aarti but smaller in scale
- Pilgrims take a ceremonial dip in the Bhagirathi before entering the temple
- Collection of Gangajal (holy water) in copper or plastic containers to carry home
Highlights
- Gaumukh glacier trek (optional, 2 days round trip)
- Submerged Shivling rock visible only in winter when water levels drop
- Pandava Gufa, a cave associated with the Pandavas
Nearby Attractions
Gaumukh Glacier
Source of the Ganga; 18 km trek, permit required
Tapovan
High meadow beyond Gaumukh, popular with mountaineers and sadhus
Submerged Shivling
Natural rock formation visible in the riverbed in winter
Where to Stay
Gangotri town itself has a range of guesthouses and dharamshalas within walking distance of the temple. Uttarkashi, about 100 km away, is a common overnight halt for those combining Gangotri with the rest of the circuit.
Weather
Being at a comparatively lower elevation than Kedarnath or Yamunotri, Gangotri is milder, though nights remain cold through the season. The Gaumukh trek gains significant altitude and should not be attempted without acclimatization.
Travel Tips
- Apply for the Gaumukh forest permit early in the day at the forest office in Gangotri
- Carry your own trekking gear for Gaumukh — rental options are limited
- Visit the ghats at dusk for the aarti before it gets too crowded the next morning
Other Dhams
Plan Your Gangotri Visit with GoTrek Travels
GoTrek Travels is a KMVN-approved operator based in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, offering guided Char Dham packages with transport, stay, and registration handled end to end.
