Nestled in the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, Gangotri Dham is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Perched at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level, Gangotri is not only a spiritual retreat but also a treasure trove of natural beauty. This holy town is the source of the sacred River Ganga, which holds immense significance in Hindu culture and mythology..
Two other important spiritual sites near Gangotri are the Bhagirathi Shila, a stone where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated, and the Surya Kund, a natural thermal spring believed to have medicinal properties. Pilgrims often visit these sites for blessings and spiritual rejuvenation.
The Gangotri Temple is the main attraction and a beacon of devotion. Pilgrims from all over India and beyond visit the temple to pay homage to Goddess Ganga. The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Diwali (October/November).
For adventure enthusiasts, Gangotri offers several trekking trails that combine spirituality with the thrill of exploring the Himalayas.
Gangotri is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests. The Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the Ganga, flows alongside the town, adding to its mystical charm.
Gangotri experiences a typical Himalayan climate:
Summers (April to June): Pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, ideal for pilgrimage and trekking.
Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall often leads to landslides, making travel risky.
Winters (October to March): Severe cold with temperatures dropping below freezing, and the region is covered in snow. The temple remains closed during this period.
Gangotri is a part of the Gangotri National Park, which spans over 2,390 square kilometers. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including Himalayan cedar, spruce, musk deer, snow leopards, and the elusive red fox.
The Bhagirathi River, with its turquoise waters, complements the surrounding snow-clad peaks and verdant valleys, making Gangotri a haven for photographers and nature lovers.
Reaching Gangotri involves a combination of road travel and trekking, depending on the starting point.
Accommodation in Gangotri ranges from budget guesthouses to dharamshalas managed by religious organizations. Nearby towns like Harsil and Uttarkashi also offer more comfortable options, including mid-range hotels and resorts.
The best time to visit Gangotri is during the summer months (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and the temple is open. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides.
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Area | 53,483 sq km |
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Density | 189/km2 |
Census | 10,116,752 |
Capital | Dehradun |
State Animal | Alpine Musk Deer |
State Flower | Brahm Kamal |
State Bird | Himalayan Monal |
Languages | Kumaoni, Garhwali, Hindi, & English |
Rivers | Ganges, Yamuna, Saraswati, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Bhilangana, Pindar, Ramganga, Kosi, Sarayu, & Dhauliganga |
National Parks | Jim Corbett NP, Rajaji NP, Nanda Devi NP, Gangotri NP, & Valley Of Flowers NP |
Char Dham Yatra from Dehradun packages are the most time effective options and if you want to increase your comfort a bit more then you should have a look at the below alternate options. Here we have combined some beautiful nearby destinations to make your Char Dham Yatra package more memorable and relaxing. All the packages are easily customisable, fill out the below inquiry form and get an instant quote and an expert assigned to you.
The Garhwal region of Uttarakhand is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and spiritual seekers alike. Home to the Char Dham pilgrimage sites—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri—Garhwal holds immense religious significance. Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World," and Haridwar, renowned for the Ganga Aarti, are key spiritual hubs. For adventure enthusiasts, Auli offers skiing and breathtaking views of the Himalayas, while Valley of Flowers National Park enchants visitors with its vibrant blooms and serene landscapes. With its mix of holy sites, lush valleys, and thrilling activities, Garhwal captures the true essence of Uttarakhand’s diverse charm.
You will need to bring your head out of the car and rotate it about ninety degrees upwards to see the top of the mountain while roaming in Garhwal, well it was a joke, LOL! It is absolutely not recommended to make your head out of the car but the point is that the Garhwal Himalayas are that so tall. Stunning panaromic Himalayan views will make your jaw drop, below are the best Garhwal tour packages to witness it all in real.
It can be easier for you to plan your Char Dham Yatra yatra from Delhi but it requires a minimum of 12 days. Because of the connectivity of flights, trains, and other mediums of transportation is much vast in Delhi as compared to Dehradun. You can get many options of Flight/Train easily for Delhi whereas Flights/Trains for Dehradun will be limited. Not just increasing the tour duration it also gives you a deep exposure to Haridwar and Rishikesh. Here at Devbhumi Tourism, we have practised and beautifully merged other nearby destinations with the Char Dham Yatra tours from Delhi. Discover below the great tour options to plan a Char Dham Yatra from Delhi.
Subhash Nagar, Jwalapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand - 249407