Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Main God
Goddess Ganga
Timings
6:15 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Uttarkashi
Type
CHAR DHAM
After arriving at Gangotri, take a holy dip at the Surya Kund ghat on the Bhagirathi River. The water is ice-cold but spiritually invigorating. Change into dry clothes before entering the temple.
Enter the white granite temple built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. View the idol of Goddess Ganga and the natural Shiva Lingam. The temple is relatively small and darshan is usually quick (15-30 minutes queue).
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at the river ghat near the temple. The aarti with the sound of bells and chanting against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks is a powerful spiritual experience.
Fill bottles with the sacred Ganga water directly from the Bhagirathi River at the temple ghat. This water is carried by pilgrims to their homes and used in religious ceremonies throughout the year.
Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand 249135
By Bus
GMOU buses from Rishikesh and Uttarkashi to Gangotri. Shared taxis available from Uttarkashi (100 km, 4 hours). The road passes through Harsil and Dharali with stunning Himalayan views.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (290 km). No direct helicopter services to Gangotri.
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station (265 km) and Dehradun Railway Station (285 km) are the nearest major stations.
trekInfo
No trek required for the temple - it is road-accessible. However, the trek to Gaumukh (the actual glacier source of Ganga) is 18 km from Gangotri through Chirbasa and Bhojbasa. This trek requires a permit from the forest department at Gangotri.
Local Transport
Shared taxis and jeeps from Uttarkashi. Local walking within Gangotri town. The temple is a short walk from the bus stand.
The personification of the sacred river Ganges, descended from heaven through Shiva's locks.
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