Dham of the Chardham circuit
Gangotri Dham
Where the Ganga descended from the heavens
Altitude
3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Location
Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand
Best time
May to June, September to October
Open
Akshaya Tritiya (late April / early May) → Diwali / Govardhan Puja
About Gangotri Dham
Gangotri Dham sits on the right bank of the Bhagirathi river, framed by deodar forests and the snow-tipped Garhwal peaks. The 18th-century white granite temple, built by Gurkha commander Amar Singh Thapa, marks the spot where, by legend, King Bhagirath's penance brought Ganga to the earth to liberate his ancestors.
Religious significance
Among the most sacred sites in Hinduism — bathing in the Bhagirathi at Gangotri is believed to cleanse lifetimes of karma. Devout pilgrims carry Gangajal home from here for daily worship and life rituals.
How to reach
Gangotri is road-connected via Uttarkashi and Harsil from Dehradun and Rishikesh (around 250 km from Dehradun). The temple is a short level walk from the parking and main bazaar.
Darshan timings
Open daily 06:15 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 21:30 during the yatra season
Weather
Day temperatures 15–20°C in summer, dropping near freezing at night; the post-monsoon window from mid-September offers exceptional clarity.
Nearby places
- Bhagirath Shila
- Pandava Gufa
- Surya Kund waterfall
- Harsil valley
- Gaumukh glacier (trek)
FAQs about Gangotri Dham
Can vehicles reach Gangotri temple?
Yes. Roads go all the way to the Gangotri bazaar; the temple is a 200 m walk from the parking area.
What is Gaumukh and is it part of the yatra?
Gaumukh is the actual glacial source of the Bhagirathi, an 18 km trek from Gangotri requiring a forest permit. It is optional and not part of the standard Chardham itinerary.
Is the trip safe during monsoon?
July–August carries real landslide risk on the Uttarkashi road; most operators pause Chardham departures or shift to helicopter packages during this window.