Gangotri

The beautiful spiritual town of Gangotri is one of the most holy sites of northern India that is visited by travellers and devotees throughout the year. Gangotri is located at a breathtaking altitude of 3,048 mts above the sea level in the district of Uttarkashi in Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. The beautiful little town is situated on the banks of the holy river of Bhagirathi, and is also a major Dham amongst the Char Dhams of the state.

The town also has one of the most prominent and the highest temple of the Ganges river which has a religious significance in India. The town of Gangotri is a small destination which lies between the Ganga temple. The current day temple which is seen in the town was made by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century.

There are a number of reasons that make the beautiful pilgrimage town of Gangotri a must visit destination for travellers. The temple of Gangotri is also included under one of the Chota Char Dham and the river Bhagirathi’s (Ganga) origin lies at the famous Gaumukh glacier which is at a distance of around 18kms from the town of Gangotri and the entire distance is covered on foot. In the town travellers can get scenic sights of gushing waters, snow clad peaks and huge rugged mountains. The town remains opened from the month of May and at closing takes place after Diwali festival. At the time of winters visitors will also see the famous Shivling of Gangotri which is carved from natural rocks and is submerged underwater.

How to Reach

By Road: Reaching Gangotri through road is easy with the established connectivity to all the major towns of the state. Located at one side of NH108, travellers can board buses to Rishikesh from Delhi, ISBT Kashmiri Gate and later on find taxis and buses from Rishikesh.

By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest rail head from the town of Gangotri which lies at a distance of 234 kms before the pilgrimage town. Trains to major Indian cities from the railway station are frequent.

By Air: Jolly grant airport is the nearest Airport to the town of Gangotri which is located 250kms away from the town. Frequent flights fly from the airport to major Indian cities.

Places to See in Gangotri