Gangotri Templeगंगोत्री मंदिर

About Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple stands at about 3,100 metres on the banks of the Bhagirathi river in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and is one of the four shrines of the Chota Char Dham yatra. The Bhagirathi, the main source stream of the Ganga, begins at the Gaumukh glacier about 19 km further up. Surrounded by pine forests and high peaks, Gangotri is reachable by road and opens for about six months each year, closing for the winter after Diwali.

Legend says King Bhagiratha performed long penance here so that Ganga would descend from heaven to purify the ashes of his ancestors. Ganga agreed, and Lord Shiva caught her in his matted locks to soften her fall. The rock where Bhagiratha is said to have meditated, Bhagirath Shila, lies close to the temple. The temple was built in the early 19th century by the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa. In winter, the goddess's image is taken to Mukhba village, where she is worshipped until spring.

The temple is built of white granite in a simple Nagara style, with a small spire and gilded tops. Inside is an image of Goddess Ganga along with other deities. Below the temple are ghats on the fast-flowing, icy Bhagirathi where pilgrims take a holy dip or fill bottles of Ganga water.

Gangotri Temple timings & aarti

Seasonal: opens on Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) and closes on the day after Diwali (Oct/Nov). During the season usually open from early morning to evening with a midday break. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Gangotri Temple

Festivals at Gangotri Temple

• Kapat Opening on Akshaya TritiyaApr/May
• Ganga DussehraMay/Jun
• Kapat Closing after DiwaliOct/Nov

Visitor tips

Dress code

Modest traditional clothing recommended; carry warm layers as nights are cold.

Entry

Darshan is free; registration for the Char Dham Yatra with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory. Trekking to Gaumukh needs a separate permit.

• Complete the mandatory Char Dham registration before travelling.
• Stop for a night at Uttarkashi or Harsil to break the long mountain drive.
• If you plan the Gaumukh trek, get the permit in advance as numbers are limited.
• The river water is ice-cold and swift; bathe only at the ghats and hold the chains.
• Carry bottles to take Ganga water home.

Places to visit near Gangotri Temple

• Bhagirath ShilaSacred rock where King Bhagiratha meditated, beside the temple
• Surya KundWaterfall on the Bhagirathi, a short walk away
• Pandava GufaCave linked with the Pandavas, about 1.5 km walk
• HarsilScenic valley village, about 25 km away
• GaumukhGlacier snout and source of the Bhagirathi, a trek of about 19 km

Frequently asked questions