Gangotri Dham Yatra Guide: Opening Dates, Route & Darshan Tips
Everything you need for the Gangotri Yatra from Uttarkashi: when the temple opens, how to get there, what to see around the shrine, and how to plan the day.
Gangotri at a glance
| Deity | Goddess Ganga |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 3,100 m |
| Distance from our resort | 95 km, about 4 hours on NH-34 |
| Opening | Akshaya Tritiya (late April / early May) |
| Closing | The day after Diwali; the goddess moves to Mukhba for winter |
| Registration | Char Dham Yatra registration with Uttarakhand Tourism is required |
About Gangotri Dham
Gangotri is one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra and the temple of Goddess Ganga. Legend says King Bhagirath meditated here to bring the Ganga down from the heavens, and the river is called the Bhagirathi in his honour. The white stone temple was built by the Gorkha general Amar Singh Thapa and later rebuilt by the Jaipur royal family. The actual source of the river is the Gaumukh glacier, about 18 km further on foot.
What to see at Gangotri
- Gangotri temple: morning and evening aarti on the river.
- Bhagirath Shila: the rock where King Bhagirath is said to have meditated.
- Surya Kund and Gauri Kund: waterfalls where the river crashes through rock gorges near the temple.
- Pandava Gufa: a short walk downstream, a cave linked to the Pandavas.
On the way from Uttarkashi
- Maneri Dam (10 km)
- Gangnani hot springs (45 km) for a warm dip
- Harsil Valley (73 km), apple orchards and deodar forest
- Mukhba, winter home of Goddess Ganga, across the river from Harsil
- Bhairon Ghati, Bhairav temple just before Gangotri, and the road to Gartang Gali
Doing both Dhams? See Uttarkashi to Yamunotri.
How to plan the day
Most families sleep in Uttarkashi and do Gangotri as a long day trip. Leave by 5–6 am, reach Gangotri by mid-morning, have darshan, and stop at Harsil and Gangnani on the way back. You are back for dinner and a proper bed. If you want the early aarti or plan the Gaumukh trek, stay a night near the temple; see our guide to hotels near Gangotri.
Before you go
- Register for the Char Dham Yatra on the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal and carry ID.
- Carry warm layers. Gangotri is cold even in June.
- Altitude: walk slowly and drink water. Seniors should rest well the night before.
- Monsoon: July and August bring landslide delays; keep a buffer day.
- Cash: networks and ATMs are limited above Uttarkashi.
Where to stay
Shiv Parivar Resort is on the banks of the Bhagirathi at Bhareti Chungi, New Bypass Road, 3 km before Uttarkashi town on the Gangotri highway. We have 18 river-facing rooms, a pure vegetarian kitchen, free morning yoga and a Shiva temple on site. Rooms start from ₹5,500 per night depending on season. See rooms or read our places to visit in Uttarkashi guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does Gangotri temple open and close?
It opens on Akshaya Tritiya, usually in late April or early May, and closes the day after Diwali. Exact dates are announced each year.
How far is Gangotri from Uttarkashi?
95 km from Shiv Parivar Resort, about four hours by road.
Is registration needed for Gangotri Yatra?
Yes. Pilgrims need to register for the Char Dham Yatra with Uttarakhand Tourism before travelling.
Can seniors visit Gangotri?
Yes. The road goes right up to Gangotri and the temple is a short, level walk from the parking area. Stay in Uttarkashi the night before and take it slowly.