Welcome To Gangotri – The Sacred Origin of River Ganga
Gangotri, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India and a crucial part of the Char Dham Yatra. This sacred town is home to the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, where thousands of devotees come to seek blessings and witness the spiritual essence of the Ganges River's origin. The temple, situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters, is believed to be the spot where King Bhagirath's penance brought the divine Ganga to Earth, and where Lord Shiva contained its mighty force in his locks before releasing it as the Bhagirathi River.
Gangotri is not only a revered spiritual destination but also a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The pristine surroundings, snow-clad peaks, dense pine forests, and glacial rivers make it an ideal place for meditation and exploration. The town serves as the gateway to Gaumukh Glacier, the true source of the River Ganga, which is accessible via an 18 km trek from Gangotri. Pilgrims also visit sub-destinations like Harsil Valley, Bhairav Ghati, Pandav Gufa, and Jalmagna Shivling, each adding a unique spiritual and historical significance to the journey.
The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and remains accessible until Diwali (October/November), after which the idol of Goddess Ganga is shifted to Mukhba Village for winter worship. The best time to visit Gangotri is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is open for darshan. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, scenic beauty, or a trekking adventure, Gangotri offers an unforgettable experience, making it an essential stop in the Char Dham Yatra.
Jalmagna Shivling – The Submerged Rock of Lord Shiva
Jalmagna Shivling, located in the Bhagirathi River near Gangotri Temple, is a natural rock formation that remains submerged under water for most of the year. It is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Shiva received the Ganges in his matted locks before releasing it to Earth. During winters, when the water level recedes, devotees can see this sacred rock, which holds immense spiritual significance.
Gaumukh Glacier – The True Source of River Ganga
Gaumukh, located 18 km from Gangotri, is the actual source of the Ganges River. It is a high-altitude glacier at 4,023 meters, offering a breathtaking trek through rugged Himalayan terrain. The trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh is one of the most spiritual and adventurous journeys, attracting pilgrims and trekkers seeking a divine experience.
Bhairav Ghati – The Mystical Gorge
Bhairav Ghati, 10 km from Gangotri, is a narrow gorge surrounded by dense forests and towering cliffs. It is believed that Bhairav Nath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, guards the region, protecting devotees visiting Gangotri. The place is both spiritually significant and visually captivating, making it a must-visit spot for pilgrims.
Harsil Valley – The Hidden Paradise
Harsil, located 25 km from Gangotri, is a serene Himalayan valley known for its apple orchards, lush greenery, and breathtaking landscapes. It is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India”, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. The valley is also an important rest stop for Char Dham Yatra travelers, providing a scenic break from the journey.
Pandav Gufa – A Historic Cave of the Mahabharata Era
Pandav Gufa is an ancient cave, located 1.5 km from Gangotri, believed to have been the meditation site of the Pandavas during their journey to the Himalayas. This short trek from Gangotri Temple leads to a quiet and spiritually uplifting place, perfect for meditation and exploration.
Jalmagna Shivling – The Submerged Rock of Lord Shiva
Jalmagna Shivling, located in the Bhagirathi River near Gangotri Temple, is a natural rock formation that remains submerged under water for most of the year. It is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Shiva received the Ganges in his matted locks before releasing it to Earth. During winters, when the water level recedes, devotees can see this sacred rock, which holds immense spiritual significance.
Gaumukh Glacier – The True Source of River Ganga
Gaumukh, located 18 km from Gangotri, is the actual source of the Ganges River. It is a high-altitude glacier at 4,023 meters, offering a breathtaking trek through rugged Himalayan terrain. The trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh is one of the most spiritual and adventurous journeys, attracting pilgrims and trekkers seeking a divine experience.
Bhairav Ghati – The Mystical Gorge
Bhairav Ghati, 10 km from Gangotri, is a narrow gorge surrounded by dense forests and towering cliffs. It is believed that Bhairav Nath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, guards the region, protecting devotees visiting Gangotri. The place is both spiritually significant and visually captivating, making it a must-visit spot for pilgrims.
Harsil Valley – The Hidden Paradise
Harsil, located 25 km from Gangotri, is a serene Himalayan valley known for its apple orchards, lush greenery, and breathtaking landscapes. It is often called the “Mini Switzerland of India”, offering a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. The valley is also an important rest stop for Char Dham Yatra travelers, providing a scenic break from the journey.
Pandav Gufa – A Historic Cave of the Mahabharata Era
Pandav Gufa is an ancient cave, located 1.5 km from Gangotri, believed to have been the meditation site of the Pandavas during their journey to the Himalayas. This short trek from Gangotri Temple leads to a quiet and spiritually uplifting place, perfect for meditation and exploration.
Jalmagna Shivling – The Submerged Rock of Lord Shiva
Jalmagna Shivling, located in the Bhagirathi River near Gangotri Temple, is a natural rock formation that remains submerged under water for most of the year. It is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Shiva received the Ganges in his matted locks before releasing it to Earth. During winters, when the water level recedes, devotees can see this sacred rock, which holds immense spiritual significance.
Spiritual & Natural Beauty
A perfect blend of pilgrimage, meditation, and nature, offering snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers, and a tranquil atmosphere for seekers of peace and adventure.
Gangotri Temple
One of the four Char Dham shrines, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
Gaumukh Glacier
The true origin of the River Ganges, accessible via an 18 km trek from Gangotri.
Harsil Valley
A scenic and peaceful Himalayan retreat, known for apple orchards, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes.
Bhairav Ghati
A mystical gorge believed to be guarded by Bhairav Nath, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
Pandav Gufa
A sacred cave near Gangotri, believed to be visited by the Pandavas during their Himalayan journey.
Jalmagna Shivling
A submerged rock formation in the Bhagirathi River, believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva held the Ganges in his locks before releasing it to Earth.
Trekking Adventures
Opportunities for spiritual treks to Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan, and Nandanvan, offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
Char Dham Yatra Connection
Gangotri is the second stop in the Char Dham Yatra, following Yamunotri and leading to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Best Time to Visit
The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes after Diwali (October/November), with the idol shifting to Mukhba Village for winter worship.
Spiritual & Natural Beauty
A perfect blend of pilgrimage, meditation, and nature, offering snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers, and a tranquil atmosphere for seekers of peace and adventure.
Gangotri Temple
One of the four Char Dham shrines, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
Gaumukh Glacier
The true origin of the River Ganges, accessible via an 18 km trek from Gangotri.
Harsil Valley
A scenic and peaceful Himalayan retreat, known for apple orchards, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes.
Bhairav Ghati
A mystical gorge believed to be guarded by Bhairav Nath, offering breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
Pandav Gufa
A sacred cave near Gangotri, believed to be visited by the Pandavas during their Himalayan journey.
Jalmagna Shivling
A submerged rock formation in the Bhagirathi River, believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva held the Ganges in his locks before releasing it to Earth.
Trekking Adventures
Opportunities for spiritual treks to Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan, and Nandanvan, offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
Char Dham Yatra Connection
Gangotri is the second stop in the Char Dham Yatra, following Yamunotri and leading to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Best Time to Visit
The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes after Diwali (October/November), with the idol shifting to Mukhba Village for winter worship.
Spiritual & Natural Beauty
A perfect blend of pilgrimage, meditation, and nature, offering snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers, and a tranquil atmosphere for seekers of peace and adventure.
