Revered Hindu shrine
Nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gangotri Temple is the highest shrine devoted to Goddess Ganga, perched at an elevation of 3,200 metres. It forms a part of the revered Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Surrounded by the majestic Greater Himalayan Range and towering deodar and pine trees, the temple exudes serenity and natural beauty.
Suggested Duration - 1-2 hours
Located on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, the white facade of Gangotri Temple stands in striking contrast to the lush green surroundings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance while offering prayers to Goddess Ganga. The sacred Bhagirathi River, one of the primary tributaries of the Ganges, flows beside the temple. Don�t miss Bhagirath Shila, the stone slab where Bhagirath is believed to have meditated.
Gangotri is a small town and Hindu pilgrim site located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, approximately 300 kilometers from Dehradun. Known for the sacred Gangotri Temple and its natural beauty, the town’s name translates to "Ganga Descends," referencing the descent of the river Ganges.
The Gangotri Temple, at an altitude of 3048 meters, is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the temple was built in the 18th century by General Amar Singh Thapa. It is believed that King Bhagirath meditated here to bring Ganga to Earth.
Known for | Its religious significance and mesmerizing natural beauty. |
---|---|
Timings | Open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM. |
Entry Fee | No entry fee. |
Tips | Carry warm clothes as the weather can be unpredictable. |
Facilities | Basic facilities such as food and accommodation are available. |
Restricted Items | Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are not allowed. |
The best time to visit GangotriTemple is from April to June and September to November when the weather is most pleasant.
Beyond its religious significance, Gangotri Temple offers great natural beauty, surrounded by deodar and pine trees with snow-clad Himalayas in the backdrop. The temple closes in winter due to snowfall, and the idol of Goddess Ganga is moved to Mukhba village until reopening on Akshaya Tritiya. The Ganga Aarti here is a magnificent experience.
The temple provides daily poojas and rituals, with special ceremonies during festivals and auspicious days.
The evening Ganga Aarti at Gangotri Temple is performed with reverence and is a sight to behold.
Nearby tourist attractions include Gaumukh Glacier, Kedartal, and Tapovan.
Several small eateries around the temple serve vegetarian food. Local dishes include Aloo ke Gutke, Gahat Dal, and Jhangora ki Kheer.
How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?
How to explore a place by yourself?
How to choose a destination to travel to?
Top banner images
powered by Google