Gangotri

5 Days
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Gangotri is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is known as the origin of the holy river Ganga (Ganges). Gangotri is situated at an elevation of about 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level.

Overview

Itinerary

Including

FAQs

Map

Overview

At Bluemoon Holidays, we invite you to embark on a journey to Gangotri, a place of spiritual serenity and natural beauty. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, Gangotri is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India and forms a crucial part of the Char Dham Yatra. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this holy destination is believed to be the origin of the sacred River Ganga.

Duration: The typical duration of the Gangotri is 5 to 6 days.

Location: Gangotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan region. It lies at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The town is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, which is the name of the Ganga (Ganges) River before it merges with the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Gangotri is between May and June and again from September to October, as the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. During the winter months, the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, and the region becomes inaccessible.

Opening and Closing Dates: Gangotri Temple typically opens on Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in late April or early May. This date is considered very auspicious in the Hindu calendar. The temple usually closes on Yam Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj), which falls a day or two after Diwali, typically in late October or early November.

Near by Gangotri: “Gaumukh Glacier” The glacier is a popular trekking destination for both adventure seekers and pilgrims. About 19 km from Gangotri. “Bhojbasa” About 14 km from Gangotri (on the trek to Gaumukh), “Tapovan” About 23 km from Gangotri (via Gaumukh), “Kedar Tal” About 18 km from Gangotri, “Harsil” About 25 km from Gangotri. “Dharali” About 19 km from Gangotri, ”
Uttarkashi” About 100 km from Gangotri.

Travel Modes:

  • Rishikesh to Gangotri:

    • By Road: Gangotri is well connected by road, and buses and taxis are available from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
    • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 250 km away.
    • By Train: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh or Haridwar.

    It is approximately 248 kilometers from Rishikesh and around 100 kilometers from Uttarkashi.

Itinerary

Day 1 :
Arrival in Rishikesh

Arrive in Rishikesh and check in to your hotel or camp. You can stay at Bluemoon Holidays for rafting and camping in Shivpuri, with options such as Alpine, Luxury, Cottage, or Hotel stays.
Explore the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Visit Triveni Ghat for the evening Ganga Aarti.
Take a walk across the Laxman Jhula and visit nearby temples and ashrams.

Day 2 :
Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (170 km, 6-7 hours)

Departure: Early morning departure from Rishikesh towards Uttarkashi.
En Route:
Stop at Tehri Dam for a scenic view.
Reach Uttarkashi in the afternoon.
Stay: Check-in to a hotel or guesthouse in Uttarkashi.
Activities:
Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Shakti Temple.
Evening relaxation along the Bhagirathi River.

Day 3 :
Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km, 4-5 hours)

Departure: Start early from Uttarkashi towards Gangotri.
En Route:
Visit Harsil Valley for its serene beauty and apple orchards.
Continue to Gangotri, reaching by noon.
Gangotri Temple:
Visit the sacred Gangotri Temple and offer prayers.
Explore the Bhagirathi River, and enjoy the calm surroundings.
Stay: Overnight stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Gangotri.

Day 4 :
Trek to Gaumukh (Optional)

Early Morning: Begin the trek to Gaumukh Glacier, about 19 km from Gangotri.
Trekking Route:
Trek to Bhojbasa (14 km), where you can rest and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
Continue to Gaumukh, the actual source of the Bhagirathi River.
Return: Trek back to Gangotri or stay overnight at Bhojbasa.
Note: This trek requires a permit from the Forest Department.

Day 5 :
Gangotri to Uttarkashi (100 km, 4-5 hours)

Morning: After breakfast, depart from Gangotri and drive back to Uttarkashi.
Rest of the Day: Spend the day at leisure in Uttarkashi, exploring local markets or temples.

Day 6 :
Uttarkashi to Rishikesh (170 km, 6-7 hours)

Departure: Drive back to Rishikesh from Uttarkashi.
Activities:
On arrival in Rishikesh, enjoy some more time exploring the spiritual spots.
If staying with Bluemoon Holidays, unwind with a relaxing evening at your camp or hotel in Shivpuri.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
  • Transportation to and from!!
  • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
  • Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
  • Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
  • First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
  • All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Visa Charges
  • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
  • Your travel and medical insurance
  • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
  • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
  • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
  • Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.

Frequently asked Questions

What is Gangotri, and why is it important?

Gangotri is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand and holds great religious significance for Hindus. It is the origin of the River Ganges (Ganga) and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings and witness the sacred source of the Ganges.

When does Gangotri Temple open and close?

The Gangotri Temple typically opens in late April or early May on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. It remains open through the summer and closes on Yam Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj), which falls a day or two after Diwali in late October or early November.

How can I reach Gangotri?

  • By Road: Gangotri is well connected by road. You can travel from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun by bus or taxi to Uttarkashi, then continue the journey to Gangotri.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 250 km from Gangotri.
  • By Rail: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 240 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.

Is there any trekking around Gangotri?

Yes, Gangotri is the starting point for several treks:

  • Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek: One of the most famous treks, offering stunning views of the Gangotri Glacier and surrounding peaks.
  • Kedartal Trek: A challenging trek to a high-altitude lake.

What should I pack for my trip to Gangotri?

Pack warm clothing, especially if traveling during early or late seasons, as temperatures can drop significantly. Comfortable walking shoes, rain gear (for monsoon), first-aid kits, and water bottles are recommended.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Gangotri