When does the Gangotri temple open and close?

Gangotri temple opens every year in early May on Akshaya Tritiya and closes for winter on Diwali (late October/early November).

Do I need permits to visit Gangotri?

Visiting Gangotri town and the temple requires no special forest permits. However, proceeding beyond Gangotri town into Gangotri National Park (for Gaumukh or Kedartal) requires mandatory Forest Department permits.

3,415 m (11,204 ft)Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Gangotri Travel Guide

The Sacred Source of the Holy Ganga & Glacial High Passes

About Gangotri

Situated at 11,204 ft within the steep granite gorges of the Greater Himalayas, Gangotri is one of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage shrines and the ultimate gateway to the Gangotri Glacier. It is the launching point for the world-famous Gaumukh Tapovan trek, the rugged Kedartal route, and severe mountaineering expeditions tackling Mt. Shivling, Meru, and the Bhagirathi peaks.

Key Highlights

Sacred 18th-century Gangotri Temple built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa.

Entry point into Gangotri National Park, India's third largest protected national park.

Surrounded by cedar, pine, and deodar woods with views of Sudarshan and Manda peaks.

Crucial acclimatization station (11,200 ft) for high-altitude treks to Tapovan and Kedartal.

Destination Information

Elevation:3,415 m (11,204 ft)

District:Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Best Time to Visit:May to June and September to October (temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya in May and closes on Diwali in autumn).

Ask Local Guide About Gangotri

How to Reach Gangotri

By Air

Nearest airport is Dehradun (250 km). Drive via Uttarkashi and Harsil.

By Train

Rishikesh / Haridwar / Dehradun railway stations (approx. 250 km).

By Road

Connected via NH 108 from Uttarkashi (100 km, ~3.5 hours drive through the stunning Harsil valley).

Trailhead Adventures

Signature Treks from Gangotri

Browse All Treks

Challenging High AlpineDifficult

Kedartal Trek

6 days
15,485 ft
Uttarkashi

The Emerald High-Altitude Glacial Lake of Lord Shiva

Next departure

Ask about dates

₹17,000 / person

Ask about dates Itinerary

Alpine LakeModerate

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

6 days
14,600 ft
Uttarkashi

Journey to the Glacial Source of the Ganges & Mt. Shivling