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Gangotri Dham – Detailed Information

Overview

Gangotri Dham is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,042 meters (9,980 feet). The temple is situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks and lush forests.

Geographic & Historical Details

Location: Right bank of Bhagirathi River
Dedicated To: Goddess Ganga
Altitude: 3,042 meters above sea level
Built In: 18th Century by Amar Singh Thapa (a Gorkha commander)
Reconstructed By: Jaipur Dynasty

Religious Significance


Gangotri is believed to be the origin of the holy River Ganga.
According to legend, King Bhagirath meditated here to bring the Ganga from heaven to Earth to purify the souls of his ancestors.
Lord Shiva is said to have received Ganga in his matted locks (Jata) at Gaumukh Glacier, allowing it to flow as Bhagirathi.
The temple remains open from May (Akshaya Tritiya) to October (Diwali).
During winter, the idol of Goddess Ganga is shifted to Mukhba village near Harsil for worship.

By Air

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (226 km)
Helicopter services are available from Dehradun to Gangotri during the yatra season.

By Train


Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (249 km)
Alternative stations: Haridwar & Dehradun

By Road

Well-connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Delhi.
Regular buses and taxis available up to Gangotri via Uttarkashi.

Major Attractions Around Gangotri

Gaumukh Glacier (Origin of River Ganga)
19 km trek from Gangotri, the actual source of the Bhagirathi River.
One of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas.
Bhagirathi Shila
A sacred stone near the temple where King Bhagirath meditated to bring Ganga to Earth.
Pandav Gufa
A natural cave located 1.5 km from Gangotri, believed to be where the Pandavas meditated on their way to Kailash.
Harsil Valley
A picturesque valley located 25 km before Gangotri, famous for apple orchards and natural beauty.
Surya Kund & Gauri Kund
Sacred waterfalls near the temple, offering a divine experience.

Best Time to Visit

May to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for pilgrimage.
September to October: Post-monsoon, clear skies, and scenic beauty.
Avoid Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rains and landslides can make travel risky.

Accommodation & Facilities

Guest houses, hotels, GMVN rest houses, and dharamshalas available in Gangotri.
Simple vegetarian food is available, as per religious norms.
Medical facilities, oxygen cylinders, and emergency services available in Gangotri & Uttarkashi.

Things to Keep in Mind

✔ Carry warm clothing, as temperatures drop drastically. ✔ Stay hydrated and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. ✔ Book helicopter services in advance if required. ✔ Follow the temple’s rules and dress code.

Visit Top Most tourist places and attractions in Uttarakhand with Trip To Himalaya Tours.

Itinerary(CHARDHAM TOURS)
Duration : 10 Night / 11 Day
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Haridwar - Yamnotri - Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Joshimath-Badrinath-Rishikesh

Day 01 : Delhi —Haridwar

Morning Train (shatabdi ) at 6:50am – arrival at Haridwar railway station at 11:30 am- Transfer to hotel – visit local Haridwar and ganga aarti at har ki Pauri –night stay at Haridwar.

Day 02 : Haridwar - Barkot (195 kms/9 hrs, Ht : 1352 mts.)

Drive to Barkot from Mussoorie. Enroute visit Kempty Fall and other tourist spots. Later drive straight to your Hotel for night halt.

Day- 3- Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot (36 kms drive & 6kms Trek (one way) Ht : 3293 mts.)

Drive to Jankichatti, trek starts from here to Yamunotri (6kms). You can either walk or go by horse or by Doli at your own cost. Arrive at Yamunotri. One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of Garamkund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warm water. After taking "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" return to Jankichatti. Later drive back to Barkot. Stay overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day- 4- Barkot - Uttarkashi (115 kms, 5 Hrs drive, Ht :1158 mts.)

After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. Later visit the famous Vishwanath Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day- 5- Uttarkashi - Gangotri – Uttarkashi (100 kms. each way Ht : 3048 mts.)

Early morning 06:00 A.M. drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangnali take a holy dip in Garam Kund, then drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees, and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. After lunch in the afternoon drive back to Uttarkashi, on arrival check into the Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day- 6- Uttarkashi – Sitapur/Gaurikund (223 kms. Drive 9 - 10 Hrs, Ht : 1319 mts.)

Morning after breakfast drive to Guptkashi, via Moolgarh, Lambgoan. Lunch enroute. On the way, see Tehri Dam from Dam View Point, then continue your journey towards Guptkashi. Thenyou can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi. On arrival Check In at the Hotel, evening visit Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ardh Narishwar Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Hotel. Gupt Kashi's main temple is of Shiva as Vishvanath, "Lord of the Universe" (the most important Shiva temple in Benares).

Day- 7- Sitapur/Gaurikund – - Kedarnath- Sitapur (By Helicopter ) Ht : 3384 mts.

After breakfast, we proceed to helipad . Take helicopter to Kedarnath (12 mintuts flight time) visit Kedarnath Temple for Darshan, Aarti & pooja. Fly back to hotel- night stay at hotel Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar

Day- 8- Sitapur/Gaurikund - Joshimath 165kms/8-9 by Road)

After breakfast drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti via chopta Check into Hotel at . Overnight stay at hotel.

Day- 9- Joshimath - Badrinath-Joshimath - (55km(one side)/2hrs) Ht : 3133 mts.

Drive to Badrinath from Joshimath. Check into the Hotel. Later visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti.. Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries". visit mana village and drive back to joshimath/pipalkoti . night stay at hotel.

Day- 10- Joshimath – Rishikesh(255 kms/8-9hr) : After breakfast

Drive back to Rishikesh via Nandprayag, Karanprayag,Rudraprayag & Deoprayag. Arrive and check into your Hotel. Stay overnight at Rishikesh.

Day- 11- Rishikesh /Haridwar –New Delhi-:

After Breakfast visit local places of Rishikesh , Ram jhula & Laxman jhula, Swarg ashram and in evening take Train – (shatabdi) at 6:00 P.m back to Delhi.

*The above itinerary can be modified as per our client requirement .

Cost Includes

  • Non Air-Conditioned Hotel Accommodation On Twin / Triple Share Basis.
  • All Travel / Transport as per request.
  • All Sightseeing as Per The Itinerary.
  • All Toll Taxes, State Taxes, Parking charges.
  • Daily Breakfast at The Hotel.

Note:

  • In All Hotels Base Category Rooms are allocated for the Stay, In Case Of Up Gradation It will be charged.
  • Check In & Check Out 10AM at Hotels.
  • Air Conditioned will not run in Hill Area.

Cost Excludes

  • Entry fees at the monuments/ temples.
  • Soft drinks and hard drinks.
  • Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, tipp and guide charge etc.
  • Insurance-Any type.
  • Anything which is not mentioned in above itinerary is not part of the package.

* 3 Star Hotel
* 4 Star Hotel
* 5 Star Hotel
Hotels Name Available on Request

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