Gangotri Temple Uttarkashi Travel Guide – Location, Timings & How to Reach

This is a Gangotri Temple Uttarkashi travel guide, so if you are planning to visit there, this blog will definitely be helpful for you.

Gangotri Temple Uttarkashi Overview

The little hamlet of Gangotri, in the Uttarkashi Region, in the Indian Province of Uttarakhand, is home to the Gangotri Shrine, a revered Hindu shrine. The shrine, which is devoted to Devi Ganga, is the greatest and most revered shrine in her honour.

The holy shrine and its surroundings provide a picturesque perspective of the magnificent Himalayas and the ever-beautiful River Ganga. Sunrise at the weekend is a spectacular sight as the sun emerges from behind the Himalayas, bringing light and vitality to the area.

One of Uttarakhand’s four holy Dhams, along with Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, is Gangotri. Annually, thousands of worshippers from around the world travel to the magnificent temple to ask Devi Ganga for blessings.

The temple, which is surrounded by beautiful green hills and the alluring Ganga streaming by its side, is situated at an altitude of more than 3,415 m in elevation.

History of Gangotri Temple, Uttarkashi

The current Gangotri Shrine, which honours the deity Ganga, is credited to the Nepalese commander Amar Singh Thapa.

Based on a narrative, Devi Ganga appear on Earth at this precise location after Emperor Bhagirath conducted penance, making the temple a member of the Chota Chardham Yatra.

According to mythology, King Sagara, the ancestor of King Bhagirath, chose to arrange for Ashwamedha Yagna to declare his dominion after several monsters were killed.

Almighty Indra, feeling intimidated by the might of his Yagna, went and tethered the horse at the hut of Sage Kapil, who was engaged in intense contemplation.

A huge disturbance was caused when the 60,000 sons of King Sagara arrived at the Ashram while looking for the pony, which ultimately disturbed Sage Kapil.

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Gangotri Temple Architecture

A modest and uncomplicated Hindu temple, Gangotri’s sparkling white temple appears to have been built quickly. It stands out dramatically against the immaculately beautiful blue-green background and is quite attention-grabbing owing to its unique charm.

This shrine was constructed in the eighteenth century in a classic North Indian construction design and style created by the Gurkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.

This 20-foot-tall temple is composed primarily of gleaming-white granite, as opposed to its opposite temples, which include intricate inscriptions and sculptures. The temple’s three main cupolas, together with a few smaller ones, are capped with gilded towers.

Although this temple is not particularly beautiful or elegantly designed, its importance is enough to entice visitors from around the globe to take in its very religious atmosphere.

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Facts about Gangotri Dham

1. The Gomukh glaciers, located 19 kilometres from the major Gangotri Temple, are said to be the location where the Deity Ganges River originated.
2. Gangotri is near the Indo-China boundary and is encircled by hills on all sides. It is renowned for providing tourists with serenity and quiet.
3. The Puranas have the most detailed account of Ganga’s splendour. The Ganga River is regarded as the holiest river in the world, not only in India, based on all of the Vedas and Puranas.
4. The clergy of Mukhwa were chosen by King Amar Singh Thapa to perform the rituals at the Gangotri shrine. Before the Mukhwa Priests, the Khas Rajputs of Taknor were the Gangotri priests.
5. The residents of the hamlet of Mukhba have sentiments for Ganga that transcend goddess-like emotions.
6. There is a naturally flat, rock-covered plain called Pandav Gufa and Patangana on the left side of the Bhagirathi, approximately a kilometre away from Gauri Kund.
7. There is a pool built on the cascade renowned as Gauri Kund, a little distance from the Gangotri shrine, on the west side of Bhagirathi.
8. Other notable lakes in Gangotri are Suryakund, Vishnukund, and Brahmakund, whereby the value of a bath, almsgiving, repentance, etc., has been appreciated.
9. Upon the Jarganga River’s shores, in an area known as Jangala, there is an ashram belonging to Maharishi Jahnu Muni. It follows Tharali, just on the Gangotri Margin path of Harsil.

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Gangotri Temple Timings

The Gangotri shrine is best visited from April to November because it is accessible till Diwali the following year and is closed throughout the winter owing to severe snowfall.

The shrine is open to visitors between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM during the day and between 3:00 PM and 9:30 PM at night.

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Weather and Climate at Gangotri Temple

From April through October or November, while the temperature is still temperate and comfortable, Gangotri Temple is accessible. Nevertheless, during the monsoon, excessive rain might result in road obstructions that make the trip to Gangotri challenging.

How to Reach Gangotri Temple, Uttarkashi

1. By Road

Motorable highways connected Gangotri with each of Uttarakhand’s main cities. Gangotri is conveniently accessible from all parts of Uttarakhand by cabs and buses.

2. By Train

It’s really easy and exciting to go by train. Rishikesh, located approximately 230 kilometres from Gangotri, is the place with the closest train terminus.

3. By Air

The closest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, which is approximately 250 kilometres away. With frequent operations, Jolly Grant Airfield is well-linked to Delhi. Air travel will enable you to explore further and save a tonne of time.

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Places to See around Gangotri Temple

1. Mukhba

On the road to the shrine of Gangotri, Mukhba, a little village near the municipality of Harsil, is located on the riverbank of the Bhagirathi River. It is 2620 metres above sea level where it is located.

2. Nelong Valley

In 2015, the much-discussed Nelong Valley officially reopened to tourists, and ever since then, it has been a popular destination for thrill-seekers.

It has high peaks with a comparable temperature and terrain to Lahaul, Spiti Basin, and Ladakh, and shows a remarkable similarity to Ladakh.

3. Kedartal

One of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful lakes is Kedartal, popularly known as “Shiva’s Lake.” In the Uttarkashi area, at a height of 4,912 metres above sea level, sits this pristine glacier lake.

Kedar Tal Lakes are produced when the Kedar Glaciers melt, creating the Kedar Ganga River, a significant source of the Bhagirathi Stream.

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Why is Gangotri Temple so famous?

Among the Char Dhams or significant spiritual sites for Hindus, Gangotri temple is one of them, which is tucked away in the lofty and scenic Garhwal Himalayas.

It is the tallest temple in which Devi Ganga is honoured. The sacred Ganges, also known as Bhagirathi, rises from the nearby Gangotri glaciers.

The Gangotri Shrine, where Devi Ganga is revered, is the major attraction of Gangotri. The magnificent temple is a 20-foot-tall white marble building. Both visitors and believers are drawn to Gangotri by its strange and devout vibe.

Additionally, the area’s stunning snow-capped Himalayas and the Ganges’ glass waterways add to the tranquilly of the setting.

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Map of Gangotri Temple