Among the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, the Gangotri trip is considered the easiest after Badrinath Ji. This is because there is no need for a trek. Like all the Char Dhams, the journey also begins from Haridwar but only a few devotees visit Gangotri directly. You can visit Yamunotri Dham first and stay in North Kashi before directly heading to Gangotri Yatra.
Gangotri offers the facility of buses that depart from Haridwar. The buses leave early in the morning, at around 4 or 5 am. You can get tickets from outside Haridwar Railway Station, and the fare ranges from ₹500 to ₹800 depending on the type of bus you choose.
If you’re starting from Haridwar, buses take you to Gangotri via Rishikesh, Tehri, North Kashi, and Gangnani. During your CharDham pilgrimage, you can stay in rooms with beautiful views ensuring a pleasant experience.
The Gangotri Temple is the centerpiece of this holy town and is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This temple was built in the 18th century and attracts thousands of devotees who seek blessings. You will also enjoy the beautiful Himalayas and the views of the Bhagirathi River.
Note: The temple is open from May until Diwali, making it a vibrant site for spiritual activities.
Gaumukh glacier is approximately 19 km from Gangotri Temple which is the source of the Ganges River. While trekking in your Gangotri yatra, you will see breathtaking views and a chance to notice the superb Bhagirathi peaks.
It is located about 1.5 km from Gangotri, Pandava Gufa, which is believed to be the place where the Pandavas meditated during their journey to Kailash Dham.
Tapovan is known for its leafy green meadows and panoramic views of major peaks like Shivling.
Harsil Valley, about 20–25 kilometers before Gangotri, is a stunning place to spend time. The views of floating clouds and lush green valleys are mesmerizing, and we are confident that you will enjoy this spot during your Gangotri Yatra.
At Gangotri Dham, a new registration system ensures organized visits. After registration, you receive a token with your darshan timing. My token allotted the 7 to 8 am slot. The darshan process is free, but registration is mandatory, so don’t skip this step. If you want to see the origin of Gangaji, you can go 19 km from here to Gaumukh, which has a track and it is one of the best Gangotri places to visit.
There will be long lines for darshan but the process will be smooth and well managed. The atmosphere is serene and waiting in the queue while meditating on Ganga Mata makes the experience more fulfilling. You will get the darshan after about two hours.
Please note that carrying cameras or shooting videos inside the temple is not allowed. To ensure a smooth and comfortable darshan experience, it’s advisable to leave any restricted items outside before entering.
There are five temples in the courtyard of Gangotri trip which includes:
There are other temples as well. Here, the waiting room is also made for the darshan. You will receive prasad, your mind will be happy and also there is a special line for those who want to have darshan quickly.
If you have less time, you can use it. There will be no need for this because there will be a lot of crowds in the initial days of Gangotri yatra; the rest of the time, there will not be so much crowd here, so you can easily get Darshan. The rest of this sound of bells and the whole atmosphere in the Gangotri temple gives a spiritual vibe.
Gangotri Dham is open for darshan from 4 am to 8 pm, and the temple remains open to devotees for about six months after the doors open. If you plan your Gangotri trip at the end of September, you will not have to face much crowding or rain.
Connectivity is generally good on the way to Gangotri trek, with only a few areas lacking network coverage. As you approach Harsil, the views become even more breathtaking. However, the traffic can be heavy sometimes, so in our opinion stepping out of your vehicle to enjoy nature is often better than just sitting there.
Pro Tip: During the initial days of the pilgrimage, starting early is crucial to avoid the crowds. The 100-kilometer journey from North Kashi to Gangotri Dham is one of the most scenic routes.
The time to complete the yatra can vary depending on your preferences and the type of Gangotri tour package you choose. On an average, at least keep three days with you for this entire journey. The first day will be from Haridwar to North Kashi, the second day will be from North Kashi to Gangotri Dham and stay back in North Kashi, and the third day will be from North Kashi to Haridwar.
A three-day visit to Gangotri Dham can cost around ₹5,000 per person if you use a solo traveler’s bus. Whereas, if you travel by car with family, the expenditure can go up to ₹20,000, which can be more or less according to the season. The importance of completing Gangotri yatra is immense.
You can book Gangotri tour packages from 4dhamyatra where we will take care of all your accommodation. Our team will make sure you have an air conditioning room with a beautiful view which is helpful during May or June when North Kashi can get hot and in colder months that can be naturally cool. I booked the entire package from Uttarakhand, including the hotel and transportation. You can book the complete Gangotri tour packages which makes your dream journey more beautiful.
It’s a beautiful, life-remembering, and emotional journey that combines spiritual significance with natural beauty. As it is one of the more accessible Char Dhams, it offers a perfect blend of devotional experience and scenic magnificence.
Plan your visit between May and October for the best experience, with September being ideal for avoiding both crowds and rain and budget at least three days for a comfortable journey.
Note: Always check current weather conditions and travel advisories before planning your trip, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
