Thursday, November 7, 2024
spot_img
HomeSacred PlacesHow to Reach Gangotri, the Holy Dham A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Reach Gangotri, the Holy Dham A Step-by-Step Guide

Gangotri, a revered pilgrim site nestled in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The village of Gangotri lies near Shivaling Peak in the state of Uttarakhand. Shivaling Peak represents one of the peaks symbolizing the mythological hump of Lord Shiva and serves as the physical source from which the Ganges River originates. How to reach gangotri? Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Gangotri while Rishikesh railway station serves as the railhead located 250 km from Gangotri. Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Uttarkashi provide abundant of cars and buses. let’s find out the best ways with ultimate guide about how to reach Gangotri.

Let’s Dive Into Background and Prestige of Gangotri & How To Reach There

1. Historical Importance

Ganga River

Gangotri is one of the pilgrimage sites in the Chota Char Dham circuit. It is a major site with its own unique significance. According to Hindu mythology, Gangotri originates the holy river Ganges (Ganga), which Hindus consider a river goddess. The Bhagirathi River and the Alaknanda River form the Ganges. The Bhagirathi flows from the Gangotri Glacier world of Hindi language! After it meets the river Alakananda at Devprayag, it is known as the Ganga.

King Bhagiratha’s Penance

On the river bank is a supposed of stone of King Bhagiratha who made the penance to Lord Shiva. He did that so as to make the Ganga fall on earth and purify the sins of his predecessors. Long time ago, it is said that the Pandavas also performed a great ‘Deva Yajna’ here. They did this to atone for the sin of the deaths of their near and dear ones during the Mahabharata. When Hindus perform ancestral rites on the banks of the Bhagirathi, they say that it is an act that frees an ancestor’s spirit from being born again. They believe that just a holy dip in its waters can purify them. It cleanses them of sins in both present and past lives.

Relevent Search: haridwar climate (Weather Patterns, Best Time to Visit)

Gangotri Temple

General Amar Singh Thapa of the Gorkha built the Gangotri Temple in the 18th Century. This is situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi.The temple opens on Diwali day. It closes on Govatsa Dwadashi. It does not perform any other religious ceremonies throughout the year.This time the idol of the goddess remains in Mukhba village near Harsil. A native of Mukhba village, the Semwal family performs all rituals at the temple.

2. Why people travel to gangotri

Most of the people here are tourists only. This is a religious place. That said, there are little tourist places that you might want to visit either. Are you are searching for religious sites? Or you are on an adventure trip to Gangotri?. The below given is the list of top places to visit in Gangotri in 2024.

Visiting PointKnown for
Gangotri templeThe Temple of Goddess Ganga
DharaliPicturesque Hamlet
The Kalindi Khal TrekLand of the Surreal
ManeriAttractive Dam Site
Gangotri National ParkA Paradise For Nature Lovers
GaumukhSecond Biggest Glacier
Jalamagna ShivlingReligious Visits
Kedar LakeAdventure Seekers
HarsilPerfect Beauty
Dodi TalIncredible Lake
Auden’s ColOnly For The Adventurer
Dayara BugyalBeautiful Green Grass Lands
Kedartal Patangini Pass TrekExpedition To Old Ganga 
TapovanFamous Hot Springs
UttarkashiReligious Tour
Vishwanath TempleCourtesy of Parashuram
Surya KundBeautiful Waterfall

3. How to Reach Gangotri?

You can reach gangotri by following steps,

  • Start your trip from Uttarakhand.
  • Travel to Uttarkashi (nearest town to Gangotri) from Uttarakhand.
  • Now travel to Gangotri from Uttarkashi. It takes 4-5 hours and you cover distance of 100km.
  • Must check schedule and availability of public transport and cars before heading towards Gangotri.
  • Tourists can hire rental cars with or without drivers from Uttrakashi, according to their budget.
  • Rout to Gangotri is scenic. Tourists always enjoy this amazing journey.
  • So this is as simple and easy steps to reach to Gangotri and explore its spiritual and natural beauty.

Following info will help you to decide transportation options form uttarkashi to gangotri.

TransportDistanceTimeFare
Public Bus100km5 to 6 hours₹200 INR-₹300 INR
Shared Taxis100km4 to 5 hours₹500 INR-₹800 INR
Private Taxis100km4 to 5 hours₹2000 INR-₹3000 INR
Personal Vehicle100km4 to 5 hoursDepend on fuel prices and driving habit

In reality, there are no direct flights or trains to Gangotri. But here is brief information of flight and train

By flight:  Nearest airpot to gangotri is dehradun. If you coming from most distant areas and your budget allows you to take flight, then it is comfortable and luxury option. Distance betweeen these two cities is 259km. From dehradun you need transport (car, bus) to reach gangotri. It takes 8-10 hours to reach form dehradun to gangotri.

Train:  Are you travelling from farthest part of country towards gangotri. Then your last station will be rishikesh (nearest station to gangotri). After that you have to take transport from rishikesh to reach gangotri. It takes 7-9 hours to reach gangotri.

4. Distance Chart to Gangotri From Different Cities

RouteDistance (by road)
Delhi to Gangotri474km
Haridwar to Gangotri300km
Dehradun to Gangotri259km
Rishikesh to Gangotri270km
Yamunotri to Gangotri230km
Badrinath to Gangotri419km
Kedarnath to Gangotri354km
Uttarkashi to Gangotri100km
Harsil to Gangotri25km
Gangotri Temple to Ganges Source18km

5. Planning your Trip to Gangotri – Essential Information

Before embarking on a trip to Gangotri, it is essential to gather relevant information to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are a few essential things to consider while planning your trip:

  1. Best Time to Visit: 

Gangotri is open to visitors from May to November, with the peak season being approximately throughout the summer, especially in May and June. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall can make the journey difficult.

  1. Permits and Permissions: 

To visit Gangotri, one needs to obtain a permit from the Uttarakhand government. This permit can be obtained online or from the Uttarakhand Tourism Office.

  1. Health and Safety Precautions: 

Gangotri is situated at a high altitude, so it is essential to acclimatize properly before starting the journey. It is advisable to have a medical check-up and carry necessary medications. Additionally, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines and take precautions while trekking or traveling in the region.

By gathering all the necessary information and planning in advance, you can make your trip to Gangotri a memorable and fulfilling experience.

6. Preparing for the Trek to Gangotri – Things to Consider

Trekking to Gangotri requires proper preparation and physical fitness. Here are a few things to consider while preparing for the trek:

  1. Physical Fitness: 

Gangotri is situated at a high altitude, so it is essential to be physically fit before starting the trek. Engage in regular exercise and stamina-building activities to prepare your body for the challenging trek.

  1. Packing Essentials: 

Carry essential items such as trekking shoes,  a first aid kit, warm clothing, a water bottle, rain gear, and sunscreen. It is suggested to pack light and carry only the necessary items to avoid unnecessary weight during the trek.

  1. Acclimatization: 

Take breaks at regular intervals during the trek to acclimatize to the high altitude. Drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion to prevent altitude sickness.

By considering these factors and making necessary preparations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience to Gangotri.

7. Accommodation and Facilities in Gangotri

HotelFacilitiesCharges except meal
Hotel GangotriFree wifiAC roomsFree ParkingMeal5800 INR
GMVN Tourist LodgeFree wifiSwimming poolLaundry serviceMealCheck in for room rental info
Himalaya SadanFree wifiSwimming poolLaundry serviceFree parkingMeal11200 INR
Gomukh HotelFree wifiSwimming poolLaundry serviceFree parkingMeal3900 INR
The Gangotri homestay by Preet rSFree wifiSwimming poolLaundry serviceFree parkingMeal8600 INR
Shrigangalok hotelsFree wifiSwimming poolRoom serviceFree parkingMeal5800

8. Safety and Health Tips for a Smooth Journey

As we all know, shifting from a plain area to hill station can be hard on your body! so here are few precautionary measures to have a safe and healthy journey upto Gangotri :-

Stay Humidied

You must drink a lot of water and stay mosturized and hydrated it goes same whenever you are engaged in treking at high altitude. Being dehydrated can cause fatigue and have other negative health consequences.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Trekking touring in the land that is known for Delhi or Uttarakhand we ought to dependably deal with them.proposed the guided trek from Dayara bugsyal praphatsark around india When crossing rivers or hiking steep slopes, Beenden checks the way and at times he prefers to walk on the outside of the trail which makes it looks weird.

Carry Medications

Bring basic meds for headache, cold or cough and for altitude adjustment. Good health will help you to enjoy better.

Matching your interest: Uttarkashi, 5 spiritual sanctuaries that touch the soul

People may ask

1. How to reach gangotri?

You can reach gangotri form different cities via many modes of transportations.

    2. What is the best time to visit gangotri?

    Best time to visit gangotri is between may and june. there is moon soon in july, so do not delay it.

    3. Why gangotri is famous?

    gangotri has many visiting points, but main attraction is gangotri temple and ganges river.

    4. Can we go to gangotri by bus?

    yes you can. there are bus schedule for gangotri.

    5. Is their hotel accommodation in gangotri?

    yes 5 stars hotel and economical hotels and restaurants provide accommodation facilities.

    Bottom lines

    In short, this journey has sacred and adventures part. This holiness and the importance of Gangotri temple make it an exceptional and unforgettable experience for pilgrims as well as tourists. By going step-by-step and with all the important tips given in this article, you now know how to proceed ahead on your trip to Gangotri which you should plan as soon as possible because its a must-visit place to enlighten your inner self.

    Pack your bags, escape from everything, explore the divinity at Gangotri and allow river Ganga to make you a part of its soulful purity. Plan your trip today and create memories that will last forever.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular