Gangotri Dham Yatra
Gangotri is the main religious places among the four Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, situated in Uttarkashi, is closely related to Goddess Ganga, the river that we know as Ganges.
The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 mts, amidst sylvan surroundings, constitutes one of the most important pilgrimages for the devout Hindus and emits a highly pious aura.
Information About Gangotri Dham Yatra
About Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is the place where holy river Ganga descended on the earth. Gangotri Dham is located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India. It is set among tall Garhwal Himalayan peaks, glaciers, deep forests, and is one of India’s holiest pilgrimages. Gangotri is the home place of many ashrams, small shrines and temples.
The Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and located on the banks of River Bhagirathi. It lies close to the holy rock or the “Bhagirath Shila” where King Bhagiri had worshiped Lord Shiva.
The river’s actual source is at Gaumukh in the Gangotri glacier, 19 kilometres from Gangotri and can be accessible by trekking. The water from Gangotri is taken to Lord Shiva as an offering and is said to contain nectar that soothes Shiva’s throat after he swallowed the poison.
History About Gangotri
Ganga, the stream of life, touched earth for the first time in the Himalayas. The Gangotri shrine, dedicated to the Goddess, is located along Bhagirathi’s right rear. The Gangotri temple, which stands at a height of 3042 metres, was built in the early 18th century by a Gorkha commander named Amar Singh Thapa.
According to Hindu mythology, “Goddess Ganga assumed the form of a river to atone for the misdeeds of King Bhagiratha’s forefathers after his centuries-long penance. Lord Shiva took her within his matted hair to soften the blow of her fall. At her mythological origin, she was given the name Bhagirathi”.
There are many legends associated with the history of Gangotri. Legend says that Ganga, a beautiful vivacious young woman, it is said, was born out of Lord Brahma’s kamandalu (water vessel) There are two versions about the birth of Ganga. One says that Brahma washed Lord Vishnu’s feet after getting the universe rid of the demon Bali.
Gangotri Opening & Closing Dates 2022
According to Hinduism, the Gangotri Yatra, or pilgrimage excursion to the Gangotri temple, is one of the four renowned and holy temple tours (Chardham Yatra). The opening date of Gangotri temple is usually on AkshyaTritya day. This year, Gangotri Dham has been closed for winter and will open again in April-May 2022.
The opening of the Gangotri temple is preceded by a special Ganges Puja performed both inside the temple and on the river bank. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhwa, her winter abode.
Gangotri temple is a shrine dedicated to River Ganga along with Badrinath, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. The shrine remains closed during the peak winter season from November to April. But special puja is done on Janamshtami, Vijaydashmi and Diwali
Delhi to Gangotri Dham Yatra
Gangotri from Delhi can be reached by all the three modes of transportation i.e., air, rail and bus. However, road trips to Gangotri from Delhi have proven to be the most enjoyable so far. They allow you to explore and marvel at some of the spectacular sights and locales that you will pass by on your trip to this wonderful religious station.
The Distance between Delhi to Gangotri by road is approximately 501 kmwhich takes around 14 hours to reach if you aren’t halting anywhere. Every year, buses carry pilgrims from New Delhi to Gangotri via Haridwar and Rishikesh in pilgrim season of summer months.
Rishikesh is the major starting point for road journey to Gangotri. Traveling by plane or train may need changing modes of transportation several times, which can be inconvenient.
Gangotri Weather
The average maximum temperature of Gangotri is about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. Warm and woollen clothes are a necessity almost all round the year. The average minimum temperature easily goes below the zero-degree mark.
The best time to visit Gangotri is from April to June and September to November. The temple is open from last week of April to second week of November. The Weather in Gangotri is pleasant throughout the year. Summers in Gangotri are cool, while winters are considerably cooler
Gangotri Dham Location
Gangotri is located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, at an elevation of 3048 metres. Gangotri lies in the northern section of Uttarkashi District, close to the Indo-Tibetan border. It is roughly around 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh, and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
Gangotri is well connected to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar, Roorkee, Chamba, Tehri, Barkot, Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti. There are bus services of Samyukt Rotaion Yatayat Vyawastha Samiti available as well, that connects Gangotri with many major centres in the region like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Tehri, Uttarkashi etc. Gangotri is easily accessible by air, rail and bus.
Gangotri Yatra Tour Packages 2022
Gangotri Dham Yatra Route
Gangotri is located at an altitude of 3048 mts in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Gangotri is situated in the northern part of Uttarkashi District and very close the Indo-Tibetan border. It is approximately 300 km from Dehradun, 250 km from Rishikesh and 105 km from Uttarkashi.
Gangotri Popular Road Route Map :
Route 1 (Via Haridwar) : Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Narendranagar → Tehri → Dharasu Bend → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Gangnani → Harsil → Gangotri
Route 2 (Via Dehradun) : Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Chamba → Tehri → Dharasu Bend → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Gangnani → Harsil → Gangotri
Tourist Places to Visit During Gangotri Dham Yatra
There are various famous tourist places, temples & treks near Gangotri Dham. Pilgrims can visit those places during their Gangotri Yatra or Chardham Yatra.
Tapovan – Meditational Place
Tapovan is a naturally diverse area carpeted by the lush green grasslands that are considered to be the best high-altitude grasslands in India. It is perched at an elevation of 4463 metres about 14,640 feet above sea level and is situated near the famous Gangotri shrine. At the foot of Shivling peak, Tapovan is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves, huts etc.
In the past few years, Tapovan has emerged as a popular trekking destination and people from far-off places come to see the enchanting grasslands of Tapovan that are decorated with flowering plants.
Submerged Shivling
This natural rock shivling that remains submerged under water is one of the most sacred spots in Gangotri. It can be seen clearly during the winter season when the water level recedes. Devotees visit this spot so as to worship at the place where it is said that Lord Shiva sat to receive Ganga in his matted locks.
Legend has it that Goddess Ganga transformed herself into a river to dissolve the sins of mythological king Bhagiratha’s ancestors after he performed intense penance. Since the flow of the river was mighty, Lord Shiva gathered it into his matted locks. The shivling is located in close proximity to the Gangotri Temple and is an amazing sight that reinforces one’s belief in the divine.
Bhairon Ghati
Lying at the confluence of Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers, the scenic Bhairon Ghati is home to the famous Bhairon Nath Temple. While this temple draws thousands of devotees every year for its spiritual significance, its picturesque surroundings are also inviting. Surrounded by lush forests and skirted by the Chenab and Tawi rivers, the valley, lies at the spot where the low hills of the Shivalik range merge with the plains.
Gaumukh glacier,
Gangotri is not just a delight for those on a spiritual quest but also for adventure travellers and trekking enthusiasts. One of the classic treks of the Garhwal Himalayas is the Gaumukh-Tapovan-Nandvan circuit. A great experience for both first-timers and experts, the trek passes through the Gaumukh glacier, which is the origin of the holy River Ganges.