A Travel Guide to Gangotri Dham, Uttarakhand

Gangotri Dham is a small district located in Uttarakhand surrounded by the Gangotri Temple. One of the most important and visited pilgrim destinations known as the “Char Dham” devoted to Goddess Ganga. Every year thousands or more people come for char Dham yatra to embark on their spiritual journey.

Gangotri is located amid the mountains of Uttarkashi is pristine and one of the most important temples worshiped in India. The origin of the holy river Gaumukh started in the Gangotri Glacier that is a short trek of 19km from the Gangotri. For those who are there to discover different treks and adventurous Gangotri is the starting point of some incredible treks such as

  • Bhojwasa.
  • Gaumukh.
  • Gangotri Glacier.
  • Shivling Peak.
  • Tapovan.

Things to do in Gangotri

Gangotri is one of the major tourist attractions famous for pilgrimages and adventurous activities. From sightseeing, temples to experience the rich roots of Hindu culture Gangotri is full of incredible things and places that should be on one’s itinerary to explore the best of places on your trip.

Harsil Valley

Harsil valley is incredibly beautiful with mesmerizing views surrounded by the tropical forests and perched amidst the Himalayas. Harsil is covered by the dense oak and deodar forests with serene nature, apple orchards, shimmering streams, birds chirping, and much more. If you are planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon Harsil valley is a must-visit and also the best place for mountaineering.

Ganges Glacier

The glacier above the sea level of 4238 meters begins at the Chuakmaba merge into the Gaumukh. The glacier is surrounded by medicinal plants that flow and water has mineral purities to cure the disease and is therapeutic to use. The water has been stored for a long time so it doesn’t get contaminated which shows the authenticity and use of this water for the best purpose. Those who are adventurous can trek the glacier to reach Nandanvan, Tapovan, and Gaumukh.

Trekking to Nandanvan & Tapovan

The treks are located above sea level 23 and 27km away from the Gangotri by Trek. Both treks are fascinating, covered with beautiful meadows and spell bound Himalayan mountain range. These treks are awe-inspiring and paradise for the trekkers coming globally to experience the best of views. If you are visiting Nandanvan for the first time, take an experienced travel guide or trekkers to discover the rewarding landscapes and picturesque views.

Visit Gangotri National Park

The national park is a must visit when visiting Gangotri. The Gangotri National Park is also known as the Govind National Park, the untouched spectacular landscape adorned by every nature lover. The National Park was founded in 1955 with hundreds or thousands of different species and rare animals. The park has mesmerizing views as the Bhagirathi river flows through this park and makes it more appealing.

Try Adventure sports in Gangotri

From Trekkers dan to adventurous sports like mountaineering, river rafting, skiing, rock climbing, and national parks there is everything for every traveler to explore in Gangotri. There are numerous adventure sports throughout the year for travelers.

Trekking to Kedartal

Kedartal is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, 17km away from the Gangotri. From impeccable landscapes to chilling snowy mountains, trek is quite difficult to conquer if you are not an experienced trekker.  The lake is a pristine beauty surrounded by the Himalayan range at an altitude of 4291 meters above sea level.

Gangotri Travel Itinerary

Day-1: Starting from Delhi to Haridwar/ Rishikesh

The journey begins from Delhi. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach Haridwar. It is advisable to reach Haridwar by morning or day to enjoy the evening aarti at Har ki Pauri at the banks of River Ganga. Afterward, onboard the bus for Rishikesh early in the morning.

Day 2: From Haridwar to Uttarkashi

After reaching Rishikesh, take a bus or any cab service to reach Uttarkashi. The journey has mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks as move ahead visit the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Vishwanath temple, Maneri Dam, and Bhagirathi river.

Day 3: Uttarkashi to Harsil Valley and Gangotri

From Uttarkashi to Harsil the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Harsil valley is an impeccable beauty which travelers shouldn’t miss at any cost. The place is to fall in love with its beauty, landscape views and visit the apple orchards in the village.

After exploring the Harsil Valley, visit Sat Tal, Gangnani has hot water springs and take a bath to rejuvenate yourself. Then move towards the Gangotri to capture the snow-capped mountains surrounded by the dense deodar forests. The Gangotri temple is situated on the banks of River BH

Day 4: Uttarkashi to Delhi

Early morning breakfast at Uttarkashi then leaving for Hardiwar to absorb the beauty and scenic landscapes for the last time till you visit again. Absorb the cool breezes and winds flowing through the windows that instantly freshen you up and the journey to Delhi will be fun and exciting.

Gangotri the name depicts the sacredness and holy destinations to visit while it has something more to offer to everyone. For travelers, it’s the perfect place to experience the divinity, wildlife, outdoors, Himalayan range, treks, landscape views, and much more.  The trip to Gangotri with friends and family is fun-filled to explore the treks, visit the pristine valleys, the yatra to char Dham with family, and adventurous sports with friends. The beautiful hill station is the perfect place for your next vacation. Pack your bags, plan your next trip to Uttarakhand.