Gangotri Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines, is nestled in the small town of Gangotri in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this divine temple is an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, alongside Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Set on the left bank of the Bhagirathi River, it marks the spiritual origin of the Ganges, although the actual glacier source is at Gaumukh, 19 km further upstream.
The temple is believed to have been built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century and later restored. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims journey to this holy site to seek the blessings of Maa Ganga and cleanse their sins.
Gangotri Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Closing Date | October 22, 2025 (After Diwali – Tentative) |
📿 During the winter closure, the idol of Goddess Ganga is kept in Mukhba village, and rituals continue there.
Key Highlights of Gangotri Temple
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Gangotri Temple |
| Location | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
| Deity | Goddess Ganga |
| Constructed By | General Amar Singh Thapa |
| Main Festivals Celebrated | Ganga Dussehra, Diwali |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June, September to October |
| Official Website | badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in |
| Dress Code | Modest attire covering shoulders and legs |
Gangotri Temple Darshan Timings 2025
| Darshan Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 04:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 06:15 AM – 02:00 PM |
| Break | 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 03:00 PM – 09:30 PM |
| Temple Closes | 09:30 PM |
Gangotri Aarti & Pooja Schedule
| Ritual Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Pooja | 04:00 AM – 02:00 PM |
| Mangala Aarti | 06:00 AM (closed doors) |
| Evening Pooja | 03:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 07:45 PM |
📿 Aartis and poojas are performed by the Semwal Brahmin priests, the traditional caretakers of the temple.
Gangotri Darshan Entry Fee
| Darshan Type | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General Entry | Free |
| Special Darshan | ₹500 per person |
| Direct Entry via Pandit | ₹1000 (as per agents) |
How to Reach Gangotri Temple
-
By Road: Well-connected to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, and other cities via NH-108.
-
By Train: Nearest station – Dehradun or Rishikesh.
-
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km approx).
-
Last Motorable Point: Gangotri Town; the temple is within walking distance from the town center.
Gangotri Temple Contact Information
| Contact Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Gangotri Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – 249135 |
| Helpline Number | ☎️ +91-7302257116 |
| ✉️ support-ucdb@uk.gov.in | |
| Registration Portal | badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does Gangotri Temple open in 2025?
It opens on April 30, 2025 (Akshaya Tritiya).
Q2. When will the Gangotri Temple close for winter in 2025?
It is expected to close on October 22, 2025, a day after Diwali.
Q3. What is the distance between Gangotri and Gaumukh?
Gaumukh Glacier is located 19 km from Gangotri Temple and can be reached via a guided trek.
Q4. Is there any dress code for darshan at Gangotri?
While there’s no strict code, modest clothing covering arms and legs is highly recommended.
Q5. Is online registration mandatory for darshan?
Yes, devotees are encouraged to pre-register for the Char Dham Yatra, including Gangotri. This helps with crowd control and better facilities.