Gangotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine to seek blessings. If you are planning a trip, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Gangotri from Rishikesh and other important information.
The distance from Rishikesh to Gangotri is around 270 km. Regular buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh bus stand. You can take a GMOU or Uttarakhand Transport bus till Uttarkashi and then hire a shared jeep or taxi to Gangotri. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, well-connected to major cities. The closest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 250 km). From there, you can hire a cab or board a bus to reach Gangotri via Rishikesh.
Gangotri Temple Timings
Opening Time: 6:15 AM
Closing Time: 9:30 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti at 6:30 AM, Evening Aarti at 7:30 PM
The temple remains open from April/May to November, and closes during heavy winter snowfall.
Local Convenience and Travel Options
Within Gangotri, local taxis, jeeps, and shared cabs are available for nearby places like Harsil, Dharali, and Gaumukh (the origin of River Ganga). For pilgrims, pony services and palkis are also available for steep routes. Small eateries, guesthouses, and dharamshalas provide convenient stay options.
Goddess Worship at Gangotri Temple
The main deity of Gangotri Temple is Goddess Ganga, symbolizing purity and divine energy. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the holy River Bhagirathi near the temple washes away sins and leads to spiritual liberation. The temple’s spiritual aura, combined with the sound of bells and chants during the aarti, makes it one of the most divine experiences in the Himalayas.
How to Reach Gangotri from Haridwar
Gangotri Temple, one of the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Pilgrims from across India visit this holy shrine to seek blessings and witness the divine beauty of the Himalayas. If you are planning to travel, here’s a guide on how to reach Gangotri from Haridwar with important temple details
The distance from Haridwar to Gangotri is approximately 290 km. From the Haridwar bus stand, regular government and private buses run towards Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, you can easily find shared jeeps or taxis to reach Gangotri.
The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, well-connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities. The closest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (around 250 km from Gangotri). From the airport, taxis and buses are available via Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Local Convenience and Travel Options
For exploring nearby attractions like Harsil Valley, Dharali, and Gaumukh (the origin of River Ganga), local jeeps, shared cabs, and taxis are available. Ponies and palkis can also be hired for short treks. Budget hotels, dharamshalas, and guesthouses provide stay options for devotees.
Goddess Worship at Gangotri Temple
The presiding deity of Gangotri Temple is Goddess Ganga, worshipped as the divine mother who descended on Earth to cleanse humanity. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the holy River Bhagirathi near the temple purifies the soul and brings spiritual liberation. The evening aarti, accompanied by chanting and bells, creates an unforgettable divine experience.
How to Reach Gangotri from Nainital
The distance from Nainital to Gangotri is around 370 km. From the Nainital bus stand, you can take a bus to Rishikesh or Dehradun and then continue the journey by bus or taxi to Uttarkashi and further to Gangotri.
The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km away). From Kathgodam, trains connect you to Haridwar or Dehradun, from where buses and cabs are available for Gangotri.
The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 250 km away). From the airport, taxis and buses via Rishikesh or Haridwar are the most convenient travel options.
Local Convenience and Travel Options
For sightseeing around Gangotri, local jeeps, shared cabs, and taxis are easily available to places like Harsil, Dharali, and Gaumukh. Ponies and palkis are also offered for pilgrims on trekking routes. Budget guesthouses, hotels, and dharamshalas provide comfortable stays.
Goddess Worship at Gangotri Temple
The presiding deity is Goddess Ganga, revered as the goddess of purity and salvation. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the River Bhagirathi near the temple washes away sins. The enchanting evening aarti with bells and Vedic chants makes it a truly divine experience for every pilgrim.