Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple honours Goddess Ganga’s descent on the earth from her celestial abode. It is indeed a sight to behold, but pilgrims need to wait for six long months for this. The temple closes in winters after heavy snowfall and opens for six months during summers, monsoons and early-winters. Plan your trip by knowing the Gangotri Temple opening and closing dates 2019 and other important details below.

About Gangotri Temple

With the backdrop of shimmering snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the white granite Gangotri Temple too shines like a gem at the height of 10,200 ft.

River Bhagirathi, which later joins other rivers at Devprayag to become River Ganga, begins its journey from Gangotri Glacier (about 19 km. uphill trek from the temple) and follows a route near the temple.

According to the legend, Goddess Ganga used to reside in her celestial abode, but descended on the earth after King Bhagiratha performed tough penance to please her and bring her on the planet to grant moksha to his ancestors.

It is believed that a stone submerged in the river near the temple is a Shiva Lingam and bathing and drinking water at this place helps one get rid of his or her sins.

The temple also marks the beginning of many adventurous treks to Gangotri Glacier, Tapovan, Gangotri National Park etc.

Gangotri Temple Travel\nTips

• Be careful while taking bath in\nthe river as it flows with high velocity. Also, the water is icy cold.
• A changing room facility for\nwomen is available near the bathing place.
• You can collect the holy water\nfrom the river in a copper vessel which can be purchased near the temple.
• It is considered auspicious to\nperform Char Dham pilgrimage from east to west, starting with Yamunotri, then\nto Gangotri to Kedarnath and finally to Badrinath. Helicopter packages are\navailable and a good option if you are not physically fit or have less time.
• Though August is less crowded,\nwatch for the weather warnings as it is the month of heavy rainfall.