If you are searching for How to Reach Gangotri, you are probably planning one of the most spiritual journeys in India. Gangotri is not just a temple town. It is the origin place of the holy River Ganga and one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
Reaching here is not like visiting a normal hill station. Roads are narrow. Weather changes quickly. And the final stretch is always by mountain road. But if you understand the route clearly, the journey becomes smooth and manageable.
This guide explains How to Reach Gangotri by air, train, and road — along with costs, travel time, safety tips, and real ground advice.
Gangotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of around 3,048 meters (10,000 ft). The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes around Diwali due to heavy snowfall.
From practical experience, many travelers underestimate the altitude. Oxygen levels drop slightly. Nights are cold even in June.
Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude: ~3,048 meters
Open Season: May to October
Closed: November to April (heavy snowfall blocks roads)
There is no airport in Gangotri.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
Distance from airport to Gangotri: ~250 km
Travel time by road: 9–10 hours
After landing, you must travel by road.
Private taxi (direct to Gangotri)
Bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi + shared jeep to Gangotri
From ground observation, direct taxi is easier for families and senior citizens. Public transport involves changing vehicles.
| Airport | Distance | Travel Mode After |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun (Jolly Grant) | ~250 km | Taxi / Bus |
| Delhi (IGI) | ~500 km | Train/Bus to Rishikesh + Road |
If you are coming from outside India or far states, flying to Dehradun saves 1 full travel day.
Gangotri does not have a railway station.
Nearest stations:
| Railway Station | Distance to Gangotri | Travel Time by Road |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | ~240 km | 8–9 hours |
| Haridwar | ~270 km | 9–10 hours |
| Dehradun | ~250 km | 9–10 hours |
Haridwar is usually the most convenient because it has better train connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.
From these stations:
Take bus or taxi to Uttarkashi
From Uttarkashi, take shared jeep or bus to Gangotri
What most people don’t realize — the road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri is mountainous and takes around 4 hours for just 100 km.
Road journey is the final and compulsory part of reaching Gangotri.
Route:
Delhi → Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Distance: ~500 km
Travel Time: 15–16 hours
If driving yourself, it is better to break the journey at Uttarkashi or Harsil.
Distance: ~240 km
Time: 8–9 hours
Distance: ~270 km
Time: 9–10 hours
| Starting Point | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ~500 km | 15–16 hrs |
| Rishikesh | ~240 km | 8–9 hrs |
| Haridwar | ~270 km | 9–10 hrs |
| Dehradun | ~250 km | 9–10 hrs |
| Uttarkashi | ~100 km | 4 hrs |
The stretch between Harsil and Gangotri is very scenic but narrow. Landslides can slow traffic.
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation runs buses from:
Rishikesh
Dehradun
Haridwar (seasonal)
Buses usually go till Uttarkashi. From there, shared jeeps operate.
Approximate Cost:
| Mode | Approx Fare (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Rishikesh to Uttarkashi Bus | ₹400–₹600 |
| Uttarkashi to Gangotri Jeep | ₹300–₹500 |
| Private Taxi (Dehradun to Gangotri) | ₹6,000–₹9,000 |
Costs may vary depending on season.
During peak Char Dham months (May–June), advance booking is recommended.
Temple remains open from May to October.
May
June
September
Early October
Avoid July and August because monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides.
According to multiple seasonal travel advisories reported in The Hindu and regional news updates, landslides are common during peak monsoon in Uttarakhand hill routes.
Winter travel is not possible because heavy snow blocks access roads.
If you are confused, follow this simple plan:
Reach Dehradun / Haridwar / Rishikesh
Travel to Uttarkashi by bus or taxi
Stay overnight (optional)
Travel 100 km to Gangotri next morning
Breaking the journey reduces fatigue and altitude discomfort.
From on-ground observation, here are the most common issues:
Starting journey late and driving at night in hills
Ignoring weather forecast
Not carrying warm clothes
Underestimating travel time
Not keeping cash (ATMs are limited)
Even in June, temperature at night can drop below 5–7°C.
Start early morning (5–6 AM)
Avoid night driving in hills
Keep medicines for motion sickness
Carry basic snacks and water
Keep fuel tank full before Uttarkashi
Check vehicle brakes before mountain climb
Mobile networks are weak near Gangotri. BSNL works better compared to others.
Unlike Kedarnath, there is no regular helicopter landing at Gangotri temple itself.
However, some Char Dham helicopter packages include nearby helipads and organized transfers. These are expensive but save time.
Ideal for:
Senior citizens
VIP travelers
Time-bound pilgrims
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Delhi to Uttarkashi (Stay overnight) |
| Day 2 | Uttarkashi to Gangotri Darshan + Return to Uttarkashi |
| Day 3 | Return to Delhi |
Trying to do it in 1 day is physically exhausting.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
No. Nearest is Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Yes, but mountain driving experience is recommended.
Minimum 2–3 days from Delhi.
Generally yes, but avoid monsoon months.
Mostly till Uttarkashi. From there, shared jeeps operate.
For Char Dham Yatra season, registration may be mandatory as per Uttarakhand government guidelines.
Yes, if planned properly with rest stops.
Understanding How to Reach Gangotri properly removes half of the travel stress. The journey is long. The roads are mountain-based. But the views of Bhagirathi River, pine forests, and snow peaks make it unforgettable.
Once you reach the temple and hear the sound of the Ganga flowing beside it, the effort feels worth it.
Plan smart. Start early. Respect mountain conditions.
And most importantly — travel prepared, not rushed.
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