Gangotri

Photo: Dhwani Shree (CC BY-SA 4.0)

November: ok1-2 days (4-5 with Gaumukh)

Char Dham shrine of the Ganga on the Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi district, start of the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek to the glacier source.

Usually visited between Yamunotri and Kedarnath on the Char Dham circuit; Harsil is a pleasant overnight stop.

November: Temple expected to close around Govardhan Puja (10 Nov 2026)

When to go

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Dec

Darshan at Gangotri Temple
Trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan: About 18 km to Gaumukh; permit needed
See Surya Kund falls and the submerged Shivling
Kedartal trek: About 18 km, challenging
Darshan / visit at Gangotri Temple: About 06:00-20:00 with a break around 12:00-14:00 in season (secondary source); opened 19 April 2026
Trek: Gaumukh

Best timeMay-June and September-October; temple open 19 April - about 10 November 2026.

Ideal trip1-2 days (4-5 with Gaumukh)

How to reachAir:

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun: Code: DED; Distance Km: 250; Notes: Road via Uttarkashi; heli to Harsil in season

; Rail:

Rishikesh: Distance Km: 230; Notes: Haridwar is also about 230 km per Wikivoyage

; Road: Buses and taxis from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Uttarkashi; Dharasu 129 km, Tehri 172 km, Yamunotri 224 km.

Getting aroundWalkable town; trek on foot to Gaumukh.

Permits

Char Dham Yatra registration: Required For: All pilgrims; How To Get: Free online at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in, the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app or WhatsApp; offline counters on the route; Fee: Free; Link: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
Gangotri National Park permit: Required For: Gaumukh/Tapovan trek; How To Get: Forest department; 150 trekkers per day; ID and medical certificate; Fee: Nominal (amount not confirmed)