Places to visit in Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is one of the four sacred Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. Located in Uttarkashi district at about 3,200 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by deodar and pine forests with the majestic Himalayas in the background.

The Gangotri Temple history dates back to ancient times and Hindu mythology, where it is believed that Goddess Ganga descended to earth here. The current Gangotri temple was rebuilt in the 18th century after earlier structures were damaged.

Open only from April/May to October/November, the temple attracts thousands of devotees who come to seek blessings from the holy Ganga River. Pilgrims can also explore nearby scenic spots, treks, waterfalls, and glacier points to make their visit more memorable.

Best Places to Visit in Gangotri Temple

Gangotri Temple is not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a gateway to many beautiful and spiritually significant places nearby. Pilgrims visiting Gangotri Dham can explore a variety of attractions that offer a perfect blend of holiness, adventure, and natural beauty. From serene temples and scenic trekking routes to breathtaking waterfalls and glacier views, here is a list of the best places to visit around Gangotri Temple to make your journey truly memorable.

1. Surya Kund

Surya Kund is a beautiful and powerful waterfall located just 500 meters from Gangotri Temple. The water here flows with great force, creating a stunning natural scene. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding snow-covered peaks and lush greenery, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

According to Hindu mythology, Surya Kund is believed to be the place where the Sun God, Surya, performed penance. After having darshan at Gangotri Temple, pilgrims often visit Surya Kund to experience its spiritual energy and natural beauty. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and connect with nature during the Gangotri Yatra.

Location: Surya Kund is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, just around 500 meters from Gangotri Temple.
How to Reach: Drive up to the Gangotri Temple parking area and park your vehicle there. After having darshan at Gangotri Temple, take a short walk to Surya Kund. The path passes through rocky terrain and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a peaceful and pleasant experience for pilgrims.

2. Kedar Tal

Kedar Tal, also known as ‘Lord Shiva’s Lake’, is one of the most stunning high-altitude glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation of around 4,700 meters. It is a must-visit destination for adventurous pilgrims visiting Gangotri. The trek to Kedar Tal begins from Gangotri and offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks.

The lake is formed by the melting snow from nearby majestic mountains like Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhrigupanth. It is also the origin point of the Kedar Ganga River, which holds religious significance as it is believed to be a contribution of Lord Shiva to the Bhagirathi River. The entire journey to Kedar Tal is filled with scenic beauty, making it a memorable experience for nature lovers and devotees alike.

Location: Kedar Tal is located in the Gangotri valley of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: First, travel by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar to Gangotri. From Gangotri Temple, you can start the 18 km trek to Kedar Tal. The route is steep and rocky, so it’s best for those who enjoy adventure and trekking.

3. Gaumukh Trek

Gaumukh Glacier, located at a height of 13,200 feet (4,023 meters) in Uttarkashi district, is the origin of the Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the sacred Ganga. The place is called “Gaumukh” because long ago, the mouth of the glacier looked like a cow’s mouth. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek begins from Gangotri and takes you through beautiful forests, open meadows, rocky paths, and snowy mountains. It is a long and tough trek, so it’s best for those who are physically fit and prepared.

The total trek is about 45 km, and the main route goes from Gangotri to Bhojbasa, then to Gaumukh, and finally to Tapovan. Gangotri is the starting point of this journey. If you are visiting Gangotri, and love trekking and nature, the Gaumukh trek is a great adventure to add to your trip.

Location: Gaumukh Trek is located in the Uttarkashi district near Gangotri Temple.
How to Reach: First, travel by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Gangotri. From Gangotri Temple, the trek to Gaumukh begins. The total trek is around 45 km and usually takes 7 to 8 days, including rest stops along the way.

4. Bhaironghati

Bhaironghati is a serene and sacred place located near the confluence of the Jadh Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers, just a few kilometers from Gangotri Temple. Bhaironghati is surrounded by dense forests and is home to the ancient Bhairav Nath Temple. It holds spiritual significance and offers a peaceful atmosphere. The place is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient stop for pilgrims visiting Gangotri.

As per Hindu mythology, when Ganga descended from Lord Shiva’s hair, her flow disturbed Sage Jahnu, who swallowed the river. On King Bhagirath’s request, he released her through his ears, so she’s also called Jahnavi. Lord Shiva also appointed Bhairav to guard the region, giving the place its name Bhaironghati. It’s a peaceful spot to explore during your Gangotri Yatra, blending mythological importance with natural beauty.

Location: Bhaironghati is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, about 6 km from Gangotri Temple.
How to Reach: Bhaironghati is located about 6 km before Gangotri Temple on the way from Uttarkashi. It is easily accessible by road, and you can reach it via taxi or private vehicle while heading towards Gangotri.

5. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Uttarkashi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The temple is believed to have been built by King Ganeshwar. His son, Guh, who was a brave warrior, placed a huge trident (Trishul) in the temple. This trident is 26 feet tall, with a base of 8 feet 9 inches and a top that measures 18.5 inches around.

In front of the main temple, there is another small temple called the Shakti Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti, the goddess of power. Both temples together make the place spiritually powerful and peaceful. The temple is on the way to Gangotri Dham, so many pilgrims visit it during their Char Dham Yatra. It is located about 97 km from Gangotri Temple and is easily reachable by road.

Location: Kashi Vishwanath Temple is located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Pilgrims first need to reach Uttarkashi, which is well-connected by road from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From Uttarkashi town, the Temple is located close by and can be easily reached by local transport. The temple is situated on the route to Gangotri, around 97 km before Gangotri Temple, making it a convenient and spiritually significant stop for devotees during their yatra.

6. Gartang Gali

Gartang Gali is a historic wooden bridge located in the Nelong Valley of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, near the Indo-China border. Gartang Gali is situated at an altitude of around 11,000 feet, this 150-year-old bridge was once part of an ancient trade route between India and Tibet. Built by Pathan traders by carving into a vertical rock face, the bridge offers stunning views of the Jadh Ganga River and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

After remaining closed for decades following the 1962 Indo-China war, it was reopened for tourists in 2021. A short trek of about 2.5 km from Bhaironghati leads to this architectural marvel, making it a must-visit for history lovers and adventure seekers during a Gangotri or Uttarkashi tour.

Location: Gartang Gali is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in the scenic Taknaur Range, near the Nelong Valley.
How to Reach: Gartang Gali is around 35 km before Gangotri Temple, and lies en route to Gangotri. You can reach it by road from Uttarkashi. From the road, there’s a short hike of about 2.5 km to reach the wooden bridge trail. Private vehicles or shared taxis traveling to Gangotri can stop at the Gartang Gali entry point.

7. Pandav Gufa

Pandav Gufa is a peaceful and spiritually significant spot located around 1.5 km from Gangotri Temple. The path to the cave takes you through dense deodar forests, rocky trails, and scenic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. According to legend, the Pandavas stopped here during their journey to Mount Kailash.

It is believed that Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava, chose to stay and meditate in this cave because his father, King Pandu, had once performed penance at the same spot. For this reason, the cave is also sometimes referred to as Pandu Gufa. The short trek to the cave is peaceful and scenic, making it a meaningful place to visit during the Gangotri Dham Yatra for those seeking both natural beauty and mythological significance.

Location: Pandav Gufa is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, close to Gangotri Temple.
How to Reach: First, travel by road to Gangotri Temple from Rishikesh or Haridwar using buses, taxis, or private vehicles. From Gangotri Temple, take a short 1.5 km trek through scenic forest trails to reach Pandav Gufa.

8. Harsil

Harsil is a scenic and peaceful village located in Uttarkashi district, on the route to Gangotri Dham. Surrounded by lush deodar forests and nourished by the Bhagirathi River, Harsil is an ideal stopover during the Gangotri Yatra. Famous for its beautiful apple orchards, Harsil is often called the "Mini Switzerland of India." It is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, serene environment, and ancient temples that attract both nature lovers and spiritual seekers.

Harsil is mainly inhabited by the Bhotia tribe, who are known for their warm hospitality. The village offers charming homestays where visitors can experience local culture and enjoy the natural beauty up close. For adventure lovers, Harsil is a perfect base for treks to Dayara Bugyal and Khatling Glacier. The region is rich in flora and fauna and provides excellent opportunities for trekking, hiking, and photography. Don’t miss trying the local Rajma (kidney beans) of Harsil, which is famous for its unique taste and high quality.

Location: Harsil is a beautiful village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, about 25 km before Gangotri Temple. It lies on the main route to Gangotri and is a popular stopover for pilgrims.
How to Reach: To reach Harsil, pilgrims first arrive at major nearby cities like: Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. From these cities, you can easily hire a taxi or cab to reach Harsil. Since Harsil lies en route to Gangotri Temple, many pilgrims choose to stay here overnight or use it as a base for exploring the region.

9. Submerged Shivling

The Jalmagna Shivling, also known as the Submerged Shivling, is a sacred and unique sight located near the Gangotri Temple in Uttarakhand. What makes this Shivling special is that it is naturally formed and not made by human hands. According to Hindu mythology, this is the exact spot where Lord Shiva sat to receive River Ganga in his matted hair (jata) before releasing her to the Earth. To honor this divine event, the Shivling remains in the same place where Lord Shiva is believed to have sat.

During the summer months, the Shivling stays completely underwater and is not visible due to the high water level of the river. In winter, when the water level drops, the Shivling becomes clearly visible, offering a rare and spiritual experience to those who visit. The Jalmagna Shivling is not only a place of religious importance but also a natural wonder that attracts pilgrims and travelers alike.

Location: The Submerged Shivling (Jalmagna Shivling) is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, very close to the Gangotri Temple.
How to Reach: Devotees can reach Gangotri Temple from major nearby cities such as: Rishikesh, Dehradun and Haridwar. From these cities, taxis, cabs, or buses are available to reach Gangotri. Once you arrive at Gangotri Temple, the Jalmagna Shivling is located nearby and is easily accessible on foot

10. Kedar Tal

Kedartal Trek is a stunning high-altitude adventure nestled in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Kedartal, situated at an elevation of approximately 16,000 feet, offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks such as Thalaysagar, Manda Parvat, Brighupath, Mount Meru, Gangotri, Bhagirathi, and more. The Kedartal trek distance is around 18 km, beginning from the sacred pilgrim town of Gangotri, and passes through dense coniferous forests, rocky overhangs, and challenging scree-filled trails.

This trek is considered moderate in difficulty and is best suited for those with prior trekking experience due to its tricky terrain. The lake is formed by the melting of the Kedar Glacier, which also gives rise to the Kedar Ganga River, an important tributary of the Bhagirathi River. The Kedartal trek best time is from May to June and September to mid-October, when the weather is stable and the trails are clear of heavy snow, offering the most scenic and rewarding experience.

Location: Kedartal is located near Gangotri Temple in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: To reach Kedartal, pilgrims first need to arrive at Gangotri, which is accessible by motorable roads. From Gangotri Temple, the trek to Kedartal begins—covering a total distance of 18 km. The route goes from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak (8 km), then to Kedar Kharak (5 km), and finally 5 km further to reach Kedartal.

How to Cover Nearby Attractions During Gangotri Tour

Devotees undertaking the Gangotri Dham Yatra can enhance their journey by visiting nearby attractions, making the experience more adventurous and memorable. Here are some helpful tips on how pilgrims can cover local sightseeing spots during their Gangotri tour:

Start early: To make the most of your visit to Gangotri Dham, it is advisable to begin your day early. This will help you cover multiple nearby sites, especially those involving short treks such as Pandav Gufa and Surya Kund, which are close to Gangotri Temple.

Use Gangotri as your base: Pilgrims planning to explore nearby attractions should stay in Gangotri or nearby places like Harsil. This makes it convenient to visit sites such as the Jalmagna Shivling, Gartang Gali, and also to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of Harsil.

Hire local guides: For more challenging treks to Kedartal, and Gaumukh, hiring experienced local guides is highly recommended. They ensure safety, provide better navigation, and enrich your experience with local knowledge.

Plan for longer treks: If you intend to undertake longer treks such as Kedartal and Gaumukh, plan your itinerary to allow sufficient days for these adventures. These treks require good physical preparation and adequate time to fully enjoy and complete safely.

Arrange transportation: Pilgrims visiting Gangotri Dham can explore nearby sightseeing spots using local taxis or shared cabs, which are readily available from Uttarkashi or Gangotri. Popular destinations accessible by road include Bhaironghati, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and several other scenic and spiritual sites.

Tips for Pilgrims Visiting Places Near Gangotri

• Gangotri is well-connected by motorable roads, so you can easily visit nearby attractions like Pandava Gufa, Surya Kund, and the Jalmagna Shivling within the same day.
• If you have a few extra days, consider treks to Gaumukh (source of the Ganga) and Kedar Tal, both offering spiritual significance and natural beauty.
• Pilgrims planning treks should be physically and mentally fit, as these are high-altitude trails and may take 3 to 4 days.
• It’s advisable to trek with a local guide or in a group for safety. and Carry warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, sufficient water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit.
• Many pilgrims stay at Uttarkashi or Harsil, which are ideal bases for exploring nearby places like Gartang Gali, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the scenic Harsil Valley.
• Always check local weather and road conditions before planning day trips or treks.
• Pilgrims on visiting treks should be physically fit and mentally also the treks is an highler altitude and can take 3 to 4 days to reach.