How to Reach Gangotri: A Complete Travel Guide

Badrinath and Kedarnath might steal the spotlight in the Char Dham, but what about Gangotri—the sacred origin of the Ganga River?

Just like them, Gangotri is a holy pilgrimage site and a breathtaking travel destination. But reaching it isn’t as simple as hopping on a bus. It involves both road travel and some trekking.

Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. This guide will make everything easy, so whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned trekker, you'll reach this divine place without any confusion.

1. Where is Gangotri Located?

Gangotri is a small town and a sacred pilgrimage site situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It holds immense religious significance as the origin of the holy Ganga River.

To reach Gangotri, you’ll pass through Srikot, Uttarkashi, Bhukki, Harsil, Lanka, and several other scenic spots. The town is approximately 99 km from Uttarkashi, one of the major cities in the district.

2. How to Reach Gangotri: Travel Options

How are you planning to reach Gangotri—by car, bus, plane, or train? Good news! Gangotri is well-connected by all of them. Here’s how you can get there:

a) By Air : Nearest airports and onward travel.

If you want to fly, you'll need two flights to reach Gangotri.

First, book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s primary airport. It’s well-connected to major Indian cities.
From the airport, take a cab, auto, or bus to Sahastradhara Road (approx. 33 km, 45 min).
From Sahastradhara Helipad, board a helicopter to Harsil, the nearest helipad to Gangotri (about 45 minutes – 1 hour flight time).
From Harsil, take a taxi or shared vehicle to Gangotri.

🚁 Important Note: Helicopter services usually start at 6 AM, and prices can be very high, around ₹5 lakh for a 6-person trip.

b) By Train : Closest railway stations and connections.

The nearest railway stations to Gangotri are Rishikesh and Haridwar, both well-connected to major Indian cities.

Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh by train.
From there, book a bus, taxi, or shared vehicle to Gangotri.

c) By Road : Self-drive, buses, and taxis.

Traveling to Gangotri by road is the most accessible and flexible option. Whether you self-drive, take a bus, or hire a taxi, the journey offers stunning views of the Himalayas, river valleys, and lush forests.

Route & Navigation 🗺️

If you're self-driving, you can use Google Maps for easy navigation. The route generally follows:

Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Dehradun → Rishikesh → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri

📍 Key Stops & Distances:

Delhi to Rishikesh (240 km, ~5-6 hours)
Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (170 km, ~5-6 hours)
Uttarkashi to Gangotri (99 km, ~3-4 hours)

Taking a Bus 🚌

For those relying on public transport, state-run and private buses are available from:

Haridwar Bus Stand (Frequent buses to Uttarkashi)
Rishikesh ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal)
Dehradun ISBT

Once you reach Uttarkashi, you’ll need to take a local bus, shared taxi, or private cab for the final stretch to Gangotri.

🛑 Tip: Try to start early in the morning to reach your destination before sunset, as mountain roads can be tricky at night.

If you prefer comfort, you can book:

Private taxis from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun
Shared jeeps (a more budget-friendly option, but may take longer)

🚖 Taxi Fare Estimate:

Haridwar to Gangotri (via Uttarkashi) → ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 (for a private cab)
Rishikesh to Gangotri → ₹7,000 - ₹10,000

3. Distance from Major Cities to Gangotri

📍 From North India:

Delhi – 480 km (~12-14 hrs)
Haridwar – 290 km (~9-10 hrs)
Rishikesh – 270 km (~8-9 hrs)
Dehradun – 240 km (~7-8 hrs)
Mussoorie – 250 km (~8-9 hrs)
Chandigarh – 400 km (~11-12 hrs)

📍 From Other States:

Lucknow – 650 km (~15-16 hrs)
Kolkata – 1,550 km (~30-32 hrs)
Hyderabad – 1,800 km (~35+ hrs)
Bangalore – 2,300 km (~40+ hrs)

📍 Nearby Towns & Pilgrimage Spots:

Barkot – 120 km (~4-5 hrs)
Yamunotri – 180 km (~6-7 hrs)
Etawah – 700 km (~16-17 hrs)

Note: Travel times may vary based on road conditions, traffic, and weather. 🚗

4. How to Reach Gangotri from Different Cities

If you’re already in Uttarakhand or nearby states, reaching Gangotri is quite convenient by road.

a) From Uttarakhand cities or Nearby States

From Dehradun

Distance: 240 km
Best Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Travel Time: 8-10 hours by road
Transport: Buses and shared taxis available from ISBT Dehradun. Self-drive is also an option via NH34.

From Haridwar & Rishikesh

Distance: Haridwar (290 km), Rishikesh (270 km)
Best Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Chamba → Dharasu Bend → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
Travel Time: 10-12 hours
Transport: Direct buses from Rishikesh Bus Station. Taxis and private vehicles are also available.

From Mussoorie

Distance: 250 km
Best Route: Mussoorie → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
Travel Time: 9-11 hours
Transport: Private taxis or self-drive recommended.

b) From Major Metro Cities (Flight + Road Trip Required)

If you’re coming from far-off places, flying to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the fastest option. From there, you’ll need to continue by road.

From Delhi

Distance: 500 km
Best Route: Fly to Dehradun (1 hr) → Take a cab or bus to Gangotri (8-10 hrs)
Alternative: Overnight train to Haridwar/Rishikesh → Bus or taxi to Gangotri
Best For: Those who prefer a mix of flight/train + road travel.

From Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh

Fly to Dehradun → Take a cab or bus to Gangotri.
Train Option: Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by train → Continue by road.
Recommended: Flights save time, but trains offer a budget-friendly alternative.

c) From Other Pilgrimage Destinations (For Char Dham Travelers)

If you’re on a Char Dham Yatra, you might be coming from another sacred site.

From Barkot

Distance: 170 km
Best Route: Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
Travel Time: 6-8 hours by road
Transport: Private cabs or shared jeeps.

From Yamunotri

Distance: 220 km
Best Route: Trek down from Yamunotri → Drive from Janki Chatti → Barkot → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
Travel Time: 9-10 hours (including trek time)
Best For: Pilgrims doing Yamunotri before Gangotri in Char Dham.

From Etawah

Distance: 750 km
Best Route: Train to Haridwar → Bus/taxi to Gangotri
Travel Time: 15-18 hours
Best For: Travelers from Uttar Pradesh looking for a cost-effective journey.

5. Exploring Beyond Gangotri

Gangotri isn’t just about the temple—it’s also a gateway to some breathtaking natural wonders. If you're up for adventure, here’s how you can explore beyond!

a) How to Reach Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest in the Himalayas and the primary source of the Ganges. It's not directly accessible by road, so you’ll have to trek from Gangotri. The trail passes through Bhojbasa and Gaumukh, offering stunning views. You may need a permit, so check in advance.

b) How to Reach Gangotri National Park

This high-altitude park is a paradise for nature lovers! You can enter from Gangotri and explore its diverse wildlife, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan monals. Jeep safaris aren’t common here, so be prepared for treks and hikes. Permits are required, which you can get at Uttarkashi or the park entrance.

c) How to Reach Gomukh from Gangotri

Gaumukh, the actual snout of the Gangotri Glacier, is about 18 km from Gangotri and requires a full-day trek. The path is steep but rewarding, passing through Chirbasa (9 km) and Bhojbasa (14 km) before reaching the glacier. You’ll need a permit from the Forest Department and should start early to return before sunset.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Gangotri be reached by car?

Ans - Yes! You can drive all the way to Gangotri. The roads are well-paved but winding, so be ready for some thrilling mountain bends. Just ensure your vehicle is in good shape for hill driving!

2. Which route is best for Gangotri?

Ans - The best route is via Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri. This is the most scenic and well-connected path. If you're self-driving, use Google Maps and also plan fuel stops, as petrol pumps are limited in the hills.

3. Can we go to Gangotri without registration?

Ans - Nope! Registration is mandatory for all Char Dham Yatra visitors. You can do it online or at various checkpoints along the way. It’s quick and ensures your safety during the trip.

4. How much is a taxi from Rishikesh to Gangotri?

Ans - It varies! A private taxi can cost anywhere between ₹8,000–₹12,000, depending on the season. Shared taxis are much cheaper but less comfy. Bargaining can help!

5. Which SIM works in Gangotri?

Ans - BSNL works best, but network coverage can be patchy. Jio & Airtel also work in some areas, but don’t expect super-fast internet—this is the Himalayas, after all! 🌿📱

Conclusion

I hope this blog has made your journey to Gangotri clearer and simpler. Reaching Gangotri isn’t a challenge — just plan well, choose the right vehicle, and enjoy the scenic ride!

As one of the Char Dhams, it’s not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a fantastic spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. So, pack your bags, embrace the spiritual vibes, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!