Gangotri is one of the most famous places in India, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The holy river Ganga starts from here. Every year, lakhs of people visit this dham. Reaching Gangotri is not very simple as it is in the high mountains. But if you plan well, the journey becomes smooth as this guide will tell you step by step how to reach Gangotri by road, train, and air. You can choose our Chardham Yatra by helicopter package in 2026.
Where is Gangotri?
Gangotri is in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand as the temple is at about 3,000 meters above sea level. Roads connect the town to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Delhi. The place is open only for a few months in the year. Many people look for how to reach Gangotri because of its high location and limited access. Gangotri is one of the most famous places in India, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The holy river Ganga starts from here. Every year, lakhs of people visit this dham. Reaching Gangotri is not very simple as it is in the high mountains. But if you plan well, the journey becomes smooth as this guide will tell you step by step how to reach Gangotri by road, train, and air.
How to Reach Gangotri by Air
Gangotri does not have an airport. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From here, Gangotri is about 250 km away. It takes around 9 to 10 hours by road.
Options from Dehradun Airport:
- Taxi: You can hire a direct taxi till Gangotri.
- Bus: Take a bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then a shared jeep or another bus to Gangotri.
Airports Near Gangotri
Airport | Distance from Gangotri | Next Travel Option |
Dehradun (Jolly Grant) | ~250 km | Taxi or Bus |
Delhi (IGI) | ~500 km | Train/Bus to Rishikesh + Road |
How to Reach Gangotri by Train
There is no railway station at Gangotri. The nearest stations are Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
Nearest Railway Stations
Station | Distance from Gangotri | Next Travel Option |
Rishikesh | ~240 km | Bus or Taxi |
Haridwar | ~270 km | Bus or Taxi |
Dehradun | ~250 km | Bus or Taxi |
From these stations, buses and taxis go till Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, you can get shared jeeps or buses to Gangotri.
How to Reach Gangotri by Road
Road travel is the main way to reach Gangotri. Roads are well connected from Delhi, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Haridwar.
From Delhi
- Route: Delhi → Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
- Distance: Around 500 km
- Travel Time: 15 to 16 hours
From Rishikesh
- Route: Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
- Distance: About 240 km
- Travel Time: 8 to 9 hours
From Haridwar
- Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Gangotri
- Distance: Around 270 km
- Travel Time: 9 to 10 hours
Bus Services
Uttarakhand Roadways runs buses from Rishikesh and Dehradun to Uttarkashi. From there, shared jeeps and buses take passengers to Gangotri.
Taxi
Private taxis are also available from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Though costly, they save time and are more comfortable.
Route Map
Simple Route to Gangotri
Delhi → Rishikesh → Tehri → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri
Distance Table
Starting Point | Distance to Gangotri | By Road Time |
Delhi | ~500 km | 15–16 hours |
Rishikesh | ~240 km | 8–9 hours |
Haridwar | ~270 km | 9–10 hours |
Dehradun | ~250 km | 9–10 hours |
Uttarkashi | ~100 km | 4 hours |
Best Time to Visit Gangotri
The temple opens in summer and closes in winter.
- Open season: May to October
- Good months: May, June, September, early October
- Avoid: July and August (heavy rains, landslides)
- Closed season: November to April (snowfall blocks the area)
So if you are planning, choose summer months when thinking about how to reach Gangotri safely.
Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothes always. Even in summer, nights are cold.
- Do not travel in rainy months. Landslides are common.
- Start early morning to avoid night driving in hills.
- Keep medicines for motion sickness, fever, and cold.
- Mobile network is weak near Gangotri.
- Book bus or taxi in advance during Char Dham season.
Final Words
Reaching Gangotri is a long but beautiful journey as You can go by air till Dehradun, by train till Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun, and then by road. The last stretch is always by road so The views on the way make the travel worth it. When you finally reach, the sight of the holy temple and the river Ganga will fill you with peace. This guide answers every doubt about how to reach Gangotri and helps you plan the trip smoothly.