Gangotri Temple Closing and Opening Dates

Situated amongst the massive Greater Himalayan range in the Uttarkashi district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, at a height of 3,100 metres above sea level, the Gangotri Dham stands as one of the most sacred and awe-inspiring Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India — and arguably the world. The untouched beauty and sheer spiritualism of this Dham remain incomparable. Sitting amongst the lush greenery on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River (considered the origin stream of the mighty Ganga), Gangotri Dham is a crucial part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra along with Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri.

This seat of Goddess Ganga is said to be the exact place where this holy and mighty river descended onto Earth from the locks of Lord Shiva, in answer to King Bhagiratha’s long and intense penance. This divine intervention took place when Goddess Ganga took her river form with the aim of absolving the sins of Bhagiratha’s ancestors. The original gleaming white temple of Gangotri was built by a Nepalese general, Amar Singh Thapa, who was also known for being one of the most authoritative rulers of Kumaon, Garhwal.

The temple is situated amidst a beautiful Himalayan backdrop, and with its spiritual significance, it draws lakhs of devotees annually. Gangotri Dham is also situated at a distance of 19 km from the Gangotri glacier, which is the mythical and geographical origin of the Ganga — revered as one of the holiest rivers in the world.

Gangotri Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2025
Opening Date: 30 April 2025	Closing Date: 23 October 2025

Opening Date for Gangotri Dham

Gangotri Dham is one of the four most prominent Chota Char Dham Yatra sites, visited annually by countless pilgrims and devotees from across India and the world. The Gangotri temple traditionally opens on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in the last week of April or the first week of May, depending on the Hindu calendar. (For 2025, the opening day is 10 May 2025). The Kapats of the Mandir are opened wide for darshan after the completion of a detailed Ganga puja, which takes place both inside as well as by the riverbank.

During the winter season, when the entire temple area gets covered and completely buried in a thick layer of snow, the temple shuts down for service. At this time, the idol of Goddess Ganga is ceremonially shifted to her winter seat at Mukhba village (it is located near Harsil).

Best Time to Visit Gangotri Dham

If you are an adventurer or an outdoor enthusiast, then the summer season is the best time to plan your visit to Gangotri (between the months of April and May before the onset of the monsoon season in June).  Why? Because the weather during this period is cool, crisp and ideal for the pilgrimage & the trekking that you need to do. Now, the weather during the winter is not suitable for travel. Extreme cold greets you during the period, with temperatures often plummeting well below freezing levels — heavy snowfall also cuts access to the region.

Be it summer or winter, whenever you plan on visiting Gangotri, be sure to carry adequate woollen clothing, windcheaters, gloves, and other appropriate gear to stay warm and comfortable during your journey.