Gangotri Yatra from Haridwar

It is a sacred shrine in North India and is an essential pilgrimage place of the Hindus, being visited by thousands upon thousands of pilgrims annually. This holy shrine remains open seasonally, and the doors are generally opened during late April or the early months of May. The doors of the shrine are closed during Diwali. Besides this, there are special rituals and aarti ceremonies performed every day, which can be attended to feel a great spirituality. So, are you ready now to experience this soulful adventure? Begin your journey with our well-planned Gangotri tour package from Haridwar and experience a spiritual holiday, gaining an in-depth understanding of the local culture.

Different Types of Gangotri Yatra Packages from Haridwar

Budget Packages

Such packages best fit those who travel as individuals or in small groups and do not want to have their pilgrimage at a very high price. These travel packages come with clean but basic staying arrangements, a common mode of transport, and simple and vegetarian food.

Luxury Packages

It is suited well to families and couples wishing a little extra comfort. The packages provide accommodations in the superior hotels, an exclusive car transfer, and a more comfortable transfer during tours. It is the best option when a person wants to enjoy the trip with additional comfort and intimacy.

Premium Packages

It is a must-opted travel plan to have a special and comfortable pilgrimage. These cover accommodation in luxury hotels, traveling by own and personal mode of transport, and other VIP services. It is an excellent choice in case of any traveler desiring a lavish and comfortable journey where all the planning is done by your travel representative.

Gangotri Yatra Packages for Senior Citizens

These are tailor-made to take care of the health and security of older pilgrims. The journeys are arranged at a leisurely pace, in air-conditioned and well-cared vehicles, and are offered special help when necessary. These packages provide a safe, hassle-free, peaceful yatra to the senior citizens.

How to Plan Gangotri Yatra?

Do you want to make this spiritual trip to the origin of the sacred Ganga? Now you are in the right place! The following is a fast-track guide that gives all the necessary details you require in planning a serene and eventful voyage to Gangotri Dham.

What should be the Best Time of the Year to plan this Yatra?

The best months to visit Gangotri are May and June, and September to early November. These are good weather days, and the temple is also open for darshan. The routes are open, and nothing is difficult to travel. It is the best time to have a spiritual connection and to experience the magnificent scenic beauty of the Himalayas.

Note: Do not schedule your yatra during the months of July and August since it would be monsoon season. It is very rainy down there, and there is a high risk of landslides and blocked roads, resulting in an extended stay at one place for a long period.

How to Reach this Sacred Himalayan Shrine?

The total driving distance from Haridwar to Gangotri is around 288 km. The whole route can be easily covered via the road, and you do not have to cover a long trek to get to the temple. The journey by road is beautiful, yet it is time-consuming, and the drive usually takes about 8-10 hours or more, depending on road conditions and traffic. Travelers normally follow a route that involves an overnight stay in Uttarkashi to provide a break during the journey and also give time to acclimate to the altitude.

• Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant in Dehradun
• Nearest Railway Station- Haridwar and Rishikesh

Tips and Tricks for Gangotri Yatra from Haridwar

Get Acclimatized at Uttarkashi

Spending a night in a lower altitude town, Uttarkashi, is a good practice so that your body can get accustomed to the altitude and avoid altitude issues.

Pre-Registration of Yatras

There is a physical requirement to register all pilgrims to proceed with the Char Dham Yatra. Your journey should begin by registering on the official Uttarakhand tourism website. Having the registration proof is a necessity, and it can be checked at multiple points.

Carry Original IDs

Always have the photo identification card (Aadhaar card or PAN card) issued by the government with you. This will be compulsory documentation that will be verified at the checkpoints and when checking in at the hotels.

Wear as the Weather is

The climate of the Himalayas is quite unpredictable. Evenings and nights are chilly even during summer. Carry cold-weather wear like a sweater, a jacket, a raincoat, and thermals. Comfortable walking shoes must also be carried as they are comfortable and resistant.

Honor the Native Culture

Pilgrims are advised to wear decent clothes to respect the regional culture. Consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tobacco is prohibited in the temple town.

Places Not to Miss Around Gangotri Temple

Tapovan

This is a lovely alpine meadow situated high above the Gaumukh Glacier and is about 5 km above Gaumukh. It is marked by the spectacular views of Shivling and other mountains of the Himalayas. Moreover, it is an overcrowded base camp as well as a meditation site, offering an actual spiritual experience.

Gaumukh Glacier

The glacier is the source of Gangotri Glacier and a mythological source of the river Ganga. It is not only a pilgrimage site but also a nature and labor-laden trekking site that is 18 km from there.

Surya Kund

It is a hot natural spring situated adjacent to Gangotri Temple. It holds therapeutic powers and metaphysical energies, attracting millions of visitors.

Pandava Gufa

Located nearly 1.5 km away in Gangotri, this is the location supposedly where the Pandavas practiced meditation en route to Mount Kailash. It is extremely calm, and I feel spiritual energy floating in the air, and this is a relaxing retreat.

Some Packing Tips You Should Follow to Have a Hassle-Free Gangotri Yatra Experience:

Multi-Layering and Cold Clothes

Himalayan weather is erratic and can also be cold in summers, hence don't forget to pack a pair of warmer thermal innerwear, two sweaters, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof, windproof jacket. Also, a warm cap and gloves, and thick socks are much needed.

Footwear

Bring two pairs of waterproof and water-resistant trekking shoes with decent grip and comfort. New shoes will cause blisters, and therefore, they should be avoided. Another good thing is to carry a pair of sandals or slippers to use at the hotel.

Personal Drugs and First Aid

Carry your regularly consumed drugs and first aid kit consisting of general painkillers and medicines used in fever, headache, common cold, and diarrhea.

Rain and Sun Protection

Expect brighter sun rays at high altitude; hence, carry quality sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. You also need to have a small umbrella with you or a raincoat, as at any time of the day, it might begin to rain.

Snacks and a Reusable Water Bottle

One can easily get dehydrated at high altitude, and it is therefore important to be hydrated. One should avoid polluting the environment by utilizing a reusable drinking water bottle. Also, bring food that helps boost your energy, like dried fruits, energy bars, or even chocolates that will keep you full when travelling on the road and walking.