Welcome to the Gangotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates Post. Gangotri Temple is among the holiest Hindu pilgrim places in India and is a pivotal part of Char Dham Yatra. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga – the river that cleanses and sustains lives throughout India. Thousands of pilgrims from across the country visit Gangotri every year to receive holy offerings and purify themselves in the Ganges, believed to cleanse those who have committed sins.
In this article, we will cover everything related to Gangotri Temple opening and closing dates for 2026, the Yatra guide, route details, and the best time to visit Gangotri Temple, along with the story of Gangotri Temple timings/prayer offerings, weather conditions or environment, and helpline numbers. We will also tell you how Epic Yatra provides the best Char Dham Yatra guide and luxury Char Dham Yatra packages by helicopter for your comfortable and spiritual trip.
Gangotri Temple, situated at an elevation of 3,100 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. It's the spot where the sacred River Ganga was believed to have flowed down to earth from heaven. Legend has it that the river was brought down from heaven to earth by King Bhagirath’s penance to purify. His ancestors suffered for their accumulated sins, according to Hindu mythology.
Constructed in the eighteenth century by Amar Singh Thapa, it is a symbol of purity and devotion. It is a beautiful white granite building set amidst magnificent snow-capped mountain peaks, serene lush green pine forests and the rolling Ganga.
The opening date of the temple for the year 2026 will be announced soon.
The Gangotri Temple is only opened on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, which occurs at the end of May.
For the year 2026, the likely Gangotri Temple Opening Date is Friday, May 8, 2026.
On the day of this festival, the gates of the temple open for special prayers, rituals and chanting. The idol of Goddess Ganga is taken from her winter abode in Mukhba Village, near Harsil, in a grand procession called the “Doli Keep Yatra”. Bells, conches and hymns fill the entire valley, entering from different corners, creating a magical spiritual experience not to be missed.
The Gangotri Temple closes on Diwali and reopens on the eve of Diwali during April or May.
A list of temple closures can be found in this article. Closing Dates by Temple Dedication The following table contains closing dates for each dedicated temple. The dedicated date is also known as the anniversary of the temple.
The idol of Goddess Ganga is shifted back to Mukhba Village till the closing ceremony before being worshipped throughout winter.
Here, pilgrims will plan their Chardham Yatra Packages in this time: May to November 2026 for darshan at Gangotri.
Gangotri is one of the holy places among the Char Dham, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, according to Hindu legends. This journey symbolises the way to spiritual redemption and the cleansing of being.
Char Dham pilgrims usually begin with Yamunotri and then proceed to Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally Badrinath. Every temple has its own divine tale and religious value, but it is from Gangotri that the river Ganges begins its journey, which is the most sacred river in India.
Epic Yatra has been famous for our Best Char Dham Yatra Guide: we have special packages, which ensure that the devotees may obtain a spiritual visit to all four shrines.
Opening and closing timings of Gangotri Temple: Generally, the temple of Gangotri remains open for darshan in these time periods:
Timings vary a little on festival days or special pujas. It is recommended for the devotees to witness the morning Aarti and evening Ganga Aarti, in which lights float in the holy river.
Visitors can visit Gangotri in the months of May and June as well as September to October.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
May, June: Moderate temperature and apt for darshan.
end July–Aug Monsoon season: avoid travel – periods are dry, but landslides mean local transport doesn't run.
September-October: Clear skies and ideal for calm visits.
The Chardham Yatra Family Package from Epic Yatra suits well for families and old pilgrims and can look forward to a safe guided journey during these times of the year.
It's quite an adventure even to get there, because Gangotri is elusive. The road, the rail, and the sky meet in it.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km from Gangotri), is the nearest airport.
However, if you are willing to travel faster, you can also hire a taxi or even book a luxury Chardham Yatra package by helicopter that Epic Yatra provides.
The closest railway station is Rishikesh, 230 km away.
Private taxis and government buses are available from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi and Gangotri on a regular basis.
Cities like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi are well linked to Gangotri.
This road has it all: beautiful views, mountains and valleys.
Epic Yatra offers Chardham Yatra tour packages inclusive of all modes of transportation for a hassle-free and secure journey.
Gangotri has a chilly climate all year.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Seasonal Temperature Travel Advice
Various rest houses and choultries are present in the temple's vicinity. Rest houses of the government are also located in Harsil and Uttarkashi. So pilgrims can easily regular stay with the Best Chardham Yatra Package option provided by Epic Yatra.
Some popular stay options include:
If you wish to experience a tension-free, comfortable and amazing yatra, then the Luxury Chardham Yatra Package by Helicopter from Epic Yatra is best for you.
This package offers:
If you are a pilgrim who belongs to Vadodara or Pune, then initiate your lovely trip with the Chardham Yatra Package from Vadodara or the Chardham Yatra Package from Pune, respectively, facilitated by Epic Yaatra.
Now, if you are preparing for your 2026 pilgrimage, relying on Epic Yatra for the Best Chardham Yatra Guide can be the best decision ever!
The customary path in the Chardham Yatra is:
In this spiritual circuit, the second place is occupied by Gangotri, and it signifies purity and devotion.
Take woollen clothes in summer as well.
Drink lots of fluids; keep medicines close by.
Don’t eat big meals before long car trips.
Before you travel, read the temple’s official opening and closing announcements.
The rates for Chardham Yatra packages are best when booked in advance.
The Char Dham Yatra season is marked by several key rituals:
Thousands of devotees who come here fill the atmosphere with glowing devotional enthusiasm and joy.
Q1. When will Gangotri Temple open in 2026?
They are scheduled to open the temple on May 8, 2026 (Friday).
Q2. What is the closing date of Gangotri Temple in 2026?
It shall be shut on Diwali, i.e., November 8, 2026 (Sunday).
Q3. Is it possible to visit Gangotri Temple in the winter?
No, the temple is still closed for snowfall. Devotees venerate the image of the Goddess Ganga at Mukhba Village on this day.
Q4. What is the most economical way to travel all chardhams in one go?
Book a luxury Char Dham Yatra package by helicopter or a family tour package through Epic Yatra.
Q5. Is Gangotri Temple safe for older citizens?
Yes. Elders can embark on a safe and hassle-free journey through the Epic Yatra Chardham Yatra Family Package.
Gangotri Temple It is the temple of purity, faith, unity and devotion. What are the dates for the Gangotri Temple opening and closing in 2026? Pilgrims can plan their Char Dham Yatra accordingly. No matter where in India you begin your journey for Vadodara or Pune, Epic Yatra makes sure that you travel in peace, comfort and devotion.
Whether you are looking for road travel or luxurious packages like the Luxury Chardham Yatra Packages by Helicopter, Epic Yatra is here to provide you with a customised solution. Experience the divine power of the Ganga in 2026 by finally completing your spiritual sojourn seeking blessings of all four Dhams.
Plan your trip today with Epic Yatra – and you will never need a Best Char Dham Yatra Guide and Packages!