About Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park, one of India's largest protected areas spanning 2,390 sq km in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, is renowned for its stunning Himalayan landscapes. It features towering glaciers, alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and the sacred Gaumukh glacier—the source of the Bhagirathi River and origin of the holy Ganga.
The park lies adjacent to the revered Gangotri Temple, drawing thousands of trekkers, pilgrims, and nature lovers annually.
The Gangotri National Park is enveloped by dense coniferous forests that are mostly temperate. The vegetation consists of pine, deodar, fir, spruce, oak and rhododendrons that outline the entire region.
Vital Habitat for Himalayan Wildlife
The park serves as a critical sanctuary for diverse high-altitude species. Key mammals include the elusive snow leopard (with an estimated population of around 35 individuals based on recent monitoring), bharal (blue sheep), Himalayan tahr, musk deer, Asian black bear, brown bear, and more.
Bird life is equally rich, with over 150 documented species such as the Himalayan monal, koklass, and Himalayan snowcock. These animals thrive in the park's rugged terrain above 3,000 meters, where conservation efforts help protect endangered and rare wildlife.
Gangotri National Park balances pilgrimage heritage, adventure trekking, and biodiversity preservation—making its seasonal rhythm essential for long-term ecological health. Visitors planning future trips should check official updates from the Uttarakhand Forest Department for the latest on openings and permits.
Gangotri National Park Travel News
14 Dec 2025
Uttarakhand to Launch ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ to Boost Winter Tourism
The Uttarakhand government will soon roll out a ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ to promote winter tourism in the state, Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal said.
The initiative, inspired by the Ladakh model, will open select high Himalayan regions such as Gangotri to tourists during winter in a controlled manner. The programme will be launched on a pilot basis with a snow leopard sighting project in Gangotri National Park, located in Uttarkashi.
01 Dec 2025
Gangotri National Park Closes for Winter After Record Tourist Footfall
Gangotri National Park, located in Uttarkashi and bordering China, has been closed for the winter season. The park received 29,162 tourists this year, generating a revenue of ?80.96 lakh.
Forest officials have installed camera traps to monitor wildlife, including around 35 snow leopards, during the winter closure. The park is scheduled to reopen on April 1. Check snow leopard tours in Uttarakhand.
Staying in Gangotri National Park
At Uttarkashi, you’ll find several cheap hotels along the route 108. You will get a homely feel at these hotels without spending much. These hotels are an ideal retreat for the travelers who want to rejuvenate after long treks.
History of Gangotri National Park
The Gangotri National Park lavishly sprawling over 1,553 sq. km was established in the year 1989 in the upper catchment of the Bhagirathi river in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
Opening and Closing Dates of Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park closed on the 30th November every year for five months of the winter session for all the tourists. The park open for tourists on 1 April each year for the summer season.
The park is named after the Gangotri glacier which drains into holy river Ganga nourishing the entire human race. River Bhagirathi also flows through the park sustaining the animal and bird species of the region.
Best time to visit Gangotri National Park
One can plan a trip to Gangotri National Park any day but the suitable time to visit this sanctuary is from April to October. May, June, September and October are the best month to explore the Gangotri National Park.
Annual Winter Closure : Due to Harsh Conditions
Every year, the park gates close on November 30 to ensure visitor safety amid heavy snowfall and extreme cold. During this off-season, human access is restricted to allow natural recovery of the ecosystem and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
What is Gangotri National Park famous for?
Gangotri National Park is famous among tourist as Treks, Valleys, Gaumukh, Tapovan, Expeditions, Adventure, Himalayas, Mountaineering, Peaks.
Gangotri National Park is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Bird Watching, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wildlife Tourism.
