Gangotri Dham is one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra and the revered origin of River Ganga. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the temple remains open only for a specific period each year due to extreme weather conditions.
The Gangotri temple remains open from Akshay Tritiya till Diwali which is roughly six months. The portals of Char Dham including Gangotri remain closed for winters. The winter seat of the Gangotri temple is Mukhba where the deity is worshiped when the Gangotri temple is closed.
The Gangotri Temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya. This usually falls in late April or early May.
Opening Date: The Gangotri Dham is set to open on 19 April 2026 on the auspicous occassion of Akshay Tritiya.
The opening ceremony is marked by:
Last year: Gangotri temple was opened on 30 April 2025
Note: The exact date changes every year according to the Hindu calendar.
The temple closes annually on Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali. This usually occurs in late October or early November.
After closure of Gangotri Temple:
Q. When does Gangotri Temple open every year?
A. Gangotri Temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya, usually in April or May.
Q. When does Gangotri Dham close?
A. The temple closes on Bhai Dooj, typically in October or November.
Q. Is Gangotri open during winter?
A. No, Gangotri Temple remains closed from November to April.
Q. Where is Goddess Ganga worshipped in winter?
A. During winter, worship continues at Mukba Village, the winter seat of Goddess Ganga.
Q. Is Char Dham registration required for Gangotri?
A. Yes, Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.
Q. Can senior citizens visit Gangotri?
A. Yes, but they should Avoid monsoon season, Travel during May–June or September, Carry warm clothing and medical support
A visit to Gangotri Dham is a deeply spiritual journey connected to the sacred River Ganga. Since the temple is seasonal, knowing the opening and closing dates is essential for proper planning.
