The 30-km Long Himalayan Glacier at 4000 Metres – Source of the Bhagirathi River
The Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas, stretching approximately 30 km in length and located at an altitude of about 4000 metres in Uttarkashi district. The glacier gives rise to the Bhagirathi River, which joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga. The snout of the glacier — called Gaumukh (cow's mouth) — is revered as the most sacred source of the Ganga.
Gaumukh is reached via a 18 km trek from Gangotri town — one of the most iconic treks in India. The landscape is awe-inspiring: icy blue glacier walls, moraines, and the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II and III. Further 4 km beyond Gaumukh lies the meadow of Tapovan (4463m) — a high-altitude camp frequented by mountaineers and spiritual seekers. The glacier is receding due to climate change, making it an increasingly urgent pilgrimage.
May to June and September to mid-October. Gangotri Dham opens in May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in November (Diwali). The glacier trek is not accessible in winter.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (255 km). Taxi to Uttarkashi then Gangotri.
Buses from Rishikesh/Uttarkashi to Gangotri during pilgrimage season.
Gangotri town is 100 km from Uttarkashi (3 hrs) and 255 km from Rishikesh. Then 18 km trek.