Gangnani is a serene Himalayan village famous for its natural hot springs, spiritual ambience, and views of snow‑capped peaks on the route to Gangotri. It is perfect for pilgrims and slow travellers seeking healing, quiet stays, and classic Garhwal scenery.
Tourism in Gangnani
Tourism in Gangnani revolves around its geothermal hot water springs, known as Rishikund, where devotees traditionally bathe before proceeding to Gangotri Dham. The village also attracts nature lovers for meditation, short walks, and Himalayan sunrise–sunset views over the Bhagirathi valley.
Location
Gangnani lies in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, on the Gangotri highway, around 44–46 km from Uttarkashi, about 30 km before Harsil and roughly 50–52 km before Gangotri. Perched on a hillside in the Garhwal Himalayas, it overlooks the Bhagirathi River and surrounding forested slopes.
History
The name “Gangnani” combines Ganga and nani (grandmother) and is closely tied to legends of the Ganga and Lord Shiva. Local belief says sages, including Parasara and other rishis, meditated here, and that the hot springs possess purifying and healing powers, giving the site age‑old spiritual importance.
Fairs and festivals
Gangnani follows the wider Garhwali festival calendar, celebrating Makar Sankranti, Navratri, Holi and Diwali with puja, aartis and community gatherings at the temples and kund. Pilgrim traffic peaks during the Gangotri yatra season (summer to autumn), when many yatris stop here to bathe in Rishikund and offer prayers before heading further into the Himalayas.
How to reach
Gangnani is reached by road along NH‑108 / the Gangotri highway: it is about 200 km from Rishikesh via Uttarkashi and roughly 230–240 km from Dehradun. The nearest railheads are Rishikesh and Dehradun, and the closest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun); from these points, buses and shared jeeps run to Uttarkashi and onward to Gangnani.
Tourist attractions
- Rishikund Hot Springs: Main attraction where separate pools for men and women allow a sulphur‑rich, naturally heated dip with religious significance.
- Parasara / Rishi temples: Small temples near the kund dedicated to sage Parasara and other deities, forming the spiritual centre of the village.
- Himalayan viewpoints: Hills around Gangnani offer vistas of the Bhagirathi valley, distant snow peaks and terraced fields, ideal for photography and quiet walks.
- Nearby excursions: Easy access onward to Harsil, Gangotri Temple, Gangotri National Park, Dayara Bugyal and Nelong Valley for trekking and high‑mountain scenery.
Cuisine of Gangnani
Food in Gangnani is simple Garhwali and North Indian fare served in small lodges and dhabas along the highway. Expect hot chai, parathas, aloo sabzi, rajma‑chawal, dal, rotis, and sometimes local dishes like kafuli and jhangore ki kheer, providing hearty comfort in the cool mountain climate.
