Gangotri is a sacred town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayas. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, lies in eastern India, making this route a popular pilgrimage and adventure journey for many travelers.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kolkata to Gangotri, covering trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical tips, travel plans, and what to expect upon arrival to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Kolkata to Gangotri – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Kolkata to Uttarkashi or nearby railway stations is a popular choice for budget travelers and those who want to experience Indian railways. However, there is no direct train to Gangotri, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Gangotri is Dehradun, approximately 230 km away, accessible via the New Delhi-Dehradun line; trains like the Nanda Devi Express connect Kolkata’s Howrah station to New Delhi, from where you can board a train to Dehradun.

• Train travel from Kolkata Howrah to New Delhi takes around 17 to 20 hours, with fares ranging from INR 500 (sleeper class) to INR 2500 (AC 3-tier), depending on the train and class chosen.

• From New Delhi, you can take a train to Dehradun, which takes about 5 to 6 hours; trains run frequently but book early on IRCTC, especially during pilgrimage seasons.

• After reaching Dehradun, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Gangotri, which is a 9 to 10-hour drive covering around 230 km on mountainous roads, often requiring early starts to avoid night travel.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to reach Gangotri from nearby cities, but direct buses from Kolkata are not available. You will need to break the journey into multiple legs involving buses and taxis.

• From Kolkata, take a long-distance bus or train to Haridwar or Dehradun; buses from Kolkata to Haridwar can take 30 to 36 hours, with fares ranging from INR 800 to INR 1500 for AC sleeper buses.

• From Haridwar or Dehradun, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run buses to Uttarkashi, the nearest town to Gangotri, which takes about 7 to 8 hours on hilly roads.

• From Uttarkashi, local buses or shared taxis are available to Gangotri, a 3 to 4-hour journey on narrow mountain roads; these services are frequent in the pilgrimage season but limited in the off-season.

• Bus travel can be crowded, especially during summer and festival times; it is advisable to book tickets in advance and start early in the day to avoid delays caused by fog or landslides.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Gangotri is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility. The journey covers approximately 1600 km and takes about 30 to 35 hours of driving time, usually split over 2 to 3 days.

• The route mainly follows NH19 from Kolkata to Delhi, then NH334 and NH94 towards Uttarkashi and Gangotri; the roads are mostly good on the plains but become narrow and winding in the mountains.

• Driving through states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand involves toll plazas, highway dhabas for food, and several rest stops; plan overnight halts in cities like Varanasi or Haridwar.

• Mountain roads near Gangotri require careful driving, especially during monsoon when landslides are common; avoid night driving in hilly sections for safety.

• Fuel stations are available along the highway but become sparse near Gangotri; carry extra water and snacks, and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for the mountainous terrain.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Kolkata to Uttarakhand, but there is no airport near Gangotri. You will need to combine flights with road travel.

• The nearest airports to Gangotri are Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (around 240 km away) and New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, both well connected to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

• Direct flights from Kolkata to Dehradun are limited; most travelers fly to Delhi (about 2.5 hours) and then take a train or taxi to Dehradun or Haridwar.

• From Dehradun or Haridwar airport, you can hire taxis or take buses to Uttarkashi and then to Gangotri; the road journey takes 8 to 10 hours from Dehradun.

• Flight fares from Kolkata to Delhi range from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can secure better prices especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kolkata to Gangotri, combining different transport modes for a smooth journey.

• Book your train or flight ticket from Kolkata to New Delhi or Dehradun well in advance on IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute price hikes and ensure availability during peak seasons.

• Upon arrival in New Delhi or Dehradun, arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to Uttarkashi; pre-booking a taxi through apps like Ola or local operators can save time and hassle.

• Stay overnight in Uttarkashi to rest before the final leg; this break is important due to the challenging mountain roads ahead and helps you acclimatize to higher altitudes.

• Start early from Uttarkashi to Gangotri by bus or shared taxi; early departure helps avoid afternoon traffic and potential weather-related delays on narrow roads.

• Carry essential items like water, snacks, warm clothes, and medicines for altitude sickness; mobile network coverage is patchy beyond Uttarkashi, so prepare accordingly.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and pilgrimage permits if required, as Gangotri is a protected area with occasional access restrictions during winter or heavy snowfall.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian hill stations.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and official state transport websites to secure confirmed seats and avoid overcrowding at stations.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Delhi and Dehradun to avoid overcharging and ensure reliable service.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, rain gear during monsoon, and sturdy footwear for trekking or walking on uneven mountain paths.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes; monsoon can cause roadblocks due to landslides, and winters bring heavy snow, limiting access to Gangotri.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Gangotri is between May and October when the weather is pleasant and roads are mostly clear. Winters are harsh with heavy snowfall, making Gangotri inaccessible.

Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains and landslides, so travel cautiously and check weather updates before starting your journey.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Navratri when trains and roads are crowded, leading to delays and higher prices.

• Early morning departures are recommended to avoid fog and traffic jams, especially on mountain roads near Gangotri.

• Plan your trip outside the peak monsoon season to reduce the risk of landslides and road closures along NH94 and other mountain highways.

Arrival at Gangotri & What to Expect

Gangotri is a small town with limited public transport options. Upon arrival, you will find shared taxis and local buses to reach the main temple and nearby guesthouses.

Accommodation options include dharamshalas, guesthouses, and a few hotels near the temple area. It is advisable to book in advance during peak pilgrimage season. Local transport is mostly on foot or by hired taxis, as private vehicles are restricted near the temple.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Gangotri from Kolkata is to combine a train or flight to Delhi or Dehradun with road transport via taxi or bus. This approach balances travel time, comfort, and cost effectively for most travelers.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, preparing for mountain road conditions, and scheduling rest stops will make your journey safe and enjoyable. With the right information and preparation, you can confidently undertake this spiritual and scenic trip from Kolkata to Gangotri.