Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – 145km from Rishikesh, this holy town is famous for the Vishwanath temple and adorned with glittering scenic beauty

Uttar Kashi meaning north Kashi is a holy town of Uttarakhand that is set on the banks of river Bhagirathi. It perches at an altitude of 1158 metres. Located at a distance of 145 kms from Rishikesh the place is an important stopover for the pilgrims of Gangotri. It is considered to have similar religious importance as Kashi. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva’s Great Trident, made of eight major metals. It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali. With stunning natural beauty and scenic vistas, Uttarkashi is a very popular tourist spot. The site also forms a centre for adventure sports.

Places to see in Uttarkashi: The sight seeing spot of Uttarkashi include:

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is rated as one of the mountaineering institute in Asia. NIM was established at Uttarkashi on 14th Nov 1965 to honor the great desire of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, an ardent mountain lover. The aim of the Institute is to introduce and initiate young men, women and school children to the mountains and nature through its various Mountaineering and Adventure courses.

Viswanath Temple

The Viswanath Temple is the most important and ancient holy shrine in Uttarkashi. It is unrivalled in importance. Shiva, the presiding deity of this temple, is worshipped all day here. Every evening, visitors are greeted by the sound of bells, and the chanting of mantras by pundits at the puja.Within the courtyard of the Vishwanath temple, and to the front of it, is the Shakti Temple, dedicated to the goddess of strength.

Dodi Tal

According to mythology Lord Ganesha was born in this place. This mysterious lake is situated at an elevation of 3,307mts above sea level surrounded by dense forests of deodar, oak and rhododendrons. The pristine water of this lake is the home of endangered Himalayan Golden Trouts and many other fishes. The depth of this lake is still unknown. The 18km trek to Dodi Tal commences from Agoda. A visitor encounters splendor of nature en route Dodi Tal.

Maneri

Maneri is situated 13kms from Uttarkashi on the Gangotri route. A dam across Bhagirathi River is the major attraction of the village. The consequential lake adds exquisiteness to Maneri.

Dayara Bugyal

In regional language Bugyal means ‘high altitude meadow’. Dyara Bugyal is situated at an elevation of 3,048mts affording splendid view of the Himalayas. A picturesque small lake is also situated at Dyara Bugyal. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari and the vehicles can go up to Barsu village, from where an easy trek of 8kms commences.

Nearby attractions around Uttarkashi: Uttarkashi is also dotted with some nearby locations. These include:

Gangotri 

Gangotri is the highest temple of Goddess Ganga and one of the four dhams of Uttarakhand state. Gangotri is situated at an altitude of 3,048mts above sea level at a distance of 93kms from Uttarkashi. Gangotri offers scenic splendors of rugged terrains, gushing water of Bhagirathi River and snow clad peaks. The place holds great importance amongst Hindus. Gangotri remains opened from May and get closed on the day of Diwali festival.

Gaumukh Glacier:

Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi River which is also known as Ganga River before the confluence of Devprayag. Gaumukh Glacier is situated 18kms from Gangotri. Gaumukh is the second largest glacier of India, first one is Siachen. Gaumukh is 30kms long and approximately 3 to 4km wide. It is source of the Bhagirathi River which is one of the most important tributary of the sacred Ganga River.

Kedartal

Kedar Tal can be reached after a difficult trek of 14kms which starts from Gangotri. Kedar Tal holds crystal clear icy cold water with reflection of snow capped Himalayan peaks. The maximum elevation that you will encounter enroute Kedar Tal is shocking 4,912mts above sea level. The lake is perched at an elevation of 4,225mts above sea level with the majestic Thalaysagar Peak providing captivating scenery.

Gangnani

Situated 46kms after Uttarkashi, Gangnani is popular for its natural thermal springs. People take a dip in this natural hot water spring before heading towards Gangotri.

Harsil

It is one of the hidden jewels of Uttarakhand offering ample scope for nature and adventure lovers. Harsil is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River at an elevation of 2,620mts above sea level. The distance from Uttarkashi to Harsil is 72kms. You can plan a short and easy trek to Sattal from Harsil.

New Tehri

New Tehri is the only planned town of Uttarakhand state which was made during the construction of the Tehri dam. Every month thousands of tourists visit Tehri to see the stagnant water of the massive Tehri Dam. The Dam is situated amidst high mountains many of which are submerged under water. New Tehri is very well connected with motorable roads. Tehri is situated 74kms from Uttarkashi. There are many good hotels in New Tehri.

Barkot

Barkot is situated at an elevation of 1,220mts above sea level in Uttarkashi district. Barkot is one of the important destinations of Uttarkashi district with good accommodation facilities available. Barkot has an ancient temple and it is situated 49km from Yamunotri. The distance from Uttarkashi to Barkot is 68kms.

Chamba

Chamba is one of the best excursion of Dehradun as the place offers panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan range and the sacred view of the Bhagirathi River. Chamba is situated 85kms from Uttarkashi at an altitude of 1,676mts above sea level. Chamba is unlike Mussoorie as the place provides peace and tranquility. The place is quite and serene with pine and deodar trees everywhere.

Things to do in Uttarkashi: Uttarkashi is the paradise of the adventure enthusiasts. Here you can enjoy water sports like rafting in the frivolous River Bhagirathi. Trekking upto Dodhi tal( 18kms from Uttarkashi) is also quite adventurous. This apart if you are not interested in adventures, then make a visit to the nearby sightseeing locations.

Best time to visit Uttarkashi: February to May will be the best time to visit.

How to go ?

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Uttarkashi situated at a distance of 160kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Delhi is the nearest international airport, connected to all cities in India and major cities abroad.  Uttarkashi is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Uttarkashi.

By Train

Trains to Uttarkashi can be taken till the railway station at Rishikesh/Haridwar. The railway station at Haridwar is well connected to all nearby locations and other prominent locations in the country like Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, and Howrah.

By Road

Uttarkashi is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Uttarkashi is situated on NH108 which connects Gangotri. Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Uttarkashi are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Barkot, Chamba etc.

Where to stay ?

Tourist Lodge (GMVN) Uttarkashi: +91-01374-222271, 222222
Monal Tourist Home: +91-1374-222270  Website: www.monaluttarkashi.com
Hotel Shivananda: +91-01374 223 674
Geetanjali Resort: +91-098370 80427

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.