Uttarkashi

Excursion | Getting There | General Information

Situated at a distance of 145 kms. from Rishikesh and at an elevation of 1158 mts. on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this picturesque town acquires importance because of the very significant pilgrimage-centres: Gangotri, Yamunotri.

Uttarkashi is located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh. Uttarkashi was originally a part of Tehri Garhwal. But soon after independence, when Tehri Garhwal Kingdom merged with India, it was made a district of the Kumaon division.

In 1960, it was made a border district with the district headquarters at Uttarkashi. The district is more important because of the two very significant Pilgrimage-centers viz. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the source of the two rivers, Ganga (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna.

The major locations of the district are Dunda, Puroia, Rajgarhi and Bhatwari. Major tourist attractions are Chaurangi Khal, Bhairon Ghati and Gangotri. Yamuna, Rupin and Bhagirathi Rivers flows through the district.

Excursion
Dodital
Situated in the midst of deodar, cheer and bamboo forests, Dodital is situated at an elevation of 3307 metres. The water of the lake is sparkling and crystal clear. The famous Himalayan trouts are found in abundance in the lake.

Maneri
On way to Gangotri at a distance of about 13 kms. from Uttarkashi, Maneri has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the bhagirathi river, from where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8 kms. long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi.

Gangnani
Gangnani, about 37 kms. from Maneri, is the hot water spring at Gangnani where one can have a refreshing bath.

Sat-Tal
Sat-Tal meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 kms. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 7 kms is rewarding as this group of lakes is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camping sites.

Dayara Bugyal
Bugyal in the local language means ?high altitude meadow?. Situated at an elevation of about 10,000 feet above seal-level this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. During winter, it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. kms. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathetaking. There is a small lake also in the area, and to camp by its side would be memorable event.

Harsil
The Bhagirathi valley is most enchanting and preserves many colorful spots in its lap. Situated at a distance of 72 kms. from Uttarkashi on the main highway to Gangotri, at an elevation of 2623 metres, this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples.

Gaumukh
The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and isheld in high esteem by the devouts who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. It is 18 kms. from Gangotri.

Nandan-Van Tapovan
These two spots are situated opposite the Gangotri glacier further up from Gaumukh, at a distance of 6 kms. from where visitors can have a superb view of the majestic shivling peak.

Yamunotri
The shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi. Situated at an elevation of 3235 metres above sea level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "Four Dhams" (four pilgrimages) of Uttarakhand.

The source of Yamuna lies above 1 km. ahead at an altitude of about 4421 meters. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer Puja at the temple itself.

There are hot springs close to the temple, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanuman Chatti or 5 kms. from Janaki Chatti.

Pilgrims can find accommodation in the houses belonging to the "Pandas" or the sole Dharamshala.

Hanuman Chatti is the bus terminus from where one has to trek 13 kms. to reach Yamunotri. On the way one can stay at Janaki Chatti 8 kms. from Hanuman Chatti. There are tourist bangalow.

Harkidoon
Harkidoon is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers.at the height of 3566m, Harkidoon is a land of unparalleled beauty in the whole district of Uttar Kashi.

Harkidoon is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers. A convenient route is from Mussoorie via Yamuna bridge - Naugaon- Purola- Saur- Sankri, Taluka and Osla.

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated amidst the lush green meadows of the Uttarkashi district, the most beautiful part of the Garhwal region with its magnificent snowclad peaks and glaciers, the sanctuary is spread over an area of 953 sq. kms.

Uttarkashi is a regional centre, 155-kms. from Rishikesh and is the administrative headquarters of the district. Several trekking companies operate from here and the town is also the base for the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, where Bachhendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb to the summit of Mt Everest, was trained. The town is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, drawing pilgrims to its Vishwanatha Temple, sacred to Shiva.

Nachiketa Tal
Situated between Panchangaon and Fold Gaon, this beautiful lake is perenially filled with water. There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lake gives a serene look to the location.

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Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 162 km.

By Rail
Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, 145 km.

By Road
Uttarkashi is well connected by motor able road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns of the state and region.

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General Information
Climate : Cold in winters, pleasant in summers.
Season : Round the year.

Clothing
Summers : Cottons / Light Woollens.
Winters : Heavy Woollens.

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