Uttarkashi

Introduction and Histroy : Uttarkashi is situated in the northern region of the state of Uttarakhand of India. Lofty snow-covered peaks and undulating mountains greet every turn. Located amidst a myriad of sacred places, Uttarkashi is among the prominent holy sites of the Hindus. Away from busy cities and dotted with small towns, Uttarkashi is a pleasant valley on the banks of the river Bhagirathi which unites with the river Alakananda to form the mighty river Ganga. Within its district arise India’s two most important rivers. The Ganga and Yamuna! Owing to its deep rooted religious connection, the hill district is also known as ‘Devbhumi’ (the land of gods and goddesses).Terraced hillsides, pristine lakes, blue-green rivers and green landscapes are sure to delight pilgrims as well as trekkers.

What To See : Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi is one of the prime pilgrimage attractions. Interesting legend is that it was built by Parashuram himself. Shakthi temple with its big Trishul is the other major attraction for pilgrims. Maneri, a town nearby, has a beautiful dam and crystal clear waters from the river Bhagirathi. It is loved by all visitors who have the time to take in its seclusion. A must visit is the famous Govind National Park. Pay a Visit to the museum at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).The best season to visit is from March to April and May to June is the busy season for pilgrims.

Things to do : To have a look around this beautiful place is the best thing to do other than visiting temples. A thoroughly enchanting meadow here is called the Dayara Bugyal. Trekkers can trek from the village of Barsu to this beautiful place which transforms itself into excellent skiing slopes during winter. From this spot one can trek down to Dodi-Tal which is about 30 Kilometers away. Through dense forests. This sparkling lake forms a perfect picture to relax in after the tiresome trek. The hot water springs at Gangnani are refreshing and are popular with pilgrims on the way to the holy Ganga. A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangi Khal, a village with smiling people, 29 Kilometers from Uttarkashi.

Accomodations : Accommodation is economical. Hotels generally charge below 2000 rupees per day. The Shikhar nature resort and GMVN guesthouses are popular.

Mode Of Transport : The closest Airport from Uttarkashi is Jolly Grant airport, near Dehradun (162 Kilometers) and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh (145 Kilometers). Rishikesh is well connected by rail to other major cities. There are motorable roads connecting Uttarkashi to other major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other important towns

Related links:
• Official website: www.uttarkashi.nic.in
• More info on www.gmvnl.com

See also (Nearby places): Rishikesh, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Harsil, Kedartal, Sat-tal and Gaumukh.