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Uttarkashi - A Sacred Realm

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Uttarkashi is a beautiful district perched at an altitude of 1158 m above sea level. This district of Uttarakhand was formed on 24th February, 1960. Himachal Pradesh and Tibet lie on its north, while the Chamoli district is located in the east. The place holds immense religious significance for the Hindus and is referred to as the Kashi of North as well as the Town of Temples.

Tourist Places In And Around Uttarkashi

The holy town of Uttarkashi is located on the banks of the Ganga river and is at a distance of 172 km from Rishikesh. This place is located in proximity to the popular religious destinations, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This region is primarily inhabited by the Uttara Kurus, Khasas, Kiratas, Kunindas, Tanganas and Pratanganas tribes.

Uttarkashi is known for its beautiful temples and every year, devotees in large numbers visit this holy place. Some of the famous temples of the region are the Vishwanath Temple, Pokhu Devta Temple, Bhairav Temple, Kuteti Devi Temple, Karna Devta Temple, Gangotri Temple, Yamunotri Temple and Shani Temple.

The Vishwanath Temple, devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva, is quite popular amongst tourists. This famous temple is just 300 m away from the local bus stand of Uttarkashi. The Manikarnika Ghat is another important religious centre of the region. According to a legend, Uttarkashi is the same place where the great sage Jada Bharata repented. The destination also finds mention in the Kedar Khand of the Hindu religious text, Skanda Purana.

The Nandanvan Tapovan, located at a distance of 6 km from Gangotri, offers beautiful views of different mountain peaks, like the Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Bhagirathi, Kedar Dome and Sudarshana. A large number of tourists also visit Dayara Bugyal, situated on Uttarkashi-Gangotri Road. This place is located at an altitude of 3048 m and is a popular destination for skiing.

Har Ki Doon is a prominent trekking site, located an altitude of 3506 m above sea level. Interestingly, there are many guest houses and bungalows available here for tourists to stay. The Shakti Temple, located opposite to the Vishwanath Temple, is also a popular religious site here. One of the prime attractions of the temple is the 26 ft high trishul (trident).

The Dodital is a beautiful lake in Uttarkashi, which is located at an altitude of 3307 m above sea level. Travellers interested in visiting this place can reach here either by road or Trekking. This place also serves as the base for trekking to Yamunotri and Hanuman Chatti.

Apart from these, Maneri, a newly developed tourist spot, is located at a distance of 13 km from Uttarkashi. If time permits, travellers can also visit the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, which was established in the year 1965. The institute is named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, who was quite fond of mountains. Gangnani, Sattal, Divya Shila and Surya Kund are some of the other famous tourist spots of the region.

How To Reach Uttarkashi

The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, which is located at a distance of 183 km. The Rishikesh railway station is the closest rail link to the destination. Travellers can also avail buses to Uttarkashi from nearby cities, like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Mussoorie.

Best Time To Visit Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi is a year-round destination owing to its pleasant weather conditions. However, summers and monsoons are recommended for visiting this holy destination as various festivals are celebrated during these seasons.

Uttarkashi is Famous for

Uttarkashi Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Uttarkashi

  • Jan
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How to Reach Uttarkashi

  • By Road
    Uttarkashi is well connected to cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie by regular buses. State and private owned buses are available to Uttarkashi from these places.
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  • By Train
    Rishikesh and Haridwar railway stations are the closest to the destination. Both these railway stations are well connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Howrah, and Lucknow by regular trains.
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  • By Air
    The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, which is located at a distance of 183 km. The airport is well connected to the Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi by regular flights. Travellers can hire taxis from the Jolly Grant Airport to reach Uttarkashi.
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