Uttarkashi is a religious, spiritual and adventurous town located at the border of Uttarakhand, on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi literally means ‘The Kashi of North’, that’s why the place is also known as the ‘Shivanagri’. The town has a number of pilgrimages, ancient temples, and ashrams which attracts hundreds of devotees throughout the year. Other than spiritual aspects, Uttarkashi is also a major hub for the adventurer trekkers and is the base town for treks to Har-ki-Dun, Dodital, Yamunotri & Gaumukh, etc. The adorned nature, tranquil environment, and colorful ethnic culture also the main attraction of this place. Some of the popular tourist interest places are - Dayara bugyal, Harsil, Tapovan, Gangotri, Maneri, etc.

Places to visit & Tourist places in Uttarkashi

1. Nachiketa Tal - 29 km from Uttarkashi, Nachiketa Tal is situated in the middle of the lush green forest. To reach Nachiketa Tal you have to trek 3 km from Chaurangi khal Town. There is greenery all around and a small temple on the bank of the lake gives it a serene look. It is said that the lake was created by the son of sage Uddalak - Nachiketa; from there this lake got its name.
2. Vishwanath Temple - The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi is one of the oldest temples in the Uttarkashi Town, located on the bank of Bhagirathi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which was initially built by the sage Parshuram and later renovated by Maharani Khaneti in 1857. The Temple is on the way to Chardham, so the devotees bow down here during the visit of Char Dham Yatra.
3. Dodital - Dodital is a freshwater lake situated at the elevation of 9900 ft. in the Uttarkashi district. To reach Dodital you have to trek 24 km from the Sangamchatti which is 19 km from Uttarkashi. It is said that Lord Ganesh chose this place for his abode and there is also a temple dedicated to Ganesha, near the lake.

4. Maneri - 15 km from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri, Maneri is the site of a dam across the Bhagirathi river. The resonant lake at the Maneri has added to the charm of the place.
5. Someshwar Temple (Duryodhana Temple) - The Someshwar Temple is dedicated to lord shiva which is located in the Sankri Village (Saur Village). The temple is made up of wood & has beautiful carving design on the walls which depicts the culture, art & tradition of the village. Every year hundreds of tourists come here to experience the hilly culture, tradition, and pristine beauty of the place. This temple is also a part of the Mahabharat circuit because it is believed that the Duryodhana is the deity of this temple. But many villagers refuse to acknowledge it as a Kaurava shrine.
6. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering & Museum - Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is rated as one of the best mountaineering institutes in India and also considered as the most prestigious mountaineering institute in Asia. Anybody can enroll for the short or long period mountaineering courses. There is also a Himalayan Museum where you can gain knowledge about the hills & mountains.

7. Harsil - Harsil is a beautiful village on the bank of Bhagirathi river, on the way to Gangotri. This village is known for its enchanting beautiful valleys, unspoiled nature, and tranquil environment.
8. Gangotri - Gangotri Dham is a part of the sacred Chota Char Dham circuit that is located on the bank of Bhagirathi river. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and opens only six months in the year from April to October.
9. Gaumukh - Gaumukh is the source of sacred river Bhagirathi which later joins with Alaknanda at Devprayag and is known as Ganga. The trail to Gaumukh is open for trekkers and pilgrims from May to October and you have to take permits before trekking.

10. Bhaironghati - Bhaironghati is the place to stay and enjoy the mountainous landscape, on the way to Gangotri. There is also a Bhairav Devta Temple where a number of pilgrims visit.
11. Yamunotri - Yamunotri is also a part of the Chota Char Dham circuit located on the bank of Yamuna river. The temple is dedicated to the sister of Yama, Goddess Yamuna, that temple opens every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and closes on the Bhai duj.
12. Har-ki-Dun Trek - Har-Ki-Dun is one of the most popular treks of Uttarakhand, located in the Uttarkashi district. The trek is approximately 26-30 km (one side) long which goes through some of the most beautiful villages where you can observe their lifestyle & tradition. The level of the trek is easy which can be done by any first-timer who is physically & medically fit, from April-June & Mid-September to November.

13. Ruinsara Tal - This pristine Runisara tal or lake is located at the altitude of 3500 meters and approx 10-15 km from the Seema/Osla village.
14. Dayara Bugyal - Dayara Bugyal is a lush green meadow trek that starts from the Barsu Village which is the base camp for several other blogs. The trek is easy to moderate which offers splendid views of Himalayan meadow, valleys & fascinating village culture.
15. Snow Leopard Conservation center - India’s first Snow-Leopard conservation center is coming up into the Uttarkashi district. The project aims to conserve snow leopards and other endangered species found in the Himalayas.

16. Govind National Park - Govind National Park is spread in the area of approx 958 sq km. This national park is home to a variety of flora & fauna like Himalayan snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, musk deer, bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, and the common leopard. Also, there are few popular treks inside the Govind National park - Har-ki-dun, Ruinsara Tal trek, Kedarkantha trek, Yamunotri Trek, etc.
17. Kedarkantha Trek - These days Kedarkantha trek is one of the most visited treks of Uttarakhand which lies in the Uttarkashi district. Generally, the trek starts from the Sankri village which is rich in culture, arts & tradition. On the way to Kedarkantha Trek, there is also a lake called- Juda ka Talab. The story behind the lake is that - once the Shiva was meditating in Kedarkantha then a drop of water from his hair lock fell on the ground, which formed this lake.

Activities at Uttarkashi

Trekking - Uttarkashi is a major trekking hub and is the base town of many popular treks. Har-Ki-Dun, Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, Gaumukh, Yamunotri, etc are some of the best treks that offer some excellent & tranquil environment.
Village & Cultural Tourism - Uttarkashi has many popular villages which are known for their colorful culture, tradition, architecture, handicrafts, & tasty cuisine, which tempts hundreds of national & international tourists to these places. Some of the popular villages are - Sankri, Jakhol, Saur, Netwar, Osala, etc.
Photography - The place is blessed with beautiful natural attractions like glorious mountain vistas, mighty snow-clad peaks, dense forest, diverse flora & fauna. Photographers can try their hands to capture clicks of all these remarkable scenes.
Camping - Pitching up tents at some of the wonderful locations in Uttarkashi gives you the most memorable experience here. Som

How to Reach Uttarkashi

By Air - The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, which is approx 200 km from Uttarkashi district.
By Train - The nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station which is well connected with some major cities.

Location distance by Road

Best time to visit Uttarkashi

March - April & July to October