Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage center having some major temples and places of religious importance like Gangotri and Yamunotri. Besides being a major pilgrim centre, Uttarakashi district is famous for the natural scenic spots like Harsil and Maneri.
Location of Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is situated at a distance of 145km from Rishikesh in the Grahwal region of Uttarakhand. It is located at an elevation of 1158 m on the banks of Bhagirathi River.
Places to see in Uttarkashi
Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ancient Vishwanath temple is 300kms away from the local bus stand of Uttarkashi. It is said that the temple was established by Parasuram and was renovated by Maharani Khaneti ,wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857.
Shakti Temple: Situated just in front of the Vishwanath temple, the Shakti temple has a big ‘Trishul’ of about 6 meters in height. Though there are many opinions regarding the make of the temple, it seems that the upper part is made of iron and the lower one is of copper.
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering: Situated in Uttarkashi town, the The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering was established at Uttarkashi on 14 Nov 1965 to honor the great desire of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, who was 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 training courses. Special emphasis is laid on instilling the concept of Adventure sports, without causing environmental degradation.
Excursions from Uttarkashi
Maneri: Maneri is a fast emerging tourist attraction located about 13km from Uttarkashi. The lake at Maneri is a charming attraction.
Dodital: Dodital is situated at an elevation of 3307 meters and the sparkling clear lake is famous for Himalayan trouts which are found in abundance here. You can collect your permission for fishing from the Divisional Forest Officer, Uttarkashi.
Gangotri: 100kms from Uttarkashi, Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 meters above sea level. The temple in Gangotri constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century, is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi. Thousands of pilgrims visit Gangotri every year. Another popular excursion from Uttarkashi is Gaumukh Glacier – The source of river Ganga
Accomodation options in Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi offers a number of accommodations at various budgets. You can stay in the number of ashrams dotting the banks of the Bhaigirathi river. There are number of hotels situated in the nearby Ujeli with a wonderful view of the river.
Best time to visit Uttarkashi
March to April and July to October are the best time to visit Uttarkashi. How to reach Uttarkashi
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant about 162 km from Uttarkashi.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh about 145 km from Uttarkashi.
By Road: Uttarkashi is well connected by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns.
