Places to explore in Uttarkashi | Top places to see in Uttarkashi
UTTARKASHI
image : theuttarkashicity
Uttarkashi comes under the Garhwal division of Uttarkhand and is one of the district of Uttarakhand. Uttarkashi is also known as "Shiv Ki Nagri". Among devotees, Uttarkashi is famous for "KashiVishwanath Temple" and for nature & adventure lovers it is famous for various trekking & off-roading trips. Many Hindu Temples are also located here. Uttarkashi has a great significance in terms of cultural activities, beautiful landscapes, rituals, festivals & fairs.
How to reach Uttarkashi
Airport : The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is located at Jolly Grant Dehradun .
Railway station : The nearest railway station is located at Rishikesh & Dehradun .
Road : From Dehradun & Rishikesh : To reach Uttarkashi, you have two options : Either go for a taxi or bus service.
Distance from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi : 168km
Distance from Dehradun to Uttarkashi : 191km
By taxi : The charges are more in taxi. If you're planning for a taxi from Dehradun, it may charge you somewhere around 450-500/person. There is no fixed departure. The departure depends upon the seats.
By bus : The charges are less as compared to taxi, charges are somewhere around 350/person. Buses has fixed departure.
Uttarkashi is home to many beautiful and mesmerizing places, if you're planning for Uttarkashi, here is the list of some "must-visit" places in Uttarkashi :
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is Lord Shiva temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped here every day. It is located on the bank of Bhagirathi . This temple is well known to tourists. One can also visit the Shakti Temple ,which is in the front of Vishwanath Temple. The vishwanath temple is crowded in the months of Apr-Sept.
Image: naturelife
2. V-Top Uttarkashi
V-top actually means Varunawat top. The motorable road to V-top is around 4-5km. This top offers the aerial view of Uttarkashi and the surrounding mountains. This place is still a hidden gem & less known to tourists. The entire valley is visible from this top. Make sure to carry water bottle and snacks. Dispose them carefully once used.
Image : pahadipixels
3. Khedi Waterfall, Maneri
Khedi waterfall fallls near Maneri village. It is located at a distance of 16km from main town Uttarkashi. This waterfall has now gain the popularity among tourist and visitors. This waterfall is actually the water from the dam. In recent, this waterfall is one of the best tourist attraction in Uttarkashi.
Image :gauravchhabra
4. Nachiketa Tal
Nachiketa Tal is located at a distance of 30 km from Uttarkashi. The motorable road is only available to Chaurangi Khal, afterward,Nachiketa Tal is a 3km trek from Chaurangi khal. Nachiketa tal is a beautiful beautiful lake surrounded by pine and rhododendron forest . Nachiketa Tal has bulk of fishes. But hunting of fishes is strictly prohibited. There is a temple (Nag Devta temple) on the front side of Nachiketa Tal.
Image: panwarashu
5. Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering (NIM)
NIM is one of the best mountaineering Institute in India. It is located at a distance of 1km from main city Uttarkashi. You need an identity card to visit this place. This Institute conducts different mountaineering courses including BMC (basic mountaineering courses) , AMC (advanced mountaineering courses),Rock climbing & Rescue courses . This place gives you a feel of being in the mountains. The gates are opened from 9am-5pm.
Image : livebetterwithdiksha
6. Raithal village
Raithal is located at a distance of 24km from Uttarkashi. This village is famous for Dayara Bugyal trek. Raithal village serves as a acclimatization point for Dayara Bugyal trek. This village also has a historical importance. There is a famous five storey ancient building of Rana Gambheru, which is worth watching. Rana Gambheru was a powerful king. There are many ancient wooden buildings that are now converted into homestays.
Image:pankajkushwal
7. Harsil valley
Harsil valley is a popular hill station, located at a distance of 79km from main city Uttarkashi. Harsil valley is famous for its scenic landscapes, apple orchards and snowcapped mountains. It is first choice for nature and adventure lovers. This place is a perfect choice for snow lovers. Harsil valley is home to many popular treks including kyarkoti, Lama top, Jhinda bugyal and many more.
8. Gangotri
Gangotri is well known to everyone, located at a distance of 99km from Uttarkashi. The kapaats(doors) are opened to everyone from April to October. Devotees from different parts of the country worship Goddess Ganga. During the winter season, the doors of Gangotri Temple are closed , one can visit Goddess Ganga at Mukhba village during winters. Gangotri is the main basecamp for many well known treks including : Kedartal, Gaumukh, Tapovan, Chirbasa-Bhojbasa. One can also visit Pandav Guffa (cave) , in Gagotri.
Image: sanatansouls
9. Sankri Village
This village is well known to trekkers and adventure lovers. If you're planning for treks in Uttarakshi, you can't miss out the Kedarkantha and Har ki dun Trek. Sankri village is the main basecamp for both Har ki dun and Kedarkantha trek. These treks offers the majestic view of beautiful mountain peaks. This place is perfect choice for snow lovers as well. Sankri village is located at a distance of 163km from Uttarkashi. This village must be in your visit list, if you're planning for Uttarkashi .
Image: myrudraprayag
10. Kalp Kedar ( Dharali village )
Kalp Kedar is Lord Shiva Temple in Dharali Village. Dharali village is located at a distance 81km from Uttarkashi and 2 km from popular hill station Harsil Valley. Kalp Kedar madir is a "temple of interest" as the upper region of temple is visible only, rest of the temple is submerged in water. The shivlinga is also submerged in water. According to locals, in ancient times, there used to be many temples beside the Kalpkedar Mandir but due to heavy floods in past, all temples are vanished out. Only single temple can be seeen here named as "Kalpkedar Mandir".
Image: mohitananad
Fairs & Festivals
Magh mela is organised every year in the month of January (14 January -25 January) which lasts for about 12-13 days. Magh mela is celebrated with joy and happiness. Various stalls of clothes, essential commodities, food, toys can be seen during magh mela.
Shivratri in Uttarkashi is celebrated with joy and happiness . During this special occasions, Uttarkashi city resounds with the cheers of Har Har Mahadev and Bum Bum Bhole.