Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarkashi is a charming little town in Uttarakhand that is famous for its scenic beauty, spiritual significance, and adventure sports. It serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region and attracts travellers from all over the world. In this blog, we will guide you through the best places to visit, how to reach, the best time to visit, and activities to do in Uttarkashi.
One of the most prominent attractions in Uttarkashi is the Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the holiest shrines in India. Other must-visit temples in Uttarkashi include the Kandar Devta Temple, Kuteti Devi Temple, and Shakti Temple.
Apart from its religious significance, Uttarkashi also serves as a gateway to several trekking and adventure destinations in Uttarakhand. The town is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and offers several opportunities for river rafting, camping, and hiking.
Uttarkashi is also home to several ashrams and spiritual centers, such as the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram, which attracts visitors from all over the world seeking spiritual enlightenment and rejuvenation. Places to Visit in Uttarkashi
Gangotri Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3,048 meters, is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites of the Char Dham Yatra. It is the origin point of the holy river Ganges and is surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. The temple of Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is a must-visit attraction.
Yamunotri Another significant pilgrimage site, Yamunotri is located at an altitude of 3,293 meters and is the source of the Yamuna River. The temple of Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is surrounded by scenic landscapes and hot springs.
Kedar Tal Kedar Tal is a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 meters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and meadows. The trek to Kedar Tal is a challenging one but is highly rewarding with breathtaking views.
Dodital Dodital is a serene freshwater lake situated at an altitude of 3,024 meters, surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests. It is a perfect place for camping, trekking, and fishing.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 175 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Uttarkashi.
By Train The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is around 150 kilometres away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Uttarkashi.
By Road Uttarkashi is well connected to major cities in Uttarakhand by road. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or other major cities in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Uttarkashi is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for trekking, camping, and other adventure activities.
Exciting Activities to Experience in Uttarkashi
Trekking Uttarkashi is a paradise for trekkers with a number of popular trekking trails such as the Dodital trek, Kedar Tal trek, Gangotri trek, and Yamunotri trek.
Camping Camping is a popular activity in Uttarkashi, and there are several campsites near rivers, lakes, and meadows that offer a unique experience of staying in the lap of nature.
River Rafting The River Bhagirathi, which flows through Uttarkashi, is an ideal place for river rafting. It offers thrilling rapids and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Pilgrimage Uttarkashi is a significant pilgrimage site, and there are several temples and shrines that attract thousands of devotees every year. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and the Shakti Temple are some of the popular pilgrimage sites in Uttarkashi.