Uttarkashi

Places Of Interest
Uttarkashi Town:

Situated at a distance of 170 Km from Rishikesh, the last railhead, at an elevation of 1150 Mts. above sea-leval on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this picturesque town is also the district headquarters.

Uttarkashi Town

From the religious point of view as well, it is considered important because the temple of Lord Vishwanath, is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. Description about this temple is given in "Kedarkhand" (Skand-Purana). The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav and Gyaneshwar.The temple of goddess Kuteti Devi is situated at the top of hill about 1.5 Km. away.

The Nehru Institute of mountaineering is also situated here, which provides training in mountaineering to enthusiasts from also over the country. It is about 5 Kms.from Uttarkashi amid beautiful surroundings.

Close by at Ujeli there are a number of Ashrams and temples. On the occasion of "Magh Mela" (Jan.14) every year people from far and near visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their village deity.

Hotels, Dharamshalas and Tourist Bungalow are available besides numerous Ashrams for lodging.

Maneri:

On way to Gangotri at a distance of about 13 kms. from Uttarkashi, Maneri has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi river, from where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8 kms. long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place.

Gangnani:

Further up on way to Gangotri about 37 kms. from Maneri, is the hot water spring at Gangnani where one can have a refreshing bath.

Dodital:

The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, bifurcates at 4 kms. from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go upto Kalyani, 7 kms. further up, from where, Agoda is 5 kms. away at an altitude of 2288 meters. The trek from there ascends gradually through thick forest and beautiful mountainous scenery.


Dodital
Dodital is 16 kms. further situated at an elevation of 3307 meters. The lake is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by forests. The famous Himalayan trouts are found in abundance in the lake. Permit for fishing can be had from the Divisional Forest Officer, Uttarkashi.

There is a forest rest house and a Log Cabin by the site of the lake. From there one can trek down to Hanuman Chatti (27 kms.) and then to Yamunotri.

Dayara Bugyal:

Bugyal in the local language means "high altitude meadow". The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari a place on Uttarkashi - Gangotri road about 32 kms. from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu from where one has to trek a distance of about 8 kms. to reach



Dayara Bugyal

Dayara. Situated at an elevation of about 10,000 feet above sea-level this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. During winter it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq.kms. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathe taking. There is a small lake also in the area, and to camp by its side would be a memorable event.

From this spot one can trek down to Dodi-Tal which is about 30 kms. away, through dense forests.

Harsil :

The Bhagirathi valley is most enchanting and preserves many colourful spots in its lap. Situated at a distance of 72 kms. from Uttarkashi on the main highway to Gangotri at an elevation of 2623 meters, this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty and delicious apples. Tourist Bungalow, PWD and Forest Rest Houses exist here for the travelers.

Sat-Tal :

Sat-Tal meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 kms. beyond Harsil. The trek of about 7 kms. is rewarding as this group of lakes is situated amid beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camp sites.

Gangotri:

The shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 meters above sea level amidst captivating surroundings is 100 kms from Uttarkashi.



Gangotri Temple

The temple, constructed by Gorkha GeneralAmar Singh Thapa in the 18th century, is situated in the bank of Bhagirathi. It is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year. A number of Ashrams are located on the other sites, some of which provides accommodation facilities to the visitors.

Tourist Bungalows, PWD Inspection House, Forest Rest House and Dharamshalas provide lodgings.

The places to be visited nearby are Gaurikund, Kedarkund and Patangna.

Kedartal:

This spectacular and enchanting lake is situated at a distance of about 18 kms. from Gangotri, negotiable through rough and tough mountain trail. The trek is very tiring and there are testing moments even for a hardy trekker.


Kedar Tal

There is no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements in advance. A local guide is a must. The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalayasagar (spahatikling) peak forming a splendid backdrop. The place is about 15000 feet of sea level and is the base camp for trekking to the Thalayasagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks.

Nachiketa Tal:

A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangi Khal, a place 29 Kms. from Uttarkashi. From there a 3 Kms. track through lush green forests takes one to Nachiketa Tal, a tranquil spot.



NachiketaTal

There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lake gives a serene look to an otherwise beautiful surroundings. Nachiketa, the devout son of saint Uddalak, is said to have created this lake hence the name.There is no accommodation facility and visitors have either to come back to Uttarkashi or stay at the PWD Inspection House at Chaurangi Khal.

Gaumukh :

The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is held in high esteem by the devouts who do not miss the opportunity to have the holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. It is 18 kms. from Gangotri. The trek is easy and at times people come back to Gangotri the same day.There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 kms. from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available.



Nandan-Van Tapovan:

These two spots are situated opposite the Gangotri glacier further up from Gaumukh, at a distance of 6 kms. from where visitors can have a superb view of the majestic Shivling peak. There are ideal spots for camping and also provides base camps for Bhagirathi, Shivling, Meru, Kedardom, Kharchakund, Satopant, Kalindi Khal and many other snow peaks.

Yamunotri:

The shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi.



Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot. Situated at an elevation of 3235 meters above sea-level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "Four Dhams" (four pilgrimages) of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies above 1 km. ahead at an altitude of about 4421 meters. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer Puja at the temple itself.

There are hot springs close to the temple, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanuman Chatti or 5 kms. from Janaki Chatti.

Pilgrims can find accommodation in the houses belonging to the "Pandas" or the sole Dharamshala.

Hanuman Chatti is the bus terminus from where one has to trek 13 kms. to reach Yamunotri. On the way one can stay at Janaki Chatti 8 kms. from Hanuman Chatti. There are tourist bangalow, PWD and Forest Rest Houses and Dharamshalas.

Harkidoon:

Harkidoon is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers. A convenient route is from Mussoorie via Yamuna bridge - Naugaon- Purola- Saur- Sankri, Taluka and Osla.

Accommodation facilities are available at the above in the form of Forest Rest Houses and Tourist Bangalows. At Harkidoon too there is a small rest house at an altitude of 3506 meters. A trek is satisfying experience, moving through dense forests and mountainous landscape. The Ruinsara lake which is about 8 kms. from Osla, is yet another attractive place for trekkers.