Uttarkashi - The Kashi of Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi is situated at an elevation of 1158 m, on the bank of river Bhagirathi. This is an important pilgrim center equated with Banaras of Kashi, in divinity. The town is situated between Varuna and Assi streams, with ghats bearing the same names as those in Kashi. The temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here, alongwith other important temples like Shakti Mandir, Kuteti Devi, Kali Mata etc.

Places to Go in Uttarkashi

Nachiketa Taal

Nachiketa taal is located at a distance of nearly 32 kms from Uttarkashi. Nachiketa taal is a trek of 3 Kms from  Chaurangikhal. It is a beautiful place with a lake surrounded by a dense forest. Most of the local people prefer to visit this place frequently on holidays. Especially in winters people from Uttarkashi visit this place to enjoy the experience of snowfall. During winters (December to March) this place is mostly covered with snow. TNachiketa taal is called so after the name of the Saint Nachiketa who is believed to be the creator of this lake. Various trekkers prefer to stay near the lake - Nachiketa taal for few days and thus carry their own tents and other necessary things.

Gangani
Gangani is noted for its thermal springs, where one can take a bath for relaxation and rejuvenation. Its is a small paradise with a spectacular view and tranquil surroundings, offering peace and solitude. Pilgrims heading towards Gangotri usually takes a bath at this divine thermal spring of Garhwal before going to Gangotri and in the return trip as well.

Harsil
Getting its name from Hari Shila temple, harsil is situated at a distance of 73 Kms from Uttarkashi on the way to Gangotri. this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks at 2620 m, it is a quite resort to discover the undiscovered stretch of green grassy land and enjoy the surrounding. More details on Harsil can be found at my detailed post on this glorious place at Harsil - The Nature's Blessings.

Bhairowghati
On the way to Gangotri, Bhairowghati is the place to stay and enjoy the mountain landscape. A temple dedicated to Bhairow Devta is visited by scores of pilgrims, for he is the lord of the gateway to Gangotri.

Chirwasa
9 Kms from Gangotri, Chirwasa is a beautiful site. This popular camping site offers glimpses of the glaciated heights of Gaumukh. 14 kms further from Gangotri, Bhojwasa is famous for its Bhojpatra trees. The barks of these trees were used in the medieval ages to write on. Legend has it that the Veds and Purans of Hindu mythology have all been written on Bhojpatra from these forests. 

Gaumukh
The Gangotri glacier, situated at an altitude of 4255 m, is nearly 24 Km in length and 6-8 km in width. It starts from beyond the Chaukhamba cluster of peaks in the neighborhood of Badrinath and extends as far as Gaumukh. It is generally accepted as the physical source of the holy river Ganga. It is held in high esteem by the devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling waters of the glacier.

Tapovan and Nandanvan
These two spot are situated opposite the Gangotri glacier, further up from Gaumukh. Nandanvan is the base camp of Bhagirathi peaks from where the visitors can have a superb view of the majestic Shivling Peak. the trek across south of Gangotri glacier leads to Tapovan, known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of shivling peak.

Char Dhams of Garhwal

Garhwal Himalayas is famous for its ancient temples and stories behind those temples. Today the places where these temples are situated has become amongst the most renowned sacred and holy places of India as well as the world. Every year people from throughout the world come here to visit these sacred temples. The complete journey of four world famous temples is popularly known as 'Char Dham Yatra'.

The four major holy shrines of garhwal are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath. Gangotri and Yamunotri are situated in Uttarkashi district. On the other hand Badrinath and Kedarnath are situated in Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts respectively. These four altogether completes the 'Char Dham Yatra Of garhwal'. It is believed that the journey starts with Yamunotri - Gangotri followed by Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatra. Apart from Char Dhams in garhwal, there are many and many places to go and explore in Garhwal Himalayas. The scenic beauty of Garhwal is not untouched by foreigners who are always in search of natural peace, glory, relaxation of mind and soul.

Dehradun - The Capital of Uttarakhand

Dehradun is the Capital city of Uttarakhand state and is often termed as Drona Nagri. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya trained his disciples Kauravas and Pandavas here hence, named as Drona Nagri. Dehradun is a beautiful city with so many beautiful picnic spots like Lacchhiwala, Sahastra Dhara, Mussoorie, Kempty falls etc. Dehradun is well known for its renowned schools and that is why also called as School Capital of India. There are so many other educational institutions and colleges here.
dehradun is also well renowned for Forest Research Institute (FRI), Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS).

How To reach?

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant (approximately 25 Kms from Dehradun)
Nearest Railway Station: Dehrarun Station
Road Transport: NH 87

Har Ki Doon - The Hanging Valley of Gods

                                  Har-Ki-Doon, the hanging valley of Gods is a treat for trekkers. The moderate-difficult trek takes you to one of the least explored regions of Garhwal. The best time to go for this trek is either June-July or October. The rest of the year is either very cold and wet or the valley is mostly shrouded by clouds. the Beautiful scenery and the glistening snow clad Swargarohini peak are the main attractions. As Har-Ki-Doon falls within the Govind Pashu Vihar, chances of seeing wildlife are very bright. September-October is the best time to see wild flowers as well.

                                      Osla, one of the most beautiful villages in the Fateh Parvat region, should not be missed. Here you have a beautifully carved temple dedicated to Duryodhana, the kaurava Prince. And if you are interested in glaciers than Jaundhar Glacier is just about 8 Kilometers from Har-Ki-Doon. It is a steep climb and requires some mountaineering skills. The glacier is situated at an altitude of 4300m.

Gangotri - Origin of river Ganga

Gangotri is situated in Uttarkashi district. It is approximately 270 kms from Rishikesh and at a distance of 99 Kms from Uttarkashi. Gangotri means 'Udgam of ganga' (starting of river ganga). Actually Bhagirathi river, which is the main tributary of river ganga starts from Gaumukh. It is 18 kms upwards from gangotri. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 meters, amidst captivating surroundings.
Gangotri temple was constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. The temple is situated on the left of river Bhagirathi.
A number of Ashrams are located on the other side of the river Bhagirathi. Some of these Ashrams also provide accomodation facilities to the visitors.

Yamunotri - Origin of yamuna River

Yamunotri is situated in uttarkashi district of Garhwal. yamunotri is the place of origin of river Yamuna. There is a long story behind the Yamuna river. Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Sun and Sangya. Yamraj is brother of Yamuna. Shani Dev is said to be the step brother of Yamuna who is son of Chhaya.

Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of 3323 m and is neary 215 kms from Rishikesh. It includes 6 kms of trek.