Uttarkashi is one of the popular and most loved religious places of Uttarakhand. Uttarkashi is full of important temples and pilgrimage sites along with nature's treasures. The natural beauty of Uttarkashi fascinates anyone and everyone !
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, gushing clear water streams and forests of oak and deodar, Uttarkashi is a " heaven on earth ".
Uttarkashi, as the name suggests, is the Kashi situated in the Himalayas. Kashi is the city of Lord Shiva and the oldest inhabited city in the world. Kashi is known all over the world for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and so is Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi is the abode of Lord Shiva in the north. Kashi Vishwanath temple established in Uttarkashi is the main attraction here. Apart from Kashi Vishwanath temple of Uttarkashi, there are various temples of religious importance. Each temple is known for its different mythological significance and religious history.
Uttarkashi is also known as Saumya Kashi.
Uttarkashi is also known for adventure sports. Tourists from North India and far away come here to witness snowfall in the winter season. Activities like camping, trekking and mountain climbing are becoming popular than ever.
Uttarkashi is known as a historical, religious and adventure tourist place. While the temples here attract Shiva devotees and devotees from all over India to Uttarkashi, the nature here, the mountains and the dense forests attract adventure sports lovers from all over the world.
Kashi Vishwanath Mandir Uttarkashi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi. Kashi VIshwanath temple is one of the oldest attractions for the tourists in Uttarkashi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have been established by sage Parashurama.
This temple has the same importance as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Kashi. Uttarkashi is also called the Kashi of the future. It is said that the Shivling established in this temple is a Swayambhu i.e. self manifested Shivling.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple of Uttarkashi holds a special place in Hinduism and every year devotees throng here in large numbers on the occasion of Shivratri to witness the festivities and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
Devi Shakti Mandir Uttarkashi
Devi Shakti Temple, Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
The temple of Goddess Shakti is established along with the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This temple is a center of attraction for devotees throughout the year and its main attraction is the trident of Goddess Shakti installed here. This trishul is made of iron and copper. This trishul is the center of many mythological stories. According to the Pauranik stories, this Trishul was used by Goddess Shakti to kill demons. The height of this Trishul is 26 feet.
It is said about this Trishul that it cannot be shaken even by applying the force of the whole body, but it can be shaken by just touching it with a finger. This Trishul is also called Shakti Stambh.
Kuteti Devi Mandir Uttarkashi
Kuteti Devi Temple, Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
Dedicated to the Kuteti form of Goddess Durga, this Devi Kuteti temple is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This temple is main temple for the local people of Uttarkashi and nearby areas.
Kandar Devta Mandir Uttarkashi
Kandar Devta Temple,Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
This temple of Kandar Devta is a very famous temple among the people of Uttarkashi and nearby areas. Locals here believe that a visit to this temple cures diseases. The doli / chariot installed in this temple is special. Devotees consider this temple as a temple of justice and worship here before starting a new work or before buying new things for them.
Famous pilgrimages and temples like Gangotri and Yamunotri are located in Uttarkashi district outside the city of Uttarkashi. The Gangotri temple is dedicated to the divine river Ganga and the Yamunotri temple is dedicated to the divine river Yamuna. At some distance from Gangotri, there is Gomukh from where the river Ganga originates.
Apart from these temples, there are also temples of Pandavas, Karna and Duryodhana.
Other Attractions of Uttarkashi
Maneri Dam, Uttarkashi
This dam is located at a distance of 8 kilometers from Uttarkashi. In Maneri Dam, the water falls at a rapid rate and people standing on the other side of the road also feel the splash of water. This dam is built on the Bhagirathi River and is the first stage of the Maneri Hydroelectric Power Plant. Tourists coming to Uttarkashi prefer to spend some time at Maneri Dam.
Sangam Chatti, Uttarkashi
The trek from Sangamchatti to Dodital, which is located at a distance of about 15 km from Uttarkashi city, starts from here. This is an easy track of 30 kilometers full of beautiful nature and scenic beauty.
Gartang Gali, Uttarkashi
Located about 90 km from Uttarkashi, this is a bridge which was closed after the Indo-China war of 1962 but has now been reopened since 2015. This bridge has played an important role in Indo-Tibet trade relations. A beautiful view of the Nelong Valley can be witnessed from this wooden bridge.
Dodital Lake, Uttarkashi
Dodital Lake, Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
It is a pure sweet water lake which is considered by the residents to be the abode of Lord Ganesh. A Ganesh temple is established on the banks of this lake. This lake is surrounded by hills and trees from all sides. The lake is the base camp for many popular treks.
Nachiketa Lake
Nachiketa Tal, Uttarkashi Tourist Places |
Nachiketa Tal Lake located in Uttarkashi was built by Uddalaka and named the place after his son. The beauty of Nachiketa Tal surrounded by thick deodar stands leaves visitors in awe of the place. There is a famous Nag Devta temple on the banks of Nachiketa Tal.
Her ki Doon , Uttarkashi
The Doon Valley, also known as the Valley of the Gods, is a special attraction of Uttarkashi district. This valley is favorite of trekkers. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Swargarohini and Ruinsara. It is said that the Pandavas passed through this valley on their way to heaven.
Harshil VIllage, Uttarkashi
Harshil village situated in Uttarkashi district is a beautiful valley. It is at a distance of about 70 kilometers from Uttarkashi. Harshil village is famous for its scenic views and serene natural environment. The weather here is quite pleasant in summers and that is why a large number of tourists come here in summers. Here you can see apple orchards and rivers with purest cleanest water. The temperature here remains very low in winters and the village receives a lot of snow fall.
Joshiyara, Uttarkashi
Joshiyara is a small quiet village which is famous for Kaleshwar Temple. This temple of Joshiyara is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit this temple on the festival of Shivratri. Apart from this temple, Joshiyara is a beautiful hill station which is also famous for spending time in a serene natural environment.
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
Nehru Mountaineering Institute of Uttarkashi is one of the best mountaineering institute in India. This institute was established in 1965. Many famous mountaineers of India come from this institute.
Activities in Uttarkashi
Trekking in Uttarkashi
Trekking is one of the main activities in Uttarkashi. The grasslands here are perfect for trekking, especially in summer. Tourists can also go on short treks here and experienced trekkers get swept away on longer treks from here. The 30 kilometer track starting from Sangam Chatti till Dodital is very famous.
Camping in Uttarkashi
Along with trekking, camping is also very popular here. Tourists going on the trek for several days go camping in the night. Dodital is the main camp site. Tourists coming from Sangam Chatti to Dodital track camp in the village on the way and leave for the next day on the next track.
Why name Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is called the Kashi of the North, which is similar to the mythological city of Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. The name of this city is Uttarkashi because of being called the Kashi of the North. North means Uttar in Hindi language.
How to reach Uttarkashi
By Flight to Uttarkashi
One can reach here only by road. There are good roads from Delhi to Uttarkashi. Dehradun airport is the nearest airport to Uttarkashi. Distance from Dehradun to Uttarkashi is about 140 km. There are flight connectivity from Delhi to Dehradun airport in Uttarakhand.
By Train to Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is a small hill station which is not connected by train network. The nearest railway station is Dehradun. One can reach here by road ahead of Dehradun.
By Road to Uttarkashi
Many tourists who are interested in motor biking also come by bike ride till Uttarkashi.
If you are traveling by your car then you can easily reach Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi can be reached by road by bus of Uttarakhand State Transport or private taxi or your own vehicle.
Shopping in Uttarkashi
If you want to do shopping while traveling to Uttarkashi, you can go to Uttarkashi market. You can buy woolen clothes, shawls etc. from here.
Food in Uttarkashi
There are many restaurants in Uttarkashi where you can enjoy all kinds of food.
Stay in Uttarkashi
It takes 3 to 4 days to visit Uttarkashi and its surrounding and visit all the tourist spots. Apart from this, the weather and calm atmosphere here is special in itself. Tourists keep coming here almost throughout the year. One should go here in summer only after confirming the booking. To stay here, hotels and homestays will be found in every budget. For hotel booking, you can book hotels online.
Best time to visit Uttarkashi
The weather here is pleasant in summer and a light jacket may be needed in the morning and evening. It is very cold here in winter. Snowfall can also be seen in winter. In the rainy season, land slides often happen around Uttarkashi, in such a situation, coming here should be avoided.
While coming here in any season, warm clothes should be kept because even though it is not very cold during the day, the weather becomes very cold in the morning and evening.
Uttarkashi Tourist Places Hindi | उत्तरकाशी मुख्य आकर्षण, मंदिर और टूरिस्ट प्लेस
Questions asked by viewers
Is Uttarkashi and Kashi same ?
No, Uttarkashi and Kashi are not same place. Kashi is situated on the bank of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh whereas Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi in Uttarakhand, which is the source stream of river Ganga.