“Is Uttarkashi worth visiting” having such a question is understandable if you’ve heard about Uttarkashi just recently and are pondering a visit in the near future.
Therefore, based on my extensive travels in Uttarkashi, I am curating this blog that enlists 8 reasons to visit Uttarkashi and why Uttarkashi is absolutely worth the visit.
Is Uttarkashi Worth Visiting – Reasons To Visit Uttarkashi
Perched at a comfortable altitude of 1158 m, the town of Uttarkashi is the administrative capital of Uttarkashi district. The town is located right on the bank of River Bhagirathi, one of the tributaries of River Ganga.
The town also acts as the gateway to Gangotri Dham, but Uttarkashi district as whole offers much. So here are 8 reasons to prove why Uttarkashi is absolutely worth visiting.
By the way, if its your first time to Uttarkashi, here is blog on how to reach Uttarkashi.
Gateway To The Abode Of Goddess Ganga
Uttarkashi town is the gateway to the one of the holiest sites in Hinduism. Gangotri Dham is one of the 4 pious dhams.
Although the actual source of River Bhagirathi lies at the snout of the Gaumukh Glacier, but Gangotri temple with easy access is considered the main religious site.
Blessed with insanely scenic vistas of Himalayas, Gangotri dham is one of the reason to visit Uttarkashi
The Jewel Of Uttarkashi – Harsil Valley
Harsil valley, surrounded by towering pines, formidable snowy peaks, pristine villages, beautiful temples, apple orchards is one of reasons that makes Uttarkashi district worth it.
I Personally spent almost a couple of weeks during early spring in Harsil, it was one of my best experience with impeccable valley views.
Here is blog what makes harsil so famous and you should absolutely visit it at least once.
Lofty Peaks of Harsil, Absolutely Stunning !
Yamunotri Dham Is One Of The Best Reasons To Uttarkashi
Yamunotri Dham is one of the most revered sites with it being the source of Yamuna river. When two of the 4 char dhams are located in Uttarkashi district it automatically makes Uttarkashi absolutely worth it.
Unlike Gangotri, you have to hike a bit here in order to reach the main temple at Yamunotri. The actual source of the river Yamuna is perched further up.
By the way, if you were wondering which mobile network works best in Uttarakhand, here is a blog that explains the same.
Pristine Valleys of Rupin & Supin Makes Uttarkashi Worth It
How does the idea of exploring remote villages with thriving culture, relaxing on undulating meadows, hiking on picturesque trails sound to you ? Dreamy right. Well Rupin & Supin valleys offers you exactly that.
The villages around Sankri, Jakhol, Dhaula are just otherworldly without perils of tourism. Numerous hikes and treks starting from these villages makes Rupin and Supin valleys a hikers paradise.
To be really honest, exploring this region was one of the my most cherish able experiences in Uttarakhand.
Surreal views of snow-capped mountains to Leka top from Jakhol.
The Ancient Trade Route To Tibet – Gartang Gali & Nelong Valley
Gartang Gali and Nelang valley need no introduction these days. Once thriving regions of Uttarkhand in terms of trade with Tibet bore the brunt of Indo-China conflict.
After the conflict, both Nelong valley & Gartang gali were close for outsiders, even the locals were settled in the Bagori village of Harsil valley.
But recently the Uttarakhand Government opened both and they were a instant hit amongst the travelers and propelled the Uttarkashi district into limelight.
Rustic Villages Of Uttarkashi Are Surreal
Rustic villages located in far-flung areas of Uttarkashi is one of the reason why you should visit Uttarkashi to be really.
Such villages perched high up have grand views of Himalayan peaks, plenty of hikes & of course a glimpse into the culture of Garwhal.
Rustic village of Kasla, with pristine landscapes.
Uttarkashi Is Known For Plethora Of Scenic Hikes & Treks
Uttarkashi is one of the districts in Uttarakhand which is on the forefront of trekking and hiking. From beginner friendly hikes to back-breaking multi-day treks Uttarkashi has got it all.
Some of popular treks include Dayara Bugyal trek, Kedarkantha trek, Har Ki Dun trek, Gaumuk-Tapovan trek, Kedarttal trek, Dodital trek etc
Some of lesser known treks include Dhumdhar kandi, Lamkhaga pass, Borasu pass, Devkyara trek. These are just a few, there are many more.
Panoramic view of Snowy peaks, on the trail to Dayara Bugyal one of the most popular hikes in the country.
Eccentric Culture Of Uttarkashi
Witnessing Pahari culture, festivals, their eccentric customs is always fascinating to me and Uttarkashi is no different. Each village has its own deity which locals worship with zeal.
The best way to get a glimpse of Uttarkashi’s culture is to attend one of the Mela’s or Festivals.
For instance in Jakhol and Taluka area, the festival dedicated to Someshwar Devta is celebrated in each of the villages twice a year.
I personally haven’t had the fortune to attend one of the festivals in Uttarkashi district but I am gladly looking forward to it in the near future.
Someshwar Devta Temple in Jakhol. Each Year Festival dedicated to the Devta is celebrated twice in Dhatmir village.
This brings me to the end of this blog. I hope these reasons will the answer to “Is Uttarkashi worth visiting”.
In my honest opinion Uttarkashi is absolutely worth it due to its diverse terrain, surreal terrain, ancient temples, rustic villages, incredible people. In case you have any queries, please drop them in the comments.