Created in 1960, at an elevation of 1158 m on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this picturesque town is also the district headquarter. It is located in a wide stretch of centre, equated with Varanasi or Kashi in divinity. The two very significant pilgrimage centres Gangotri & Yamunotri, the source of the two holy rivers, Ganga (Bhagirathi) & Yamuna are situated here. Topographically, the district is mountainous but a network of roads has made all parts easily accessible. Rishikesh is at a distance of 145 km. From the religious point of view, the place is important because the temple of Lord Vishwanath is located here along with other important temples like Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav, Gyaneshwar, and Goddess Kuteti Devi. Shiva is the presiding deity at this ancient temple of Lord Vishwanath. Description about this temple is given in Kedarkhand (Skandpuran). A massive old brass trident (26ft high) is erected here supposedly by son Guh of King Ganeshwar.

5 km away is the famous Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Close by at Ujeliare a number of ashrams & temples. Every year on the occasion of Magh Mela (14th Jan) people visit Uttrakashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local deities.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Maneri: 13km from Uttarkashi on way Gangotri, Maneri is the site of a dam across the Bhagirathi river, from where water is fed to the turbines through an 8 km long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resonant lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place. Nachiketa Tal: Nachiketa, the devout son of sage Uddalak, is said to have created this lake, hence the name 29 km from Uttrakashi is Chaurangikhal and rom here a 3 km trek through lush green forests takes one to the tranquil spot of Nachiketa Tal. There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lake gives it a serene look.

Duryodhan Temple: Built by local inhabitants of Saur, along with Karna Devta temple both together from the Kshetrapal of the area. Legend goes that Krishna granted Bhubruvahan eternal life after the war of Mahabharat. Consequently his head was placed on the top of a tree that overlooked the warfield. He incited the Kauav to fight harder, shedding tears at their every defeat. Bhubruvahan's tears still flow today so say the locals. It is those tears of intense helpless that now make the river is not used for drinking.

Harsil: 73km from Uttarkashi on way to Gangotri, this sylvan hamlet is famous for its natural beauty. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, 2620 m high, Harsil is the quiet resort to discover the undiscovered stretches of green, grassy land and enjoy the surroundings. Sight seeing includes Sattal or one has the choice to set off on various treks that introduces one to meadows, waterfalls and valleys.

Gangotri: 43km from Uttarkashi & 26 km from Maneri further upon way to Gangotri, Gangnani is the place known for its peace, solitude & hot water spring. One can have a refreshing bath in the kund called Rishikund. There is a temple near the kund dedicated to the sage parashar, believed to be the father of Ved Vyas.

Dodital: 123km, the origin of this Tal is from the natural springs and the source of river Asi Ganga. The road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, bifurcates after 4 km at Gangotri from Uttarkashi and vehicles can go upto Kalyani, 7 km, further up from where Agoda is 5 km away at an attitude of 2286m. The trek from these ascends gradually through thick forests and beautiful mountainous scenery. Dodi Tal is 16 km further from Agoda, situated at an elevation of 3307 m. The lakes is sparkling and crystal clear, surrounded by forests. The famous & rare Himalayan trout are found in abundance in the lake. Permit for fishing can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer, Uttarkashi. From here one can trek to Hanumanchatti & then to Yamunotri. By the side of Dodital there is a Forest Rest House and a Log Cabin.

Bhairoghati: On the way to Gangotri Bairoghati is the place to stay and enjoy the mountainous landscape. A temple of Bhairo Devta here is visited by scores of pilgrims. The temple of Bhairo Deveta is gateway God of Gangotri. 9 km away from here is the last base camp for Gangotri. The awe inspiring lofty peaks, deep gorge of Jhanvi & Bhagirathi Rivers with bridge at a considerable altitude from river level flowing below and the towering deodhar trees provide a rare natural bonanza.

Gaumukh: (18 km), The Gangotri Glacier, which is situated at the height of 4255 m above sea level, is nearly 24 km is length and 6-8 km in width. It starts from beyond the Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks, in the neighborhood of Badrinath & extends as far as Gaumukh. Almost 16 km northeast of Gangotri, Gaumukh is generally accepted as the physical source of Holy River. It is held in high esteem by the divots that do not miss the opportunity to have holy dip in the bone chilly icy water. Locals are of the opinion that the glacier is receding at the rate of 5 m per year. Several pilgrims trek upto the source to offer prayers either on foot or on ponies. The verdant valleys, dense forests and towering peaks offer excellent trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Some well-known ranges are Satopanth, Shivling etc.