Uttarkashi in Chamba

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Perched at an elevation of 1352 mts above sea level, Uttarkashi is a hill district located in the northern part of Uttaranchal in the Garhwal Himalayas. A holy town of Hindus, Uttarkashi is famous for being the base of the Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimages, the starting points of Ganga and Yamuna respectively. Both these sanctified rivers are considered the lifeline of Northern India. Due to its mystic, pristine & untainted beauty, the district town of Uttarkashi is popular amongst the locales as Devbhoomi i.e. - the land of Gods. Lying amidst the rough terrain of the majestic Himalayas, Uttarkashi is bordered by the state of Himachal Pradesh in the north and Chamoli district in the east. The territory of Tibet lays in its north-east, Rudraprayag in the south east and Tehri Garhwal in the south. Situated on the banks of River Bhagirathi, the place got its name from another famous town located in the northern plains- Varanasi which was earlier called Kashi. Uttar means north and this place is considered as Kashi of the north. The name connotes the religious importance and since both Varanasi and Uttarkashi are located on the banks of River Ganga, they hold similar importance. The town has a rich cultural heritage to boast about.

Uttarkashi finds mention in the sacred Puranas and the epic Mahabharata. Although, the topography and weather conditions of the region proffers inhospitable milieu for human settlement; still undaunted by the dangers and adversities of the climatic conditions, this revered place has been populated by the hill tribes since ancient times. The town attained the status of a district only on Feb 24, 1960. Uttarkashi is not only a popular tourist attraction; but also a pilgrimage town which had been inhabited by several great saints, seers and truth-seekers who meditated at this place adding to its inviolability. Uttarkashi is the land of temples. One may find a lot of temples dedicated to various lords. The most famous temple of the region is the Vishwanath Temple venerated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a large Shivling and is said to be built by Parasuram, a mythological character. Just opposite to this temple is situated Shakti temple, venerated to Lord Shiva. The temple hosts the Shiva's Great Trident (Trishul) which was used by the lord to kill a demon Vakasur, according to popular belief.

Another important place to visit is Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and a museum associated with it. The institute was established in 1964 with an aim to impart mountaineering courses and it has been successful in inculcating the spirit of fearlessness and adventure among the youths. It is also striving to generate sensitivity and compassion for the environment. The museum is a must visit place owing to its massive library with over 3000 books, films and slides.

Apart from these, Uttarkashi has several other popular attractions - Nachiketa Tal, Maneri, Dodital, Dayara Bugyal and Govind wildlife sanctuary etc.

Uttarkashi is fast emerging as a favored tourist destination due to adventure sports like trekking, hiking and rock climbing. It is one of the major trekking hubs and is the base camp for treks to Har-ki-dun, Dodital, Yamunotri and Gaunmukh. Several hotels offer trekking packages and the visitors with a zeal may venture out and explore the fun and thrill associated with trekking. One may even hire guides, porters and equipments for longer treks and mountaineering from shops located on Gangotri Road.

Uttarkashi has several ashrams and dharamshalas where one can stay at very nominal charges. Few medium & budget hotels are also available that offer comfy accommodation and vegetarian fare too.

Uttarkashi is a perfect holiday retreat for people of all age groups.