News
  • Districts of Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi District

Uttarkashi district is situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Its headquarters is located at Uttarkashi town. The district is known for its high Himalayan landscape, sacred rivers, pilgrimage centres, glaciers, valleys, temples and trekking routes.

The name Uttarkashi means “Kashi of the North”. The district holds major religious importance because it is home to Gangotri and Yamunotri, two of the four sacred Char Dham sites of Uttarakhand. The Bhagirathi and Yamuna river systems also originate from this region, making it one of the most important spiritual and geographical areas of the state.

Overview

Uttarkashi lies in the upper Garhwal Himalayas and is one of Uttarakhand’s most important mountain districts. Its landscape includes the Bhagirathi and Yamuna river systems, high glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, remote valleys and pilgrimage towns. The district covers 8,016 sq Km and includes several major natural and religious destinations.

The district is strongly known for Gangotri and Yamunotri, two of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is also a major trekking and mountaineering region, with destinations such as Gaumukh, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital, Harsil, Nelang Valley, Gartang Gali and Kedar Tal attracting visitors for nature, faith and adventure. Uttarkashi also has an important role in mountaineering training and high-altitude expeditions.

Uttarkashi town works as the main access centre for several routes towards Gangotri, Yamunotri, Harsil, Dayara Bugyal and high-altitude trekking zones. The district is connected by road with Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other parts of Garhwal. Jolly Grant Airport and Rishikesh railway station serve as major external access points, while local taxis, buses and shared jeeps support onward travel.

Read more

Places to visit

Gangotri

Gangotri Dham is one of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is associated with the origin of the Ganga. Located in Uttarkashi district, it attracts pilgrims, spiritual travellers and visitors heading towards Gaumukh and the upper Bhagirathi valley.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri Dham is the sacred source region of the Yamuna and one of the four Char Dham sites of Uttarakhand. It is reached through the western part of Uttarkashi district and remains deeply important for pilgrimage tourism.

Harsil

Harsil Valley is a scenic mountain valley in the upper Bhagirathi region, known for forests, apple orchards, river views and quiet Himalayan settlements. It is an important stop on the route towards Gangotri and nearby villages.

Dayara Bugyal

Dayara Bugyal is a high-altitude meadow area in Uttarkashi, rising from around 2,600 metres to 3,500 metres. It is known for open grasslands, rhododendron zones, mountain views and winter snowfall.

Explore More >

Things to do

  • Visit Gangotri And Yamunotri Dham
     Travellers can visit Gangotri and Yamunotri for pilgrimage, temple rituals and Himalayan river-source experiences. Both destinations are central to Uttarkashi’s religious tourism and Char Dham identity.
  • Trek To Dayara Bugyal
     Dayara Bugyal is ideal for meadow trekking, mountain views and winter snow experiences. The route passes through forests and open grasslands, making it one of Uttarkashi’s most accessible trekking areas.
  • Explore Harsil Valley
     Harsil offers river views, apple-growing villages, forested slopes and a quieter Himalayan atmosphere. It is suitable for slow travel, photography, short walks and visits towards Dharali and Gangotri.
  • Walk Through Gartang Gali
     Gartang Gali is a restored wooden pathway linked with the old India-Tibet trade route. It gives visitors a rare view of Uttarkashi’s border history and mountain-route heritage.

Local Specialties

  • Visit Gangotri And Yamunotri Dham
     Travellers can visit Gangotri and Yamunotri for pilgrimage, temple rituals and Himalayan river-source experiences. Both destinations are central to Uttarkashi’s religious tourism and Char Dham identity.
  • Trek To Dayara Bugyal
     Dayara Bugyal is ideal for meadow trekking, mountain views and winter snow experiences. The route passes through forests and open grasslands, making it one of Uttarkashi’s most accessible trekking areas.
  • Explore Harsil Valley
     Harsil offers river views, apple-growing villages, forested slopes and a quieter Himalayan atmosphere. It is suitable for slow travel, photography, short walks and visits towards Dharali and Gangotri.
  • Walk Through Gartang Gali
     Gartang Gali is a restored wooden pathway linked with the old India-Tibet trade route. It gives visitors a rare view of Uttarkashi’s border history and mountain-route heritage.

Popular Events

  • Magh Mela — January
     Magh Mela is held in Uttarkashi around Makar Sankranti and is important from religious, cultural and commercial viewpoints. It attracts local people, visitors and communities from different parts of Garhwal.
  • Gangotri Dham Yatra Season — April/May To Autumn
     Gangotri Dham opens during the Char Dham Yatra season and brings pilgrims to the upper Bhagirathi valley. The temple route also supports local tourism, transport and seasonal livelihoods.
  • Yamunotri Dham Yatra Season — April/May To Autumn
     Yamunotri Dham receives pilgrims during the Char Dham season, usually beginning around late spring. The route combines temple worship, mountain travel and the sacred geography of the Yamuna source region.
  • Districts of Uttarakhand

Uttarkashi More Info

Season Highlights
  • Summer
     Summer is suitable for Char Dham travel, Harsil visits, Dayara Bugyal treks, Dodital routes and Uttarkashi sightseeing. Weather is generally clearer, though high-altitude routes still need preparation.
  • Monsoon
     Monsoon brings greenery but also increases road and landslide risks in hill areas. Pilgrims and trekkers should check route status, weather alerts and local advisories before travelling.
  • Autumn
     Autumn offers clearer mountain views, stable weather and comfortable trekking conditions. It is a good season for Harsil, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital, Gaumukh and pilgrimage routes before winter closures.
  • Winter
     Winter brings cold conditions and snowfall in higher areas. Harsil, Dayara Bugyal, Gangotri, Yamunotri and high trekking zones may face snow, road restrictions and seasonal closures.

Uttarkashi has a cool mountain climate for most of the year, with pleasant summers, heavy monsoon rainfall and cold winters. From April to June, the weather remains comfortable for sightseeing, pilgrimage and treks. The monsoon season brings greenery but also increases the risk of landslides and road delays. Winter is cold, especially in higher areas such as Harsil, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Dayara Bugyal, where snowfall is common. Travellers should check road and weather conditions before visiting high-altitude routes.

  • By Road
    Uttarkashi is connected by road with Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other Garhwal towns. Buses, shared jeeps and taxis operate on major routes.
  • By Rail
    The nearest major railway access is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, travellers continue by road towards Uttarkashi through hill routes and onward pilgrimage roads.
  • By Air
    Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport for Uttarkashi. Travellers continue by taxi or road transport towards Uttarkashi and higher valleys.
  • Local Transport
    Local movement depends on buses, shared jeeps, private taxis and route-specific vehicles. Remote valleys, trekking bases and pilgrimage routes may require early planning.
  • Delhi to Uttarkashi – Approx. 400 Km
  • Dehradun to Uttarkashi – Approx. 145 Km
  • Rishikesh to Uttarkashi – Approx. 170 Km
  • Haridwar to Uttarkashi – Approx. 190 Km
  • Jolly Grant Airport to Uttarkashi – Approx. 160 Km