Places to Visit in Uttarkashi: 14 Sights, Distances & Best Time

Uttarkashi means "Kashi of the North". For most travellers it is the last proper town on the road to Gangotri, but people who stop for two or three days find a lot more here: some of the oldest temples in Garhwal, glacier-fed lakes, meadows at 3,400 m and valleys that see few tourists. Below is the list we give our own guests, ordered from nearest to farthest, with the distance from Shiv Parivar Resort (3 km before town on NH-34).

Quick distance table

In Uttarkashi town (within 5 km)

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The heart of Uttarkashi. This ancient Shiva temple sits on the banks of the Bhagirathi and is the reason the town is called the Kashi of the North. Visit early morning or for the evening aarti, when the bells and the river are the only sounds in the lane. It is 3 km, roughly ten minutes, from the resort.

2. Shakti Temple and the ancient Trishul

Directly opposite Vishwanath, the Shakti Temple houses a 6-metre metal trishul believed to date back nearly two thousand years. Locals say it moves at a touch of a finger but not with full strength. It takes half an hour and is best combined with the Vishwanath darshan.

3. Manikarnika and Vishwanath Ghats

Stone steps down to the fast, cold Bhagirathi. Pilgrims take a dip here before heading up to Gangotri. Even if you do not bathe, the ghats are the calmest place in town to sit with a cup of chai and watch the river.

4. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM)

One of India's best-known mountaineering schools, 4 km from the resort. Its museum covers Himalayan expeditions, gear and the history of climbing in Garhwal. Children enjoy it, and it is a good rainy-day plan. Check opening hours locally before you go.

5. Maneri Dam

Ten kilometres upstream on the Gangotri road, the dam holds back a wide turquoise stretch of the Bhagirathi. It is an easy afternoon drive with good photo stops along the way.

Lakes, meadows and treks

6. Nachiketa Tal

A small, still lake ringed by oak and pine forest, with a little temple on its bank. You drive to Chaurangi Khal and walk the last few kilometres on a gentle forest path. It is the easiest "Himalayan lake" in the district and works well as a half-day outing for families.

7. Dayara Bugyal

Among the most beautiful high-altitude meadows in India, at about 3,400 m. The trail starts from Raithal or Barsu, 33 km from the resort. In summer it is rolling green grassland with views of Bandarpoonch and Draupadi ka Danda; in winter it becomes a snow trek. Gentle enough for a first trek. See our Dayara Bugyal trek itinerary.

8. Dodital

A clear, high lake surrounded by dense forest, known in legend as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. The walk takes about two days each way from the roadhead near Sangamchatti, through villages and oak forest. Good for birdwatchers and anyone who wants a quieter trek.

On the road to Gangotri

9. Gangnani hot springs

Natural sulphur springs 45 km from the resort, right on the Gangotri route. Most pilgrims stop for a warm bath here. It is a welcome break on a cold day.

10. Harsil Valley

Seventy-three kilometres up the river, Harsil is all deodar forest, apple orchards and wide river flats. Many travellers say it is the prettiest place in Uttarkashi district. Stay a night or do it as a long day trip. Our Harsil tour package from Delhi covers it in full, and the Kyarkoti trek starts from this valley.

11. Mukhba and Dharali

Mukhba, across the river from Harsil, is where the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought every winter when Gangotri closes. Dharali next door has old wooden houses and orchards. Together they give a real feel of mountain village life.

12. Gartang Gali

A wooden walkway built into a sheer cliff on the old India–Tibet trade route near Bhairon Ghati. It was restored and opened to visitors recently. The view down into the Jadh Ganga gorge is unforgettable. Permits and opening dates change, so ask us before you plan around it.

13. Gangotri Dham

One of the Char Dham and the shrine of Goddess Ganga, 95 km (about four hours) from the resort. The temple opens in late April and closes around Diwali. Most visitors stay in Uttarkashi, leave early and come back the same evening. Where to stay: hotels near Gangotri. Read more in our spiritual Uttarkashi guide.

14. Gaumukh glacier

The snout of the Gangotri glacier, where the Bhagirathi is born, about 18 km on foot from Gangotri via Bhojbasa. Permits are required and numbers are limited each day. Our Gaumukh trek guide has the full plan.

Best time to visit Uttarkashi

Month-by-month temperatures are in our Uttarkashi weather guide.

• March to June: 10–25 °C and pleasant. The Char Dham season opens in late April. The busiest time, so book 4–8 weeks ahead.
• July and August: monsoon. Green and quiet, but landslides can close NH-34. Avoid treks.
• September to early November: clear skies and snow on the peaks. The best trekking window.
• November to February: 0–12 °C with occasional snow in town. Roads beyond Harsil close for winter. Cosy, quiet and the cheapest rooms.

How to reach Uttarkashi

Full details: from Delhi, from Rishikesh and from Dehradun.

• From Delhi: 399 km by road, about 11–12 hours. Many people take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh and drive up from there.
• From Rishikesh: 155 km, about 6 hours on NH-34.
• From Dehradun: 170 km, about 6 hours. Jolly Grant (DED) is the nearest airport.
• Bus: regular buses and shared taxis run from Rishikesh and Dehradun to Uttarkashi bus stand, 3 km from the resort.

Suggested 3-day plan

• Day 1: Arrive, rest by the river, then the evening aarti at Kashi Vishwanath and the Shakti Temple.
• Day 2: Early start for Gangotri, with stops at Gangnani and Harsil on the way back.
• Day 3: Morning yoga on the riverbank, then Nachiketa Tal or NIM before you leave.

Where to stay

Shiv Parivar Resort sits right on the Bhagirathi, 3 km before Uttarkashi town, so you skip the town traffic but are ten minutes from the temples. We have 18 river-facing rooms, a pure vegetarian kitchen, morning yoga and a Shiva temple on site. Rooms start from ₹5,500 per night, depending on season. See our rooms or compare options in our hotels in Uttarkashi guide.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top places to visit in Uttarkashi?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Shakti Temple, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Maneri Dam, Nachiketa Tal, Dayara Bugyal, Gangnani hot springs, Harsil Valley, Gangotri Dham and the Gaumukh glacier.

How many days are enough for Uttarkashi?

Two to three days covers the town temples, a Gangotri day trip and one short outing such as Nachiketa Tal. Add 4–6 days for a trek like Dayara Bugyal or Gaumukh.

How far is Gangotri from Uttarkashi?

Gangotri Dham is 95 km from Shiv Parivar Resort, about four hours by road on NH-34.

What is the best month to visit Uttarkashi?

May, June, September and October. Skies are clear, roads are open and both the temples and treks are accessible.

Is Uttarkashi safe to visit in the monsoon?

The town itself is fine, but landslides can block NH-34 in July and August. Keep a buffer day and check road status before driving.