Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi, the largest town in northern Gharwal, is also a popular pilgrimage centre m North India. Situated 155km from Rishikesh at an elevation of l,158meters on the banks of the Bhagirathi, Uttarkashi is a major stop on the road to the Gangotri Temple and the Gaumukh Glacier trek. It also
acquires significance for housing a number of ashrams and temples and also the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Uttarkashi is well connected by road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh.
Garwhal Temple T reks Gangotri Temple & Gaumukh Glacier:
Gangotri is one of the four Holy Shrines which every Hindu must visit once in his lifetime. Located at a height of 3,048meters, the
Gangotri Temple was originally constructed by Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. Visitors at this place are sure to become spellbound by the holy aura that hangs in the air. Gangotri acquires significance as the
source of the holiest of the Hindu rivers, the Ganges. You can visit the source of the river at Gaumukh (the Cow’s mouth) after a strenuous trek (38 km return) which will take three days with a two-night stop at Bhojbasa. There are bus services between Gangotri and Uttarkashi and the journey may take approximately six hours.
Yamunotri Temple: One of the holy quartet in Hinduism, Yamunotri is situated about 220 km from Rishikesh and 149 km from Tehri. The holy shrine of Yamunotri is located at an altitude of 3,235 meters. Yamunotri temple is a shrine of Goddess Yamuna with the idol made in black marble. This peak is covered with snow throughout the year. Yamunotri glacier, the originating place of River Yamuna is at a distance of about 12 km from the temple.
Buses run from Dehradun, Mussoorie and Rishikesh to Hanuman Chatti during the Yatra season. Just 1 km from Hanuman Chatti lies a pretty village, Kharsali. This village is the starting point of the 5km trek to the Yamunotri Temple. Interestingly, there are many hot water springs in and around the temple which have a temperature of about 88°C. Devotees take a holy dip and also cook rice and potatoes in the springs as an offering to the goddess.
Badrinath & Mana Village