What is Uttarkashi district famous for?

Uttarkashi is famous for being the source district of India's two holiest rivers, the Ganga (at Gangotri) and the Yamuna (at Yamunotri). It is also renowned for the Kedarkantha trek in winter, the Har Ki Dun valley trek, Dayara Bugyal meadow, Harsil valley, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering at Uttarkashi town.

What is the best time to visit Uttarkashi?

The best time to visit Uttarkashi depends on your purpose. For the Char Dham yatra (Gangotri and Yamunotri), May–June and September–October are ideal. For the Kedarkantha snow trek, December to February is peak season. Summer months are best for Har Ki Dun and Dayara Bugyal treks.

How do I reach Sankri for the Kedarkantha trek?

Sankri is 200 km from Dehradun. Drive or take a bus to Purola via Vikasnagar, then continue on a mountain road to Naitwar and finally Sankri. The journey takes 8–10 hours from Dehradun. Most trekking agencies arrange direct transport. The road to Sankri can be snow-covered in deep winter; check conditions before travel.

What is Harsil and why is it popular?

Harsil is a picturesque valley on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, 77 km from Uttarkashi and 25 km before Gangotri. Famous for its apple orchards, ancient deodar forests, and the historic Wilson Cottage, Harsil is a tranquil retreat that saw renewed fame after being featured in Bollywood films. It is open May to November and sees significant snowfall in winter.

Is the Har Ki Dun trek suitable for beginners?

Har Ki Dun is considered a moderate trek, suitable for reasonably fit beginners. The trail starts from Sankri, passes through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, and reaches the Har Ki Dun valley at around 3,566 metres over 4–5 days. The gradient is gradual and the trail is well-marked, making it one of the best introductory treks in Uttarakhand.

Uttarkashi Tourism Guide

Garhwal division · headquarters Uttarkashi · 8,016 km² · 9 places to visit

Division: Garhwal
Headquarters: Uttarkashi
Area: 8,016 km²
Places to visit: 9

Uttarkashi, meaning "North Kashi," is one of Uttarakhand's most spiritually significant and topographically dramatic districts. Covering 8,016 sq km of the upper Garhwal Himalayas, it is the source district of two of India's holiest rivers — the Bhagirathi (which becomes the Ganga) originating at Gangotri, and the Yamuna rising at Yamunotri. Uttarkashi tourism is anchored on these two Char Dham shrines, which draw hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each yatra season between May and November.

Beyond pilgrimage, Uttarkashi district is a trekking paradise. The Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the north shelters snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears, and musk deer. The Har Ki Dun valley trek is among India's most celebrated high-altitude routes. Sankri village serves as the trailhead for the Kedarkantha winter trek — arguably India's most popular snow trek — as well as for Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Tal. The Dayara Bugyal, a vast rolling alpine meadow, is stunning in both summer and winter.

Harsil, a serene valley on the Bhagirathi river, was immortalised by British officer Frederick Wilson in the 19th century and remains one of Uttarkashi's most evocative destinations. The district headquarters itself, Uttarkashi town, is a bustling river town with the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering — India's premier mountaineering school — reflecting the district's dual identity as a sacred and adventurous destination in the Uttarakhand travel guide.

Where to go

Places to visit in Uttarkashi

Season differs by place — each card below carries its own. Every destination page has altitude and drive time from Dehradun.

Gangotri temple with the river valley and distant Himalayan peaks

Char Dham

GangotriThe source shrine of the Ganga on the Bhagirathi, with the Gaumukh glacier trek beyond.

Altitude: 3,100 m
Season: May – Nov
From DDN: ~240 km

Yamunotri temple and ashram complex in the upper Yamuna valley

Char Dham

YamunotriThe westernmost Char Dham shrine, a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti with hot springs at the top.

Altitude: 3,293 m
Season: May – Nov
From DDN: ~175 km

Traditional stone house in the Bhagirathi valley village of Harsil

Offbeat

HarsilAn apple-orchard army village on the Bhagirathi, the prettiest halt on the Gangotri road.

Altitude: 2,620 m
Season: May – Nov
From DDN: ~215 km

The Bhagirathi valley town of Uttarkashi with river and mountains

Base Town

UttarkashiDistrict HQ on the Bhagirathi river — base for Gangotri yatra, Yamunotri approach and mountaineering courses.

Altitude: 1,165 m
Season: Year round · Gangotri road closes Nov–Apr
From DDN: ~155 km

The gateway village of Sankri in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi

Trek Base

SankriThe Tons valley village that launches Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun and Phulara Ridge treks — inside Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

Altitude: 1,920 m
Season: Dec–Apr (Kedarkantha snow), May–Jun, Sep–Nov
From DDN: ~200 km

The green cradle-shaped Har Ki Dun valley in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

Trek

Har Ki DunA broad Himalayan valley of wildflowers and ancient wooden villages, reached by a 42 km trek from Sankri in Uttarkashi.

Altitude: 3,566 m
Season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
From DDN: ~195 km (to Sankri) + trek

The vast Dayara Bugyal meadow above Barsu with the Bandarpunch massif behind

Nature

Dayara BugyalOne of the finest high-altitude meadows in Garhwal — a 28 sq km expanse of wildflowers in summer and a ski slope in winter.

Altitude: 3,048 m
Season: May–Jun (wildflowers), Dec–Mar (snow skiing)
From DDN: ~175 km (to Barsu)

The Gangotri glacier snout at Gaumukh, source of the Bhagirathi river

Pilgrimage

GaumukhThe snout of the Gangotri Glacier at 3,892 m — the source of the Bhagirathi river, which joins other rivers to form the Ganga downstream.

Altitude: 3,892 m
Season: May–Jun, Sep–Oct
From DDN: ~250 km to Gangotri, then 19 km trek

The clear blue Dodital lake in its oak-rhododendron forest setting, Uttarkashi

Trek

DoditalA clear-blue trout lake at 3,024 m believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha — 22 km trek from Sangamchatti through oak and rhododendron forest.

Altitude: 3,024 m
Season: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
From DDN: ~185 km to Sangamchatti

When to go

Best time to visit Uttarkashi

Summer / Spring (May to June)

Gangotri and Yamunotri temples open in late April or early May. Ideal for Char Dham yatra and lower-altitude treks. Dayara Bugyal is accessible and green. Pre-monsoon weather is generally stable.

Monsoon (July to September)

Gangotri and Yamunotri remain open but the roads can be affected by landslides. Har Ki Dun valley is lush. Not recommended for first-time visitors due to road uncertainty; buffer days essential.

Autumn (September to November)

Post-monsoon is ideal — clear skies and stable trails. Both Char Dham shrines close in October or November. The Kedarkantha trek begins in November as snow arrives at higher reaches.

Winter (November to April)

Kedarkantha trek peaks December to February with spectacular snow. Sankri and Har Ki Dun base are accessible. Char Dham shrines are closed. Harsil and Uttarkashi town remain accessible but can see snowfall.

Trips we run

Packages through Uttarkashi

All packages →

Char Dham Yatra12 Days / 11 Nights₹42,999per personView details Do Dham Yatra7 Days / 6 Nights₹24,999per personView details Har Ki Dun Trek7 Days / 6 Nights₹12,999per personView details Kedarkantha Winter Trek6 Days / 5 Nights₹13,999per personView details

Getting there

How to reach Uttarkashi

By Road

Uttarkashi town is 170 km from Rishikesh and 155 km from Dehradun via Dharasu. Gangotri is 100 km beyond Uttarkashi. Yamunotri base (Janki Chatti) is reached via Barkot, 65 km from Dharasu. GMOU and private buses connect Rishikesh and Haridwar to Uttarkashi regularly.

By Train

The nearest railhead is Rishikesh (170 km from Uttarkashi), followed by Haridwar (205 km). Both have frequent trains from Delhi, which take 5–6 hours. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, shared taxis and GMOU buses cover the remaining distance to Uttarkashi.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is 155 km from Uttarkashi and is the nearest airport, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. During the Char Dham yatra season, helicopter services run from Dehradun and Sahastradhara helipad to Kharsali (Yamunotri) and Harsil (near Gangotri).

Read

Guides for Uttarkashi

Snow-covered Himalayan trek trail through deodar forest in Uttarakhand

Adventure & TrekkingDharchula, Lohajung & Sankri: Three Remote Himalayan Trek BasesThree remote villages hold the keys to Uttarakhand's finest Himalayan treks. Dharchula is the border town for Milam glacier and Adi Kailash. Lohajung opens Roopkund and Brahmatal. Sankri is the gateway to Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun. Read More…22 Aug 202614 min read

Bhagirathi river flowing through Uttarkashi valley with Himalayan peaks in background

Travel GuidesUttarkashi Travel Guide: Gangotri Base, NIM & Dodital TrekUttarkashi, the "Kashi of the mountains", sits on the banks of the Bhagirathi river and serves as the base for both Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimages. Home to India's premier mountaineering school, dense oak forests, and high-altitude meadows, it is a destination that rewards every kind of traveller. Read More…5 Aug 20269 min read

Bengal tiger in Jim Corbett National Park wildlife safari

Adventure & Trekking12 Days Rishikesh to Har Ki Dun and Jim Corbett National Park Tour Package Cost 2026Get 12-day Rishikesh to Har Ki Dun and Jim Corbett National Park tour package at ₹50,000. Book now and explore Uttarakhand's wilderness, Call +91-977-976-6740 Read More…17 Jul 202611 min read

Common questions

Uttarkashi FAQ

What is Uttarkashi district famous for?: Uttarkashi is famous for being the source district of India's two holiest rivers, the Ganga (at Gangotri) and the Yamuna (at Yamunotri). It is also renowned for the Kedarkantha trek in winter, the Har Ki Dun valley trek, Dayara Bugyal meadow, Harsil valley, and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering at Uttarkashi town.
What is the best time to visit Uttarkashi?: The best time to visit Uttarkashi depends on your purpose. For the Char Dham yatra (Gangotri and Yamunotri), May–June and September–October are ideal. For the Kedarkantha snow trek, December to February is peak season. Summer months are best for Har Ki Dun and Dayara Bugyal treks.
How do I reach Sankri for the Kedarkantha trek?: Sankri is 200 km from Dehradun. Drive or take a bus to Purola via Vikasnagar, then continue on a mountain road to Naitwar and finally Sankri. The journey takes 8–10 hours from Dehradun. Most trekking agencies arrange direct transport. The road to Sankri can be snow-covered in deep winter; check conditions before travel.
What is Harsil and why is it popular?: Harsil is a picturesque valley on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, 77 km from Uttarkashi and 25 km before Gangotri. Famous for its apple orchards, ancient deodar forests, and the historic Wilson Cottage, Harsil is a tranquil retreat that saw renewed fame after being featured in Bollywood films. It is open May to November and sees significant snowfall in winter.
Is the Har Ki Dun trek suitable for beginners?: Har Ki Dun is considered a moderate trek, suitable for reasonably fit beginners. The trail starts from Sankri, passes through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, and reaches the Har Ki Dun valley at around 3,566 metres over 4–5 days. The gradient is gradual and the trail is well-marked, making it one of the best introductory treks in Uttarakhand.

Planning a Uttarkashi trip

We are a Dehradun operator, so Uttarkashi is a drive we make rather than a listing we resell. Tell us the month and the number of travellers and we will tell you what is open, what is not, and what it costs.

Phone: +91-977-976-6740
Email: booking@travelmybharat.com