Uttarkashi Temple: Spiritual Haven In The Himalayan Region

A glimpse of the sacred Uttarkashi Temple in the town of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, also known as Uttarkashi Temple is located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre dedicated to lord Shiva, which has visitors all year round located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, the temple is a perfect combination of spirituality and beauty with the Himalayas in the background. Other than giving an opportunity to explore the spiritual aspect of Uttarakhand, visiting Uttarkashi temple also opens avenues for appreciating the soothing natural landscapes of the region.

Location

Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and scenic spots.

Photo: sahil khosla / Unsplash

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi in the state of Uttarakhand is situated at an elevation within the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and is found along the Bhagirathi River approximately 155 km from Rishikesh. It is situated in the heart of Uttarkashi which also happens to be within the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit which is why the town experiences many visitors who are going to places like Gangotri.

How To Reach

An image of Jolly Grant Airport, one of the ways to reach Uttarkashi Temple.

Photo: Anonymous8010 / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: The temple can be approached through NH34 indulging direct access to Rishikesh or Dehradun. There are regular buses available from Uttarkashi to other towns like Rishikesh and Haridwar. Taxis and local buses operate for further mobility.

By Train: Rishikesh, located approximately 155 kilometres from Uttarkashi, is the nearest railway station. Visitors can Taxis or Buses will be available for the trip to Uttarkashi from the station.

By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is approximately 170 kilometres away. The temple is also connected by available Taxis at the airport to the temple directly.

Places To Visit Around The Uttarkashi Temple

1. Maneri Dam

 Maneri Dam on the Bhagirathi River near Uttarkashi Temple, amidst scenic mountain views.

Photo: Atudu / Wikimedia Commons

The Maneri Dam is built on the plains of river Bhagirathi and acts as a tourist hotspot. The Maneri Dam has been constructed as part of the Maneri Bhali hydropower project, which means that the river is made to flow under the dam and then through a 9 km long tunnel for power generation leading to the formation of a beautiful reservoir over the hills. Maneri Dam is an ultimate getaway because it is an artificial structure surrounded by breathtaking views, close to one of the pilgrimage sites in Uttarkashi.

Distance From The Temple: 8 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

2. Gangotri

 Stunning mountainous views surrounding Gangotri, highlighting lush greenery and peaks.

Photo: Amir85 / Wikimedia Commons

Gangotri is one of the sacred places in the Char Dham Yatra located in Uttarakhand. It is famous for being the source of the Ganga River, the place from where the Bhagirathi River originates from the Gangotri Glacier. The temple of Gangotri which is devoted to Goddess Ganga has the perennial flow of seekers of spirituality. Gangotri which is engulfed with a magnificent range of Himalayas with green terrains and offers trekking, meditation and exploration of nature’s ingenuity.

Distance From The Temple: 100 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October

3. Nachiketa Tal

Serene view of Nachiketa Tal lake located in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges.

Photo: King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located in the foothills of the Himalayan ranges, the Nachiketa Tal is a beautiful lake not so far from Uttarkashi and can be reached through a beautiful adventurous trek. The lake is surrounded by lush green trees and lively plants which makes it peaceful for devoted as well as non devoted visitors. The calmness makes it conducive for forest picnics, meditation or taking photographs.

Distance From The Temple: 32 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November

4. Dodital Lake

Serene Dodital Lake surrounded by mountains and forests near Uttarkashi Temple.

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons

Dodital Lake is situated at a distance of around 21 kilometres from Uttarkashi and is a beautiful high-altitude lake in the Garhwal Himalayan range. Famous for its azure waters and tranquillity, and with amazing scenery consisting of thick forests and huge hills, Dodital is also famous for trekking and camping and draws lots of people who love nature and adventure. Most often, the trek to the lake commences from Sangam Chatti and the views are incredible. There’s also an enticing area perfect for lake lovers, meaning that it is a perfect destination for a peaceful holiday in the snowy Himalayan region for a person fond of beauty and tranquillity.

Distance From The Temple: 21 km
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November

5. Kuteti Devi Temple

Kuteti Devi Temple on a hilltop near Uttarkashi Temple, offers scenic views and ambience.

Photo: Reddy Bhagyaraj / Wikimedia Commons

Kuteti Devi Temple is a sacred place worshipped by the followers of the Goddess Kuteti Devi. The temple is set on a hill height which it enables worshippers to have a full view of the mountains and the valleys below. However, for some, it is perfect when they want to be away from the noise and pollution of the city and its comforts and seek solace in devotion. With such calming traits, it is only natural that Kuteti Devi Temple is sought after by many visitors who come to explore Uttarkashi.

Distance From The Temple: 8 km
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November

Where To Stay

Kashi Vishwanath temple has a variety of accommodation options for its visitors.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kashi Vishwanath temple has a variety of accommodation options for its visitors. There are hotels and resorts such as Hotel Uttarkashi, GMVN Tourist Rest House, Kempty Falls Resort, etc. which have fairly good facilities and all essential amenities required. For those travelling on a shoestring budget, there are guesthouses and dharamshalas available in the vicinity. There are also homestays for people who want to interact and engage with the culture of the people there.

Where To Eat

A cosy restaurant seating with stylish decor near the temple in Uttarakhand, India.

Photo: Valereee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Uttarkashi offers multiple dining options but is more focused on vegetarian foods. The local joints also provide tempting Garhwali and North Indian cuisines who visit them. Some famous places are Bhandari Restaurant which has Indian cuisine and Sagar Ratna famous for South Indian food. Throughout the area, many cafes and small restaurants serve snacks and light meals, so visitors can easily have meals after a day’s activities.

Best Time To Visit

The ideal period to schedule a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is in between April to June.

Photo: SamuelFJohanns / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The ideal period to schedule a visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is in between April to June and September to November. These months have pleasant weather which is both suitable for sightseeing and also for basking in the local celebrations. When the festivities come, it is guaranteed that the temple has several devotees- that’s why allowing the visitors to experience and engage in some lively and vibrant customs is made possible.

Other Factors To Consider

Carry all the important travel things and follow the rules while visiting the temple.

Photo: Dariusz Sankowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Tips For Travellers

  • Carry sufficient water, and stay hydrated.
  • Be mindful of the temple’s rules and customs, including removing footwear before entering.
  • Visit during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Situated in Uttarkashi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a cherished place of pilgrimage and one can feel tranquillity and spirituality amidst the picturesque Himalayan mountains. Due to its scenic beauty and climatic conditions, this place attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the amazing scenery of Uttarkashi temple location.

Cover Photo: Atudu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The temple remains accessible from dawn to dusk. However, there are specific hours dedicated to a few activities.
No, there is no entry fee at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Uttarkashi has a wide range of accommodation facilities for the pilgrims to choose from including cheap hotels, lodges, and dharamshalas.
Policies regarding photography are subject to change
Some of the nearby attractions include Maneri Dam, Nachiketa Tal, Dodital Lake, etc.

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