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Places to See
| NACHIKETA
TAL
A drive through the terraced fields takes one to Chaurangi-Khal, a place
29 kms., from Uttarkashi. From there a 3 kms., trek through lush green
forests takes one to Nachiketa Tal, a tranquil spot. |
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There is greenery all around and a small temple at the bank of the lake
gives it a serene look. Nachiketa, the devout son of Sage Uddalak, is said
to have created this lake, hence the name.
There is no accommodation facility
and visitors have either to come back to Uttarkashi or stay at the PWD
Inspection House at Chaurangi-Khal. |
| MANERI
On way to Gangotri at a distance of about 13 kms., from Uttarkashi, Maneri
ahs lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction
of a dam across the Bhagirathi river, from where the water is fed to the
turbines through an 8 kms., long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant
lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place. |
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HARSIL
The Bhagirathi valley is most enchanting and preserves many colourful spots
in its lap. Situated at a distance of 73 kms., from Uttarkashi on way to
Gangotri, at an elevation of 2620 mts., this sylvan hamlet is famous for
its natural beauty and delicious apples. |
| ACCOMMODATION
Tourist Rest House, PWD Inspection house and Forest Rest House exist here
for the travelers. |
| GANGNANI
Further up on way to Gangotri about 26 kms, from Maneri, is the hot water
spring at Gangnani, where one can have a refreshing bath in the kund called
Rishikund.
There is a temple near the kund dedicated to the sage Parashar, believed
to be the father of Ved Vyas. |
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Dodi
Tal
Dodi Tal is situated at an elev- ation of 3307 mts., north of Uttar- kashi
and is surrounded by dense forest of
oak, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The crystal
clear lake is full of rare fishes like the Himalayan Golden Trouts. |
The trek to Dodi Tal commences from Uttarkashi to Kalyani and is approachable
by Motor. Kalyani to Agoda is a gradual trek through woods, fields and
villages. The 17 kms., trek from Agoda to Dodi Tal is steep and passes
through thick forests. |
| BHAIRON
GHATI
On way to Gangotri Bhaironghati is a place where one can stay and enjoy
the mountainous landscape. A temple of Bhairon Devta here is visited by
scores of pilgrims. The awe-inspiring lofty peaks, deep gorge of Jahnavi
and Bhagirathi rivers with a bridge at a considerable altitude from river
level flowing below and the towering deodar trees provide a rare natural
bonanza. |
| ACCOMMODATION
A Tourist Rest House, Forest Rest House and PWD Inspection House is located
here. |
| GANGOTRI
The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 mts., amidst
captivating surroundings. Gangotri is located at a distance of 99 kms.,
from Uttarkashi. |
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The temple, constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th
century, is situated on the left bank of Bhagirathi. It is visited by lakhs
of pilgrims every year. A number of Ashrams are located on the other side,
some of which provide accommodation facilities to the visitors. |
| GENERAL
INFORMATION |
| Altitude- |
3048 mts. |
| Climate- |
Pleasant during the day and cold
at night |
| Clothing- |
Heavy woolen throughout the season |
| Languages- |
Hindi, Garhwali & English |
| Season- |
April to October |
| Nandan-Van
& Tapovan
These two spots are situated opposite the Gangotri
glacier further up from Gaumukh, at
a distance of 6 kms., from where visitors can have a superb
view of the majestic Shiviling peak. These are ideal
spots for camping and also provide
base camps for Bhagirathi, Shivling,
Meru, Kedardom, Kharchakund, Satopanth, Kalindikhal and
many other snow peaks. |
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Dayara
Bugyal
Bugyal in the local language means “high altitude meadow”, the road to
Dayara Bugyal ranches off near Bhatwari a place on Uttarkashi- Gangotri
road about 28 kms., from Uttarkashi. |
Vehicles can to up to the village of Barsu from where one has to trek a
distance of about 8 kms., to reach Dayara and other route is via village
Raithal, 10 kms., trek about 7 kms. to Dayara Bugyal. Situated at an elevation
of about 3048 mts., this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty.
During winter it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq.kms.
The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking. There is
a small lake in the area and to camp by its side is a memorable event.
From this spot one can trek down to Dodi-Tal which is about 22 kms. away,
through dense forests. |
| Sat-Tal
Sat-Tal, meaning seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 kms., beyond
Harsil. The trek of about 5 kms., is rewarding as this group of lakes is
situated amid beautiful natural surroundings. It also provides lovely camp
sites. |
| Kedartal
This spectacular and enchanting lake is situated at a distance of about
18 kms., from Gangotri, negotiable through a rough and tough mountain trail.
The trek is very tiring and there are testing moments even for a hardy
trekker. |
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There is no facility of any kind on the way and one has to make all arrangements
in advance. A local guide is a must. The lake is crystal clear with the
mighty Thalaysagar (Sphatikl-ing) peak forming a splendid backdrop. The
place is about 4000 mts. Above sea-level and is the base camp for trekking
to the Thalaysagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks. |
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GAUMUKH
The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganga) and is held in
high esteem by the devouts who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy
dip in the bone chilling icy water. It is 18 kms., trek from Gangotri.
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The trek is easy and at times people come back to Gangotri the same day.
Accommodation
There is a Tourist Rest House and Lal Baba Ashram at Bhojbasa, 14 kms.,
from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available. |
| Kush
Kalyan & Belak Khal Range
About 16 kms., from Mala which is 28 kms., from uttarkashi on Gangotri
road, the meadow of Kush-Kalyan is situated at an elevation of 3141 mts.
The trek is steep through dense forests and the meadown extends towards
east for about 20 kms., up to Sahastra Tal (4371 mts.) and 30 kms., towards
west to Belak Khal (2571mts.).
Further west, it extends upto Chaurangi-Khal. Trekking along this range
is an enjoyable experience. During winter all these places provide vast
expanse of ski-slopes. |
| YAMUNOTRI
The shrine of Yamunotri, source
of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the
road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri
from Dharasu, a place between
Rishikesh - Uttar Kahsi. Yamunotri can also be visited
via Mussoorie and Barkot. |
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Situated at an elevation of 3185 mts., the shrine of Yamunotri is one of
the ‘four dhams’ of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about 1 km.
Ahead at an altitude of about 4421 mts., The approach is difficult and
pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.
There are hot springs close to the
temple, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms., trek
from Hanumanchatti. |
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