This is an ancient holy city located on the banks of River Bhagirathi. Uttarkashi is adorned with many beautiful temples and ashrams. Pilgrims heading to Gangotri usually stop by at Uttarkashi for a day to seek blessings from the God. Here are some best places to see in Uttarkashi.

• Vishwanath Temple– This temple is the oldest and most sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, Lord Shiva appeared here to save Rishi Markandeya from Yama, the God of death. The temple houses a ‘swayambhu lingam’, idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh and Rishi Markandeya sitting in a meditative position.

• Shakti Temple– Opposite the Vishwanath Temple is the ‘Shakti Temple’, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Pilgrims visit this temple to seek blessings from Goddess Durga and to have a look at the heavy trident which is revered here in the form of ‘Shakti’.

• Gangnani – It is a small town situated enroute to Gangotri and is famous for its natural thermal water spring known as ‘Rishikund Teerth’. Pilgrims heading to Gangotri usually stop by and take the holy bath in the warm waters of the spring.

• Harsil – This hidden jewel of Uttarakhand is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Unspoilt natural charm, fresh mountain air and salubrious weather makes it a perfect place to stop by for few hours enroute to Gangotri. An interesting attraction near Harsil is ‘Sattal’, a breathtakingly beautiful cluster of high-altitude alpine lakes that can be reached through a 7 km. trek from Harsil.

• Dharali – Located at a distance of 2km. from Harsil, Dharali is another picturesque village famous for its apple orchards. Striking views of these Apple Orchards all along the route to Gangotri seem to be embracing you with their open arms. Another famous attraction of this small town is the ancient ‘Shiva Temple’ that is flocked by many pilgrims enroute.

• Mukhba Village – This pretty little village near Dharali is the home for Goddess Ganga where she is worshipped for almost 6 months owing to the closure of the main Gangotri Temple during peak winters. Small rustic wooden huts, trees of pine and rhododendrons, and vibrant coloured flowers all around; seem to have directly come out from a picture postcard. When at Mukhba Village, you can visit the ‘Ganga Temple’ where idol of Goddess Ganga is housed during winters.

• Bhairon Ghati – This scenic valley lies around 10km. before Gangotri, sitting on the confluence of Bhagirathi River and Jat Ganga. Adorned with pine trees and gargling Bhagirathi gushing down the mountains, the valley is famous for its ancient ‘Bhairon Temple’ that is visited by many pilgrims on the ‘Char Dham Yatra’.