Uttarkashi District

Each district in Uttarakhand is distinct in its popularity and reverence, so is the Uttarkashi district. Being one of the 13th districts of Uttarakhand, Uttarkashi draws a multitude of visitors round the year. It offers a perfect mixture of pilgrimage sites and tourist places. Known as the "Kashi" of "North", Uttarkashi is located around 145 km from Dehradun. Situated on National Highway 108, the district connects almost the major part of the state through road.

As per the census 2011, the district population is more than three lakhs, which constitutes more than 50% males. With a literacy rate of over 78%, Uttarkashi has the highest national literacy rate of 59%. The majority of its population are Garhwali, Punjabi and Kumauni, who primarily speak Hindi, Garhwali and Mahasu Pahari.

Spread over 8,016 square kilometers, Uttarkashi shares borders with Chamoli to the South, Dehradun to the West, Tehri Garhwal to the South, and Himachal Pradesh to the North. Along with this, it also shares southwest boundaries with Rudraprayag and northeast with Tibet, China. Renowned nationally and internationally, this region has numerous attractions, particularly the two of the Chota Char Dham Yamunotri and Gangotri.

Additionally, the origin of Ganga i.e. Gaumukh glacier also draws various tourists. Similar to Kashi in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkashi is also the home for Kashi Vishwanath temple, located near Manikarnika Ghat. The melodious flow of Yamuna and Bhagirathi rivers through the heart of the district further enhances its scenic charm.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Uttarkashi offers abundant opportunities for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts, featuring prominent trails like the Kalindi Trek, Dodital Trek, Nachiketa Tal, and Kedar Tal trek. Round the year, a number of trekkers visit here for trekking, camping and other adventurous activities. Moreover, the renowned Nehru Mountaineering Institute attracts a multitude of visitors, to embark their trek journey and gain some expertise. Garhwali and Hindi ​​are the predominant languages spoken in the region, which cherishes its deep rooted traditions and culture. In addition to the iconic Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kashi Vishwanath, visitors may also explore other notable temples such as Kuteti Devi, Kapil Muni Ashram, Bhairav ​​Temple, Pokhu Devta and others.

Every corner of the district offers a picturesque view, but the Harshil Valley, Gartang Gali, Chaurangai Khal, Sankri, Nelong Valley, Dayara Bugyal, Maneri Dam etc. are some of the major attractions of Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi weather often remains cold throughout the year and receives heavy snowfall during winters, making it a perfect destination for snowfall lovers. Uttarkashi economy heavily relies on its tourism industry and some part in agriculture.

Most of its people indulge in the tourism activities, offering a wholesome and blissful experience to tourists. Plenty of hotels and homestays are available in the district to cater such a big number of tourists and pilgrims. Apart from tourism, Uttarkashi is also known for its pulses and apple orchard. Over time, the tourism sector hit hard due to severe natural calamities like floods and landslides. Thus the people associated with the tourism and agriculture industry face numerous challenges and are forced to migrate to other places like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun for their livelihood.