Uttarkashi is the main town on the Gangotri road. It has the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It is the practical halt before Gangotri and a base for Dayara Bugyal, Dodital and other treks.
About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.
Things to see
- Vishwanath Temple. Old temple in the town centre.
- Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. Mountaineering institute; check access rules for visitors.
- Treks nearby. Dayara Bugyal (via Barsu), Dodital and the Gangotri road treks.
How to reach Uttarkashi
By road
About 170 km from Rishikesh via Chamba, usually 6-8 hours depending on road conditions.
By rail
Rishikesh or Dehradun are the railheads.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, then road.
Where to stay
Several hotels and guesthouses; the best choice on the route to Gangotri.
Food
Hotel and dhaba meals.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
The road can be disrupted by monsoon landslides.
Tips
- Fill fuel and withdraw cash here before going on to Gangotri.
- Book permits for Gaumukh through the forest department in advance.
Plan around Uttarkashi
Treks in the same district
- Kedarkantha (easy-moderate, 5 days)
- Har Ki Dun (moderate, 7 days)
- Dayara Bugyal (easy-moderate, 4 days)
- Auden's Col (difficult, 12 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uttarkashi a good overnight stop?
Yes. It is the largest town on the route to Gangotri and has the most hotels.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.