By Mayank (Clans Stays) (Ex-MMT, 5 Years Experience in Travel) Hello friends! If you are planning your Char Dham Yatra, especially to Gangotri, you will likely stop in a town called Uttarkashi. Many people think Uttarkashi is just a place to sleep for one night. But let me tell you, it is much more than that. I have been sending clients here for 5 years, and they always tell me, “Mayank, we wish we stayed one more day in Uttarkashi!” It is called the “Kashi of the North” because it is just like Varanasi (Kashi). It has the same holy river flowing north and a famous Lord Shiva temple. In this blog, I will tell you the best places to visit in Uttarkashi, where to eat, and where to stay. Let’s start! Why is Uttarkashi Important for Char Dham Yatra? Before we talk about sightseeing, you must know why this town is so important for your trip. Mayank’s Tip: Always fill your petrol tank here. After Uttarkashi, petrol pumps are very rare! Top Places to Visit in Uttarkashi Here are the simple and beautiful places you must see. You don’t need a lot of time—you can see most of these in half a day. 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi This is the heart of the town. Just like the famous temple in Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is very old and very powerful. 2. Shakti Temple (The Big Trident) Right in front of the Vishwanath temple, there is a small temple called Shakti Temple. 3. Maneri Dam If you drive about 15 km towards Gangotri, you will see a beautiful blue lake. This is the Maneri Dam. 4. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) If you love adventure or have kids, you must visit NIM. It is India’s best school for climbing mountains. 5. Gangnani Hot Springs (Rishikund) This is about 45 km from Uttarkashi, on the way to Gangotri. Best Places to Eat (Local Food) You will find many small shops (Dhabas) in Uttarkashi. But if you want good food, try these: Where to Stay? (Hotels in Uttarkashi) Finding a clean room can be hard in May and June (peak season). Here is my honest advice on Hotels in Uttarkashi: Type of Stay Recommendation Why choose this? Government Guest House GMVN Tourist Bungalow Very big rooms, safe, and right near the river. Book early! Ashrams Birla Dharamshala Very cheap, clean, and near the temple. Good for families. Comfort Hotels Hotel Shivlinga / 5 Elements If you want luxury and good service. Homestays Clans Stays Partner Homes We have tie-ups with local homes for a real village feel. 3 Important Tips from a Local Expert (Me) Conclusion Uttarkashi is not just a stopover; it is a beautiful part of your Char Dham Yatra. Whether you want to pray at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi, see the magic Trishul, or just sit by the river, you will love it here. If you need a safe taxi, a clean hotel, or a helicopter ticket, just message me. At Clans Stays, we treat you like family, not just clients. Planning a trip to Uttarakhand? Contact Clans Stays today for the best rates and safe drivers! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 1. How far is Uttarkashi from Rishikesh? It is about 170 km. It takes 6 to 7 hours to drive because it is a hill road. 2. Can I visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi at night? The temple usually closes around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. The best time is evening Aarti at 6:30 PM. 3. Is it safe to drive to Uttarkashi in the rain? Monsoon (July-August) can be tricky due to landslides. Always check the weather forecast. May, June, September, and October are the safest months. 4. What is the best time to visit Uttarkashi? The best time is from April to June (pleasant summer) and September to November (clear views). 5. Are there ATMs in Uttarkashi? Yes, Uttarkashi is a big town and has many ATMs (SBI, PNB, HDFC). But carry cash for your journey ahead to Gangotri. 6. Can I see snow in Uttarkashi? In the main town, snow is rare. But if you go to nearby places like Harsil or Radi Top in winter (January-February), you will find lots of snow.