Uttarkashi, meaning Kashi of the north, is a town located in Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India. Uttarkashi town is headquarters of the district. Uttarkashi is also known as Somya Kashi. Uttarkashi is a religious place for spiritual and adventurous tourism. Uttarkashi town is also called as Shivnagri. The town has number of temples and ashrams. Uttarkashi is known for its religious people, weather, education.
Uttarkashi
Kashi Of North , Shivnagri , Somyakashi or barahat | |
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town | |
![]() Uttarkashi Town | |
Nickname(s): Uki | |
![]() ![]() Uttarkashi Location in Uttarakhand, India ![]() ![]() Uttarkashi Uttarkashi (India) | |
Coordinates: 30°44′N 78°27′E / 30.73°N 78.45°ECoordinates: 30°44′N 78°27′E / 30.73°N 78.45°E | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
District | Uttarkashi |
Government | |
• Type | Municipality |
• Body | Nagar Palika Barahat |
Elevation | 1,158 m (3,799 ft) |
Population (2019
population_total = 329,686 area_magnitude= sq. km) | |
• Total | 40,220 |
Languages | |
• Native S | Garhwali, , Parvati |
• Official | Hindi, Sanskrit |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
PIN | 249193 |
Telephone code | 01374 |
Vehicle registration | UK10 |
Website | uttarkashi |
It is the district headquarters of Uttarkashi district. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 m above sea level. Uttarkashi is generally known as a holy town close to Rishikesh. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Uttarkashi is home to a number of ashrams and temples and also to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi is situated on the Ganges, lies next to a hill named Varunavat, on confluence of two rivers Varuna and Asi, has a ghat called Manikarnika Ghat and has a temple dedicated to Shiva similar to (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) in Varanasi, in the center of the town.
Uttarkashi is located at 30°44′N 78°27′E / 30.73°N 78.45°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 1,165 metres (4,436 feet). Most of the terrain is hilly. There are many small and big rivers in Uttarkashi district. The Yamuna and the Ganges (Bhagirathi) are biggest and holiest among them. The Yamuna originates from Yamunotri while Bhagirathi originates from Gangotri (Gomukh). Asi ganga and Jad ganga are some of the tributaries of the Ganges.
As of 2001[update] India census,[2] Uttarkashi city had a population of 40,220. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Uttarkashi has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 71%. In Uttarkashi, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Most citizens of Uttarkashi are Garhwali, with large numbers of Punjabi, Kumaoni and people from other parts of Northern India. It also has a significant population of the Bhotiya Jadh people.
People of Uttarkashi speak Hindi and Garhwali.
After Varunawat Landslide in 2003, the rate of increase in population of the town was affected due to the migration of people to other towns and cities. As the time passed, the town boomed with the development and population growth. But the town was again severely affected by the disastrous floods in 2012 and 2013. This made most of the people to shift to the safer places like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Since ancient times, Uttarkashi has been a meditational ground for many sages. This has been mentioned in Skand Purana that many sages have found solace here. Due to its serene and perfect location along the holy ganges, Uttarkashi has always been the first choice for Yoga. Netala, a small scenic heaven around 7 km towards the source of Holy Ganga (i.e., Gangotri Dham) is an emerging spot for Yoga Classes.
List of Yoga Schools
Uttarkashi is also known as a trekking hub as it is gateway to unexplored trekking destinations. Some of the area's summer and winter trekking destinations are Dodital, Dayara Bugyal, Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun for camping and grandeur Himalayan panoramic views.
This town has many schools for boys and girls and one Post Graduate college affiliated to Garhwal University. The Government Polytechnic Uttarkashi, situated in Joshiyara around 3–4 km away from main city, provides higher education in technology.
Below is a list of schools in Uttarkashi: