Why in news?
Uttarkashi district came into focus after the 6 August 2025 cloudburst. Located in the Himalayas, it is a hub of pilgrimage and mountain tourism.
What is Uttarkashi?
Uttarkashi is a northern Himalayan district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. It was carved out on 24 February 1960 and is often called “Kashi of the North” because of its spiritual parallels with Varanasi. The district lies between the rivers Varuna (Syalam Gad) and Asi (Kaligad).
Location
Situated in the north‑western corner of Uttarakhand, Uttarkashi borders Himachal Pradesh and Tibet (China) and adjoins the districts of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal and Dehradun. Because of its glaciers and rivers, it is sometimes referred to as the “water tower of India”.
Historical significance
- Ancient texts such as the Mahabharata mention the region and the tribes Kiratas, Khasas and Kunindas who lived there.
- Uttarkashi’s main town lies on the bank of the Bhagirathi river. The district hosts the shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri, two of the four Char Dham pilgrimages, and thus draws thousands of pilgrims every year.
- Places such as Manikarnika Ghat and the Vishwanath Temple mirror Varanasi, reinforcing its nickname.
Major rivers originating in Uttarkashi
| River | Origin | Type | Joins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhagirathi | Gaumukh Glacier, Gangotri | Glacier‑fed | Merges with Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga |
| Yamuna | Yamunotri Glacier | Glacier‑fed | Joins the Ganga at Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
| Tons (Tamsa) | Bandarpunch Glacier | Glacier‑fed | Joins the Yamuna near Dehradun |
| Jadh Ganga | Nelang Valley | Glacier‑fed | Joins the Bhagirathi near Bhairon Ghati |
| Asi Ganga | Near Dodital | Hill stream | Joins the Bhagirathi near Uttarkashi town |
Cultural and religious importance
- Uttarkashi hosts two of the Char Dham—Gangotri and Yamunotri—and numerous smaller temples and ashrams.
- Its sacred geography, between two rivers named Varuna and Asi, gives it a mystical connection with Varanasi. Many pilgrims perform rituals at the Manikarnika Ghat and the ancient Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Conclusion: The district’s rivers, glaciers and pilgrimage sites make it geographically and culturally important. Understanding its terrain and hydrology is essential for disaster management and sustainable development.
