As the name suggests, Uttarkashi is considered the northern Kashi or Varanasi. The town is situated at an elevation of 1,550 m on the right banks of river Bhagirathi. It is a district located in the extreme northern side of the northern state of Uttaranchal. Its margins also mark the Indo-Chinese precincts. It is 155 km north of Rishikesh and 100 km from Gangotri, and is couched in the Garhwal hills.
In 1960, it was made a border district with the district headquarters at Uttarkashi. The district is more important because of the two very significant Pilgrimage-centers viz. Gangotri and Yamunotri, the source of the two rivers, Ganga (Bhagirathi) and Yamuna.
The major locations of the district are Dunda, Puroia, Rajgarhi and Bhatwari. Major tourist attractions are Chaurangi Khal, Bhairon Ghati and Gangotri. Yamuna, Rupin and Bhagirathi Rivers flow through the district.
