Barkot: A paradise for nature lovers in the Himalayas

Barkot is a town in the Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the western Himalayas, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Barkot is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. It is located about 45 kilometers from the town of Uttarkashi and is a popular base for trekking expeditions to nearby peaks such as Bandar Poonch, Swargarohini, and Kalanag. The town is also home to several temples and ashrams, and is known for its natural hot springs.

Places to visit in Barkot

Here are a few popular places to visit in Barkot:

• Yamunotri Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Yamuna and is one of the four Char Dhams (sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites) in the region. It is located about 32 kilometers from Barkot and can be reached by a 5-kilometer trek from the town of Hanuman Chatti.
• Janki Chatti: This town is located about 20 kilometers from Barkot and is known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
• Swargarohini Temple: This temple is located at an altitude of 4,660 meters and is a popular destination for trekkers. The trek to the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Harsil: This town is located about 35 kilometers from Barkot and is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. It is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and is a popular base for treks to the Gangotri Glacier.
• Rajgarhi: This village is located about 22 kilometers from Barkot and is known for its apple orchards and picturesque views. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and is a good place to relax and unwind.
• Gangotri Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ganga and is one of the four Char Dhams (sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites) in the region. It is located about 179 kilometers from Barkot and can be reached by a picturesque drive through the mountains.
• Kharsali: This village is located about 44 kilometers from Barkot and is known for its natural hot springs and temples. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
• Banderpoonch Peak: This peak is located about 50 kilometers from Barkot and is a popular destination for trekkers. The trek to the peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
• Surkanda Devi Temple: This temple is located about 130 kilometers from Barkot and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Surkanda. It is located at an altitude of 2,743 meters and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists.
• Dodital: This lake is located about 32 kilometers from Barkot and is known for its crystal-clear water and picturesque surroundings. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and is a good place to relax and unwind.
• Swargarohini: Swargarohini is a peak located in the western Himalayas. It is located about 50 kilometers from Barkot and is a popular destination for trekkers. The trek to the peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
• Kalanag: Kalanag, also known as Black Peak, is a peak located in the western Himalayas. It is located about 50 kilometers from Barkot and is a popular destination for trekkers. The trek to the peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Activities in Barkot

Here are a few popular activities that visitors to Barkot can enjoy:

1. Trekking: Barkot is a popular base for trekking expeditions to nearby peaks such as Bandar Poonch, Swargarohini, and Kalanag. The town is also a good starting point for treks to the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples.
2. Pilgrimage: Barkot is home to several temples and ashrams, and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims. The town is located near the Char Dhams (sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites) of Gangotri and Yamunotri, and is a good base for visiting these temples.
3. Wildlife watching: The surrounding forests and mountains are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and leopards. Visitors can take a nature walk or a jeep safari to see these animals in their natural habitat.
4. Rafting: The Yamuna River, which flows through Barkot, is a popular destination for white-water rafting. Visitors can go rafting on the river and enjoy the thrills and spills of navigating the rapids.
5. Hot springs: Barkot is home to several natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Visitors can soak in these springs and relax in the warm, soothing waters.

Hotels in Barkot

Here are a few hotels in Barkot, Uttarakhand that you might consider staying at:

1. Hotel Teerth Palace: This hotel is located in the heart of Barkot and offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.
2. Hotel Ganga View: This hotel is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.
3. Hotel Shree Hari: This hotel is located in the center of Barkot and offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.
4. Hotel Yamuna View: This hotel is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.
5. Hotel Ashray: This hotel is located in the center of Barkot and offers comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.

How to reach Barkot

There are several ways to reach Barkot, Uttarakhand:

1. By air: The nearest airport to Barkot is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 150 kilometers away. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Barkot.
2. By train: The nearest railway station to Barkot is Rishikesh, which is located about 130 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Barkot.
3. By road: Barkot is well connected to other cities in Uttarakhand by road. There are frequent bus services from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other nearby towns to Barkot. You can also hire a taxi to reach Barkot from these cities.

It is advisable to make travel arrangements in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Suggest detailed Barkot Trekking Itinerary

Here is a suggested 5-day trekking itinerary for Barkot, Uttarakhand:

Day 1: Arrive in Barkot and check into a hotel. Spend the day exploring the town and visiting nearby attractions.

Day 2: Begin the trek to Swargarohini Temple. The trek is about 18 kilometers and takes about 8-10 hours to complete. Overnight stay in a campsite.

Day 3: Continue the trek to Swargarohini Temple and reach the summit. Spend the day exploring the area and enjoying the views. Overnight stay in a campsite.

Day 4: Descend from the summit and return to Barkot. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Spend the day exploring the town and visiting nearby attractions.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary and can be customized according to your preferences and schedule. It is advisable to hire a local guide and be well-prepared for the trek, with adequate supplies and proper equipment. The trek can be physically challenging, so it is important to be in good physical shape.

Food in Barkot

Barkot is a small town in the western Himalayas and the availability of food options may be limited compared to larger cities. However, there are several hotels and restaurants in Barkot that serve a variety of Indian and local dishes. You can expect to find dishes such as rice, lentils, vegetables, roti (flatbread), and local specialties such as aloo keema (minced lamb with potatoes) and mandua ki roti (flatbread made with millet flour). Non-vegetarian dishes such as chicken and lamb are also commonly available. There are also several small shops and stalls in the town that sell snacks and refreshments.

It is advisable to check with your hotel or guesthouse about the availability of meals, as some places may not have their own restaurants and may arrange meals on request. It is also a good idea to carry some snacks and bottled water with you while exploring the town, as options may be limited.

Mythological story of Barkot

It is located in the Yamuna valley, on the banks of the Yamuna River, and is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Barkot is a popular tourist destination and is home to several temples and ashrams. There are several mythological stories associated with Barkot and the surrounding area.

One such story is the legend of the Yamuna Temple in Barkot. According to Hindu mythology, the Yamuna Temple was built on the spot where the sage Asit Muni meditated and worshipped the goddess Yamuna. It is believed that the goddess appeared to the sage in the form of a young girl and blessed him with a divine vision. The temple is one of the four Char Dhams (sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites) in the region and is a popular destination for pilgrims.

Another mythological story associated with Barkot is the legend of the Gangotri Temple. According to Hindu mythology, the Gangotri Temple was built on the spot where the goddess Ganga descended to earth from heaven. It is believed that the sage Bhagiratha prayed to the goddess to descend to earth and purify the ashes of his ancestors. The temple is one of the four Char Dhams (sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites) in the region and is a popular destination for pilgrims.