Mukhba is a small village located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, it’s situated in the Uttarkashi district. The village is known for its natural beauty, religious significance, and it’s often visited by pilgrimage and trekkers.
Mukhba is located on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi river and surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, it’s a great place to explore the local culture, customs and tradition.
The village is home to several ancient temples, including the Mukhimath Temple, which is dedicated to Maa Ganga, it’s an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and it attracts a large number of devotees every year. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and considered as one of the oldest and most important temple in the region.
Mukhba is also a popular spot for adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. The surrounding area offers many trekking options, and the village is a popular starting point for treks to Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
It can be reached by bus or by car. Mukhba can be reached by bus or taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Uttarkashi which are the nearest major cities.
Mukhba is also known as Mukhwa. During the winter season, on the day of Diwali, the idol of Goddess Ganga, which is located in the famous Gangotri Temple, is moved to the Mukhimath Temple in Mukhba. This is done as the Gangotri Temple closes down due to heavy snowfall and low temperatures.
For six months, the idol of Ganga is worshipped at the Mukhimath Temple until the Gangotri Temple reopens in the summer. The idol is then taken back to the Gangotri Temple in a grand procession, with much celebration.
Places to visit near Mukhba Village
There are several places to visit near Mukhba village in Uttarakhand, India. Some of the popular options include:
- Gangotri Temple: This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. Mukha to Gangotri distance is around 28 kms.
- Gaumukh: This is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the Ganges, is a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The trek to Gaumukh is considered to be one of the most challenging and strenuous treks in the region.
- The Hot water springs: Gangnani, located nearby Mukhba, is famous for its hot water springs, believed to have medicinal properties, and it’s a popular spot for tourists seeking to relax and rejuvenate.
- Dodital: Dodital is a freshwater lake located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Garhwal region, it is considered as a sacred body of water and it is associated with many Hindu legends and myths.
These are some of the places you can visit near Mukhba Village, these are beautiful places and worth a visit, but please keep in mind that some of the trekking options may require a good level of fitness, preparation and proper acclimatization.
Gangnani
Gangnani is a small village located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Tehri Garhwal district, which is known for its natural beauty and religious significance. Gangnani is located near the holy river of Ganges and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, with the Himalayan mountains in the background. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking and adventure activities.
Gangnani is a famous for its hot water springs, believed to have medicinal properties, and it’s a popular spot for tourists seeking to relax and rejuvenate. It is also known for its natural beauty, with many scenic waterfalls and natural pools located nearby.
Gangnani is also an important religious place for Hindu, as it is the location of the Bhairav temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is considered to be one of the most powerful temples in the region. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile, according to Hindu mythology.
The village can be reached by bus or by car. Gangnani can be reached by bus or taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, which are the nearest major cities.
Stay in Mukhba Village
Accommodation options in Mukhba village, Uttarakhand, India, may be limited. The village has some guesthouses and lodges that offer basic facilities for travelers. They may provide options like simple rooms with shared or private bathrooms, and some may also offer meals.
Many trekkers choose to camp in the surrounding areas of Mukhba village. Camping can be a good way to experience the beautiful natural surroundings and to get close to nature. There are also some tour providers that organize camping trips to Mukhba village and its surrounding areas, which include camping gear and meals.
It’s always best to check the reviews and book in advance as the village can become very crowded during peak seasons. Some Home stays and lodges may offer wifi and electricity, but it’s best to confirm this before booking. The village does not have many activities so most of the visitors usually stay overnight, and move to the next destination on their itinerary, so the accommodation are not as developed as other places in the region.
Food in Mukhba Village
Food options in Mukhba village, Uttarakhand, India, may be limited as it is a small village. There are small dhabas and shops that sell basic necessities such as food, clothing, and camping equipment. These dhabas typically serve simple local dishes that are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Some of the popular dishes that are commonly served in the dhabas of Mukhba village include:
- Dhaam: A traditional vegetarian meal that is usually served during religious ceremonies and festivals, and it’s typically composed of rice, dal (lentils), seasonal vegetables and yogurt.
- Roti and Sabzi: Roti is an Indian bread that is made with wheat flour, while sabzi is a vegetable dish. These are staple food in the village.
- Maggi: Its an instant noodle and it’s a popular option among the trekkers and locals, as it’s an easy and convenient food option.
- Pahadi food : this is a local food option that has grown to be very popular, which includes dishes like Kafuli (a green leafy vegetable), Bhatt ki churkani (a dry preparation of lentil) and Jholi (a curry made with lentils, vegetables, and spices)
As the village is remote location, it’s best to bring some snacks and food from Rishikesh or any other nearest city, to ensure that you have enough to eat during your stay. However, it’s always best to check the reviews and ask locals before eating in a particular place.
How to reach Mukhba Village
Mukhba village is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, and can be reached by multiple modes of transportation:
- By Air: The closest airport to Mukhba is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is approximately 246 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukhba.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Mukhba is located in Rishikesh and Haridwar, which are about 209 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukhba.
- By Road: Mukhba can be reached by road from nearby towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Buses and taxis are easily available from these towns to Mukhba. There are also shared taxis and buses that go to the village, but it’s always best to check the timings, frequency and availability before starting your journey.
It’s worth noting that the village is located in the mountainous region so the road might be bumpy and winding, but the journey can be very scenic, it’s also better to check the road conditions and weather forecast before starting your trip.
Best time to visit Mukhba Village
The best time to visit Mukhba Village in Uttarakhand would depend on what you would like to see and do during your visit.
If you’re looking to experience the village’s natural beauty, then the spring and summer seasons (March-June) would be ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the village is surrounded by lush greenery and blooming flowers.
If you’re interested in experiencing the village’s cultural heritage and festivals, then the autumn season (September-November) would be the best time to visit. This is the time when many traditional festivals and fairs are held in the village, showcasing the local culture and customs.
If you’re looking for a winter adventure and to see the snow, then the winter season (December-February) would be the best time to visit. During this time, the village is covered in snow, making it a winter wonderland.
It’s also worth noting that the best time to visit would also depend on the accessibility of the village, as heavy snowfall in winter can make it hard to reach.
So, it’s best to check the weather forecast and the accessibility of the village before planning your trip.
