Uttarkashi, the headquarters of the eponymous district, is an ancient land with rich cultural heritage and a picture-postcard-like appeal with sweeping mountain views. It is famous for an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is visited by thousands throughout the year. As the name suggests, it's considered to be the Kashi (another name for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, which is home to one of the most renowned Lord Shiva temples) of the north (uttar). Uttarkashi is dotted with several temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, Parshuram, Dattatrya, Bhairav, Annapurna, Laksheswar, Ekadashrudra, etc. It is surrounded by high Himalayan ranges, green meadows and several hot springs. In winter, it is enveloped in snow.