Uttarkashi is bounded by Dehradun District in the West, Chamoli District and China in the East, Himachal Pradesh in the North and Tehri and Rudraprayag District in the South.The holy town of Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is around 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. Uttarkashi as its name suggests, is Kashi of north (Uttar) and is also called the land of Gods and Goddesses. It is considered to have similar religious importance as Kashi. One of the biggest attractions is the ancient Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is Shiva’s Great Trident (Trishul), made of eight different metals. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Ekadash Rudra, Lord Parashuram and Goddess Kali. It is a significant stopover for pilgrims going to Gangotri. Uttarkashi is also emerging as an important hub for adventure sports.The esteemed Nehru institute of mountaineering is located in Uttarkashi. The institute conducts various mountaineering and rock climbing, water man ship and bush craft courses.The famous Govind Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in Uttarkashi,which is the home for many endangered animals and precious remedial plants.