{"id":2825,"date":"2025-05-05T19:37:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T14:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=2825"},"modified":"2025-10-18T14:06:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T08:36:33","slug":"uttarakhand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/","title":{"rendered":"Uttarakhand: History, Polity, Culture, Rivers, National Parks, Tiger Reserves"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhand_History\" >Uttarakhand History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Formation_and_Geography_of_Uttarakhand\" >Formation and Geography of Uttarakhand<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhand_Char_Dham\" >Uttarakhand Char Dham<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhands_Biodiversity\" >Uttarakhand&#8217;s Biodiversity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhand_Rivers\" >Uttarakhand Rivers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhand_Adventure_Tourism\" >Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Related_Articles\" >Related Articles\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/uttarakhand\/#Uttarakhand_FAQs\" >Uttarakhand FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pilgrimage sites, including the Char Dham\u2014<\/span><b>Badrinath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Kedarnath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Gangotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Yamunotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014which attract millions of pilgrims every year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand\u2019s\u00a0 rich biodiversity, including national parks like <\/span><b>Jim Corbett <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><b>Rajaji<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, makes it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Uttarakhand also offers adventure activities such as trekking, river rafting, and skiing, attracting tourists from around the globe. Its natural beauty and spiritual significance make it a unique destination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhand_History\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand History<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Uttarakhand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, historically part of the northern regions of India, was initially a part of Uttar Pradesh. The region has been inhabited since ancient times and holds deep connections to <\/span><b>Hindu mythology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with renowned pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. During the medieval period, Uttarakhand was governed by various local kingdoms before coming under the control of the Mughals and, later, the British Empire. After India gained independence in 1947, it continued to be a part of Uttar Pradesh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, the people of the region sought a separate identity due to Uttarakhand&#8217;s unique geographical, cultural, and economic characteristics. The demand for a distinct state grew, driven by the challenges of governance, infrastructure, and development in this hilly region. Finally, on <\/span><b>November 9, 2000<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Uttarakhand was officially formed as a separate state, fulfilling the aspirations of its people and marking a new chapter in its history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/indian-states-and-their-capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian States and Their Capitals<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Formation_and_Geography_of_Uttarakhand\"><\/span><b>Formation and Geography of Uttarakhand<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Uttarakhand <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">came into existence on <\/span><b>November 9, 2000<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when it was carved out from the northern region of Uttar Pradesh. Located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges, it is one of India&#8217;s most scenic and diverse states.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geographically, Uttarakhand is largely hilly, with an <\/span><b>international boundary <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to the north with <\/span><b>China <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Tibet) and to the east with <\/span><b>Nepal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also shares its borders with Himachal Pradesh to the northwest and Uttar Pradesh to the south. The state&#8217;s terrain is characterized by snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, rivers, and dense forests. The presence of various altitudes gives rise to a wide variety of climates, making it a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2827\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184013.png?resize=300%2C261&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184013.png?resize=300%2C261&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184013.png?w=487&amp;ssl=1 487w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Uttarakhand&#8217;s <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topography is dominated by two primary regions: the <\/span><b>Garhwal <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><b>Kumaon <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">divisions. Each of these regions offers distinct experiences, from trekking in the Garhwal mountains to exploring the serene lakes of Kumaon.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand has two capitals: <\/span><b>Dehradun<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Gairsain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Dehradun is located in the Dun Valley, known for its mild climate and scenic beauty. The valley, situated at the confluence of the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, is fertile and rich in biodiversity. <\/span><b>Gairsain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, located in the Garhwal region, was declared the <\/span><b>summer capital <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">in 2020, aiming to promote balanced development in both regions of the state. Together, these capitals play a crucial role in Uttarakhand\u2019s governance and development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1782&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Treaties in Indian History<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhand_Char_Dham\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand Char Dham<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most iconic features of Uttarakhand is its Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which consists of four revered Hindu temples\u2014<\/span><b>Badrinath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Kedarnath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Gangotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Yamunotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These shrines are nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas and are considered the ultimate spiritual destinations for millions of devotees. Each of these temples is associated with specific myths and legends, and the journey to them is seen as a journey toward spiritual liberation.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Badrinath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is located at an altitude of 3,133 meters in the Garhwal region and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2828\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184123.png?resize=300%2C186&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184123.png?resize=300%2C186&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184123.png?w=567&amp;ssl=1 567w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kedarnath<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is accessible only during the summer months due to its harsh winter conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2829\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184152.png?resize=300%2C190&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184152.png?resize=300%2C190&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184152.png?w=571&amp;ssl=1 571w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gangotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The temple of Gangotri is dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the personification of the sacred river that originates from the nearby Gangotri Glacier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2830\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184216.png?resize=300%2C225&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184216.png?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184216.png?w=534&amp;ssl=1 534w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Yamunotri<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is located near the source of the Yamuna River at an altitude of 3,293 meters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2831\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184221.png?resize=300%2C185&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184221.png?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Screenshot-2025-05-05-184221.png?w=560&amp;ssl=1 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Char Dham pilgrimage is not only a spiritual journey but also an adventure in itself, as it takes travelers through some of the most rugged and challenging terrains in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1608&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Important Battles in Indian History<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhands_Biodiversity\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand&#8217;s Biodiversity<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand\u2019s natural beauty is complemented by its rich biodiversity. The state is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, making it a favorite destination for wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists, and botanists. The state has established several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves that protect its unique ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Jim Corbett National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: India\u2019s first national park, Jim Corbett is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers. The park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve and attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rajaji National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, this park is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and several species of birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Govind National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Located in the western Garhwal region, Govind National Park is known for its diversity of flora, mammals, and birds. It is home to about 15 mammal species, 150 bird species, and a variety of medicinal plants, making it a valuable area for scientific research.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nanda Devi National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park is one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in India. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from these, Uttarakhand has several lakes, such as Nainital, Bhimtal, and Sattal, which are known for attracting migratory birds and serve as prime birdwatching spots. The state also has two conservation reserves\u2014Asan Barrage and Jhilmil Tal\u2014which further protect its wildlife and provide habitats for a variety of species.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Also Read: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1616&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Important Battles in Modern History<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhand_Rivers\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand Rivers<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand, often referred to as the &#8220;Land of Gods,&#8221; is blessed with a rich network of rivers that not only enhance its scenic beauty but also hold significant cultural, religious, and ecological importance. The rivers in Uttarakhand are predominantly Himalayan in origin, with most of them emerging from glaciers and snow-capped peaks.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ganga River: Ganga<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, one of the holiest rivers in India, originates from the <\/span><b>Gangotri Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is a vital water source for millions of people and holds immense religious significance. The river passes through several towns in Uttarakhand, including <\/span><b>Haridwar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where it is worshipped by thousands of devotees every day.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Yamuna River: Yamuna<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> originates from the <\/span><b>Yamunotri Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, located in the western Garhwal region. It is another sacred river in Hinduism, flowing through major cities like <\/span><b>Delhi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and joining the Ganga at <\/span><b>Prayagraj<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers: Bhagirathi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Alaknanda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are two significant tributaries that converge at <\/span><b>Devprayag<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to form the <\/span><b>Ganga<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Both rivers originate from glaciers, with <\/span><b>Bhagirathi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> starting from <\/span><b>Gangotri Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>Alaknanda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from <\/span><b>Satopanth Glacier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other Notable Rivers: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from the major rivers, Uttarakhand is also home to numerous smaller rivers like the <\/span><b>Saraswati<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Kali<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Ramganga<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Tungabhadra<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which contribute to the state\u2019s vibrant ecosystem and agriculture.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhand_Adventure_Tourism\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand Adventure Tourism<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uttarakhand is a haven for adventure tourism, offering a range of outdoor activities like trekking, camping, river rafting, paragliding, and skiing. The state&#8217;s diverse landscape, from dense forests and river valleys to snow-clad peaks, provides an ideal backdrop for adventure sports.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trekking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The state offers several trekking routes for different skill levels, including the famous <\/span><b>Valley of Flowers trek<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Kedarkantha trek<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>Roopkund trek<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rafting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Ganga and its tributaries are perfect for rafting, with the stretch between Rishikesh and Haridwar being especially popular.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Skiing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Auli Ski Resort, situated in the Garhwal region, is one of the best ski resorts in India, offering excellent slopes and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Are you preparing for UPSC 2025?<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <b>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/b><\/a><b> to boost your preparation. Enroll now!<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles\"><\/span><b>Related Articles\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1942&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>National Parks In India<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1913&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Major Rivers in India<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-syllabus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UPSC Syllabus<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1863&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Dams in India<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1903&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Tiger Reserves In India<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=1065&amp;preview=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Public Administration Optional\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Uttarakhand_FAQs\"><\/span><b>Uttarakhand FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-2826 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-2826{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-2826 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-2826{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-2826.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-2826.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-2826.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-2826.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-2826.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1746449334\"><div id=\"sp-ea-2826\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-2826\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28260\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28260\" aria-controls=\"collapse28260\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is the capital of Uttarakhand?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse28260\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2826\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28260\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The capital of Uttarakhand is <\/span><b>Dehradun <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">and <\/span><b>Gairsain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Dehradun is located in the Dun Valley and serves as the winter capital, while <\/span><b>Gairsain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> is the summer capital of the state.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28261\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28261\" aria-controls=\"collapse28261\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What is the significance of the Char Dham?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28261\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2826\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28261\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Char Dham\u2014Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri\u2014are sacred pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, attracting millions of Hindu devotees seeking spiritual liberation and blessings from the gods.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28262\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28262\" aria-controls=\"collapse28262\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Which wildlife sanctuaries are in Uttarakhand?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28262\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2826\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28262\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand is home to several wildlife sanctuaries like Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Govind National Park, and Nanda Devi National Park, known for their rich biodiversity.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28263\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28263\" aria-controls=\"collapse28263\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the popular lakes in Uttarakhand?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28263\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2826\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28263\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uttarakhand is home to picturesque lakes such as Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Roopkund, which are known for their natural beauty and offer opportunities for boating and birdwatching.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-28264\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse28264\" aria-controls=\"collapse28264\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Which rivers flow through Uttarakhand?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse28264\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2826\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-28264\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The major rivers flowing through Uttarakhand are the <\/span><b>Ganga, Mandakini, Yamuna<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><b>Bhagirathi<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, <\/span><b>Alaknanda<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and <\/span><b>Saraswati<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which are crucial for the region\u2019s religious and ecological significance.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Uttarakhand, the Land of Gods, known for its Char Dham pilgrimage, rich biodiversity, adventure tourism, and scenic rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2825"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6192,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825\/revisions\/6192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}