Raithal is a small village in Bhatwari tehsil, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Raithal village is popularly known as the base camp for the famous Dayara Bugyal Trek. But this village has more to offer than just a base camp. The village sits in the lap of the Himalayas, offering beautiful views of many peaks, such as Srikanth and Gangotri peaks. The archaic environment of the village charms many with its old home structures, temples, festivals, and events due to this village is famous for Village Tourism.
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How to reach here
Raithal village is located at an elevation of 1,800 meters and is well connected with a motorable road. You have to hail a taxi or book a private cab from Uttarkashi, which is the nearest city, around 34 km away. There are several ways to reach Uttarkashi, including the helicopter service in case of emergency.
You can read a detailed guide on How to reach the base camp of Dayara Bugyal-Raithal.
Best time to visit, weather and temperature
If you want to visit Raithal for Village tourism then you can visit all year round whereas if planning for trek then months of Jan, Feb, March, April, June, August, September, October and December can be considered best months.
Raithal is at high altitude and near Himalayan ranges that’s why weather there is pleasant. During winters, temperature hovers between -5 degree celcius to 12 degree celcius, in spring and summers it hovers between 4 degree celcius to 20 degrees, during autumn it stays around -2 degrees to 15 degrees.
Local attractions
Raithal has many interesting temples, sites and hikes around that give a glimpse back in time and experience of nature’s beauty. Listed below are things to do in Raithal.
- Panchpura Bhawan
Constructed 500 years ago, Panchpura Bhawan is an architectural marvel that withstood 3 earthquakes, including the devastating 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake. This building of Raithal village has 5 stories, made of Deodar woods, stones, and other locally available natural sources. The house is made in Koti Banal Style, a 1000-year-old architectural technique. This makes the home earthquake-resistant in high seismic areas like Uttarakhand.
The house belonged to the legendary Bhad Rana Gambhir Singh, whose ancestors still live in the village. Currently no one lives and is under restoration process. But you can visit and see a glimpse back in time and experience heritage.
- Temples
Raithal village has many historic temples with interesting folklore. Faith and spirituality resonate in the town. The temple of Maa Jagdamba is said to be a “Shakti Peet,” which no one passes by without bowing. Another major temple is of Someshwar Devta. People here organise fair and cultural program regularly where they perform various dance forms like Panda Nritya, Ranso and scenes of Mahabharata. After working hard all the time, the villagers find occasions like rejuvenating. People from 5 nearby villages participate, which helps to maintain harmony and connections.
An ancient West-facing Shani temple is a must-visit. Apart from this, you can spot an ignored Sun temple out of 5 ruined temples on the outskirts of the Raithal village. A ruin of Shivling and Nandi is also found here. The fascinating part is you can also find relics of Buddhist symbols as well which confuses many.
Adventures
- Dayara Bugyal Trek
Dayara Bugyal Trek is a world famous hiking trail as it has one of the highest alpine meadows. This trek has magical views of the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek paths go through dense forests of Deodar, Oak, and Rhododendron, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Surya Top
People cannot fathom the fact that something grander is waiting for them after Dayara Bugyal, which is Surya Top. Surya Top offers you a thrilling experience of walking through meandering ridges to the summit climb for top. From Raithal village to Dayara through Siyari, you reach Devkund and then start your Surya Top trek, which is for 2 whole days. From the top, you’ll feel that all the magnanimous peaks like Mt.Bandarpunch and Gangotri’s 1,2,3 peaks are within your reach. This trek is for anyone who is in quest of more adventurous activity.
- Gui Hike
While going to Dayara Bugyal, you cross a campsite known as Gui. From the base, the hike is approx 5 km. Gui Hike provides a short yet one of the most beautiful trails. In winter, you witness not one but two frozen lakes, one big other smaller. You can dreamscape in the stunning night while stargazing. Stay in ”Channi” made by locals of Raithal village to have a raw experience of Gui.
Read more frozen lakes of Gui here.
- Skiing
Winter in Dayara is magnificent, a picture-perfect snow-covered meadow is what you get to see. These meadows provide a perfect place for skiing. In Dayara, skiing is not as famous as in other destinations, but it can work in your favor. NIM sometimes organizes a skiing course in Dayara. Take advantage and enjoy skiing in this less crowded area before it reaches a larger population.
- Mountain Trail Biking (MTB)
For all the adventure seekers, MTB provides a great way to experience life on the edge. You get to explore the trails and forests at your own pace with the thrill of cycling through difficult paths. The meandering ways, forests, and beautiful views of different peaks elevate your experience. Staying in Raithal village gives a chance to Mountain Bike cycling in the Himalayas is an experience of a lifetime. So pick your bike and hit the trail. [youtube]
Local traditions and customs
- Butter Festival
When you live in high altitude area, animals become your friends. Both animals and humans are co-dependent on each other. Animals for proper shelter, food, and care & humans for milk, wool, etc. You can witness this beautiful relationship in Raithal village, where villagers celebrate healthy cattle. To thank the Deities for protecting them, the town villagers celebrate the “Butter Festival” or Makhan Holi. Read more on it here.
- Someshwar Devta Mela
Raithal gives an opportunity to experience the devotion and emotions of villagers at this fair. This fair is celebrated in 12 villages, including Raithal. Dolis for Deities is decorated, followed by Pandav Nritya to thank and pray God for health & prosperity. Witness live Pandwani – a form of musical storytelling performed on the beats of Dhol Damau (Drums) and Bhankora (Uttarakhand’s native musical instrument).
- Pandav Nritya/Pandav Lila
We all have heard of Ram Leela, but in Uttarkashi, you witness Pandav Lila. Pandav, in the local language, is called “Panua.” In Raithal village, Pandav Nritya is a kind of live performance, enacting the scenes of Mahabharata. People play the role of 5 Pandavas, namely Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul, and Sahdev. Pandav Nritya is performed in several parts of Uttrakhand in different months for different time frames. As Mahabharata is the longest epic in the world, only a few scenes are chosen to perform. A few are most important to perform, like Chakrabyuh, Gainda Baddha and Jarasabdh Badh.
Festivals and events
Selku fair
This fair is celebrated every year on the day of Makar Sankranti, which falls in the month of Pausha (January). The fair marks an auspicious day for the people of Raithal village. It is celebrated to welcome the new season of Spring. People also show gratefulness to the lord for keeping them safe and healthy in the harsh weather.
Devotees go to Bugyal in search of “Brahmkamal” (State flower of Uttarakhand) to offer it to Someshwar Devta. Other deities, namely, Maa Jagdamba and Kandaar Devta, are also brought down in decorated Dolis (Palanquins). Devotees enthusiastically perform folk dance ‘Raso’ and ‘Tandi’ while singing along.
In the local language, Selku is translated to “Soyega Kaun,” which means who will sleep. Following the literal meaning, the people of Raithal village dance and celebrate all night. It is said that the Selku Fair is also celebrated for Tibetian Trade. In earlier days, a barter system used to take place between both sides.
Gainda Performance
Gainda performance is a ritual based on Mahabharata’s Gainda scene. A fight takes place between Arjun and Nagarjuna, both unaware of their relationship of father and son. Locals perform this with such intensity that it will make you feel all emotions and vulnerability. The decoration of the Gaida figure increases day by day, and in the finale, it emerges as grand and lucrative.
Mahabharata plays an important role for the people of Raithal village and overall Uttrakhand. Devotees believe that Pandavs lived in Uttrakhand when they were in Agyatvas (hiding) and later when they left for heaven.
Local professions and livelihoods
- Homestays
Living in a high-altitude place is challenging in itself. But the villagers are tough and strong, like the Himalayas, who not only survive but also cater to tourists.
Many people converted their houses into homestays providing a chance for tourists to live in traditional Garhwali homes. In homestays, you also get to taste authentic food like Madua ki roti, chainsou, and Kafuli and live like a local.
- Farming
Most villagers grow their vegetables and grains. They serve the same homegrown veggies to the guests staying in the homestays. Step farming technique is used in Raithal village. Mainly potatoes and rice are grown here.
- Goat and Sheep rearing
Raithal has a lot of forest area and meadows around which makes it a perfect place to rear Goats and Sheep. Local people have herds of 200-500 sheep and goats. Meadows provide perfect grazing ground which is needed for cattle and sheep.
- Guides and porters
Sometimes, youth take up the job of a porter or guide. People come from all around the world; who else is a better guide than a local? A local person knows all the routes and trails like the back of their hand.
- Goat Village
This is an initiative by an NGO – Green people, in collaboration with the government. People get to stay in wooden cottages, and local people serve as hosts. Here, guests are encouraged to indulge in village activities and herding of goats. This step is taken to empower the rural area women of Raithal village and boost the economy.
- Beekeeping and Honey Making
Beekeeping, as a traditional way, is passed down to generations from their forefathers. Raithal is a hilly region which makes the perfect environment for this. During monsoon and spring the valley is filled with flowers for bees and honey making.
Make sure to grab a bottle of authentic honey when you visit Raithal.
Wrapping Up
Raithal is the best place for anyone who wants to experience the culture of the Garhwal region. This place has all stored in for you, a perfect place to find solace away from the hustling lives of the city. Raithal welcomes everyone with open arms and warmth.
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