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Jakhol Village | Award Winning Gem of Uttarkashi

July 4, 2025

Jakhol is a quiet and beautiful village tucked away in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by snowy peaks, dense pine forests, and peaceful apple orchards, this hidden village offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and soft adventure. Life here moves slowly, wooden houses reflect centuries of tradition, and the fresh mountain air brings instant calm.

In 2024, Jakhol was proudly awarded the “Best Tourism Village for Adventure Tourism” by the Union Ministry of Tourism. This honour brought attention to the village’s growing popularity among trekkers, nature lovers, and those seeking eco-friendly travel experiences. With its charming homestays, scenic trails, and warm-hearted locals, Jakhol has quietly become one of the most promising offbeat destinations in the region.

Where Is Jakhol Village

Jakhol is a mountain village located in the Tons Valley region of Uttarakhand, in the Mori block of Uttarkashi district. It lies in the western part of Uttarakhand, close to the border with Himachal Pradesh, and sits within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary—a protected area known for its rich forests, wildlife, and alpine meadows.

The village is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and is surrounded by tall peaks, pine and deodar forests, and peaceful rivers. Jakhol is also one of the last villages before the trekking routes to Devkyara Bugyal and Rupin Pass begin.

This location makes Jakhol not just beautiful, but also important for nature, culture, and adventure travel.

About Jakhol Village

1. A Traditional Himalayan Village

Jakhol is one of the oldest and largest villages in the Tons Valley of Uttarakhand. It sits quietly among pine forests, rivers, and snow-covered peaks. The village is known for its peaceful lifestyle, wooden homes, and deep connection to nature. With fresh air, clean surroundings, and warm-hearted people, Jakhol feels like a place where time slows down.

2. Local People and Way of Life

Around 300 families live in Jakhol. Most of the people in Jakhol belong to the Bohora community, who have lived here for generations. They are mainly farmers and shepherds, growing crops like red rice, rajma, and millet. Many families also keep cows, goats, and sheep. Life in Jakhol follows the rhythm of the seasons—people wake up early, work in the fields, and gather around the fireplace in the evening.

Villagers speak Garhwali and Hindi, wear traditional clothes during festivals, and follow old customs with great respect. They are also known for their honesty, simplicity, and warm hospitality. Visitors often say that staying in Jakhol feels like living with a second family.

3. A Glimpse into the Past

Jakhol has a rich cultural history. The wooden homes, built in the Koti-Banal style, show the smart and strong architecture of the olden days. These homes are made using only stone and wood, and can survive heavy snow and even earthquakes. Some houses in the village are over 200 years old and still in use.

The village has been a quiet guardian of Garhwali traditions—protecting not just its buildings, but also its music, food, stories, and simple way of living.

4. The Legend of Lord Someshwar

According to a popular village legend, Lord Shiva once visited this land in the form of Someshwar Mahadev. It is said that many years ago, a saint was meditating near the forest. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared and promised to protect the valley and its people.

To honour this divine visit, the villagers built a wooden temple in the heart of Jakhol, which is known today as the Someshwar Mahadev Temple. This temple is not only a place of worship but also a part of the village’s identity. Many believe that the blessings of Lord Someshwar still protect Jakhol from harm.

How to Reach Jakhol Village

To reach Jakhol, you first need to get to Sankri, a small village in Uttarakhand that acts as the main starting point. Sankri is well connected by road and is about 187 km from Dehradun. You can reach Sankri by private taxi, shared jeep, or state-run bus via towns like Purola and Mori.

Once you are near Sankri, take a left turn about 3.5 km before the village. This narrow side road leads directly to Jakhol village. Local taxis are available, or you can walk if needed.

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Best Time to Visit Jakhol Village

Season	Months	What to Expect
Spring	March to May	Apple blossoms, pleasant weather, perfect for photography and short treks.
Summer	June to mid-July	Clear skies, warm days, green fields, ideal for family trips and village walks.
Monsoon	Mid-July to August	Lush greenery, heavy rain, and roads may be slippery, less ideal for trekking.
Autumn	September to November	Clear views, cool air, the best season for treks like Devkyara, and local festivals.
Winter	December to February	Snowfall, quiet village life, beautiful white views, and limited access during snow.

Why You Should Visit Jakhol

Jakhol is a peaceful mountain village where nature, traditions, and culture come together in a beautiful way. From scenic treks to local festivals, here’s why you should add this hidden gem to your travel list:

1. Award-Winning for Adventure Tourism

Jakhol won the Best Tourism Village Award for Adventure Tourism (2024) from the Union Ministry of Tourism. It’s known for its clean surroundings, soft-adventure options, and rich local culture.

2. Base for Scenic Himalayan Treks

The village is a starting point for stunning treks like Devkyara Bugyal, Obra Gad, and Fhitari, which offer pine forests, flower meadows, glacier streams, and views of Swargarohini and Black Peak.

3. Ancient Temple and Traditional Homes

Jakhol is home to the 300-year-old Someshwar Mahadev Temple, built in the earthquake-safe Koti-Banal style. The entire village showcases traditional wooden houses, carved balconies, and strong stone structures, giving Jakhol high architectural value.

4. Beautiful in Every Season

From spring blossoms and green farms to snowy rooftops in winter, Jakhol changes with every season. It’s perfect for slow walks, photography, and quiet mountain moments.

5. Colourful Local Festivals

Jakhol celebrates lively festivals like Bisu Mela and Devgoti Mela, where villagers from over 20 nearby hamlets come together with music, dances, and butter-throwing fun!

6. Local Homestays and Simple Life

Stay with local families, eat homemade Garhwali food, and enjoy peaceful nights under the stars. It’s offbeat, affordable, and full of heart.

Jakhol – India’s Best Tourism Village 2024

In 2024, Jakhol was honoured with the “Best Tourism Village Award for Adventure Tourism” by the Union Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The award was presented at the Travel for Life Tourism Awards ceremony, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 27th September 2024, which also marked World Tourism Day.

Jakhol received this national award for its:

Conservation of ancient wooden temples
Use of solar-powered street lights
Ban on single-use plastic
Involvement of local youth as trained trek guides

This recognition has made Jakhol a top choice for eco-conscious travellers, adventure seekers, and those looking to explore real village life in the Himalayas.

Adventure Activities to Do in Jakhol Village

Jakhol is not only a peaceful Himalayan village, but also an emerging destination for soft adventure tourism. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and high-altitude meadows, the village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor excitement. This is one of the key reasons why Jakhol was honoured with the Best Tourism Village Award for Adventure Tourism in 2024.

Here are the top adventure activities to enjoy in and around Jakhol:

1. Trek to Devkyara Bugyal

The Devkyara Bugyal trek is the most popular adventure trail starting from Jakhol. It takes you through pine forests, glacier streams, and alpine valleys before opening up to a vast meadow surrounded by snow-covered peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bali Pass.

Altitude: ~3,600 m
Duration: 5 to 6 days (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time: May–June and September–October
Experience: High-altitude camping, mountain views, wildflowers

2. Obra Gad Exploration

For those looking for a raw, offbeat experience, Obra Gad is a beautiful forest and river valley that can be explored over a short trek. The trail includes boulder crossings, hanging bridges, and peaceful river campsites.

Duration: 1 to 2 days
Level: Moderate
Ideal for: Nature lovers, small groups, beginner trekkers
Experience: Forest trail, river banks, wildlife spotting

3. Ridge Walks and Forest Hikes

Jakhol is surrounded by scenic ridgelines and thick forests. With the help of a local guide, you can take short ridge walks that offer views of the Supin Valley, nearby villages, and distant Himalayan peaks.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Level: Easy
Activities: Nature walks, birdwatching, landscape photography
Best For: Families, solo travellers, and beginners

4. Guided Trail Runs and Youth Adventure Training

Jakhol’s youth have been trained as certified local trek guides under tourism and sustainability programs. Many of them now lead:

Guided trail runs and nature walks
Small group trekking lessons
Adventure safety sessions and awareness activities

These experiences help visitors learn about mountain survival, eco-friendly trekking, and the culture of responsible tourism.

5. Riverbank Adventure (Seasonal)

While rafting is not available in this part of the valley, the Supin River near Jakhol offers light adventure and peaceful exploration:

Riverbank hikes
Rock hopping and splash zones
Picnic-style riverside camps

Always check with local guides before entering forest or river zones.

6. High-Altitude Camping and Star-Gazing

Thanks to its elevation and low light pollution, Jakhol is a great place for camping under the stars. Most multi-day treks from the village involve at least one night of high-altitude camping.

Activities: Tent stays, bonfires, Milky Way photography
Best Time: October to early December and late March to June

Jakhol offers the perfect mix of soft adventure and natural beauty—ideal for travellers looking for trekking, forest exploration, and cultural interaction in a quiet Himalayan setting. It’s not commercial, but it’s authentic, and that’s what makes it truly special.

Festivals That Paint the Village

Festivals in Jakhol are not just celebrations—they are a lively display of faith, tradition, and unity. The entire village comes alive with colour, music, and age-old customs. If you visit during festival time, you’ll see the real spirit of Jakhol.

1. Bisu Mela (Butter Festival) – April

This is one of the most joyful festivals in Jakhol. People celebrate the arrival of spring and pray for a good harvest. Villagers gather in open spaces to sing traditional songs, dance in groups, and playfully smear butter on each other’s faces. It’s messy, fun, and full of laughter. The air smells of sweets, ghee, and celebration.

2. Devgoti / Someshwar Mela – January to February

Held in honour of Lord Someshwar Mahadev, this festival is deeply spiritual and cultural. Over 22 nearby villages take part as the Shiva palanquin (doli) is carried from one hamlet to another. For 15 days, people offer prayers, sing devotional songs, and perform folk dances, including the rare night-time dance called “Ransoo.”

Jakhol becomes a centre of energy during this time, with glowing lamps, drum beats, and community feasts.

3. What to Expect During the Festivals

Local jaggery sweets and traditional Garhwali food
Folk music and instruments like dhol, damau, and ransingha
Cultural shows, community prayers, and temple rituals
A great time to meet locals and join the celebration

If you’re planning a trip to Jakhol, visiting during one of these festivals will make your experience even more special. It’s the best way to witness the soul of the village in its purest form.

Nearby Places to Explore from Jakhol Village

Jakhol is surrounded by some of the most peaceful and beautiful locations in Uttarakhand’s Supin Valley. From high-altitude lakes and sacred temples to quiet villages and forest trails, there’s so much to see beyond Jakhol.

1. Sankri (3.5 km from Jakhol)

Sankri is a small village and the main base camp for many famous treks in the region. It has a few cafés, homestays, and basic shops for trekking gear. Most visitors stop here before heading to Jakhol or starting multi-day treks.

Why visit: Great for last-minute trekking prep, meeting fellow travellers, and enjoying views of snow-capped peaks.
Local tip: Catch the sunrise from the Sankri viewpoint or enjoy Maggi at one of the wooden cafés.

3. Har Ki Dun Valley (7-day trek)

Known as the “Valley of the Gods,” Har Ki Dun is a glacier valley surrounded by mighty Himalayan peaks. The Pandavas from the Mahabharata are said to have passed through here on their way to heaven.

Why visit: Alpine meadows, snow peaks, mythological stories, and traditional wooden temples.
Best time: April to June and September to November.
Trek type: Moderate. Perfect for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike.

4. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

This protected forest reserve is home to rare wildlife such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopards, and the colourful monal bird. It is also rich in medicinal herbs and alpine flora.

Why visit: Great for birdwatching, forest photography, and peaceful eco-walks.
Permits: Required for trekking or camping inside core zones.
Nearest gate: Netwar (19 km from Jakhol)

5. Netwar Village (19 km)

Netwar is a quiet riverside village and the entry gate to Govind National Park. It is home to the Karna Devta Temple, where locals worship Karna from the Mahabharata as a village deity.

Why visit: Spiritual atmosphere, riverside walks, and unique mythology.
Interesting fact: Unlike most Hindu temples, the priest here is not a Brahmin but a local from the Rajput community.

6. Osla Village (14 km trek from Taluka)

Osla is a fairytale-like Himalayan village known for its ancient wooden temple, believed to be dedicated to Duryodhana. The houses are built in classic Koti-Banal style, and people still live a traditional mountain lifestyle.

Why visit: Ancient architecture, quiet village life, and the hospitality of locals.
Must see: Osla Temple and nearby fields filled with wildflowers.

7. Kedarkantha Base (7 km from Sankri)

This is the starting point of the popular Kedarkantha trek, known for its snowy trails and amazing sunrise from the summit. It’s one of the best winter treks in India.

Why visit: Snow adventure, panoramic views, and a beginner-friendly high-altitude trek.
Best time: December to March.

8. Juda Ka Talab (4 km trek from Sankri)

A calm, high-altitude lake surrounded by tall pine trees. Juda Ka Talab is often used as a camping site on the Kedarkantha trail.

Why visit: Mirror-like lake reflections, peaceful overnight camping, and light snow in winter.

9. Ruinsara Tal (multi-day trek from Jakhol or Dhaula)

Ruinsara is a hidden lake in the middle of alpine meadows and glaciers. It lies beyond Seema/Osla and is part of the Bali Pass trail.

Why visit: Wild terrain, an untouched lake, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
Trek type: Challenging, ideal for experienced trekkers.

10. Dhaula (40 km from Jakhol)

Dhaula is a remote settlement and trailhead for the Bali Pass and Ruinsara Tal treks. It is quiet, green, and full of traditional village charm.

Why visit: Pure silence, raw forest beauty, and an offbeat trekking experience.

11. Mori Village (30 km)

Located on the banks of the Tons River, Mori is one of the largest villages in the valley. It has cafés, schools, temples, and in the summer, offers river rafting in the Tons.

Why visit: Culture, riverside walks, and adventure sports.
Highlight: Unique blend of Garhwali and Jaunsari traditions.

Jakhol is a perfect base to explore this entire region. Whether you want to go deep into forests, cross icy rivers, or visit villages that feel frozen in time, the nearby places around Jakhol offer something for every kind of traveller.

Where to Stay in Jakhol Village

Jakhol offers peaceful and comfortable stay options, mostly in the form of family-run homestays. These places give you a chance to enjoy local hospitality, traditional wooden architecture, and homemade Garhwali meals.

Recommended Stay Options in Jakhol:

Devkyara Homestay
A cosy family homestay with views of the Devkyara valley. Ideal for trekkers and solo travellers.
Jakhol Heritage Homestay
Set in a traditional wooden house, this stay offers basic facilities and a rustic village experience.
Swargarohini View Homestay
Rooms with balconies facing the snow-covered Swargarohini peak. Great for photographers and nature lovers.
Bali Pass Base Homestay
A preferred stop for trekkers heading towards Bali Pass and Ruinsara Tal. Simple rooms with hot meals.
Apple Orchard Stay
Surrounded by apple trees, this eco-friendly homestay serves seasonal fruits and organic food.
GMVN Guest House, Sankri (3.5 km from Jakhol)
If homestays are full in Jakhol, this government-run guest house in nearby Sankri is a good backup option.

Local Food You Must Try

Food in Jakhol is simple, local, and full of flavour. Most meals are cooked fresh using ingredients grown on nearby farms, like millets, pulses, leafy greens, and mountain herbs. Staying at a homestay gives you the best chance to enjoy real Garhwali cuisine, cooked with love by the host families.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

Mandua Roti – Flatbread made from finger millet; served with ghee and local vegetables
Chainsoo – A thick, rich curry made from roasted black gram (urad dal)
Jhangora Kheer – A sweet dish made with barnyard millet and milk, often served warm
Phaanu – A mix of lentils that’s hearty and packed with protein
Aloo Ke Gutke – Spiced boiled potatoes served with chutney
Gahat Dal (Kulthi) – Horse gram lentils cooked with mustard seeds and garlic
Chaas (Buttermilk) – Light and refreshing, made from fresh curd
Seasonal Pickles and Homemade Ghee – Often served with every meal

Extras:

Herbal teas made from wild mountain herbs
Local jaggery and sweets during festivals
Fresh apples and apricots (seasonal)

Things to Do (Beyond Trekking)

Village walk to see 300 wood-carved houses.
Learn weaving on a back-strap loom.
Bird-watch in oak–rhododendron forest; look for Monal pheasant.
Stargaze—Tons Valley is free of light pollution.
Participate in evening aarti at Someshwar temple.

Responsible Travel Tips

Carry reusable bottles; avoid plastic.
Respect the local dress code inside temples.
Do not carve or write on wood panels.
Buy woollen caps or red rice directly from farmers.
Pack all trash out.

Traveller Voices

“My homestay grandma taught me to churn butter for the Bisu festival—messy but unforgettable!” — Meera, Delhi

“Star-gazing by the river was pure magic. The award tag is well deserved.” — Arjun, Pune

Conclusion – Why You Must Visit Jakhol Village

Jakhol is not just a village—it’s an experience that stays with you. Surrounded by tall deodar forests and snow-covered peaks, this quiet Himalayan hamlet is full of natural beauty, rich traditions, and warm-hearted people. From ancient wooden temples and unique festivals to peaceful homestays and tasty local food, everything in Jakhol feels pure and real.

Whether you are a trekker looking for your next trail, a nature lover in search of silence, or a cultural explorer wanting to understand village life, Jakhol welcomes you with open arms. It is one of the rare places in Uttarakhand that remains untouched by heavy tourism yet offers so much to see, do, and feel.

So, if you’re looking for an offbeat, meaningful mountain escape, Jakhol should be on your list. Come for the views, stay for the peace, and leave with memories that will pull you back again.