Raithal Village Uttarkashi | The Hidden Gem of Uttarakhand

Raithal village is a peaceful and beautiful village in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. Surrounded by tall mountains and lush green forests, Raithal is a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and people who want to relax far from city noise.

This small village is not very famous yet, but it should be! It is the starting point of the popular Dayara Bugyal trek, known for its green meadows and snow-covered views. But Raithal is more than just a trekking base. It has old houses, warm local people, colourful festivals, and amazing local food.

In this blog, we will explore everything about Raithal village—what to do, where to stay, how to reach, when to visit, and why you must add it to your travel list.

Where is Raithal Village?

Raithal is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, about 38 kilometres from Uttarkashi town. It sits at an altitude of about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) above sea level. You can see snow-covered mountains like Shrikhand Mahadev and Bandarpunch Peak from here!

📍Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
🛣️Distance from Rishikesh: 190 km
🛣️Distance from Dehradun: 215 km

Why is Raithal Village Special?

Here are 5 reasons why Raithal village is a must-visit:

1. Start Point of Dayara Bugyal Trek

2. Rich Garhwali Culture and Festivals

3. Traditional Koti-Banal Architecture

4. Warm Homestays and Local Food

5. Peaceful, Offbeat, and Budget-Friendly

Let’s talk about each one in detail.

1. The Dayara Bugyal Trek – Nature at Its Best

If you love trekking, then Raithal is a dream come true. It is the base camp for the Dayara Bugyal Trek, one of the easiest yet most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand.

Trek Highlights:

• Distance: About 9 km one way from Raithal to Dayara

• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Best for: Beginners, families, solo travellers

• Best Time: May to July and September to November

• Winter Snow Trek: December to February

What You’ll See:

• Wide green meadows (“bugyal” means meadow in Garhwali)

• Bright wildflowers in summer

• Snow in winter

• Mountains like Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag

You can even camp overnight in the meadows! It’s safe, and the sky is full of stars.

2. Koti-Banal Architecture – Old is Gold

Raithal is known for its traditional Koti-Banal houses, made from stones and wooden beams. These homes are strong and earthquake-resistant. The most famous one is:

Panchpura Bhawan

This is a 300-year-old heritage house that was recently restored. It shows how smart and skilled the old builders of Raithal were. You can visit it, take photos, and learn about old village life.

These homes also stay warm in winter and cool in summer—amazing, right?

3. The Local Life – People, Food, and Smiles

The people of Raithal are very friendly. Most of them are farmers or homestay hosts. They grow rajma (kidney beans), potatoes, apples, and other mountain crops.

When you stay in a homestay, you will get to:

• Eat homemade Garhwali food like Mandua roti, Chainsoo, Phaanu, Jhangora kheer

• Drink herbal teas

• Sit around a fireplace and hear stories

• Help on the farm or kitchen if you like!

4. Colourful Festivals of Raithal Village

Raithal celebrates many beautiful local festivals. These are not just fun but also a way to learn about Garhwali culture.

Some famous festivals:

• Anduri Festival (Butter Festival): People throw butter at each other, sing songs, and dance. It’s super fun and messy!

• Someshwar Mahadev Mela: A big fair in the temple of Lord Shiva. People come from nearby villages.

• Phulyar Mela: Celebrated in spring with flowers and traditional music.

If you visit during festivals, you will see the village full of life, music, and joy.

Where to Stay in Raithal Village

There are no big hotels in Raithal, but that’s what makes it so charming! You can stay in homestays, guest houses, or small eco-lodges run by locals.

Recommended Homestays:

1. Aastha Homestay – Simple rooms, great food, mountain view.

2. Raithal Heritage Homestay – A traditional house with wooden architecture.

3. GMVN Tourist Rest House – Budget-friendly, government-run.

Why choose a homestay?

• Eat local food

• Support village families

• Get personal stories and tips

• Feel like a family guest, not a tourist

What to Eat in Raithal?

Food in Raithal is simple, tasty, and healthy. You must try:

• Mandua Roti (made of finger millet)

• Chainsoo (black gram curry)

• Jhangora Kheer (sweet dish made of barnyard millet)

• Phaanu (mixed lentil soup)

• Fresh fruits like apples and apricots

Also, don’t forget to try the buttermilk and homemade ghee!

How to Reach Raithal Village?

Raithal may be remote, but it is not hard to reach.

By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun

• Take a taxi or bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi → Raithal

By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• From the airport, hire a cab or take a shared taxi

By Road:

• From Uttarkashi: 38 km (local taxis available)

• From Rishikesh: 190 km

• From Dehradun: 215 km

Roads are good, but winding, so keep some motion sickness pills if needed.

Best Time to Visit Raithal Village

You can visit Raithal almost any time of the year.

Each season offers a different view of the same beautiful village.

Things to Do in Raithal (Other Than Trekking)

Here’s a list of fun and peaceful things you can enjoy in Raithal village:

1. Walk through the village lanes

2. Talk to elders and hear folk tales

3. Try your hand at farming

4. Learn how to make Garhwali food

5. Watch the sunrise and sunset from the viewpoint

6. Attend a temple aarti (prayer)

7. Buy local woollen caps or spices

Nearby Places to Explore

Once you’ve explored Raithal, there are other beautiful places nearby:

Responsible Travel Tips

When visiting a quiet place like Raithal, it’s important to be a responsible traveller.

✅ Carry your waste back
✅ Say no to plastic
✅ Respect local culture
✅ Dress modestly
✅ Buy from local shops and homestays
✅ Do not pluck wildflowers or plants

Plan Your Trip to Raithal Village With Ease

Looking for a peaceful holiday? Book a Raithal village homestay, try the Dayara Bugyal trek from Raithal, or join a local Raithal village tour package with trekking and culture mixed together.

Raithal Village Photo Spots

Don’t forget your camera! Here are some photo spots:

📍 Village Viewpoint Bench

📍 Panchpura Bhawan Window

📍 Temple Courtyard

📍 Dayara Trail Start Point

📍 Old Bridge near Stream

What Travellers Say

“We stayed with a lovely Garhwali family who treated us like their own. Trekking to Dayara was the highlight!” – Pooja, Mumbai

“It was peaceful and quiet. No honking, no stress. Just stars, mountains, and homemade food.” – Ryan, Bangalore

Conclusion – Why You Must Visit Raithal Village

Raithal village is not just a place. It’s an experience. A place where nature, people, history, and peace come together. It’s perfect for travellers who want something real, something offbeat.

Whether you are trekking to Dayara Bugyal, attending the Butter Festival, or simply walking through apple orchards, Raithal will win your heart.

FAQs about Raithal Village

Q1: Is Raithal village safe for solo travellers?
Yes, it’s very safe. Locals are friendly and helpful.

Q2: Can I visit with my kids?
Yes! It’s a great place for families.

Q3: Are there ATMs in Raithal?
No, but you can find ATMs in Uttarkashi town.

Q4: Is the mobile network available?
Jio and BSNL work in most areas, but don’t expect fast internet.

Q5: How many days are enough for Raithal?
2–4 days are good to explore and do the trek.