Gairsain is a town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand in India. It is situated at an altitude of about 1,800 meters and is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Gairsain has gained importance in recent years as it has been declared the summer capital of Uttarakhand.
The town has a pleasant climate and offers a picturesque view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Gairsain include the Gairsain Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Gwaladam, a scenic waterfall located nearby.
Gairsain is also a popular destination for adventure sports like trekking and hiking. There are several trekking routes in the surrounding hills that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, located nearby, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
Gairsain can be accessed by road from major cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 200 km from Gairsain. The best time to visit Gairsain is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Places to Visit in Gairsain
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, which is known for its beautiful scenery and the Gairsain Mahadev Temple. Here are some of the popular places to visit in and around Gairsain:
- Gairsain Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the main attraction in Gairsain. It is believed that the temple is more than 1000 years old and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
- Gwaladam: This is a scenic waterfall located about 8 km from Gairsain. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular picnic spot.
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located about 60 km from Gairsain and is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and several species of birds.
- Adwani: Adwani is a small village located about 15 km from Gairsain. The village is known for its beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Satpuli: Satpuli is a small town located about 35 km from Gairsain. The town is known for its beautiful apple orchards and is a popular destination for apple-picking during the harvest season.
- Roopkund Lake: Roopkund Lake is a high-altitude lake located about 100 km from Gairsain. The lake is known for the skeletal remains that were discovered here, and is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
These are some of the popular places to visit in and around Gairsain. The town is a great destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Best Time To Visit Gairsain
The best time to visit Gairsain is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, trekking, and hiking. The temperature during these months ranges between 15°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for tourists to explore the town and its surroundings.
The monsoon season in Gairsain, which lasts from July to September, should be avoided as heavy rainfall can make it difficult to travel and explore the town. The winter season, which lasts from December to February, is also not recommended as the temperature can drop to sub-zero levels and the town can receive heavy snowfall, making it difficult to travel.
Overall, the best time to visit Gairsain is during the summer and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Gairsain
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand known for its scenic beauty and ancient temples. Here are some of the popular things to do in Gairsain:
- Visit the Gairsain Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple is the main attraction in Gairsain and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple is more than 1000 years old and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
- Explore the surrounding hills: Gairsain is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys, which offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Tourists can go for a trek or hike in the surrounding hills to enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Visit Gwaladam Waterfall: This is a scenic waterfall located about 8 km from Gairsain. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular picnic spot.
- Wildlife Safari at Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located about 60 km from Gairsain and is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and several species of birds. Tourists can go for a wildlife safari to spot these animals.
- Explore the nearby villages: Gairsain is surrounded by several small villages, each with its own unique charm. Tourists can explore these villages and learn about the local culture and traditions.
- Enjoy apple-picking in Satpuli: Satpuli is a small town located about 35 km from Gairsain. The town is known for its beautiful apple orchards and is a popular destination for apple-picking during the harvest season.
These are some of the popular things to do in Gairsain. The town is a great destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.
How to Get Around in Gairsain
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, and the best way to get around is by hiring a taxi or a private car. There are no local buses or public transport available in the town. Tourists can easily hire a taxi or a private car from the nearby cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar.
Alternatively, tourists can also hire a bike or a scooter from the nearby cities and drive to Gairsain. The roads to Gairsain are well-maintained and offer scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
It is also possible to explore the town on foot. Many of the popular attractions in Gairsain are located close to each other, and tourists can easily walk around and explore the town. However, it is important to note that Gairsain is located at an altitude of over 1800 meters, and the hilly terrain can be challenging for some tourists. It is advisable to carry comfortable shoes and warm clothing while exploring the town on foot.
Where to eat in Gairsain
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, and there are limited options for eating out. However, there are a few local restaurants and dhabas where tourists can enjoy the local cuisine. Here are some of the popular places to eat in Gairsain:
- Maa Bhandari Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant in Gairsain that serves a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. The restaurant is located on the Gairsain-Karnaprayag road and is a great place to stop for a quick bite.
- The Red Onion: This is another popular restaurant in Gairsain that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious food and warm hospitality.
- Local dhabas: There are several local dhabas in Gairsain that serve delicious local food. Tourists can try out the local cuisine, which includes dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Bhang ki Chutney, and Jhangora ki Kheer.
Apart from these, there are a few small shops and street vendors that sell snacks like samosas, kachoris, and tea. It is important to note that Gairsain is a small town, and the food options are limited. Tourists can also carry their own food and water while traveling to Gairsain.
Famous street stalls in Gairsain
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, and there are not many street food options available in the town. However, there are a few small shops and street vendors that sell snacks and tea. Here are some of the popular street food options in Gairsain:
- Tea stalls: There are several small tea stalls located on the roadsides in Gairsain. Tourists can enjoy a hot cup of tea along with some snacks like biscuits and namkeen.
- Sweet shops: There are a few sweet shops in Gairsain that sell local sweets like Bal Mithai, Singori, and Arsa. These sweets are made from local ingredients and are a must-try for anyone visiting Gairsain.
- Local snacks: There are a few small shops and street vendors in Gairsain that sell local snacks like Samosas, Kachoris, and Aloo Tikki. These snacks are delicious and are a great option for a quick bite.
It is important to note that Gairsain is a small town, and the street food options are limited. However, the local food is delicious and offers a unique taste of Uttarakhand. It is also advisable to eat at clean and hygienic places to avoid any health issues.
Where to stay in Gairsain
Luxury accommodation
As Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, there are limited options for luxury accommodation. However, there are a few hotels and resorts that offer comfortable stay options. Here are some of the luxury accommodation options in Gairsain:
- Shri Krishna Hotel: This is one of the popular hotels in Gairsain that offers luxurious rooms with modern amenities. The hotel is located on the Gairsain-Karnaprayag road and is known for its warm hospitality and beautiful views.
- Auli D: Auli D is a luxury resort located in Joshimath, which is about 50 km from Gairsain. The resort offers beautiful cottages with modern amenities and is a great place to relax and unwind.
- Nanda Inn Resort: Nanda Inn Resort is another luxury resort located in Joshimath, which is about 50 km from Gairsain. The resort offers beautiful rooms and cottages with modern amenities and is a great place to stay for tourists looking for a luxurious stay.
Apart from these, there are a few small guesthouses and lodges in Gairsain that offer basic accommodation options. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Where to stay in Gairsain
Budget accommodation
Gairsain is a small town in Uttarakhand, and there are limited options for budget accommodation. However, there are a few guesthouses and lodges that offer basic accommodation options. Here are some of the budget accommodation options in Gairsain:
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: This is one of the popular budget accommodation options in Gairsain. The guesthouse is located near the bus stand and offers basic rooms with attached bathrooms.
- Hotel Valley View: This is another budget accommodation option in Gairsain that offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel is located on the Gairsain-Karnaprayag road and is a great place to stay for tourists looking for a budget-friendly option.
- Om Guest House: Om Guest House is a small guesthouse located in Gairsain that offers basic rooms with attached bathrooms. The guesthouse is known for its warm hospitality and friendly staff.
Apart from these, there are a few small lodges and homestays in and around Gairsain that offer basic accommodation options. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Travel Tips Gairsain
Here are some travel tips for Gairsain:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Gairsain is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
- Weather conditions: Gairsain is located at an altitude of 1,830 meters and experiences cold weather throughout the year. It is advisable to carry warm clothes, especially during the winter months.
- Local transportation: There are limited local transportation options available in Gairsain. Taxis and buses are available to travel within the town and to nearby places.
- Accommodation: There are limited accommodation options available in Gairsain, so it is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
- Local food: Gairsain is a small town, and the local food options are limited. However, tourists can try local sweets like Bal Mithai, Singori, and Arsa, which are unique to the region.
- Respect local culture: Gairsain is a small town, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. It is important to respect local culture and traditions and dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or other religious places.
- Safety: Gairsain is a safe place to visit, but it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.
Overall, Gairsain is a beautiful town located in Uttarakhand and is a great place to visit for a peaceful and relaxing vacation.