Raithal Village

Raithal Village is a traditional Himalayan village in Bhatwari block of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, situated at about 1,830 metres above sea level. Known as the gateway to the alpine meadow of Dayara Bugyal, it is notable for its centuries-old stone-and-wood Garhwali houses, terraced fields and views of Garhwal Himalayan peaks. The village centres around the historic Someshwar Temple and is promoted as a rural tourism and trekking base.

Visitors can expect a compact Himalayan village with narrow lanes, traditional multi-storey houses built of stone, wood and slate with carved wooden facades, terraced agricultural fields and views of snow-capped peaks including Bandarpoonch and Srikanth. The central Someshwar Temple complex, local homestays, small shops and the trailhead to Dayara Bugyal are accessible on foot. The setting is rural and quiet, with opportunities to observe Garhwali village life, architecture and agricultural practices.

Raithal is considered a 500-year-old settlement and retains traditional Garhwali architecture. The Someshwar Temple in the village, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a historic stone temple that serves as the religious and social centre of the village and reflects the region's long-standing temple building tradition.

The village represents Garhwali culture and rural Himalayan lifestyle, with traditional wood-carved houses, terraced farming, local festivals and customs centred around the Someshwar Temple. It is promoted as a model for community-based rural and homestay tourism preserving local architecture, cuisine and agricultural practices.