Bhojpatra tree in Uttarkashi

While trekking in Himalayas from Gangotri to Bhojwasa, I saw some bhojpatra trees.

It's scientific name is Betula utilis and it's white bark was used in ancient times to write scriptures and texts in Sanskrit. Even these days, sacred mantras are written on it's bark for doing some special prayers.

Due to deforestation, most commonly found tree in hills is now rarely found!