Harsil

Harsil is a quiet and beautiful hamlet spot away from the crowd of tourists visiting popular hill stations of Northern India. It is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state on the way to Hindu pilgrimage, Gangotri, one of the most popular Chardhams of India.

Situated on the banks of Bhagirathi river, at the confluence of the Jalandhari Gad and the Bhagirathi rivers, Harsil's beauty has been enhanced by this gushing Bhagirathi river.

Situated at an altitude of 7860 feet above sea level, Harsil is known as a perfect training ground for adventure. A picture perfect destination, Harsil is spectacular with its verdant valleys, snow clad Himalayan peaks, beautiful rivers, hot springs, pine forest, apple orchards, waterfalls and green meadow. Around the Harsil are the tall peaks like Bhagirathi, Trishul and Shivaling. The most outstanding feature of Harsil is its breathtaking landscape and its peaceful environment. One can see some very dense deodar forests in Harsil

Harsil is dotted with many small temples. Harsil mainly inhabited by a small number of Jadhs, an ethinic group of the Bhotiyas looks like Tibetans. In addition to the beautiful temples, spectacular views, Harsil is also known for its woolen products like shawls, sweaters, etc. made by villagers. The town of Harsil is located at an altitude of around 2620 meters from Harsil.

An ideal base for a trekking holiday, Harsil has an interesting routes into the surrounding valleys over the high passess. Some of the trekking destinations near Harsil are Sattal, Kedartal, Dodi tal, Gaumukh Glacier, Dayara Bugyal, etc.

Places to see in and around Harsil

Dharali

Dharali is an exquisite hamlet situated at a distance of 3kms from Harsil. Dharali can be easily approached through motorable roads.

Mukhwas Village

Situated only 1km from Harsil, Mukhwa Village is home of the idol of Goddess Gangotri during winters because Gangotri region is prone to heavy snowfall during winters. Devotees worship at Mukhwa village during winters when Gangotri is snowbound and closed.

Kedartal

The strenuous trek to the picturesque Kedartal initiates from Gangotri. Kedartal can be reached by a difficult 14km trek via Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak. The immaculate water of Kedartal is situated at an elevation of 4,250mts above sea level.

Sattal

Sattal is located near Harsil and it can be reached by a 3km easy trek from Dharali. Throughout the journey one wil will that nature welcomes at every turn of the road. Perched at an altitude of 1370 metres above sea level, it is one of the most stunning hamlets in Uttarkhand Region with serene, pristine and divine beauty. Sattal gets its name from the seven interconnected freshwater lakes. During the British rule in India, Sattal was a famous tea plantation in the Kumaon region. Read more..

Gangotri

Located 24 kms from Harsil, Gangotri is considered very sacred by Hindus. Gangotri is also known as the source of the river Ganga and the seat of the goddess Ganga. A white granite temple dedicated to Ganga was built here by Gorkha General Amar Singha Thapa in the 18th century and rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. This temple is situated on the northernmost part of the state of Uttarakhand and the Indo - Tibetan border beside the Bhagirathi River at 10,500 feet. 2.50 laksh Hindus visits this temple annually. The temple remains opened from May to November. Read more..