Harsil is small village in Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand. Harsil is 30 kms before the famous Gangotri temple. Harsil is ideal for small vacation as hill station. Located at the height of 2600 meters it provides great cool weather in hot summer while snowfall in winter. Surrounding himalayan mountains provide great opportunity for hiking. Due to ITBP (Indo Tibet Border Police) station the population of village is increased but apart from it its very small village. Apple farming is popular here after british soldier named Frederik Wilson started in 1840s. It is favourite among the tourist to buy while passing from Harsil while going to Gangotri. Harsil is also good place to stay for Gaumukh trek before and after the trek. Located on the Bank of Bhagirathi river surrounded by himalayan mountains harsil is like hill station you have imagined in dreams. Often you will find milky stream flowing through the mountains and coming down. Bhagirathi is the river coming from Gaumukh which is considered source of the Ganga. After meeting Alaknanda river it will be officially called Ganga. Due to that Bhagirathi river is also very important among the pilgrims. Recently opening of Nelang valley here is also good for tourism in Harsil.
Places to visit in and around Harsil:
- Mukhba Village
- Gangotri Temple
- Sattal Trek
- Dharali Village
- Nelang Valley
Things to do in Harsil:
- Photography
- Hiking and Trekking
- Try Local food.
- Excursions to Gangotri, Nelang Valley etc
Best time to visit Harsil:
Harsil is good to visit throughout the year. Ideal for honeymoon, relaxation, yoga meditation. Duering monsoon (Jul - Aug) some road block can happen otherwise its good to visit all other season. If you are interested in snowfall Dec second week to end of feb is good time to visit.
Accommodation & Meals at Harsil:
Harsil is very small village. Hotel accommodation options are limited. Some standard hotels you will find in main market. Homestay option is possible in village at cheap price if you can adjust with simple stay like locals. Must try local garhwali food which is unique compare to other indian food and mostly organic.
How to reach Harsil:
By Road: Harsil is on Gangotri highway 70 kms after Uttarkashi. From Rishikesh approx 245 kms drive via Tehri Uttarakshi will take approx 7-8 hours. Dehradun is 230 kms drive. Bus taxi etc will be available from Rishikesh Dehradun Haridwar easily.By Railway: Haridwar and Dehradun is nearest railway station for Harsil. Both is approx 7-8 hours drive from Harsil so better to start early in morning from Dehradun / Haridwar. Good amount of trains arrive at Haridwar Dehradun daily basis.
By Air: Dehradun Airport is just 240 kms far from Harsil. Dehradun Airport is largest airport in state of Uttarakhand. Delhi Mumbai Ahemedabad and Lucknow has regular flights to Dehradun.