Harshil, Uttarakhand, 2024: All the hidden gems for you!

Harsil in Uttarakhand is one of the lesser-known hills stations in the Himalayas. This quaint village is the perfect place for holidaying for folks who seek solitude and peace. Harsil is one of the best places to visit for a perfect vacation. Pine and deodar trees is found in abundance. River Bhagirathi flowing through the town is surely a sight to behold.

The Colourful Village of Dharali

Situated around 3 km from Harsil, Dharali is a colourful village. The town of Dharali has good road connection with Harsil. You will be amazed by the picturesque location Dharali offers. Very popular for its red bean cultivation and apple orchards, the average temperature is around 7-degree celsius.

Legend says that Bhagirath meditated in this place to invoke the Gods and prayed to get the Ganges out of the heavens and to flow in the earth. A very old temple that has Lord Shiva as the deity talks about stories around Bhagirath.

Harsil Mountains. — Image Source: Pixabay

Mukhwas Village

Known as the winter home of Goddess Gangotri, Mukhwas Village is less than a km away from Harsil. The village is breathtakingly beautiful in winter with snowfalls. You will find hundreds of devotees flooding to pray to the Goddess.

Also Read- Top Hill Stations in North India

Sattal

Sattal is a beautiful combination of seven freshwater lakes, lots of migratory birds and an abundance of natural beauty. The area is truly a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and photographers.

Sat Tal or Sattal is situated 1370 meters above sea level. Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Panna, Naldaymanti Tai, Sukha Tal and Bharat are the names of the seven interconnected lakes. Pine and oak trees cover the shores of the lakes. This is one of the best places to get away from the loud crowd and the hustle-bustle of the busy city life.

Gangnani

One of the most popular places in Harsil, Gangnani receives lots of tourists from all over the world. Best known for its hot water spring, Gangnani also offers some of the best views of the Himalayas. Gangnani has located around 25 km from Harsil.

Mountain View From Harsil — Image Source: Pixabay

Gangotri

Gangotri is one of the four dhams ( Char Dham) of the state. The source of River Ganga is known as Char Dham. One mustn’t miss a visit to Gangotri if vacationing at Harsil. This amazingly beautiful town is known as the highest placed home of Goddess Ganga.

Mythology says, King Bhagirathi over hundreds of years meditated and Goddess Ganga transformed into a river to wash the sins of his forefathers. It is said that Lord Shiva places river Ganga over his matted lock to reduce the impact of the powerful river. Hence the Himalayan glacier which is said to be the origin of river Ganga is also called Bhagirathi.

Also, Read – Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand

How to Get There

Closest Airport – Jolly Grant Airport – 232 Km
Nearest Railway Station – Rishikesh Railway Station – 240 Km
Road- Daily bus between Delhi and Harsil- Most convenient method of transportation to Harsil

Travel Methods in Harsil to Explore the Best Places

You will be able to hire cabs quite easily in Harsil to commute from one place to another. There are places that are accessible only by foot and people add these to their trekking expeditions.

Best Time to Visit Harsil

Summer

Summer is one of the best time to visit Harsil. The pleasant weather makes it the ideal time for sightseeing. Evenings are cool and only very light woollen clothes are necessary.

Winter

If you are visiting Harsil in winter then get ready for the nail-biting cold. The temperature drops below the freezing point. Don’t forget to pack heavy woollen clothes. Trekking hence is very difficult during the winter season, but if you are able to withstand the harsh weather, the sights you will witness are breathtaking.

Monsoon

Monsoon would be our least recommended time to visit Harsil. The town is fresh and blooming but the risk of landslides is eminent

Keeping these in mind, the best time to visit Harsil is between April and October. Temperature ranges from 9-degree Celsius to 12-degree Celsius during the day and minus 2-degree Celsius to 1-degree Celsius during the night.

Explore the Food of Harsil

Exploring this beautiful place, you will find many small dhabas serving mainly north Indian cuisine. These are the best places to explore authentic, local food. If not for these dhabas, you can also enjoy your meals at the hotel or guest house you are staying

North Indian Food at Harsil — Image Source: Pixabay

Itinerary Suggestion for your Harsil vacation

Rightly called a paradise of nature, even just one day in this town will be filled with amazing experiences. You can start your day with a relaxing early morning walk. The constant chirping of the birds will fill your ears. This is indeed a magical way to start your day. You can return to your stay for a nice and hearty breakfast. You are now ready to kick-start your day.

Overview of Harsil Itinerary

Your first stop can be at Dharali. This colourful town gives amazing views of the mountains. You can then proceed to the spiritual Mukhwas Village. This village is known as the winter home to Goddess Ganga. If you are of the religious kind, you can also pay a visit to the temple. Next, you can move to the land of seven interconnected lakes, Sattal. Post lunch, proceed to Gangotri to witness the most elevated temple of Goddess Ganga. You can catch some spectacular views. Post this you can retire for the day at your hotel.

Ready for your Harsil vacation?

We hope we were able to clear some of your doubts regarding Harsil. Still unsure on how to go ahead with the planning? Don’t worry- you can reach out to our destination experts at Pickyourtrail for a personalized itinerary. You can also leave a Whatsapp inquiry for faster responses. Happy Holidaying!

FAQ

Why is Harshil famous?

Harsil is known for its apple produce, which, according to local lore, was introduced to the area by a British settler, Fredric E. Wilson.

What is the best time to visit Harshil?

April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Harsil. In winter, it receives heavy snowfall. During these months, the temperature drops significantly. Harsil receives snowfall during the winters, and the temperature touches zero and sometimes even negative.

What is the Kyarkoti Trek?

It is a 17-kilometer trek from the village of Harsil. The trek takes you along the Lamkhaga Pass route that connects to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh. Walk along alpine forests of cedar, pine, and birch and cross little streams along the way. Marvel at the emerald green waters of the Kyarkoti Lake.

What are the local foods in Harshil?

A visit to Harsil is incomplete without savoring the local Garhwali cuisine. Traditional dishes like Mandua ki Roti, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Kumaoni Raita provide a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.