Untouched by tourism, Harsil makes for a great offbeat destination for those seeking solace as well as those looking for their share of adrenalin rush. Here’s our complete guide to this lesser-explored and spectacular hilly hamlet. By Karan Kaushik
Picture gently flowing clean rivers, white shimmery streams flowing down verdant hills, rejuvenating hot springs nestled deep within thick pine forests, lush apple orchards, icy glaciers, and the Great Himalayan Range basking in the sun in all its glory. Harsil is a sheer treat for those looking for their share of crisp air and gorgeous vistas.
Take a walk through this sleepy hamlet and locals would excitedly tell you how legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor fell in love with Harsil and chose it as the setting for his movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili. The village post office seen in the movie still attracts tourists with its old-world charm.
Nestled on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Harsil serves as a gateway to Gangotri, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of India. Tourists and pilgrims often forget to give Harsil the attention it deserves, since most of them move on to Gangotri. And we couldn’t be more grateful to them. Harsil remains a hidden gem away from tourist hustle and bustle and yet has everything that discerning travellers look forward to on a mountain holiday.
Here’s your complete guide to the charming Himalayan hamlet of Harsil.
Things to do
Village Walks
You don’t go to Harsil to eat pastries and splurge at quintessential mall roads. Harsil is all about slow and rare experiences. Experiences that we cherish for a lifetime. One such experience is walking through Harsil’s beautiful little villages. At a kissing distance from Harsil lies Dharali village, famous for its apple orchards.
View this post on Instagram
Dharali is also where Bhagirath is believed to have meditated to bring down river Ganges to the earth. Apart from visiting the orchards here, you could also pay obeisance at the Shiva Temple here.
View this post on Instagram
Another village you must visit is Mukhwas/Mukhba. The Mukhimath temple here, also known as Mukhba temple, serves as the winter home for Goddess Ganga. The village experiences heavy snowfall during peak winters, while summers are usually warm and pleasant.
Trekking
Harsil offers great trekking opportunities for both experts and beginners. Some of the best treks include the ones to Dodital, Khatling Glacier, Dayara Bugyal, and Sattal.
Sattal Trek
A 7km trek from Dharali takes you to Sattal, a group of seven lakes, located amidst beautiful environs and a wonderful camping site. It’s a single-day trek that will take you through five lakes. These are Mridunga Taal, Dabria Taal, Chadkia Taal, Rikh Taal and Bakria Taal. You will need an extra day if you wish to visit the other two lakes, perched at a comparatively higher altitude.
Dodital Trek
View this post on Instagram
This easy to moderate trek takes 7-8 days and is every bit rewarding. You will be trekking on a bed of thick snow as you marvel at the picture-postcard perfect surroundings. From majestic alpine forests to burbling streams to great flora, you’ll be up for a delightful experience. The last stretch takes you to the Dodital Lake, believed to have been the birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
Dayara Bugyal Trek
View this post on Instagram
This trek will take you to Dayara Bugyal, an alpine meadow blessed with shining water bodies and flowery plants. From the meadow, one can witness magnificent snow-clad peaks like Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Bhagirathi Peak. Come summer and the meadow will turn into an exciting camping site where you can be truly one with nature.
Visit the hotspring in Gangnani
View this post on Instagram
Any visit to Harsil will be incomplete without seeking blessings at Gangotri. On your way, take a pitstop at Gangnani to visit the popular hot spring here. Known as rishikund, the hot spring has waters with medicinal and curative properties. While in Gangnani, you may also fancy a leisurely walk around the town and interact with the warm and hospitable Garhwalis.
Walk through the pages of history at Wilson Cottage
View this post on Instagram
A fascinating legend about a firangi babu and his Garhwali wife prevails in Harsil. It is said that a British army officer named Mr Wilson escaped from the army after the revolt of 1857 and reached Harsil. He was refused asylum by the King of Tehri, following which he came to Harsil. Interestingly, he fell in love with a girl named Gulabi and became an entrepreneur. Today, his double-storied house, known as Wilson Cottage, catches the fancy of tourists, who visit the dilapidated bungalow on the road to Gangotri.
Best time to go
Harsil is best visited between mid-May to October. Glacial snow can be experienced even in summer. In winters, February and March are ideal, when the place is covered with a thick blanket of snow. If you are up for skiing or trekking adventures, the winter season is great. Avoid travelling in the monsoon as the region is prone to landslides.
Things to know
Harsil enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the country. While the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (241km), Rishikesh, at 221km is the nearest railhead. Taxis are easily available. Buses and shared taxis for Harsil are also available from Uttarakashi.
View this post on Instagram
If you are driving from Delhi, take the route to Rishikesh via Roorkee. At Rishikesh, take the Gangotri Highway via Chamba, Tehri, Uttarakashi, and Bhatwari.
How to get around
It’s best if you have you are travelling by your own vehicle. Taxis for sightseeing are also available in Harsil at reasonable rates.
View this post on Instagram
Best Hotels
Sunder Homestay
View this post on Instagram
Homestays are the preferred choice for offbeat travellers these days. Fortunately, Harsil has Sunder Homestay, one of the most sought-after places to stay in the valley. The homestay is located near the cantonment area and offers splendid views of the mountains. The food is great and the staff is extremely hospitable. When not up to anything good, loll around at their apple orchards and soak in the serenity.
Contact: +91 90272 09448
Prakriti – The Retreat
Located on the road to Gangotri, Prakriti-The Retreat features all modern amenities. They have an in-house restaurant too, which serves piping hot Garhwali delicacies along with your usual north Indian fare.
View this post on Instagram
They have a library too and every room has a private sit-out area. Patrons include the likes of singer Mohit Chauhan.
Contact: +91 80060 15050
GMVN Harsil Tourist Bungalow
Located right in the heart of the town, this hotel is well-equipped and offers rooms in the deluxe and super deluxe categories. Offering nice views of the gentle Bhagirathi, the tourist res house also features a restaurant and parking. Sightseeing and adventure tours can be organised on request.
View this post on Instagram
Best Restaurants
Since Harsil is an offbeat place, don’t expect too much in terms of food. There are small roadside eateries, which serve North Indian and Garhwali staples. Your hotel restaurant would be your best bet though. If you really wish to have a memorable dining experience in Harsil, head out to the restaurant at Prakriti-The Retreat.
Written By
