Harsil

Harsil, a quaint and serene village located in the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, is a gem among all hill stations. Known for its vast apple orchards and pristine natural beauty, Harsil attracts visitors with its beauty and charm. Several scenes from Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili were shot here, which brought the village into the limelight. Unlike other Hill stations in Uttarakhand, Harsil offer a unique charm, which attracts both nature and peace seekers. Situated at a height of more than 9,000 feet, the region receives heavy snowfall in winter, transforming the area into a white wonderland.

Unique Charm

Uttarakhand is home to several hill stations, such as Mussoorie, Nainital, Chakrata, Auli, Kausani and many more. Yet, Harsil stands out for its natural beauty, picturesque landscape, snowfall, apple orchard and charming villages. Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Harsil lies approximately 237 km away from Rishikesh.

History and Mythology

According to the local legend, once the rivers Bhagirathi and Jalandhari argued over their significance. Due to their row, both rivers created great turbulence, causing havoc in the surrounding area. Distressed by this, people start praying to Lord Vishnu to calm down the situation. Responding to their prayers, Lord Vishnu arrived and transformed himself into a huge 'Shila', a stone and placed himself at the confluence of the two rivers. Lord Vishnu, who turned into a stone, absorbed all the fury of the rivers, resulting in calming their flow. Since then, the stone has been called Hari-Shila (or Harsil), which symbolises divine peace and harmony in the region.

Things to Do In Harsil

Visitors can participate in various activities in Harsil to make the most of their visit. Some popular activities, which include are: -

• Pilgrimage: If you are visiting Harsil between May and October, then a trip to Gangotri Temple will be an ideal choice. It is the second dham in the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.
• Trekking: Trekking is one of the best ways to explore the region's natural beauty. Adventure lovers can visit the Dayara Bugyal Trek for stunning views.
• Village Tourism: Harsil's soul lies in its villages, which gives you an authentic lifestyle and warm hospitality of Uttarakhand.

Accommodation

Being a hill station, Harsil offers a range of accommodation that can enhance your travel experience. Some recommended options that are available in the region are: -

• Sunder Homestay
• Hotel Radha Mohan Palace
• Harshill Heaven Homestay
• Harshil Hills Homestay
• Hotel Madhuban
• Himalayan Nature Resort
• Harsil Retreat
• Orchard View Homestay
• Nirvasana Retreat
• Nelong Homestay

Important Tips for Travellers

• Public transportation doesn't provide direct connectivity, so booking a taxi is the most convenient option.
• Bus facility is available up to Uttarkashi; from there, you can continue your journey by shared taxi.
• Avoid visiting during the monsoon, as you may face various travel-related issues.
• Check the weather and connectivity if visiting during winter, as the region receives heavy snowfall.
• If travelling by your personal vehicle, ensure it has all the essential tools and safety kits.
• Book your accommodation in advance, as you may face availability issues during peak seasons.
• Drive carefully, especially in winter, as black ice can make the road slippery.
• Carry enough cash, as ATMs are not available in the region.

Nearby Attraction

Although Harsil Valley itself is a renowned tourist place in the region. However, if you wish to explore the nearby region, here are some places that can be explored during the Harsil visit.

• Gartang Gali.
• Gangotri.
• Yamunotri.
• Dayara Bugyal.
• Sattal
• Bagori Village
• Mukhba Village (Gangotri Temple Winter Seat)