Kharsali - Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna

Kharsali, a quaint hamlet located near the Yamunotri Temple, serves as the winter abode of the Goddess Yamuna. During winter, when the Yamunotri Temple remains closed for devotees, the symbolic image of the Goddess Yamuna is brought to its winter seat at Kharsali. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River at an elevation of above 8,500 feet, the village offers scenic views of the surrounding areas, particularly the snow-capped peaks. The village gets crowded during the Char Dham Yatra season, while during the remaining months it remains quiet. However, the government is now promoting it as the Winter Char Dham Yatra. From Kharsali, the Yamunotri Temple is 6 km away and is accessible only on foot. However, during winter, the route is inaccessible due to snowfall.

Winter Seat of Yamunotri Temple

Every year, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, when the Yamunotri Temple closes, the palanquin carrying Goddess Yamuna is brought to Kharsali. The idol of the Goddess Yamuna is placed in the Shani Devi Temple, as she is the sister of Shani Dev. It is believed that this Shani Temple is one of the oldest across India.
 

Visiting the Shani Temple during the Char Dham Yatra is a must; otherwise, their pilgrimage remains incomplete. Until the Yamunotri Temple reopens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya, the deity is worshipped in Kharsali. Winter thus becomes an opportunity for the devotees to seek blessings from Goddess Yamuna.

Winter Char Dham Yatra

Unlike the Regular Char Dham Yatra, devotees are not required to register for the Winter Char Dham Yatra. Being the first shrine of the Char Dham Circuit, pilgrims on the winter circuit must also begin their journey here. It will be an opportunity for those who could not visit Yamunotri during the main season. After visiting Kharsali, visitors may visit Mukhba (winter seat of Gangotri), Ukhimath (Winter seat of Kedarnath), and Narsingh Temple (Winter seat of Badrinath Dham) to complete their winter Char Dham Circuit.

Accommodation

Kharsali offers a range of accommodation options, most of which are homestays. Visitors must book them in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or unavailability. Here are some stays that are available near Kharsali: -

• Kalindi Homestay.
• Yamunotri Cottages.
• Shri Yamuna Divine Inn.
• Hotel Yamuna Palace.
• Tirth Niwas.
• GMVN Annexy.
• Hotel Krishna Palace.

Food Guide

The region offers many restaurants and dhabas that provide various cuisine options. However, some of them also offer authentic Garhwali cuisine.

Important Tips for Visitors

• It is advisable to book accommodation in advance; otherwise, you may face unavailability issues.
• Before planning your trip, make sure to check the weather forecast, as the region receives heavy snowfall.
• Winter Char Dham Yatra registration is not required.
• Carry enough woollen clothes as the weather here remains extremely cold.

Major Nearby Attractions

Kharsali is surrounded by a few places that you can also visit: -

• Shani Dev Temple.
• Yamunotri Temple.
• Jankichatti.
• Hanumanchatti.
• Someshvar Temple.