Mukhba- Winter Char Dham Shrine

Mukhba is a small village located in Harsil, a scenic place in Uttarkashi. Situated on the banks of Bhagriathi, Mukhba (also called Mukhwa) is known as the winter seat of the revered Gangotri Temple. During winter, when the Char Dham Yatra is closed, the idol of Goddess Ganga is brought to Mukhba. Here, the deity is worshipped for the next six months until the Gangotri Temple reopens. It is believed that Mukhba is the same place where Chaman Rishi rested with Bhima when he was coming after lighting the holy fire of Ashwamedha Yagna.
 

Along with Ukhimath (winter seat of Kedarnath), Pandukeshwar or Narsingh Temple (winter seat of Badrinath Dham), and Kharsali (winter seat of Yamunotri Temple), the Mukhba Village is gaining popularity as part of the Winter Char Dham Yatra Circuit. A large number of devotees visit to seek the blessing of Goddess Ganga and to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. The hamlet is surrounded by scenic vistas, with snow-capped peaks of Shrikanth, Hinduyani, Jaonli, and Sumeru.

Winter Seat of Gangotri Temple

Mukhba Village is situated approximately 27 km away from the Gangotri Temple. Due to heavy snowfall, the Gangotri Temple becomes inaccessible in winter, and the idol of the deity is brought back to Mukhba for worship. Every year, on the eve of Diwali, the portal of the Gangotri shrine closes for the winter, and following all sacred rituals, the palanquin of Goddess Ganga is brought to Mukhba. As a part of the Winter Char Dham Yatra, devotees can visit Mukhba to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Mukhba Temple- The Winter Char Dham Shrine

Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, the Mukhba Temple's structure is almost identical to that of the Gangotri Temple. Adorned with white marble, the temple captivates visitors with its serene beauty. In addition, there is an old temple built of deodar and brass, also dedicated to Goddess Ganga. However, the door of this temple mostly remains closed, but it may be opened for the devotees upon special requests.

Food Guide

Being a small village, Mukhba doesn't have any major restaurants or dhabas. However, you will find a few tea stalls near the temple. For a good restaurant, visitors can explore Harshil, which is just 5 km away from the temple. Harsil offers multiple food options ranging from Chinese to local Garhwali cuisine. If you are staying in a homestay, you will mostly be served with traditional Garhwali food.

Accommodation

Visitors can book their stay either in Mukhba or in Harsil, as both places are close to each other. However, stay options in Mukhba are limited and offer only basic facilities. Some stays which are close to the Temple are given as: -

• Maa Homestay
• Geetanjali Homestay
• The Tibaari Riverside
• The Harshil Orchids
• Harshil Heaven Homestay
• Harshil Hill Homestay
• Dhruvnanda Homestay Harshil
• Himalayan Nature Resort

Important Tips for Visitors

• Advance accommodation booking is advisable to avoid a last-minute rush.
• Winter Char Dham Yatra Registration is not required to visit the shrine.
• Peak winter months are extremely cold; it is advisable to carry enough woollen clothing.
• Always check the weather forecast before travelling.
• Due to the unavailability of direct transportation, visitors must take a shared taxi from Uttarkashi.
• Mukhba has no restaurant except for some tea stalls.
• Staying in Harshil is advisable as Mukhba offer limited stay options.

Major Nearby Attractions

Mukhba is surrounded by some major attractions that you can explore during your visit: -

• Gangotri Temple (if visiting during Char Dham Yatra).
• Harsil.
• Dayara Bugyal.
• Gartang Gali.
• Kyarkoti Lake.