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Harsil, Photo: Shivom Nautiyal

Harsil

Harsil - An Unexplored Valley

Harsil is an unspoiled and hidden jewel of Uttarakhand state offering ample scope for people seeking peace and serenity in the lap of Himalayas. It is situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River at an elevation of 2620 mts above sea level. This quaint hamlet has become popular in recent years among travel enthusiasts and nature lovers.

There are several adventurous trekking routes that you can do in the vicinity of Harsil. A holiday at Harsil is a rejuvenating experience where you can do meditation and yoga.

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Harsil Tour Packages

Harsil Luxury Tour Package
6 Days/ 5 Nights
₹. 26,900.00
Heli Tour to Harsil and Uttarkashi
3 Days / 2 Nights
₹. 32,500.00
Swargarohini Parikrama Trekking Expedition
21 Days / 20 Nights
₹. 78,000.00
View all Book Now 8527456666

Harsil Location

Harsil is located in a picturesque valley inhabited mainly by the Bhotia tribes. The temperature of Harsil remains pleasant during summers and reaches a freezing point during winters. There are numerous Deodar and Apple trees in Harsil and the region receives snowfall from December to March. Harshil is situated on Uttarkashi - Gangotri Road at a distance of 72 kms after Uttarkashi.

Dense Deodar forests, gushing water of Bhagirathi River, chirping birds, salubrious environment and serene environs are the highlights of this little secluded destination.

Harsil Travel News

02 Mar 2024
Snowfall Update - Snowfall in Chardham, Harsil on 02 Mar 2024

Around 6 inch snowfall recorded in Harsil on 02 Mar 2024. There has been snowfall in Harsil along with Char Dham in Uttarakhand and other high altitude. Though the Badrinath temple is closed for winters, the opening date of Badrinath has been announced.

20 Feb 2024
Uttarakhand Snowfall Update 20 Feb 2024

Snowfall was reported on Monday in regions such as Kedarnath Dham, including Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Chandrashila, etc. Additionally, light snowfall was observed in tourist spots like Chopta, Dugalbitta and in Deoriatal. 

The phenomenon extended to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham, Harshil Valley, and other high-altitude areas of Uttarkashi. Despite the snowfall, road movements remained unaffected at present.

Activities in Harsil

TrekkingThe mesmerizing valley of Harsil filled with oak and deodar trees makes it a trekker’s paradise. Many trekking routes pass through Harsil which takes one through cascading waterfalls, verdant hills covered with pine and oak trees, gushing river streams. 

PilgrimageDuring the winter when the Gangotri is under the snow, Goddess Ganga is brought downhill to Mukhba village which is just 1 km from Harsil. Devotees can visit the winter abode of Goddess Ganga and seek her blessings. 

Village TourismThe beautiful village of Harsil encourages eco-tourism where tourists can experience these calm and serene environments along with learning about the rustic way of life, customs, and beliefs of the community that lives there.

Harsil Travel Tips

  • When traveling in monsoons, make sure to check with local authorities, tour guides or tour operators about the weather and road conditions before you actually start your trip or trek. 
  • The best time to visit Harsil will be the months between April and June and the months between September and November.
  • Harsil is known for the apple orchids and one should taste the juicy apples when visiting the region.

Staying in Harsil

Harsil is a hushed hill station situated in Uttarakhand which has missed the eyes and ears of frequent tourists. There isn’t a variety of accommodation available at Harsil options as the hill station is not as popular as Nainital or Mussoorie. Instead, only a handful of budget guesthouses with limited facilities are available at Harsil. The government has also set up GMVN guesthouses at Harshil.

Harsil Food Guide

Being a hushed hamlet, there are not much options to eat at Harsil. Travelers can find roadside food stalls and local restaurants serving North Indian cuisine and popular Chinese items like noodles, momos. Apart from that these food joints may serve authentic Garhwali cuisines like Gahat Dal, Sisunak Saag, Kappa, and Chainsoo to name a few. 

Mythology about Harsil

According to Hindu mythology, Jalandhar, the king of demons had terrorized the gods with his power and whenever the devas tried to defeat him his power would increase as his devoted wife Vrinda would pray to Lord Vishnu for her husband's victory. The gods then went to Lord Vishnu for seeking help and requested him to vow Vrinda, as her husband could only be defeated if his beloved wife would commit adultery outside her marriage. 

Vishnu used his charm to tempt Vrinda but her love and devotion for her husband didn't shake her morality. Having no other escape, Lord Vishnu then disguised as Jalandhar and violated Vrinda’s chastity. Jalandhar was eventually killed by Shiva, upon realizing that Jalandhar had died, Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu that he will turn into a stone and will scatter everywhere in the territory of king Jalandhar. Hence, the place got its name Harsil

While the other folklore tells that the two rivers, Jalandhari and Bhagirathi always fought with each other to prove their metal. The fighting caused turbulence and terror in the areas nearby, the mortals then prayed to Lord Vishnu for resolving the issue. Vishnu listened to their prayers and transformed into a 'Sila' or stone. He placed himself in the midst of the confluence of Jalandhari and Bhagirathi rivers. Therefore, the place was named Harshil which literally suggests Lord Vishnu in the form of a rock. 

Harsil is also popularly written as Harsil Valley, Harshil, Harshil Valley

Harsil Photo Gallery

Harsil
Harsil
Pleasant Harsil Valley Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Bagori in Harsil
Harsil Valley
Mesmerising beauty of Harshil valley, Uttarakhand.
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Harsil Weather

Check out the Harsil weather report for March

Harsil Weather in March

The minimun and maximum temperature in March in Harsil is 5°C and 17°C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in March and you would feel cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Harsil in March.

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