Kharsali - Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna
Kharsali is known as the home of Goddess Yamuna during winters when the Yamunotri Shrine becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Kharsali also houses the oldest Shani Dev Temple of India; the idol of Goddess Yamuna is kept at the Shani Dev Temple during the winters.
The temple exhibits its unique lustre in the form of its remarkable ancient architecture that has defeated the waves of the times. One must not miss this temple as it is made of stone, wood and a mortar created from the Urad dal or Black gram pulse.
Location of Kharsali
Kharsali is located on the way to Yamunotri. It is situated at a distance of 1 km from Janki Chatti, the starting point for the trek to Yamunotri. The nearest railhead is located at a Dehradun (180 km) and Rishikesh (209 km) before Kharsali on NH58. The Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is the closest airport to Kharsali located at a distance of 192 km.
Best Time to Visit Kharsali
The best time to visit Kharsali is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, the roads are clear, and the conditions are ideal for visiting Yamunotri and exploring the beautiful surroundings. Summer and autumn provide the best opportunities for trekking and outdoor activities.