Harsil

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
Heli Tour to Harsil and Uttarkashi
3 Days / 2 Nights
₹32,500
Harsil 2 Nights Weekend Tour
3 Days / 2 Nights
₹4,900

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Harsil - An Unexplored Valley

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 from Uttarkashi.

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

River stream near Harsil

Harsil Travel News

24 Dec 2024
Second snowfall of the season in Uttarakhand from Musooorie - Dhanaulti to Auli

From Kedarnath to Auli, Dhanaulti to Mussoorie, the second snowfall of the season has occurred. Light snowfall started in the high altitude areas of the state from Sunday evening and its still snowing at some places. The second snowfall of the season occurred on Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Harshil, Chopta, Tungnath, Suki Top, Auli and Mussoorie and other peaks.

Snowfall in Christmas is bringing tourist to Auli & Mussoorie.

23 Dec 2024
Uttarakhand Snowfall Update: Snowfall in higher altitude region

Snowfall has occurred in high altitude areas including Chakrata, Mussoorie, Gangotri, Harshil, Kedarnath. After snowfall, there is severe cold.

08 Dec 2024
Season's First Snowfall in Harsil

Season's first snowfall was recorded in Harsil on Sunday, 08 Dec 2024. Most of the high altitude regions of Uttarakhand including Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath also received snowfall.

Snowfall in Harsil

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.

Tourists at Bagori Village
Tourists at Bagori Village near Harsil

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

Famed for its apple orchards, Harsil is a tranquil hill station that has remained under the radar of most tourists. Despite its small size, stretching only a few kilometers, Harsil offers a range of accommodations, from cozy lodges and homestays to comfortable resorts. For an authentic experience of local village life, you might choose a homestay in nearby Bagori village, just 1.5 km away, or Mukhba village, 3 km from Harsil. Sunder Homestay is a popular choice, celebrated for its charming wooden rooms and delicious homemade food, offering guests a warm and welcoming stay.

Homestay in Harsil, Bagori Village
Bagori Village near Harsil

Harsil Food Guide

Being a hushed hamlet, there are not much options to eat at Harsil. Travelers can dine in at the local restaurants in Harsil market 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 Valley
Harsil
Mesmerising beauty of Harshil valley, Uttarakhand.
Bhagirathi river flowing through the beautiful Harsil valley.
Harsil Market
Near Harsil
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Harsil Questions

Arjun Das
29 Jan 2025
Q. Are there any cafes or restaurants in Harsil?
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Rohit Bhatia
14 Jan 2025
Q. Is Harsil crowded during the peak season?
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Sonal Bansal
10 Jan 2025
Q. How can I get to Harsil from Rishikesh?
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Harsil Weather

Check out the Harsil weather report for January

Harsil Weather in January

The minimun and maximum temperature in January in Harsil is -2°C and 12°C respectively. The weather is generally covered with snow in January and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Harsil in January.

Detailed weather information of Harsil

What is Harsil famous for?

Harsil is famous among tourist as Hill Station.

Harsil is recommended destination for Corporates, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.

Harsil is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Base Camps (Trek), Cantonment Area, Char Dham Route, Emerging Destinations, Hill Station, Orchards, Romantic, Yoga and Meditation.

Reviews and Ratings
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Harsil Reviews

Omprakash Mehta
10 Jan 2025

Harsil Valley is truly a wonderful place, and I had the chance to visit it last December. It was completely off-season during that time, so there were very few tourists around, which made the experience even more special. The roads were almost empty, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. One of the highlights of the trip was experiencing the first snow of the season, which made the valley look even more magical. The serene beauty and peaceful surroundings were truly refreshing. It was an unforgettable experience, and I completely recommend Harsil to anyone looking for a quiet, scenic getaway. Whether you want to relax in nature or explore the breathtaking landscapes, Harsil offers a unique experience that’s hard to match.

Anjali Gupta
06 Jan 2025

My family and I were fortunate enough to visit the peaceful and beautiful Harsil, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The tranquil atmosphere of the place really made us feel connected to something divine. Harsil, originally called Harsheel (meaning "God's Rock"), is truly special. I believe the village we visited was Bagori.One of the highlights of our trip was the water from the Jalandhari Gad, a tributary of the Bhagirathi. It was so refreshing, almost like nectar! I filled up nearly 10 bottles to take home, and I still have one left in the freezer as a reminder of this beautiful place. Harsil really is one of the best spots in the Himalayas, and I'm so glad we had the chance to experience it with family.

Arjun Mehta
02 Jan 2025

In January, we, a group of four biker friends set off on an unforgettable ride to Harsil. The journey offered stunning scenic views, but make sure to check the weather in advance as snow may start, and watch out for black ice. Renting bikes in Dehradun was easy, but due to snow, you might not reach Gangotri.