Harsil

Where is Harsil Valley Located?

Harsil Valley is located in Uttarkashi district and offers serene beauty. Around 450 km from Delhi (12-13 hours by road) and approximately 245 km from Haridwar (7-8 hours). Harsil Valley serves as a peaceful retreat with the Bhagirathi River flowing through.

Location: Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand.
Distance from Haridwar: 244 Kilometers
Distance from Gangotri: 26 Kilometers

What is Harsil Valley Famous For ?

• Harsil Valley is known for its Apple Orchards, which was introduced by a British settler Fredric E Wilson.
• This was the place where legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor had shot parts of his super-hit movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili.
• Nelong Valley is another touristy area in the neighborhood of Harsil which shares its boundaries with Tibet region.

How Apple Festival is Celebrated in Harsil ?

This annual event celebrates the ruby red apples grown in the terrace fields of Harsil. The festival not only provides an opportunity to try the delicious apples of Harsil, but it also offers a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and the Bhagirathi river.

• The Harsil Apple Festival was initiated by DM Ashish Chauhan in 2018 to promote tourism and apple cultivation in Harsil.
• The festival aims to support the local farmers who grow apples in the region and showcase their products to the visitors.
• It has become a platform for the farmers to interact with buyers, network, and sell their produce.
• The festival also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage.

What is The Best Time to Visit Harsil Valley?

Harsil Valley welcomes visitors all year round. However, the most enjoyable times to visit are from April to June. During these months, the weather is pleasant, not too cold or hot, making it a great time for travel.

• Winters in Harsil Valley:
  • Nights drop to 0 degrees Celsius, days at 10 degrees Celsius.
  • January and February bring heavy snow, with road closures at times.
  • Snowfall peaks in early February, melting gradually in March.
• A Summer Retreat in Harsil Valley:
  • May and June bring the busiest time with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in the day and 10 degrees Celsius at night.
  • It’s when Harsil is buzzing with tourists enjoying the pleasant weather and vibrant surroundings.

How to Reach Harsil Valley?

1. By Road: Harsil Valley is easily accessible via the national highway which connects to Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
2. By Air: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, approximately 245 kilometers from Harsil.
3. By Railway: Rishikesh railway station, around 244 kilometers away, serves as the nearest railway station.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Harsil Valley

• Gangotri Temple
• Gartang Gali
• Nelong Valley
• Dharali Village
• Mukhba Village

Gangotri Temple:

Visiting Gangotri Temple is also a part of Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. This town marks the origin of the Ganges River and the temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is a place of worship. The Gangotri National Park nearby, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for nature lovers with its many different plants and animals.

Gartang Gali:

Gartang Gali boasts a 150-year-old, 136-meter-long wooden staircase. Once a vital route for merchants trading between India and Tibet, the Gali fell into disuse after the Indo-China war in 1962. After a closure of 59 years, this adventurous trail reopened its doors to visitors in 2021.

Nelong Valley:

Situated high up in the Himalayas near the Tibet border, Nelong Valley is a hidden gem. With its untouched beauty and wild scenery, it’s a special place for those who love nature and adventure, offering a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Dharali Village:

Dharali, a charming little village close to Harsil, is renowned for its apple orchards. It provides a peek into the daily life of the locals. Explore the village at a relaxed pace, chat with the friendly residents, and savor delicious apples during the picking season.

Mukhba Village:

Mukhba Village, just 1km away from Harsil, becomes the winter abode of Goddess Gangotri. Since the Gangotri region faces heavy snowfall in winters, devotees gather at Mukhba to worship when the Gangotri temple doors are closed during this season.