Harsil Tourism

Guarded by the tall peaks of Bhagirathi, Trishul and Shivaling 24 km before Gangotri in the Garhwal Himalaya.

The Nanda Devi Sanctuary being closed to visitors the resplendent high mountain area around Harsil 9005 ft and Gangotri 10,000 ft is India’s definitive training ground for adventure. The experience of the great Himalayan range in all its glory beautiful rivers, gushing streams hot springs waterfalls, forests, soaring peaks which seem to touch the heavens, green meadows and treacherous glaciers make this area a haven for those seeking high adrenalin doses.
The drive to Harsil itself is a pleasure. The route, which follows the Bhagirathi River from Uttarkashi is a sheer visual delight with sharp twists and turns. Sometimes the road ascends high above the valley floor while at other times it drops right down to the river. The entire Bhagirathi Valley is amazingly green and at Haisil the river suddenly opens out into a wide picture perfect valley cutting a broad path with white sandy beaches on both side, surrounded by apple orchards, pine forests and beautiful snow capped mountains.

Harsil is thus far untouched by tourism because the majority of travelers move on to Gangotri. There are plenty of good walks in this area along the river and into the surrounding forests. Two kilometers from Harsil is Dharali Village from where a 7 km trek brings you to sattal a group of seven lakes, set amidst beautiful surroundings and an excellent camping site. People can also explore the large Tibetan settlement at Bhagori and Harsil.

Gangotri 24 km

The road carrying on from Harsil enters the dense green gorge of Bhairon Ghati. After crossing the Jadh Ganga River beyond Lanka the road winds its way to a halt at Gangotri which is a small pilgrim town based around the confluence of the rivers Bhagirathi and kedar Ganga at an altitude of 10,000 ft. All along this route you are surrounded by dense green pine forests with wonderful vies of the snow mountains around.

Gaumukh 21 km from Gangotri

Gaumukh source of the Bhagirathi River is at an altitude of 12,769 ft. After passing the main temple in Gangotri, one emerges into a small clearing where steps connect you to the main trail to Gaumukh. The path all along the Bhagirathi to the true right of the valley is a gradual ascent and one soon leaves the tree line behind.

Chirbasa 9 km from Gangotri, situated amidst the last clump of trees, is nothing more than a few scattered shacks set up to serve the hundreds of pilgrims who visit Gaumukh every day in the season.

Tapovan 6 km from Gaumukh

Although Shivaling Peak can be seen from all around Gaumukh its footprint lies at Tapovan 14,632 ft a beautiful high altitude meadow above Gaumukh. The route from Gaumukh involves a lateral traverse of the ?Gangotri Glacier moving from the true right to the true left of the valley. Following this a short but steep and strenuous ascent leads you across a dip in the ridge above and into the glorious of Tapovan.

Pahari Wilson Rides

A legend prevails in the mountain villages of a holy trail in the Garhwal Hills that the restless ghost of an angrez raja rides his horse across the rocky trails on moonlite nights. The ancient Ganga weeps in sympathy at Harsil as she listens to the retreating hoof beats swing by the dilapidated bungalow on the road to Gangotri. It was here that pahari Wilson.