Harsil Valley, Uttarakhand , Himalayas
Harsil Valley, Uttarakhand - seeking solitude in Himalayas
Harsil is a village, tourist hill station and army area located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, on the way to Gangotri, a Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarkashi district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
At 9,005 feet (2,745 metres) above sea level, Harsil is located 78 kilometres from Uttarkashi and 30 kilometres from the 1,553 square kilometre Gangotri National Park. The hill station is well-known for both its apple production and its natural surroundings.
best view point
What to know
A hidden jewel near Gangotri Dham, Harsil is a serene Himalayan hamlet surrounded by snow-clad mountains, pine forests and apple orchards. Popularly referred to as the mini Switzerland of India, time seems to have stopped in this poetic hill-station dotted with traditional houses and ancient temples. A paradise for nature-lovers, Harsil also offers many opportunities for thrill-seekers, such as trekking and hiking. The landscape is nourished by the Bhagirathi river. Harsil is known for its apple produce, which according to local lore, was introduced to the area by a British settler Fredric E Wilson. It is said Wilson fell in love with Harsil and a local girl, and made this hamlet his home. He introduced apple cultivation to Harsil and changed its economy. Today, Harsil apples are popular across the country and the annual Harsil Apple Festival is a big draw! Harsil has another secret, which intrigues tourists. This was the place where legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor had shot parts of his super-hit movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili.
HARSHIL CAMPING
Harshil Valley is a beautiful camping destination located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,620 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense forests of deodar and pine trees.
Camping in Harshil Valley offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the Himalayas up close. The campsite is located amidst apple orchards and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Activities that can be enjoyed during a camping trip in Harshil Valley include trekking, nature walks, Water Fall, bird watching, and star gazing. The valley is also home to a number of ancient temples and shrines, which can be explored during the day.
Harsil Travel Guide
Seated on the bank of River Bhagirathi, Harsil is one of the hidden gems of Uttarakhand. This beautiful village in the Garhwal Himalayas is situated at an altitude of 2620 m and is part of the equally gorgeous Uttarkashi District. Harsil is a nature lover’s paradise and is ideal for those seeking some adventure in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas. The village is also a dream location for those who love trekking, biking, and other adventure activities.Falling enroute Gangotri from Uttarkashi, Harsil is covered in dense Oak and Deodar Forests and is a place where nature greets with a warm embrace.
The apple orchards, the shimmering and gurgling streams, and the chirp of the birds, all make this lesser-explored tourist attraction the prized possession of Uttarakhand. Therefore, planning a honeymoon or an adventure tour to this destination in Garhwal region is ideal.
Our Harsil travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and amazing things to do, which makes it quite essential for the travellers looking for an impeccable travelling experience. Also, handcrafted for you are the varied holiday packages by Tour My India that ensure a vacation unlike any other.
Best Time to Visit Harsil
Summer is considered as the ideal season to visit Harsil. During this time the weather is moderate and the beauty of the town remains at its peak. However, the village always remains in danger of landslides during monsoon. The winters experienced here are a bit cold and are perfect for adventure lovers seeking to get some adrenaline rush.
BY AIR
The nearest airport from Harsil is Jolly Grant Airport which is situated in Dehradun at a distance of 232 km. The airport offers daily flights to and fro important cities like; Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata. From the airport, there are cab services available by which one can reach Harsil without any hassle. The airport is also well-connected to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, which is at a distance of 461 km from Harsil.
BY RAIL
Rishikesh and Haridwar Railway Station are the nearest railway stations from Harsil. Though trains to both the stations are available, Haridwar seems to have better connectivity and is at a distance of 262 km. One can take a taxi from here to reach Harsil.
BY ROAD
Harsil is well linked with other cities and towns of the state of Uttarakhand through roads. The nearest bus station from Harsil is Uttarkashi which is well connected with major cities. There are state-run buses to Uttarkashi, and cab service from there for Harsil.