Introduction of Harshil Valley
Just 500 km from Delhi, Harshil Valley is a peculiar offbeat place and a quite unique, peaceful, astonishing, relaxing, and more. Recently it became famous among travellers and get added to their favourite destination list. So, let us find out everything about this valley so that you can also plan your trip to this scenic place.
Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Delhi to Harshil Valley distance is approx 460 Km and distance of Harshil from Haridwar is 250 km. The total time to reach there is around 11-12 hours and 7-8 hours respectively. Harshil Valley is around 9000 ft above sea level which makes the climate cool and refreshing of this place.
A brief history of Harshil valley
According to the methodological belief, the name “Harshil” is essentially lord Vishnu in the form of a rock. People believe that lord Vishnu transformed himself into ‘Sila’(stone) to resolve the conflict between two rivers Jalandhari and Bhagirathi. Another story is that, In the 19th century, a British settler named Fredric E Wilson fell into the beauty of this place and a local girl. That made him stay in Harshil while staying there he introduced apple farming in that area. Still, some of the finest apples come from Harshil Valley only.
Apple Festival of Harshil Valley
This festival was introduced by DM Ashish Chauhan in 2018, the motive behind this festival was not only to support local apple farmers but also to promote tourism in that area. It was successful and now it provides a network of farmers and buyers where visitors and tourists learn about the rich culture of the valley.
Best Time to Plan a Trip to Harshil Valley
Harshil Valley welcomes tourists all months of the year but we suggest people take a trip in summer from April to July. During these months the days are a bit warm and nights are cold making it comfortable to do outdoor activities and travel the valley comfortably. The maximum temperature touches at 20°C in the daytime and a minimum of 10°C in nighttime.
In January and February generally, roads get blocked by the snow, making it not suitable to trek or explore. However, if you want to enjoy snow, November to December is the best time because from March, snow starts melting slowly.
The best way to reach Harshil Valley
You can reach Harshil Valley by Road, by Railway, and by Air. But railways and airways are not connecting directly to the Valley. You have to get down to the nearest railway station or airport and from there, you have to take the road by renting a car or public transportation.
By Road - You can take any National Highway (NH) that connects to Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Throughout the road trip, you can explore the beautiful terrains and shift of cultures. Book 9 Seater Tempo Traveller on Rent in Delhi for Harshil and enjoy the picturesque views enroute.
By Air - The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun which is 245 kilometers from the Valley. You can book a taxi or take a public bus that will drop you to Harshil Valley
By Railways - Dehradun and Rishikesh railway stations are almost the same distance from the valley. Which is around 220 km again you have to hire a taxi or get into public transportation to reach the valley.
Top places to explore in Harshil Valley
Dharali
It is approximately 7 km from the Harshil Valley famous for the Shiva temple, a replica of Kedarnath temple. There is also a methodological belief that Sage Bhagirath had done his meditation here only seeking Ganga to leave heaven and flow on earth. However, this place will give you a relaxing mind and a divine aura.
Garstang Gali
This adventurous trail recently came into the light because it was reopened after 59 years of closure. It is 150 years old with a 136-meter wooden staircase, after the Indo-China war of 1962 it was closed. It used to be a trade route between India and Tibet.
Mukhwas Village
Situated 1 km from Harshil, shows the strong presence of deities in the area. On Diwali the idol of the goddess Ganga is brought down from the Gangotri Temple, you can be the part of Gangotri Doli Yatra during this Diwali time it will give you calmness.
Gangotri Temple
This is the temple of the goddess Ganga and part of the Char Dham Pilgrimage of India. Gangotri temple is one of the must visit location of Chardham Yatra and people going for Gangorti Temple Darshan take a stop at Harshil before proceeding. Distance of Gangotri Temple from Harshil is around 25 Km dotted with the pristine views and landscapes.
Sattal
‘Sat’ means seven and ‘tal’ means lake, it is the interconnection of seven beautiful lakes named Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Panna, Naldaymanti Tai, Sukha Tal, and Bharat. During this trek, you will pass through beautiful landscapes and varieties of plants, flowers, and animals. Situated only 5 km above Dharali, you can start your trekking in the morning so you can return to Harshil in the evening.
Wilson Cottage
I have mentioned this named ‘Wilson’ in the previous section of this article. Frederik E Wilson, a East India Company soldier, settled in Harshil Valley, not only introduced apple farming but also many things like helping in building a 350 ft long bridge, trading deodar tree wood, fur, and skins of wild animals, and several other things. After helping villagers in all these activities, he became very famous and also known as ‘Raja Wilson’.This Wilson cottage was the residence of his and his family which was later converted into a Forest rest house now become the most popular tourist destination in Harshil.
Want to book Chardham Yatra 2024? Read this Complete Char Dham Registration Guide
What all Activities You can do in Harshil Valley
Trekking
The valley is a door to several popular trekking destinations in the region, including Kedar Tal, Dodital Lake, and Dayara Bugyal. These treks offer you stunning views of the Himalayan and glaciers.
Apple Orchards
Harshil is known for its famous apple orchards. During the harvest season, you can walk through an orchard and while walking you can pluck one or two fresh juicy apples and enjoy the orchards.
Spiritual Experiences
The valley is home to the worshiped Gangotri, which houses the source of the holy Ganga River. As a pilgrim, you can visit the Gangotri take blessings, and perform religious rituals.
Photography
Harshil offers you opportunities to capture its natural beauty, including rivers, lakes, snow-capped mountains, beautiful landscapes, and greenery all around.
Camping
With its peaceful surroundings and rich biodiversity, Harshil is an ideal destination for you to spend a night and relax in the lap of nature. There are several sites where you can put your tents and bonfires and enjoy with your loved ones.
FAQs for Harshil Valley Tour
How many days are enough to do Harshil Valley trip?
It will take you around 7-8 days to completely explore the Valley. But generally, it depends on what places you want to explore, you can even make a 3-4 days Harshil Valley trip itinerary if you only have to visit some certain places.
Is Harshil worth visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains, and a variety of animals and birds this place is one of its kind. Check the “Places to explore in Hashil Valley” section of this article to get a better idea about why Harshil is worth visiting.
How to reach Harshil Valley from Delhi?
Even though you are coming from any corner of the world, I am assuming first you will reach Delhi, as it is the most connecting destination from all over India. The first thing is you have to reach either Rishikesh or Dehradun by bus, train, and flight. If you are going via Rishikesh it would be shorter for you and the most preferred route. After reaching there you can take the public buses of ‘Uttarakhand Roadways’ or hire a taxi or you can go by shared taxi. They will directly drop you off at Harshil Valley.
