Are you planning a vacation to Harsil and Gangotri and searching for a day-by-day schedule to see these stunning Uttarakhand destinations? Harsil and Gangotri, both located in Uttarakhand's Himalayas, are significant and essential destinations for pilgrims and natural beauty lovers! Harsil is particularly beautiful and popular owing to its closeness to many beautiful sites in the area. The name Gangotri is self-explanatory. Gangotri, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage destination, is a must-see even if you aren't very devout. Nature's healing abilities will entice you to believe in the valley's enchantment! So, whether you want to explore the sights over a long weekend or create a detailed itinerary for the area, I've got you covered. Continue reading below. [caption id="attachment_6" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Views of Harsil Valley Views of Harsil Valley[/caption]

About Harsil & Gangotri

Harsil and Gangotri are two of the most well-known Hindu deities in the world. Snow-capped mountains and coniferous and deodar woods surround Harsil in its magnificent setting. Gangotri, on the other hand, is home to a holy Hindu temple dedicated to the all-powerful Goddess Ganga. It is also one of the Chota Char Dham circuit's four temples. Due to the harsh winter environment, the Gangotri temple is only open for six months a year! When visiting Gangotri or Harsil, there's a lot to see and do in the area, so let me walk you through the highlights. During the winters, the idol of Goddess Ganga was moved from Gangotri to Mukhba village.

When is the best time to visit Harsil and Gangotri?

Harsil may be visited at any time of the year. During the winter, though, Gangotri is closed. Keeping this in mind, the ideal months to visit Harsil and Gangotri are April, May, and September. November is a poor month in general since the landscape is changing hues and does not offer the finest of the area. It will be very cold, but sadly, there will be no snow to be found. If you're considering a motorbike vacation, the months of June and September are ideal. If you're planning a hike, the months of May, June, and October are ideal. Remember to stay away from the area during the rainy season since the hills are prone to lands. [caption id="attachment_8" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Gangotri Dham Gangotri Dham[/caption]

What is the best way to contact Harsil?

Harsil is well-connected by road, and an airport and a railway station are both within 200 kilometres. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is 230 kilometres away from Harsil. Rishikesh is the closest railway station, which is 215 kilometres away. Driving down to Harsil is the greatest choice. Harsil is well linked by road, since it is located on NH 108, with frequent buses to Rishikesh and Dehradun. To go to Harsil, one must change buses once they get to these locations.

Harsil and Gangotri Road Conditions

The following is a breakdown of the trip's road conditions: • For the most part, the Delhi – Muzaffarnagar route is well maintained. You may come across several rough bends around Modi Nagar. • Muzaffarnagar - Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh : single-lane, with a lot of traffic and a combination of outstanding conditions, with a few spots. • Rishikesh – Chamba – Dharasu: A formidable trio. There are only a few difficult sections. • Dharasu - Uttarkashi – Bhatwari: There are a few landslide sites along the way. Other parts, on the other hand, are a combination of excellent and terrible. It's a good idea to keep an eye on things. • 5-6 water crossings and slush stretch from Bhatwari to Sukhi Top to Harsil. • Harsil – Dharali – Bhairon Ghati – Gangotri: Most of the roads are in poor condition. Following Bhairon Ghati, there are some extremely poor road stretches with a few river crossings. [caption id="attachment_9" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Snow walls at Dharali between Gangotri and Harsil Snow walls at Dharali between Gangotri and Harsil Snow walls at Dharali between Gangotri and Harsil[/caption]

On this journey, there are many points of interest.

With so much to see and do in and around the area, here's a list of the most essential sites to see while you're there.

Harsil :

Harsil is located at a height of 2623 meters and is home to the Bhartiya and Jade ethnic groups. The hamlet is surrounded by apple orchards that stretch for 70 kilometres! That sort of view isn't just unusual; it's almost unheard of! Harsil is around 25 kilometres from Gangotri temple and is an excellent rest stop in the area. Harsil is designated as an army area and is part of the Gangotri National Park. The Bhagirathi River is the ideal companion for the town, as it breathes life into it, adds colour, and enables you to do things at your speed. Many temples may be seen tucked amongst the woods of Deodar, Pine, and Oak trees in Harsil's environment.

Gangotri:

Gangotri, the revered Dham since it is the birthplace of Goddess Ganga, needs no introduction. The source of the holiest river has to be a lovely and serene location. At a height of 3048 meters, there is a magnificent temple that most Hindus want to see once in a lifetime. Harsil is situated 20 kilometres away from Gangotri. The area is well worth a visit, as the Himalayan and Bhagirathi rivers' cascading games will leave you awestruck. If the sights aren't enough for you and you want to learn more about the area, I suggest spending overnight in Gangotri and returning to Harsil the following day. However, I should point out that the majority of people will traverse Gangotri and return to Harsil on the same day. It should also be mentioned that you will not be able to visit the location during the winter season since the area is blanketed in snow and the idol has been relocated to Mukhba for the winter.

Mukhba :

This hamlet, also known as Mukhwas and Mukhwa, is about a kilometre from Harsil. When Gangotri is closed for the winter, the idols are temporarily relocated to the Ganges temple in Mukhba. If you're in Harsil, I suggest taking a walk in the dark to get a feel for the area. [caption id="attachment_10" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Mukhba Temple – Winter Shrine of Gangotri Mukhba Temple – Winter Shrine of Gangotri[/caption]

Dharali :

Dharali is just 2 kilometres from Harsil hamlet and is surrounded by lovely apple orchards. Another thing to keep in mind is that Dharali is known for its towering snow-walls in the winter, and it is one of the locations in Uttarakhand where you may witness snowfall close to Delhi. Many legends surround this location, including Bhagirath meditating here to pray for the Ganga to flow from heaven to Earth.

Gaumukh :

I strongly advise you to visit Gaumukh if you are staying in Gangotri. This trip will take approximately 2 days and cover roughly 35 kilometers, with a maximum height of 13,200 feet. This will lead you to the precise location of the Ganga's beginning. Gaumukh is a sight to see. Make the necessary preparations. I must, however, point you that you should be reasonably fit to do this trip. If you have more time on your hands, I recommend going to Tapovan as well.

Near Harsil, there is a Sattal Trek (Sat Taal)

Sattal (Sat = Seven, Tal = Lake) is a body of seven lakes located approximately 5 kilometres from Dharali - Harsil. The mystery lake walk will take your breath away as you are welcomed by some spectacular flora and wildlife. Given the small distance, the trip may easily be completed in a single day! Mridunga Tal, at 9,600 feet, and Bakria Tal, at 10034 feet, are at distinct elevations. Between these two lakes are the other lakes. The other two lakes are at higher elevations, so seeing them all will take longer since you'll need to be well acclimatized. [caption id="attachment_11" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Enroute Harsil – Gangotri and Yamunotri Enroute Harsil – Gangotri and Yamunotri[/caption]  

Please note that this Sattal trek is different from the Sattal Lake in Kumaon near Nanital.

 

Harsil - Gangotri Trip Day by Day Itinerary

Let's have a look at some possible itineraries for a vacation to Harsil and Gangotri.

Weekend Trip to Harsil Gangotri - 3 Days Itinerary

On a weekend, you can easily or swiftly cover the two locations, depending on how much time you have available. Here's how to do it.

Day 1: Harsil to Delhi

Begin your trip early in the morning and arrive at Harsil in the evening. You may also visit the Wilson Cottage or, better yet, spend some time along the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

Day 2 : Harsil - Gangotri – Mukhba – Harsil

You have a long day ahead of you, and I recommend that you get up early. It takes approximately 90 minutes to go the 25 kilometers to Gangotri. Take a trip to Gangotri in the afternoon. Take an evening walk and pass through Mukhba on your way back. Harsil is a great place to spend a relaxing night.

Day 3 : Harsil to Delhi

Make your way back to Delhi. Keep in mind that this will be a highly hurried vacation, and you will spend most of your time on the road. We've already taken this journey and recorded it for you.

Day 4 : Itinerary for Harsil

Adding an extra day to your schedule will allow you to see more locations. However, similar to the 3- day excursion, this will be a little crowded and exhausting. [caption id="attachment_12" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Bhagirathi River in Harsil Bhagirathi River in Harsil[/caption]  

Day 1: Harsil to Delhi

From Delhi, take the same route as the three-day itinerary to Harsil. Relax and re-energize.

Day 2 – Harsil Sightseeing - Dharali, Mukhba, and Sattal Trek

Here are where your strategy varies somewhat from mine. Instead of going to Gangotri, visit important sites in and around Harsil, such as the Dharali, Mukhba, and Sattal Treks. Have a peaceful supper in Harsil once again.

Day 3 : Harsil - Gangotri – Harsil

Early in the morning, go from Harsil to Gangotri. Spend the day exploring the area around Gangotri. Continue your exploration of the area and return in the evening.

Harsil to Delhi, Day 4

From Harsil, return to Delhi.

Itinerary for Gangotri and Harsil for 5-6 Days

If you have the time and can plan ahead of time, this is the way to go.

Day 1: Delhi-Utrakashi

Instead of continuing to Harsil, you might have a layover at Uttarkashi and do the rest of the trip the following day. I enjoy breaking up lengthy car journeys in this way since it guarantees I arrive at my destination rested! It also allows me to spend an extra day visiting a different location that was not on my itinerary when I planned the trip.

Day 2 – Uttarkashi to Harsil - Village Sightseeing

Arrive in Harsil and enjoy a relaxed day visiting the area and learning about the culture. Several lovely hikes around the orchards will immerse you in the Uttarakhandi way of life!

Day 3 – Trek to Sat Taal and then to Gangotri

Cover the Sattal lake trip, making sure to see at least 5 of the 7 lakes. After you've gotten your fill, make your way to Gangotri and stay the night.

Day 4 and 5: Gangotri to Gaumukh, then back to Harsil.

Early in the morning, visit the Gangotri temple and begin your journey to Gaumukh, the Ganga's origin. This journey will end the following day. If you're a first-time trekker, I recommend hiring a guide and taking it slow. As a beginner trekker, maybe you should take three days to finish the trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh and back.

Harsil to Delhi on Day 6

Return to Delhi from Harsil in one day.

Consider Along if you have extra days!

If you have additional days to spare, I recommend you visit Along Valley. However, this will need the acquisition of necessary permissions, which will necessitate many days of travel. [caption id="attachment_13" align="aligncenter" width="300" class=" "]Most famous viewpoint of Harsil Most famous viewpoint of Harsil[/caption]  

Conclusion

I hope the following day-by-day itinerary or plan for Harsil and Gangotri helps you comprehend all you can cover and the realistic timeframe to accomplish everything you may plan.