Wonders of Uttarakhand

Wonders of Uttarakhand- Harsil

On the way to Gangotri, at a distance of 73km from Uttarkashi, this sleepy hamlet offers immaculate beauty of the Himalayas, at an impressive height of 2,620 mtrs above sea level.

Harsil’s beauty is yet unexplored by the travelers. It is surrounded by the breathtaking splendor of the Himalayan peaks. It’s a trekker’s paradise. There are numerous trekking routes around, offering bewitching beauties of nature.

Harsil Valley
Harsil offers travelers a great chance to be one with nature

This place is also known as a major apple growing zone and the area is dotted with several orchids laden with the delicious apples.

History

A Britisher, Mr. Wilson planted the first apple tree here in the 19th century. Frederick E. Wilson, an adventurer, deserted the British Army just after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. He escaped into Garhwal and met the Raja of Tehri seeking refuge. But the Raja was faithful to the British and refused to accommodate Wilson. Wilson moved into the mountains to escape detection. Fate landed him in Harsil, a remote beautiful village on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, with dense deodar slopes on either side. His cottage was a major attraction in the area until it was destroyed by fire.

The adventure enthusiasts have the choice to set off on various treks which take them through meadows, waterfalls and valleys. One can walk through the pristine valleys, tall trees, encircling lakes or go for long treks. Harsil has a cool climate throughout the year and gets laden with snow between December and March.

Restricted for Foreign Tourists

Harsil is a cantonment area, so it is restricted for the foreign tourists.

Nearby Attractions

Gangotri: One of the Char Dhams, Gangotri is situated 25 kms from Harsil. Every year lakhs of devotees pay visit to the Gangotri temple.

Gaumukh: It is the place where the river Ganga originates from. The Gaumukh glacier can be reached by trekking 18km from Gangotri. The walk through the forest with pristine fresh air refreshes the mind and body.

Dharali: A picturesque place, situated 3 km away from Harsil on Harsil-Gangotri road. Foreign tourists generally stay at Dharali as Harsil is an army area.Sattal a beautiful lake located at a 2km distance attracts many tourists through its charm.

How to reach Harsil

By Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun), 235 km away

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh situated at a distance of 218 km

By road: Harsil is well connected by motorable roads via Uttarkashi.

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