Harsil Valley - seeking solitude in Himalayas

Harsil Valley is a gem I discovered on my way to Gangotri. Solitude, peace, serenity, beauty, culture, hidden from the crowds, this place fulfils all my requirements. I was headed out to a trek to the infamous Kalindi Khal and had a few spare days before the trek. I had planned to acclimatise in Gangotri before I start for the trek. While I was driving from Uttarkashi, 30km before Gangotri, a couple of red-roofed buildings surrounded with deodar trees caught my eye. I took a U-turn, crossed a bridge on the Bhagirathi river to enter into this remote village.

Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

This small hamlet named Harsil at the height of 2620m/7860ft looked marvellous amidst dense deodar trees, and snow covered peaks sneaking a peak through the clouds in the wide, clear blue sky. The hamlet consists of few houses in a cantonment area. There are 9-10 budget to luxury guest houses and a few local dhabas serving North Indian and Garhwali food in Harsil Valley.

Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

There's a story that goes behind a house named "Wilson House" in Harsil. Wilson had abandoned British Army and serendipitously landed in Harsil Valley. He married a local pahadi girl, built a house and settled here. He sold deodar wood by floating them on the river to the plains and minted his own currency and ruled over this part of Uttarakhand. His house was restored to a Forest Rest House.

Wilson house in Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

I walked further down and crossed a stream of purest water I've ever seen in Uttarakhand. I later learnt from the locals that the water is very rich in minerals and digestive enzymes. They advised me to drink the water directly from the river and assured me that I won't gain any weight till I drink that water.

River in Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

The path further down took me to a small village called Vagori. It consists of traditional Garhwali wooden houses on both the sides of the path.

Garhwali houses in Village Vaghori, Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

The village is occupied by the Bhotia tribe (basically from Tibet). The women were seen weaving and knitting in groups, taking care of the household, kids, sheep and farms, while most men played cards throughout the day. I did not zoom camera on their faces as I got a hint that they don't like it, note the lady hiding away behind the pillar in the picture above.

Bhotia Tribe in Village Vaghori, Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

I came across a Buddhist temple in this village. 

Buddhist Temple, Monastery in Village Vaghori, Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

I was quite fascinated to see the rustic wooden houses and the stone fences. This was the first time I walked in a village in Uttarakhand.

Walking through Garhwali houses in Village Vaghori, Harsil Valley Uttarakhand

​I wish I could spend more time here. While I travel and explore, I keep making a list of places I would like to live in for sometime. Harshil Valley is already added in that list! I hope to live there soon and spend more time exploring this valley.

How to reach Harsil Valley:

The nearest airport is Dehradun and nearest railway station is Haridwar.
Harsil Valley is around 250kms (7-8 hours) from airport/railway station, on the way to Gangotri.
​Gangotri is 30km further from Harsil.

Where to stay and eat in Harsil Valley:

There are 9-10 budget to luxury guest houses and a few local dhabas serving North Indian and Garhwali food in Harsil Valley.

Best time to visit Harsil Valley:

April-June and September-October.
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