Harshil Travel Guide
Harsil, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, is one of Uttarakhand’s hidden gems. This lovely village in the Garhwal Himalayas is located at an elevation of 2620 meters and is part of the equally lovely Uttarkashi District. Harsil is a nature lover’s paradise, ideal for those looking for adventure in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
The village is also ideal for those who enjoy trekking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Harsil, located on the way to Gangotri from Uttarkashi, is surrounded by dense oak and deodar forests and is a place where nature welcomes you with a warm embrace.
The apple orchards, the shimmering and gurgling streams, and the chirp of the birds all contribute to this lesser-known tourist attraction being Uttarakhand’s prized possession. As a result, planning a honeymoon or an adventure tour to this Garhwal region destination is ideal.
Our Harsil travel guide is jam-packed with information on the best places to visit and amazing things to do, making it a must-have for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Harshil
Summer is considered the best time to visit Harsil. The weather is mild during this time, and the town’s beauty is at its peak. During the monsoon, however, the village is always at risk of landslides. The winters here are a little cold, but they are ideal for adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline rush.
SUMMER
Harsil’s summer season lasts from April to June. During the summer, the weather remains moderate and pleasant. The temperature ranges between 18°C and 30°C. Carrying some woolen clothes is recommended because the temperature drops to 9°C at night even in summer due to the high altitude. The weather is ideal for hiking during these months.
MONSOON
The monsoon season begins in July and lasts until August. During the monsoon season, the village receives average rainfall. This lowers the temperature and keeps the area cool. However, rain can cause landslides and cause roads to become impassable. As a result, before planning a trip to Harsil during the monsoon, check the weather forecast.
WINTER
The winter season in Harsil begins in October and lasts until February. During the winter, the village receives snowfall and temperatures can drop below 0°C. Trekking becomes difficult in Harsil during these months. Despite the cold weather, a large number of tourists prefer to spend their vacation here and enjoy the breathtaking view of the hills.
Places to Visit in Harshil
Harsil is well-known for its picturesque scenery and the peace that nature provides. The location and its surroundings are both rich in natural attractions that are ideal for nature lovers.
Hotels in Harshil
Harsil, as a lesser-known destination, does not have many lodging options. In the village, there are a few guesthouses and budget hotels that can only meet the basic needs of visitors. There are a good number of places to stay in Gangotri and Uttarkashi, which are 25 and 74 kilometers away from Harsil, respectively. Uttarkashi has more lodging options than the other two locations.
How to Reach Harshil
Harsil is easily accessible from Uttarkashi and Gangotri and is well-connected by road. As a result, getting here is not difficult. To some extent, one can also choose air and rail services to get at least halfway to the location.
BY AIR
The nearest airport to Harsil is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 232 kilometers away. The airport provides daily flights to and from major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. There are cab services available from the airport that will take you directly to Harsil. The airport is also well-connected to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is 461 kilometers away from Harsil.
BY RAIL
The nearest railway stations to Harsil are in Rishikesh and Haridwar. Though trains to both stations are available, Haridwar appears to have better connectivity and is only 262 kilometers away. To get to Harsil, take a taxi from here.
BY ROAD Harsil is well connected by road to other cities and towns in Uttarakhand. Uttarkashi, the nearest bus station from Harsil, is well connected with major cities. There are state-run buses to Uttarkashi and cabs to Harsil from there.
