It has been some time that I have not made a trip to the Himalayas, almost three months from the last trip to Munsiyari – Dharchula. It was already too much, so there was a plan popped up for having a short trip to Harsil – Gangotri, and I immediately agreed.
So, it was back to back trips to Uttarakhand for me, and I was more than happy to explore this hidden gem of the Garhwal Himalayas. Having made multiple trips to this region now, I can say with confidence that a Harsil Gangotri trip is one of the most rewarding weekend getaways from Delhi, especially if you plan it right. Hence, let me walk you through the itinerary I followed, updated road conditions, budget breakdown, and everything you need to plan your own trip in 2026.
Quick Info: Harsil is located at an altitude of about 8,600 feet in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, roughly 495 km from Delhi. Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams, is 25 km further ahead. A weekend trip of 3 days covers both comfortably.
In between, apart from a few active members of the DwD Community, about 18 people ended up joining the trip in a total of four cars. Anshul had his friend coming from Mumbai, who was a Dentist, and there came up the plan of organizing a Dental Check-up Camp at Harsil by DoW. Sany took on the initiative of getting in touch with the DMO up there in Harsil to know the need and spread out the word in the nearby villages about Dental Check-up camp.
I have already written about the camp and distribution of required medicines in the DwD Community at the link: DoW – Dental Checkup Camp at Harsil near Gangotri. Now, let us have a brief look at my journey to Harsil – Gangotri, and then I will also share the practical tips and updates for anyone planning this trip in 2026.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why Should You Plan a Harsil Gangotri Trip?
Harsil is one of those places in Uttarakhand that still feels untouched, even though it sits right on the road to Gangotri. The Bhagirathi river flows right beside the village, the deodar forests are dense and peaceful, and the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Himalayas surround you from every direction. For anyone who has done the usual Rishikesh or Mussoorie trips and wants something different, Harsil is the answer.
Well, the conditions on our trip lived up to the expectations. Long, tiring journey of 3 days with some cold conditions especially at nights topped with very scenic views of higher Himalayas along with 20+ feet high snow walls in the vicinity and the soothing Bhagirathi river flowing beside the hotel. All these things were WORTH the effort we put into the trip 🙂 :)…
Travel Tip: You can check the detailed travel guide of Harsil which covers everything in detail for making a road trip to this place in Garhwal.
The road conditions in most of the regions were quite good, barring few patches in between and the last section of the trip from Uttarkashi to Harsil – Gangotri. It was one enjoyable and deserving long weekend break of three days with some lovely moments spent with the DoW family along with executing the DoW Causes by organizing a Dental Check-up camp for the people in need 🙂 …
Though I am going to write a detailed Travel Tale and reviews of the guesthouses I stayed, just before that I would like to share what itinerary I followed, the route I took and the updates on road conditions for reaching these places in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, that is, Harsil – Gangotri.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Harsil and Gangotri?
The best time to visit Harsil is from April to June and then again from September to November. Keep in mind that Gangotri temple opens only during the Char Dham Yatra season, typically from late April/early May to Diwali (October/November). So if you want to visit both Harsil and Gangotri temple, plan your trip accordingly.
Here is a quick month-wise breakdown:
- March: Cold, snow still present around Harsil and beyond. Roads to Gangotri may be closed. Our trip was in March and we had 20+ feet snow walls, which was a treat to watch.
- April – May: Ideal months. Roads open, weather is pleasant during the day (15-25 degrees), and Gangotri temple is open for darshan.
- June: Warm during the day, still comfortable. Good for families. Peak season begins.
- July – August: Monsoon season. Landslides are common on the Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Harsil stretch. I would suggest avoiding this period unless you are prepared for road closures.
- September – October: Post-monsoon clarity, fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colors. One of the best times to visit.
- November: Cold sets in, Gangotri temple closes for winter. Harsil still accessible but cold (0 to 10 degrees).
- December – February: Heavy snowfall, roads may get blocked. Only for winter enthusiasts who are well-prepared. Temperatures drop to minus 5 to minus 10 degrees at night.
How to Reach Harsil and Gangotri from Delhi?
There are multiple ways to reach Harsil from Delhi. The most common and practical route is by road, which is what most travelers, including myself, prefer.
By Car (Self-Drive or Taxi)
The route is: Delhi – Meerut – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba – Dharasu – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Sukhi Top – Harsil. Total distance is about 495 km and it takes 12-14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. I suggest starting early from Delhi (by 3-4 AM) to reach Harsil before dark.
From Harsil, Gangotri is another 25 km (about 1 to 1.5 hours drive). So you can keep Gangotri for Day 2 as a day trip from Harsil.
By Bus
UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) runs daily buses from Dehradun and Rishikesh to Uttarkashi. From Uttarkashi, you can catch a shared taxi or local bus to Harsil (72 km). During the Char Dham Yatra season (May to October), there are direct buses from Rishikesh and Dehradun to Gangotri that stop at Harsil. These buses typically start early morning around 7 AM and reach Harsil by evening.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Dehradun (220 km from Harsil) and Haridwar (250 km from Harsil). From either station, you can take a bus or taxi to Uttarkashi and then onwards to Harsil.
Distance Table from Key Cities
| From | To Harsil | Drive Time (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 495 km | 12-14 hours |
| Dehradun | 220 km | 7-8 hours |
| Haridwar | 250 km | 8-9 hours |
| Rishikesh | 230 km | 7-8 hours |
| Uttarkashi | 72 km | 2.5-3 hours |
| Harsil to Gangotri | 25 km | 1-1.5 hours |
What Itinerary Did I Follow for the Harsil Gangotri Trip in March?
We had 3 days in hand to visit this offbeat place in Uttarakhand and make the Harsil – Gangotri trip including no buffer days as I had to return for an important meeting in the office on Monday. Here is the itinerary we followed:
Day 1 | Delhi to Harsil via Uttarkashi (495 km)
Started the drive from Delhi – Meerut – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Agarakhal – Chamba – Dharasu – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Sukhi Top – Harsil. We stayed at GMVN Rest House at Harsil (2,620 Mtrs in altitude), an offbeat place located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
We started from Delhi around 3.45 AM after picking up a couple of our group members from AIIMS, then joined the group at Rishikesh at 8.30 AM. Start from Rishikesh and stopped at Agarakhal for breakfast at a dhabha and then reached Uttarkashi at 3.20 PM, where we had lunch for an hour at Hotel Bhandari.
The food was good. We started from Uttarkashi at 4.30 PM and reached Harsil at 7.15 PM, which was about 72 KMs from Uttarkashi. Harsil to Bhatwari is 45 KM, and Bhatwari to Uttarkashi is 27 KM. Sukhi Top is 8 KM from Harsil. Our total car’s odometer reading of the day from Delhi to Harsil was 495 KM.
Trip Suggestion: Do not forget to check my travel guide about Manila – An unknown place in Uttarakhand.
Day 2 | Harsil – Gangotri – Mukhba – Harsil
We organized a dental check-up camp in the morning at Harsil and left for a short trip to Bhairon Ghati – Gangotri which was about 25 km from Harsil. Bhairon Ghati to Gangotri is about 8 km. Gangotri is one of the four Char Dhams in Uttarakhand, and many pilgrims combine this route with the full yatra circuit. If you are planning the complete pilgrimage, read my Char Dham Yatra 2026 guide for the full itinerary and budget. We started for Gangotri from Harsil at around 12.45 and took free time around the high snow slopes ahead of Dharali to reach Gangotri by 2.30.
Then, we spent a couple of hours there lurking around in the snow. The snow was filled all over the town. A sage/saint cooked tea + maggie for us and did not charge anything. We took the blessings, played in the snow, and came back to Dharali village at 5.30 PM from where the trek to Mukhba village goes.
Mukhba is the village where they keep the idol/deity of Gangotri in winters. The trek to temple was around 1 KM, and we trekked to the village for around 25 minutes, asked to open the temple for us for the darshan, and took the blessing of the goddess. Then, trekked back to Dharali village and reached back to Harsil by 7.30 PM after enjoying an hour or so near the banks of the river.
Day 3 | Harsil to Delhi via Rajaji National Park (495 km)
This day was when we started the return journey back home to Delhi via the same route of Uttarkashi – Chamba – Rishikesh – Haridwar. We started at 9.20 AM from Dharali after having breakfast, reached Uttarkashi around 12.30 PM, where we bought Rhododendron juice. We reached Chamba at around 4.20 PM, Agarakhal, at around 5.10 PM and Rishikesh around 6.30 PM.
We took the road through Rajaji National Park to exit Rishikesh which was quite a nice road, devoid of traffic but unfortunately got stuck in a long, long traffic jam at Muzaffarnagar. Finally, after a very long day reached Delhi back home at 2.10 AM.
The total drive over the trip was 1045 KM done in a budget of around Rs 2800 per head, including all. Overall it was quite a nice vacation in Uttarakhand, and the best part was the drive through the high snow walls, and dental check-up camp organized to spread some smiles 🙂 🙂 …
What Are the Road Conditions for Harsil and Gangotri?
The road conditions vary section by section, and it is important to know what to expect before you start. Here is a detailed breakdown based on my experience and recent updates as of 2026:
- Delhi – Muzaffarnagar: Mostly excellent, smooth sailing toll road. However, watch out for broken patches with deep holes near Modi Nagar which can slow you down.
- Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh: Single-lane road in most places with a lot of traffic. Mix of good and excellent condition road barring few patches.
- Rishikesh – Chamba – Dharasu: Mostly very good roads with some bad patches in between. The Char Dham all-weather road project has improved several stretches on this route.
- Dharasu – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari: Mix of good and average roads with few landslide points and bad patches in between.
- Bhatwari – Sukhi Top – Harsil: Mix of average and bad roads with 5-6 water crossings and slush stretches. This is the most challenging section.
- Harsil – Dharali – Bhairon Ghati – Gangotri: Mostly bad roads with widening underway at some places. Some very bad road sections after Bhairon Ghati with a couple of water crossings.
Vehicle recommendation: A sedan can manage this trip up to Harsil if driven carefully, but an SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance is always preferred, especially for the Bhatwari to Harsil and Harsil to Gangotri stretches. Keep in mind that during monsoon months (July-August), even SUVs can face difficulties due to slush and water crossings.
Did you know? In winter months Harsil experiences an average high of 12-15 Degrees with the lows hovering around 0 degrees. It is one of the places of Uttarakhand near Delhi to experience snowfall.
Where to Stay in Harsil and Gangotri?
Harsil has limited but decent accommodation options. Here is what you can expect as of 2026:
Budget Options (Rs 800 – Rs 1500 per night)
- GMVN Rest House, Harsil: This is where we stayed. Government-run, basic but clean. Rooms start from around Rs 1000 per night. 1 Super Deluxe room and 11 Deluxe rooms available. Book in advance during peak season via gmvnonline.com. The location is superb, right beside the Bhagirathi river.
- Local Homestays: Available in Harsil and nearby Bagori village (1.5 km away). Expect to pay around Rs 800 – Rs 1200 per night with meals. These offer a more authentic village experience.
Mid-Range Options (Rs 1500 – Rs 3500 per night)
- Harsil Village Resort: Near PNB Bank, Harsil. Comfortable rooms with good views.
- Nelangana Resort: Located 2 km before Harsil on the Gangotri Road. Decent property with modern amenities.
- Harsil Cottages: In Jhala Village near Harsil. Good for families.
- Prakriti Retreat: On Gangotri National Highway near Harsil.
In Gangotri, GMVN Gangotri is the main option for government accommodation. Private hotels and dharamshalas are also available near the temple during the yatra season.
I suggest booking your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling between May and June, as rooms fill up quickly during the Char Dham Yatra season.
What Is the Budget for a Harsil Gangotri Trip from Delhi?
The total drive over our trip was 1045 KM and we spent around Rs 2800 per head for the entire 3-day trip. However, that was back in 2015 with a group of 18 people across 4 cars. Here is an updated budget estimate for 2026 based on current prices:
| Expense | Budget (per person, group of 4) | Mid-Range (per person, couple) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (1050 km round trip) | Rs 1500 | Rs 3000 |
| Tolls | Rs 150 | Rs 300 |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | Rs 1000 | Rs 3000 |
| Food (3 days) | Rs 1200 | Rs 2000 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs 500 | Rs 700 |
| Total per person | Rs 4350 | Rs 9000 |
As always, 4 is the magical number. If you travel with 3 more friends in one car, the per-person cost drops significantly as fuel and toll expenses get divided. In case you are a solo traveler or a couple, the budget will be higher since accommodation and fuel costs are shared between fewer people.
What About the Gartang Gali Trek Near Harsil?
One of the most exciting additions to the Harsil experience in recent years is the Gartang Gali, an ancient wooden bridge walkway that was reopened to the public in 2021 after being closed for 59 years. This old trade route once connected India to Tibet and passes through a dramatic gorge with a cantilevered wooden pathway carved into the cliff face.
Key details about Gartang Gali as of 2026:
- Open from 1 April to 30 November every year
- A permit is mandatory. You can get it online or offline from the Uttarkashi Tourism Department
- Permit cost: Rs 226 for Indian nationals (Rs 206 forest fee + Rs 20 processing fee) and Rs 842 for foreign nationals
- The trek starting point is near Sukhi village, about 5-6 km from Harsil
- Total trek distance is around 6-7 km (moderate difficulty)
If you have an extra day in hand, I highly recommend including Gartang Gali in your Harsil Gangotri trip itinerary. It gives you a very different perspective of the valley that you would otherwise miss.
What About Mobile Network and Connectivity?
I was carrying Airtel Postpaid, BSNL Postpaid and Vodafone Postpaid were with some friends. Following was the signal status:
- All three were working mostly through all the routes up to Bhatwari.
- Beyond Bhatwari, only BSNL connection worked and that too we had to make 60-70 calls before getting connected to someone when we were in Harsil as well as Gangotri. So, do not rely much on phones for an emergency beyond Bhatwari 😀 😀
- Data Connectivity was almost always available wherever the signals were present and at places, even 3G was running.
- 2026 Update: As of recent reports, Jio and Airtel 4G coverage has improved up to Uttarkashi. Beyond Uttarkashi, BSNL is still the most reliable network. Some travelers have reported Jio working intermittently in Harsil, but do not count on it. Carry a BSNL SIM as backup if you need connectivity.
What Are the Practical Tips for a Harsil Gangotri Trip?
Based on my experience and inputs from the DwD Community members who have visited Harsil over the years, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Fuel and ATM
- We filled up fuel at Uttarkashi, and there were a couple of fuel pumps ahead as well towards Harsil. I suggest filling up your tank at Uttarkashi to be on the safer side.
- While going to Harsil, Bhatwari has an SBI ATM which is the nearest ATM to Harsil – Gangotri. Uttarkashi has multiple banks and ATMs. Carry enough cash for the trip beyond Uttarkashi.
Food and Local Specialties
- Harsil is famous for its local Rajma (Kidney Beans) and apples. You can buy some of them for yourself or as gifts.
- While in Uttarakhand, buy some packets of buns every day you start if you like them. They are quite a good partner for tea on a roadside tea shack 🙂
- Agarakhal before Chamba is quite a nice place to have some snacks including Samosas and Aaloo Chole.
- There is a Rhododendron Herbal Juice shop in Uttarkashi about 2-3 KMs before you enter the market area on the right-hand side while going towards Harsil. You can get the Rhododendron juice syrup for yourself, which you can dilute in water to drink. It is quite useful for the heart and overall immunity as per the locals. Quite refreshing when served chilled, much similar to Roohafzah.
Nearby Attractions
- You can watch the confluence of the Assi Ganga and Bhagirathi river just near Uttarkashi.
- The route to Dayara Bugyal and Bharasu goes 3 km from Bhatwari. If you have extra days, this alpine meadow is worth the detour.
- Seek over the herb by the local name Kingod which is used by the locals to control diabetes, in case you are interested.
- Mukhba Village near Dharali is where the idol of Gangotri is kept during winter months. A short 1 km trek from Dharali.
What to Carry
- Warm layers (even in summer, evenings in Harsil are cold)
- Rain jacket or poncho (essential during monsoon and useful even in other months)
- Sturdy footwear for treks and water crossings
- If you are particular about brands in liquor then you should carry your own as we ended up shocked with even no availability of Old Monk 😉
- Cash, since digital payments may not work beyond Uttarkashi
- First aid kit and basic medicines
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check my list of things to carry on Himalayan trips.
Can You Combine Harsil Gangotri with Gaumukh Trek?
Yes, absolutely. Gangotri is the base for the famous Gaumukh trek, which takes you to the snout of the Gangotri glacier, the origin point of the Bhagirathi river. The trek is about 18 km one way from Gangotri and typically takes 2 days (one way). You will need a permit from the Forest Department office about 3 km from Uttarkashi bus stand. Keep in mind that there is a limit of 100 trekkers per day.
Travel Tip: You can plan a trek to Gaumukh as well in case you have decent number of days in hand and club it with a trip to Harsil. Also read the detailed Gaumukh travel guide for more information.
What Are the Toll Charges on This Route?
As of 2026, the Delhi – Meerut Expressway has FASTag-based tolling. Beyond Meerut, there are a couple of toll plazas on the route to Haridwar. Total toll charges for a car are approximately Rs 300-400 one way (as of 2026, verify locally for current rates). If you have FASTag enabled, the process is smooth. Keep some cash handy as a backup in case FASTag does not work at smaller plazas.
Suggested Itineraries for Different Durations
While my trip was a 3-day weekend plan, here are a few itinerary options depending on how many days you have:
3-Day Weekend Itinerary (What We Did)
- Day 1: Delhi to Harsil (495 km, start by 3-4 AM)
- Day 2: Harsil – Gangotri – Mukhba – Harsil (day trip, 50 km total)
- Day 3: Harsil to Delhi (495 km, start early)
4-Day Extended Itinerary
- Day 1: Delhi to Uttarkashi (420 km). Stay overnight in Uttarkashi.
- Day 2: Uttarkashi to Harsil (72 km). Explore Harsil, visit Gartang Gali (with permit).
- Day 3: Harsil to Gangotri and back. Visit Mukhba village and Dharali.
- Day 4: Harsil to Delhi (495 km).
5-6 Day Itinerary (Including Gaumukh Trek)
- Day 1: Delhi to Uttarkashi
- Day 2: Uttarkashi to Harsil, explore Gartang Gali
- Day 3: Harsil to Gangotri. Start Gaumukh trek (camp at Bhojbasa)
- Day 4: Gaumukh and return to Gangotri/Harsil
- Day 5: Harsil sightseeing, Mukhba village
- Day 6: Harsil to Delhi
For more detailed day-by-day plans, check my Harsil Gangotri most common itineraries post which covers multiple options. You can also read the Garhwal itinerary guide for a broader trip covering multiple places in the region.
Related Reading
- Harsil Travel Guide, covering everything about the place in detail
- Gangotri Complete Travel Guide, for planning your visit to the Char Dham
- Harsil Gangotri Most Common Itineraries, with multiple day-by-day plans
- Top 10 Offbeat Places in Uttarakhand, for more hidden gems in the state
- Gaumukh Trek Step by Step Guide, if you want to extend the trip
Conclusion
A Harsil Gangotri trip is one of those getaways that stays with you long after you return. The combination of the peaceful Bhagirathi river, snow-capped peaks, dense deodar forests, and the spiritual energy of Gangotri makes it a trip worth every kilometer of the drive from Delhi. Whether you are going for a quick 3-day weekend or an extended 5-6 day trip with the Gaumukh trek, this corner of Garhwal will not disappoint.
I hope this article helps you plan your own Harsil Gangotri trip. If you have any questions or need help with planning, feel free to ask in the comments section or reach out via the DwD Community. If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Harsil, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable trip 🙂 …
Last Updated: February 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harsil open throughout the year?
Yes, Harsil is accessible throughout the year, though road conditions in winter (December to February) can be challenging due to heavy snowfall. The road may get temporarily blocked after heavy snow. The best time to visit is April to June and September to November.
Do I need a permit to visit Harsil?
No, you do not need any special permit to visit Harsil anymore. Earlier, a permit was required from Uttarkashi, but that requirement has been removed. However, if you plan to visit Gartang Gali, you need a separate permit that costs Rs 226 for Indian nationals. For the Gaumukh trek, a forest department permit is required from the office near Uttarkashi.
Can I drive a sedan to Harsil?
Yes, a sedan can make it to Harsil if driven carefully. The road from Delhi to Uttarkashi is mostly good. The stretch from Bhatwari to Harsil has some rough patches and water crossings where you need to drive slowly. However, an SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance is always preferred for comfort and safety.
How far is Gangotri from Harsil?
Gangotri is approximately 25 km from Harsil, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by road. The road passes through Dharali and Bhairon Ghati. During peak season, shared taxis and jeeps are available from Harsil to Gangotri.
Is there mobile network in Harsil?
Mobile network is limited in Harsil. BSNL is the most reliable network in this area. Airtel and Jio work up to Uttarkashi, and Jio has been reported to work intermittently in Harsil in recent years. Do not rely on mobile phones for emergencies beyond Bhatwari. It is always better to inform your family about limited connectivity before you leave.
What is the total budget for a Harsil trip from Delhi?
For a group of 4 in one car, expect to spend around Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 per person for a 3-day trip including fuel, tolls, food, and budget accommodation. For couples or solo travelers, the per-person cost will be higher, around Rs 8000 to Rs 10000 depending on your accommodation choices.
What is the best route from Delhi to Harsil?
The best and most commonly used route is: Delhi – Meerut – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba – Dharasu – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Sukhi Top – Harsil. Total distance is approximately 495 km and takes 12-14 hours by car. Start early from Delhi to reach before dark.
Can I visit Harsil in winter?
Yes, you can visit Harsil in winter, but be prepared for extreme cold (minus 5 to minus 10 degrees at night) and possible road closures due to snow. The road from Bhatwari to Harsil may get temporarily blocked after heavy snowfall. Gangotri temple remains closed in winter. Only attempt a winter trip if you are well-prepared with warm clothing, chains for tires, and have experience driving in snow conditions.
75 Comments
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hello dheeraj jii…kaise ho…need ur advise for my upcoming trip to uttrakhand.. planning for nelong valley this august 2018 for 3-4 days…..starting on 14th night…..how abt weather there…. and looking char dham yatra?
is it a ideal time to go looking both these things? or shall i postponed it till september 1st week?
regards ruhail
Well during those days it will be monsoon and hence I will suggest only traveling to Harsil after monsoon is over. September is still better time to visit Harsil.
Hi Dheeraj Bhai,
How are you??? I need your advice.I am planning a trip to Gangotri from Delhi on Tata Manza on 14th April for 6 days.How will be the weather condition there?? What are the places we should cover.We want to Trekk Gaumukh Glacier,Can we do that during mid april??
Hey Vivek,
I am doing good bro, thank you 🙂 … I hope the same for you.
I believe you can make a trip trek towards Gaumukh but as I have not done myself personally, I cannot be 100% certain. Regarding trip, 6 days should be perfectly fine for Harsil, Gangotri trip in April.
Regards
Dheeraj
Can we go to harshil/ gangotri in Jan or Feb ?
Yes Abhay, you can travel to Harsil in Jan/Feb. The road ahead of Harsil around Dharali is where the main blockade happens.
yes you can go but that time is winter, so you can enjoy snowfall in there.
Dheeraj ji, is there cheapest hotels are available in Harsil, we are going to harsil in 2nd week of June 201. Please advice.
Harsh, best will be to book KMVN or hunt on the spot which I will not suggest because it will be season time of Char Dham yatra.
Hi Dheeraj,
I loved your post. It is very informative. I will be driving to Harsil with my wife on the 9th of October 2017. After reading your post I am planning to start at about 3:30 – 4 :00 AM. I have a few questions and would be highly glad if you could help me out on them.
1: Is is safe to travel with a lady ?
2: How will the weather be in October?
3: Can you give a list of essential items we should be carrying with us?
Thanks!
1. Yes Dipen, we never felt unsafe on the route. Of course you have to cross UP to reach Haridwar, I will suggest to stick to Highways and better leave around 5 AM so that morning starts by the time you cross the UP border. Cover up by taking less stops enroute.
2. Weather will be cool and nights might be a little cold. OVerall nice.
3. You can check: 40 Must Have Things to Carry
Hi Dheeraj,
Very informative, Kudos to your work!!!!
we are also planning a trip from Dehradun to Bhatwari, via Mussorie. How will be the road conditions on Aug 11-15th? Any extra precautions that I need to take?
Prem, it is monsoon time during August and I Am sure monsoon will surely create hassles in terms of landslides, road blocks etc.. Please check the weather before going into the route.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to go to harsil in second week of june..and i am planning to take my Sedan vehicle…please advice on the road conditions.
Regards
M K Ghosh
Road conditions are fine to travel to Harsil by a hatchback barring couple of bad patches in between
road condition is good but i suggest to you hire local driver for harsil.
HI,
I’ve gone through your post. Too valuable and informative. Here, I solicit your opinion- I want to go to Gangotri from Haridwar by cycle. No, no I’m not in a hurry. I want to stop at hrisikesh, Narendranagar, Uttarkashi, Harsil, gangotri, and back. Want to enjoy the nature at every place, with other sightseeing places. It may be one month or more. Is it possible ? In the month of September. Will it be too cold ? Solicit your valuable opinion. Thanks !
No Subash, in a month it should surely be possible with ease. And September will be a good time to visit this region.
Sir, I intend to start from Chandigarh on 1 st June 2017 in maruti EECO reach uttarkashi same day , next sevond day travel up to gangotri, next third day travel back from gangotri to uttarkashi , fourth and fifth day travel to yamnotri and sixth day come back to haridwar and on seventh day come back to Chandigarh.. Kindly advice first of all whether maruti EECO shall be alright and about my tour plan..thanks..
Tapas, you will be able to make the trip with Eeco and your plan seems good to me. May be instead of Gangotri, you can stay in seclusion at Harsil
Hi Dheeraj – Nice , very well articulated article. am planning to go to Harsil / Gaumukh. How do you get permit to trek to Gaumukh ?
Prabhat, well you can get the permits from Forest Department Office about 3 KMs from Uttarkashi bus stand. There is a limit of 100 people per day, so avoid weekends or plan ahead in time.
Hi Dheeraj,
You have done a good job…
Need your suggestion…We are group of 10-12 people travelling from Delhi – Harsil – Delhi from 01st June – 06th June….We have our own vehicle (2-3 cars)..
Can you please provide me a 5 Nights 6 Days awesome itinerary for harsil…We wants to cover uttarkashi – gangotri – harsil in 5 Nights…
We are thinking as per below itinerary :
1N – Chamba
2N – harsil
1N – Gangotri
1N – Uttarkashi,…..
Please advice us and provide the best itinerary and places we can cover and enjoy…
Please suggest and provide the good itinerary which we can cover with small treks like 4-5 km….
Please advice us…
Hi Pankaj,
Your plan looks OK to me but one night in Gangotri is not sure if it will add value, you can cover Gangotri as a day trip as well from Harsil.
Hi Dheeraj,
very informative, we are also planning a trip to Harsil and possibly Gangotri (if roads are open). our travel dates are around 28th March. is it good time to travel.
Also, we have 5-6 days in hand, can we add some other place as well, we are thinking of Chopta, Deoria taal or something else which can be covered
One more question, when does Gaumukh track offficially starts. any possibility to do it in 1st week of april.
YEs, March end is a good time to travel to Harsil and Gangotri and most likely the roads will open by that time of the year. Chopta – Deoriatal will be a bit off on the route. I will suggest to keep the trip leisurely and may be come from Chakrata side.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj, very helpful!
any idea for Gaumukh trek do they start along with yatra or possible before as well
Varun, if you have a guide with you, you can try to do the Gaumukh but I am not 100% sure about teh accommodation that you will get there or on the way back, so please confirm first. OTherwise it will be quite long to do Gaumukh trek in single day and should not be attempted
Hi!! I have been following your itineraries to plan my trips and have planned and executed successfully many in past. Out of which one was Solo ride to Spiti last year.
This time, we two friends have planned to visit Harsil – Gangotri from Delhi, on 26th January. We will be travelling by bikes. My concern here is – Would it be possible to make through up to the Gangotri during this time of the year? Or how far we can go on Harsil – Gangotri Highway. Thanks for your all support.
No Gagan, the road is closed around Dharali and lot of snow is expected in these days. I am not even sure if you will be able to make it to Harsil too. Please check the weather updates before venturing into the hills and please avoid getting caught under some uneasy situation due to heavy snowfall.
Hi Team, I am planning to go in January, is it advisable to go over there in January end
Harsil will be cold but you can surely go and try out couple of days of secluded vacation.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to take a short trip this month end or beginning of next month.
Is this time ok for going there and also It’s a women only trip how safe it would be?
Thanks
Yes, it will be a pleasant time to visit Harsil. Things are more or less safe in that part of the world being Himalayas which are less inflicted by tourists 🙂
Hi
In which month did you went to harsil?
We went in March to Harsil.
YOUR ARTICLE IS VERY INFORMATIVE. AT FIRST SIGHT.PICTURES APPENDED ARE VERY NICE.WE WILL USE YOUR TIME-SCALE TO SET OUR JOURNEY AND POINTS OF STAY.i AM ALSO VERY FOND OF THE HIMALAYAS,ITS NATURAL AMBIENCE,PEOPLE,COMPARATIVELY SIMPLISTIC LIFESTYLE OF THE HABITANTS AND WHAT NOT? I FIND A REAL FRIEND IN YOU.WITH THANKS— SHIBNATH
Thank you Sibnath ji, best wishes for your trip to Harsil – Gangotri.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thank you for the very informative article. We are planning to visit Gangotri between 27th June and 30th June 2016 with my 3 years son. I am very upbeat for the trip but worried of the monsoons. What do you think? I am not going by self drive, but hired an experienced one.
Could you please suggest me precisely , whether it is risky to go Gangotri during the last week of June 2016?
Surya, well, this year monsoon is delayed. You can always check the weather predications and if in case there are predictions of bad weather, better to cancel the trip at the last moment.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for your prompt and useful info. Do you have any suggestions for accommodation in Uttarkasi and Harsil?
what are the precautions that you suggest for this travel, as we are going with our 3 year kid?
regards,
Surya
Surya, I mostly use KMVN/GMVNs only bhai when traveling in Uttarakhand
Hi,
I am planning on a road trip in this road.
I am planning on taking Zoomcar and am confused between a Scorpio and Ciaz AT.
As I have driven mostly in the UK, I am no stranger to ghats and tricky roads. But i am more confident with AT in tricky areas.
Do you think Ciaz will have good enough ground clearance for these roads?
Go for Scorpio as it will be better.
BTW, for Harsil, Ciaz shall be good too.
Is it advisable visit with senior citizens along. I am intending to make a trip in 1st week of July 2016..Delhi- Haridwar-Rishikesh- Mussoorie and was wondering if any detour to go to Gangotri.
Appreciate your response
Yes Anjani, there are sufficient arrangements and stays at Harsil
Hi Anjani,
Are you going to Gangotri during first week of July. We are also planning to go there. So far, we planned to visit mussorie, rishikesh-haridwar, dehradun in that time, and would like to extend it to Gangotri. But, we are skeptical about the monsoons’ effect on the journey.
what are your thoughts about the monsoon effect ?
I want to live near Harsil for 3-4 months in a year for meditation. Can some one help me to find a house of 1 room with kitchen on rent?
You can surely get one after reaching up there. If not Harsil, you will find one at Dharali village or mukba village
Hi, Nice article…. keep it up
I want to travel Gangotri end of May by driving Tata Vista.
Just want to know how tough to drive on this road compare to Srinagar-Leh-Manali Highway. I have visited Srinagar – Leh then Leh to Manali. Kindly guide about the roads, curves, width of roads, roads conditions etc.
Thanks
Not really, there will only be couple of patches which might be a bit slushy but nothing what you didnt encounter with Manali – Leh or Srinagar.
sir , i want to visit nelang valley , it is same where near to bharighati, gangotri national park , kindly explain the car route from delhi to nelang valley
Naveen, it is the same route to Gangotri as mentioned above in the article. Once you cross over Dharali, you reach Bhairon Ghati which is 8 KMs before Gangotri. From ther the road to Nelang Valley diverts to left when going to Gangotri. You will need to arrange permits from Uttarkashi to visit Nelang Valley
dear Dheeraj…….thanks for the wonderful article……
am planning to visit Harsil in 1st week of June……can u pls help about the weather condition in the month of june
thanks…..
Snehal weather shall be OK to visit Harsil in June. Harsil is very nice and calm place.
I want to go to Gangotri in Mid-March…..1) Will i be able to see the deity? 2) Will a Maruti swift/desire be fine for travel from delhi to gangotri in mid-march? and 3) Will i be able to go to the gangotri national park in mid-march? thanks for all the info that is already present here……..
Hello Bharat,
1. You will be able to see the deity but at Mukhba where the deity is shifted in winter months but not at Gangotri temple which will be closed.
2. Yes, you can take your dzire to Harsil Gangotri, some sections will be little tricky but mostly manageable.
3. For that you need to trek and for trek you will need guides and porters.
Can i go to gangotri on a bike?i will lwave rishikesh on 21st october. How r theroad conditions n snow conditions for people on bike. Or i stayat harsil only? Any advise would be a great help. Thnk u 🙂
Jaskaran, road to Gangotri will be open during the time you want to visit. Apart from few bad patches of roads it is all fine. You will enjoy the peace up there for sure.
I am planning to go to Harsil – Gangotri on Oct 2nd in my I20. Is it ok considering the road conditions? Are we going to get the snow walls that this time of the year?
Sunaina, i20 shall be fine to take up there. There are only couple of sections where it is bad rest is fine and mostly manageable. No snow will be there.
Thanks Dheeraj!! But the place is beautiful without the snow as well….right?
Yes Sunaina, as you can see in the pictures, it is quite beautiful . The snow is only available ahead of Harsil towards Dharali and Gangotri in above pictures.
Thanks again!!
Very good n informative article. Keep it up.
Thank a lot Dr. Dilip 🙂
Thanks for the reply. i wish to do this trip in my Swift. Hence the query and worry:)
I think that shall be able to do it with some careful driving 🙂
That’s a very comprehensive report on the road conditions of this part of our country. I see an Alto in group. How was its performance?
Thanks for sharing.
Ravi, almost too good but at one time the oil chamber got a hit and a nut loosen through which oil started dripping but was managed by m-seal 🙂
have you reached up to Gangotri temple…is it allowed to go up to temple when it is closed…?
Yes brother, if the road is open no one stops you. But, yeah I believe you need to take the permission for Gaumukh, AFAIK. 🙂 🙂
nice going dheeraj… just a update.. the toll amount is Rs 80.
Thanks a ton Vipin bhai, will update it