Harsil is a small village on the road to Gangotri, with deodar forest, the Bhagirathi river and a military presence. Dharali, nearby, is a village on the road. A major flash flood and debris flow hit Dharali and Harsil on 5 August 2025; the Uttarkashi-Harsil road was restored by late August 2025 but the Gangotri road near Harsil was damaged. We could not confirm 2026 status, so check current road and lodging conditions.
About this page: The 5 August 2025 flash flood is confirmed by multiple news reports; 2026 road and lodging status could not be confirmed. Other details are approximate and from general knowledge and secondary sources.
Things to see
- Bhagirathi riverside walks. Easy walks near the village.
- Mukhba. Village where the Gangotri deity stays in winter.
- Orchards. Apple orchards around the village.
How to reach Harsil and Dharali
By road
About 70-75 km from Uttarkashi on the Gangotri road; Gangotri is roughly 25 km further.
By rail
Rishikesh is the railhead.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, then road.
Where to stay
Homestays and small guesthouses; limited rooms and basic facilities.
Food
Simple meals at guesthouses.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Closed in parts by snow in winter; monsoon landslides.
Safety
- Check road and lodging status before you go. Dharali and Harsil were hit by a flash flood on 5 August 2025.
Tips
- Carry cash and a power bank; services are limited.
Plan around Harsil and Dharali
Treks in the same district
- Kedarkantha (easy-moderate, 5 days)
- Har Ki Dun (moderate, 7 days)
- Dayara Bugyal (easy-moderate, 4 days)
- Auden's Col (difficult, 12 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Harsil open all year?
The village is inhabited year-round but winter snow can block the road and close many lodges.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.