Harsil Valley Roadtrip

We start our journey early in the morning from Dehradun. Our pick-up point will be Prince Chowk near Railway Station.

An hour’s drive through the zig-zag roads from Dehradun to Mussoorie offers one of the most scenic routes with breathtaking views of the Doon Valley.

Just a few kilometers before reaching Mussoorie, we take a turn onto the Tehri-Dhanaulti Road. Until Suwakholi, we continue along this road, soaking in the scenic beauty. After reaching Suwakholi, we take a turn towards Uttarkashi, leaving behind the Tehri-Dhanaulti Road. Along the way, we pass through Routi Ki Beli, where a recent Nawazuddin Siddiqui movie, Rotu Ka Raaz, was shot.

We finally reach Moriyana Top, which, as the name suggests, is the highest point before descending into Uttarkashi. From here, you can catch the first glimpse of the snow-capped mountain ranges, including the prominent Bandarpoonch, Srikhand, and Black Peak.

The road then leads us towards Chinyalisaur, a peaceful town in the Uttarkashi district. From Chinyalisaur, we continue our drive through the Dharasu Band, where roads from different regions converge.

Eventually, we reach Uttarkashi, also known as the Kashi of North, Somya Kashi and Barahat. It is believed that there are three Kashi in India: Banaras (Kashi), Guptakashi (near Kedarnath), and Uttarkashi (the Kashi of North). The city is situated on the confluence of the Varuna River, which originates from Varunavat Parvat, and the Asi Ganga, which originates from Dodital (believed to be the abode of Lord Ganesha). There’s a beautiful temple of Kashi Vishwanath in the heart of the city, alongside the iconic Shakti Khamb Trishul (a copper trident having a circumference of 1 meter).

After a brief stop at Uttarkashi, we continue our journey towards Harsil Valley, crossing the Maneri Khedi Waterfall and Sukhi Top. The drive from Uttarkashi to Sukhi Top and then to Harsil takes you through stunning landscapes. Sukhi Top is renowned for its apple orchards. There are a few dhabas here where you can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the mountain and valley views.

As we approach Harsil, the beautiful Deodar trees begin to line both sides of the road. From the main Gangotri National Highway, we take a left turn towards Harsil, crossing through an Army area. After crossing a bridge, we finally reach the main Harsil Market, where small shops and vibrant wall paintings adorn the buildings.

Beyond Harsil Market, a narrow road leads to Bagori village. Just a 200-meter drive from Harsil Market brings us to a bridge over the Jalandhari River. From here, we start our walk towards our homestay in Bagori village.

As we cross the bridge, you can notice the strong influence of Buddhist culture. At the entrance of the village, one side features a Buddhist monastery adorned with Tibetan flags, while on the other side, there is a temple dedicated to a local Hindu deity, showcasing a beautiful amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The influence of Buddhism here comes from the ancient trade between the valley and Tibet. The people of Bagori village originally belonged to Jadung village in the Nelong Valley. After the 1962 Indo-China war, the residents of Jadung were relocated to Bagori.

In ancient times, trade between India and Tibet used to happen here, the route known as “The Salt Route.”

Walking through Bagori village, you’ll notice a straight footpath, locally known as Chafootiya (meaning a 6-foot-wide walking path), lined by traditional wooden houses on both sides. These homes hold significant heritage value for the valley.

We finally reach our beautiful wooden homestay, where you can freshen up and enjoy a warm welcome with hot tea. The homestay is surrounded by apple orchards.

After covering such a long journey, we’ll rest for the day to recharge for the adventures ahead.