Harsil Valley Trek
Heaven on earth, so Harshil is a favourite destination of OnMap adventure sports and travellers who love unspoiled nature.
Harsil is a pristine and hidden gem of Uttarakhand that offers ample space for people seeking peace and tranquillity in the lap of the Himalayas. It is located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at an altitude of 2620 m above sea level. This picturesque village has become a favourite among travel enthusiasts and nature lovers in recent years.
A paradise for nature lovers, Harsil also offers many opportunities for thrill seekers like trekking and hiking. The landscape is nourished by the river Bhagirathi. Harsil is known for its apple production, which according to local tradition was brought to the area by British settler Fredric E Wilson. It is said that Wilson fell in love with Harsil and a local girl and made this village his home. He introduced apple cultivation and transportation of goods (Wood) through the river to Harsil valley and changed its economy.
Today, Harsil apples are popular across the country and the annual Harsil Apple Festival is a major attraction! Harsil has one more secret that attracts tourists. This was where legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor shot portions of his superhit Ram Teri Ganga Maili. The village post office, which was featured in the film, still stands today, just as it did about 40 years ago! Walk through the small settlement and listen to the villagers proudly reminisce about the film.
There are several adventure hiking trails around Harsil that you can take. A holiday in Harsil is a rejuvenating experience where you can indulge in meditation and yoga.
Some high-altitude Himalayan treks start from Harsil valley i.e. Lamkhaga pass and Dhumdhar Kandi pass, Kalandikhal pass, Auden’s Col, Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek and Kedar tal.
Many people also come from abroad to visit this place and enjoy the beauty of mountains, snow-covered mountains and meadows, snowfall and much more beauty of Himalayan nature.
You can also come here to spend your vacation for the amazing natural beauty of the Himalayas, beautiful high-altitude snowfall and many other beautiful mountain views.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Dehradun to Dharali
- Drive Distance: 217 km, Drive Duration: 10-11 hours
- Altitude: 8,792 ft
Highlight:
- We’ll start our journey from Dehradun railway station at 7 Am in the morning.
- Arrival at roadside Dharali village which is 3 Km ahead from Harshil also our base camp.
- Enjoy your evening walk and village tourism here with Deodar cedar (Pine Tree)
Day 2 • Dharali to Sattal and Harshil
- Trek distance: 6 km, Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 9,800 ft
Highlight:
- Early Morning wakeup on this day with fresh sunshine in your room.
- On this day you’ll be going for one of the most beautiful winter hikes in India, called “Sattal”.
- This place is just 3 KM upward from Dharali through apple orchids and Pine trees with a snowy trail, Sattal is basically a group of seven small lakes. The more you’ll go up the more you’ll be covering. And you’ll be looking at the mesmerizing view of the mountains.
- The Famous Katling glacier and lamkhaga pass trail are visible from this place. You can camp her if you want but it’ll be on demand.
- In return, we’ll come down towards Harshil side so that you can explore Harshil town which is the base of many past stories.
- At last return to base Dharali from Harshil which is 3 KM from Harshil.
Day 3 • Dharali to Harshil to Lama Top
- Trek distance: 7.3 km, Trek Duration: 6 hours
- Altitude: 9,200 ft
Highlight:
- On this day we’ll be climbing opposite side mountain as compared to the last day’s trail and again this place is a gem of Harshil.
- You need to carry enough water with you because there is no water stream in this way.
- Lama top is just 2 KM from Hashil but one of the most beautiful hikes as Sattal.
- Once you’ll reach there then you won’t feel any pain and It’ll be never-ending memory for you.
- Spend some time here, click some photographs with valley and mountains and return back to Harshil and base after spending 1 or 2 hours here.
Day 4 • Harshil to Dehradun
- Drive Distance: 217 km, Drive Duration: 10-11 hours
- Altitude: 2,099 ft
Highlight:
- This will your final day here but I can bet that you’ll be coming back here soon with your love once.
- Drive back to Dehradun in the morning between 7 to 8 Am and by 4 Pm you’ll be in Dehradun.
What's Included
- Accommodation – On the trek, you will live in tents/guesthouses on a sharing basis.
- Meals – Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food for all days of the trek.
- Camping Fees – All trekking permits and forest camping fees are included in the price.
- Trekking equipment – Quality tents and sleeping bags in all camps. Sleeping bags withstand temperatures down to -10 ºC.
- Safety equipment – First aid kit, oximeter, etc. will be with the trek guide/leader and also at the camp to deal with emergencies.
- Expert Trek Leaders – All our trek leaders have at least basic/advanced mountaineering qualifications and a first aid course.
- Expert Trek Support Team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
- Transfers – Transport from Dehradun to Harshil on Day 1st to Harshil to Dehradun on Day 4th is included.
What's Not Included
- Food is purchased by individuals at local canteens on the trek or while driving.
- Any travel or accommodation costs for early return excluding days as per itinerary.
- Any cost of medical treatment for injuries or accidents before, during or after the trek.
- All cutlery (mugs, spoons, plates, snacks, etc.)