This sleepy town is a new discovery for us. A stone’s throw from Mussourie but far removed from its crowded environs, the Camp Thangdar in Dhanaulti is set in the heart of thick forests of deodhar, rhododendron and oak with fantastic views of snow-capped peaks around. The cultivated fields and little village next to it add the rustic touch. All around are forests trails and interesting treks that you can explore on foot and let the wooded slopes, cool caressing breeze and lovely weather work its magic on you.

If you recollect, our September 2002 Driving Destinations took you to a little village called Chitkul in Kinnaur’s Baspa Valley. Harsil lies nestled in the shadow of the huge mountain that lies at the head of the Baspa Valley. It is as beautiful as Chitkul and delightfully secluded.
About 25km away from Gangotri and at a height of 2800m, Harsil is a small
one-lane town with very few residents. All around are
awe-inspiring views, and the huge snow-capped peaks form truly fascinating vistas.
There’s no better way to see the Himalayas than to trek through them and Harsil is a fabulous base to explore the regions all around. A rough itinerary could be:
D ay 1: Get acclimatised.
Day 2: Trek to Sat Taal, a group of seven lakes.
Day 3: Visit Gangotri, the source of the Ganga.
Day 4: Visit the neighboring village and watch the locals knitting woolen garments.
Harsil is so quaint that you’ll probably feel that you’ve traveled back in time. A narrow lane runs through it and is bordered on both sides by wooden houses done up in typical Garhwali architecture. There are little streams with dainty bridges across them and forest trails you can follow to your heart’s content. The locals are very friendly and within a day or two you’ll probably know everyone.
With their interesting tales and folklore, they make interesting company around a campfire.
If you really want some high adventure, do undertake the six-day-long trek from Harsil to Chitkul that takes you over the Lamkhaga and Chotkhaga passes but you will need to be well prepared. Yes, it is strenuous but it will get you as up close and personal with the Garhwal and Kinnaur Himalayas as you can be.
Gangotri definitely deserves a visit. Our advice is that you should go there early in the morning before the rush of tourists from Uttarkashi begins.
Harsil, so wonderfully blessed by nature, also has an enjoyable climate — so unpredictable that you can never be bored. If the sun shines bright one day, the next will have light rain. And, when the night temperatures drop, you could open your tent-sight to the refreshing and happy sight of the entire landscape powdered with snow. A time when you’re one with nature.
If you recollect, our September 2002 Driving Destinations took you to a little village called Chitkul in Kinnaur’s Baspa Valley. Harsil lies nestled in the shadow of the huge mountain that lies at the head of the Baspa Valley. It is as beautiful as Chitkul and delightfully secluded.
About 25km away from Gangotri and at a height of 2800m, Harsil is a small
one-lane town with very few residents. All around are
awe-inspiring views, and the huge snow-capped peaks form truly fascinating vistas.
There’s no better way to see the Himalayas than to trek through them and Harsil is a fabulous base to explore the regions all around. A rough itinerary could be:
Day 1: Get acclimatised.
Day 2: Trek to Sat Taal, a group of seven lakes.
Day 3: Visit Gangotri, the source of the Ganga.
Day 4: Visit the neighboring village and watch the locals knitting woolen garments.
Harsil is so quaint that you’ll probably feel that you’ve traveled back in time. A narrow lane runs through it and is bordered on both sides by wooden houses done up in typical Garhwali architecture. There are little streams with dainty bridges across them and forest trails you can follow to your heart’s content. The locals are very friendly and within a day or two you’ll probably know everyone.
With their interesting tales and folklore, they make interesting company around a campfire.
If you really want some high adventure, do undertake the six-day-long trek from Harsil to Chitkul that takes you over the Lamkhaga and Chotkhaga passes but you will need to be well prepared. Yes, it is strenuous but it will get you as up close and personal with the Garhwal and Kinnaur Himalayas as you can be.
Gangotri definitely deserves a visit. Our advice is that you should go there early in the morning before the rush of tourists from Uttarkashi begins.
Harsil, so wonderfully blessed by nature, also has an enjoyable climate — so unpredictable that you can never be bored. If the sun shines bright one day, the next will have light rain. And, when the night temperatures drop, you could open your tent-sight to the refreshing and happy sight of the entire landscape powdered with snow. A time when you’re one with nature.
If you recollect, our September 2002 Driving Destinations took you to a little village called Chitkul in Kinnaur’s Baspa Valley. Harsil lies nestled in the shadow of the huge mountain that lies at the head of the Baspa Valley. It is as beautiful as Chitkul and delightfully secluded.
About 25km away from Gangotri and at a height of 2800m, Harsil is a small
one-lane town with very few residents. All around are
awe-inspiring views, and the huge snow-capped peaks form truly fascinating vistas.
There’s no better way to see the Himalayas than to trek through them and Harsil is a fabulous base to explore the regions all around. A rough itinerary could be:
Day 1: Get acclimatised.
Day 2: Trek to Sat Taal, a group of seven lakes.
Day 3: Visit Gangotri, the source of the Ganga.
Day 4: Visit the neighboring village and watch the locals knitting woolen garments.
Harsil is so quaint that you’ll probably feel that you’ve traveled back in time. A narrow lane runs through it and is bordered on both sides by wooden houses done up in typical Garhwali architecture. There are little streams with dainty bridges across them and forest trails you can follow to your heart’s content. The locals are very friendly and within a day or two you’ll probably know everyone.
With their interesting tales and folklore, they make interesting company around a campfire.
If you really want some high adventure, do undertake the six-day-long trek from Harsil to Chitkul that takes you over the Lamkhaga and Chotkhaga passes but you will need to be well prepared. Yes, it is strenuous but it will get you as up close and personal with the Garhwal and Kinnaur Himalayas as you can be.
Gangotri definitely deserves a visit. Our advice is that you should go there early in the morning before the rush of tourists from Uttarkashi begins.
Harsil, so wonderfully blessed by nature, also has an enjoyable climate — so unpredictable that you can never be bored. If the sun shines bright one day, the next will have light rain. And, when the night temperatures drop, you could open your tent-sight to the refreshing and happy sight of the entire landscape powdered with snow. A time when you’re one with nature.