Sacred
Harshil Valley & Gangotri
Sacred source of the Ganga and the apple orchards of the Bhagirathi valley
6 daysEasyHarshil Valley, Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India3,892 mMax 15 people4.9 (1 reviews)
Overview
Harshil is one of Garhwal's best-kept secrets — a sleepy alpine village at 2,620 m in the Bhagirathi valley, famous for its apple orchards, deodar forests, and unobstructed views of the Bhagirathi peaks. Just up the road, Gangotri (3,048 m) is one of the four Char Dham shrines and the spiritual source of the Ganga. This package combines the pilgrimage to Gangotri with a relaxed stay in Harshil and an optional day trek up to Gaumukh — the actual glacier snout where the Bhagirathi emerges. Ideal for pilgrims who also want alpine downtime, and for anyone looking for a gentler introduction to the Garhwal Himalaya.
Trek Highlights
Gangotri Dham — sacred source shrine of the Ganga (3,048 m)
Harshil Valley — hidden alpine village amid apple orchards
Gaumukh glacier trek option — actual source of the Bhagirathi (3,892 m)
Views of Bhagirathi peaks (I, II, III) and Sudarshan Parvat
Bagori — Bhotia village with a distinctive wooden temple
Optional Sattal & Dharali side trips
Deodar cedar forests and hot springs at Gangnani
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneSeptemberOctober
Pre-monsoon (April–June) brings clear skies and blooming rhododendrons. Post-monsoon (September–November) delivers the year's sharpest mountain views and the most stable trekking conditions. Routes in the Pithoragarh Inner Line zone typically open in late April and close by early November.
Upcoming Departures
4 October 2026
Open18 October 2026
Open9 May 2027
Open6 June 2027
OpenCan't make these dates? Contact us for a private group departure.
How to Reach
From Rishikesh
Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) and Rishikesh are the nearest hubs. 1-hour flight from Delhi or 5–6 hour train. Himalvara arranges all onward transport.
From Dehradun
Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) and Rishikesh are the nearest hubs. 1-hour flight from Delhi or 5–6 hour train. Himalvara arranges all onward transport.
From Delhi
Overnight train or flight to Kathgodam / Dehradun, then private AC vehicle arranged by Himalvara.
Choose your starting city
6 breakfasts · 5 dinners
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The plan below is our base itinerary. Your Rishikesh departure will be tailored around it — transit days, group size, and add-ons are agreed as part of your custom quote.
Depart Dehradun at 7:00 AM. Drive 175 km (7–8 hrs) up the Bhagirathi valley via Mussoorie and Chamba to the pilgrim town of Uttarkashi. Evening at leisure, briefing with your guide.
1,158 m altitude🏨 Hotel, Uttarkashi
What's Included
Included
- Return transport from Dehradun / Rishikesh (private AC vehicle)
- All accommodation — hotels in towns, tents / guesthouses on trail
- All meals during the tour — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Experienced English-speaking, government-certified guide
- All required forest / national park entry permits
- Comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- All road tolls, parking, green tax, and driver allowances
- 24 / 7 emergency rescue coordination
Not Included
- Flights to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) airport or train to Haridwar / Dehradun
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended — better if you have one)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Porter service (available locally at ₹500 / day)
- Personal expenses — beverages, laundry, phone charging
- Gratuities for guide and driver (recommended)
- Temple / puja fees and ritual donations
- Emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by rescue insurance)
What Trekkers Say
“Kuldeep ji's military background shows in how the team operates — every contingency planned, every risk addressed before it becomes a problem. The Harshil and Gangotri trip was one of the most grounding experiences of my life. Himalvara doesn't just take you to the mountains, they take care of you there.”
Arjun Bisht
Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do the Harshil Valley & Gangotri?
The best months for the Harshil Valley & Gangotri are May, June, September, October. Pre-monsoon (April–June) offers clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, and uncrowded trails; post-monsoon (September–November) delivers the year's sharpest mountain views. Himalvara runs fixed-departure batches across all open windows — contact us for the current season's schedule.
How difficult is the Harshil Valley & Gangotri? Is it suitable for beginners?
The Harshil Valley & Gangotri is rated Easy. It is suitable for first-time trekkers and families with children aged 8 and above. No prior trekking experience is required — comfortable walking fitness and the ability to cover 5–8 km per day on uneven terrain is sufficient.
What permits are required for the Harshil Valley & Gangotri?
The Harshil Valley & Gangotri passes through forest department and national park areas. Entry permits are required and are fully arranged and included in the Himalvara package price. Just carry a government-issued photo ID — no separate permit processing is needed.
What is included in the Harshil Valley & Gangotri package price of ₹17,999–₹22,999?
The Himalvara package covers: all accommodation (hotels in towns, tents or guesthouses on the trail), all meals (breakfast and dinner throughout the trek), transport from your pickup city, an experienced government-certified veteran guide, all entry and forest permits, a first-aid kit with emergency oxygen, and 24/7 emergency rescue coordination. Flights to the pickup city, personal trekking gear, and travel insurance are not included.
How do I reach Rishikesh for the Harshil Valley & Gangotri?
Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport or Dehradun railway station) is the nearest hub. Flights connect Delhi to Jolly Grant in about 1 hour; trains from Delhi take 5–6 hours. Himalvara arranges all transport from Dehradun to the trailhead as part of the package.
How many people will be in my group on the Harshil Valley & Gangotri?
Himalvara operates in small groups of 2–15 people, ensuring personalised attention from your veteran guide. Private departures for families and friend groups are available on request. Contact us to check availability for your preferred dates.
Why trust Himalvara
Veteran Founded · Veteran Led — every trek is planned with army-grade precision and a zero-compromise safety culture.
Every trek, tailored
Custom package
Pricing depends on your group size, dates, and add-ons.
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
3,892 m
Group Size
2–15 people
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
MayJuneSeptemberOctober
Veteran-led safety protocols · Zero-compromise emergency planning
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