Exploring the Hidden Gems of Uttarakhand: Harsil, Bagori and Kyarkoti Taal

Before setting off on the trip, I simply packed my rucksack and ventured out without overthinking or researching. On arrival, I connected with local guides, booked cozy accommodations, and stocked up on trekking essentials. With my phone switched off, I was ready to lost in nature. Below mention my details for the journey.

Day 1: Harsil

After a long and scenic drive from Dehradun to Harsil, I finally checked into a cozy hotel and decided to call it a day. The weather was chilling, with a refreshing crispness in the air that instantly revitalized me. Breathing in the pure, unpolluted mountain air felt like a luxury to me.

Day 2: Exploring Harsil, Bagori, Mukhba, and Gangotri

Bagori Village:

We began our day by visiting Bagori, a charming village just 1 km from Harsil. This historic village is primarily inhabited by Tibetan families and offers numerous homestay options for an authentic, homely experience. During apple season, you can have fresh apples straight from the orchards. Bagori is also renowned for its delicious rajma (kidney beans), a must-try for visitors. Local people produce kint-clothes like Dumkar Shwal, Pankhi, Sweter, caps, Socks and coat from sheep’s wool by Hathkargha.

Mukhba:

From Bagori, we drove 4-5 km to Mukhba, where the idol from Gangotri Temple is relocated during the winter months. We visited the sacred Ganga Temple here, soaking in the serene atmosphere, before heading onward to the Gangotri Temple.

By evening, we returned to our hotel and rested, ending a fulfilling day.

Day 3: Gartang Gali – A Journey Through History

A Historic Marvel:

Gartang Gali has a fascinating history. Built around 150 years ago by Pathans from Peshawar, it once served as a vital trade route across the rugged Himalayan terrain. However, following the Indo-China war in 1962, the Indian government closed the bridge for strategic reasons. Recently reopened, Gartang Gali now offers an extraordinary trekking experience.

The Trek:

The 2.5 km trek begins from Lanka Bridge, with a nominal entry fee of ₹200. The trail is breathtaking, offering mesmerizing views of the Nelong Valley. The highlight is the 136-meter-long Gartang Gali Bridge, constructed by embedding iron rods into the mountain and overlaying wooden planks across the steep cliffs near the Bhagirathi River.

We spent 1-2 hours on the bridge, soaking in the stunning views. For the best experience, visit between 9 AM and 2 PM, when the polished wooden planks glisten beautifully under the sunlight.

Day 4: Trekking to Lal Devta Camp- 6KM

We packed our essentials early in the morning and set out on an exhilarating trek to Raja ka Camp. The route follows the Jalandhari River, passing through enchanting pine forests. The trek offers a mix of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a truly immersive experience. The trek is mostly ascend on the day one.

The Campsite:

We arrived at the campsite just before sunset. Flat meadow surrounded by boulders and framed by rugged mountain peaks. It’s as though the mountain was carved to create the perfect place for camping.

Day 5: Trekking from Lal Devta to Raja ka Camp- 8KM

We embarked on a trek of approximately 8–9 kilometers from Lal Devata to Raja ka Camp. After enjoying breakfast, we packed our lunch and set off. The trail led us through a serene pine forest and featured a mix of ascents and descents, keeping the journey dynamic and engaging.

Raja ka Camp, is in cold desert mountain landscape, remind me of Leh and Ladakh. As night fell, strong winds made it challenging to remain outside the tent.

In the evening, we gathered wood to light a bonfire, adding warmth and ambiance to the chilly night. The sky was crystal clear, offering a mesmerizing view of the Milky Way galaxy, visible to the naked eye—a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 6: Raja ka Camp to Kyarkoti Taal

The next day, we woke up early, packed our lunch, and set off for Kyarkoti Taal, with plans to eventually reach the Lakha Pass base camp. The trail treated us to breathtaking alpine meadows, and to our right, we enjoyed clear, uninterrupted views of the Neylong Valley.

Upon reaching Kyarkoti Taal, we were spellbound by its beauty. Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the serene charm of the lake. What felt like just a few minutes turned out to be hours spent soaking in its tranquility.

Realizing we were running late to reach Lakha base camp, we decided to forego the journey further and dedicate the rest of the day to exploring the surrounding areas near Kyarkoti Taal. As the sun began to set, we reluctantly made our way back to base camp, cherishing the magical moments we had experienced.

Day 7: Raja Ka Camp to Pine Forest Camp Near Bagori

On the seventh day, we headed back toward Harsil and set up camp near Bagori, nestled inside a serene pine forest. The journey took about 5-6 hours to reach the base camp. The campsite was stunning, located just 15 meters away from the Jalandhari River. In the evening, we gathered around a bonfire and prepared mutton for everyone. The experience was extraordinary, filled with a sense of accomplishment after completing the trek safely. We finally had the chance to relax and enjoy. Moreover, the location had network connectivity, allowing everyone to connect with their loved ones.

Day 8: Pine Forest Camp – Harsil – Dehradun

The next morning, I returned to Harsil to collect my luggage. From there, I took a shared cab to Joshimath, intending to book another cab to Dehradun. However, by the time I reached Joshimath, it was too late, and no vehicles were available to continue the journey to Dehradun.