Harsil Valley & Gartang Gali

On 23rd Nov. 21 we started from Gita Bhawan, Rishikesh by a rental vehicle Breeza from Ram Zhula to Harshil Valley at 7.30 AM.  Distance between Rishikesh and Harshil is about 250 Km. On the way we had tea, breakfast and lunch.. Driver took us by the way around Tehri Lake, which he said is a road without rush and without traffic jam.  We were traveling all the way by the lakeside with a beautiful nature.  But after going 40 km we came to know that ahead road is closed. As at the entry point of this road there was no any signboards which indicates that work is going on and road is closed ahead. Unnecessarily we had to travel 80 km and wasted 2 hours and so couldn't reach Harshil and had to halt at Gangnani at Shivganga lodge.  We checked in at 6 PM.  Then we went to bath in hot spring near our hotel.  Though there is too much cold outside, the water in Kund is so much hot that water vapours easily can be seen. We enjoyed bathing in hot spring for an hour then came to hotel had dinner and rested. The Gangnani is a religious site, development is limited to a few simple guesthouses and restaurants; alcohol and meat are not served – even it is hard to get eggs. Gangnani is noted for its thermal springs and magnificent views of the Himalayas. The thermal water spring at Gangnani is called Rishikund. Most of the devotees take holy dip in this natural hot water spring before heading towards Gangotri. There are separate kunds for both men and women. Women kund is covered. A temple dedicated to sage Parasara, father of Veda Vyas situated close to the Kund. Being a perfect spot for meditation, Gangnani acts as an ideal retreat for the nature lovers and affords stunning mountain views.

Next day on 24th November 21 earli morning at 8 we started for Harshil, after reaching Harshil we came to know that most of the home stays are not working and some are not found as per our budget, so we did sightseeing of Harshil and went to Dharali.  Harsil is a village which is called as the Himalayan paradise, is a tourist hill station and army area located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river, on the way to Gangotri, in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The hill station is well- known for its natural environment and apple production as well as Rajma cultivation. Harsil army area is a base camp of  Garhwal Scouts and Indo Tibetan Border Police.
We checked in hotel Anchal at Dharali.  Dharali is a picturesque hamlet nestled on the tranquil banks of river Ganges. This village is perched at an altitude of 648 metres above sea level and lies in Rajgarhi tehsil or block.  The fairy tale hamlet of Dharali is located at a favourable distance of 3 km from the main town. Dharali is also famous for its glittering apple orchards & Rajma cultivation.  Dharali is about 6 km from Harshil valley.  It is believed that sage Bhagirath mediated here to bring river Ganga  out of the heaven to flow onto the earth. Then went to Gartang Gali. Ticket per person is Rs.150/- Gartang Gali is a hanging stairway.. This wooden bridge was the trade route between India and Tibet. the nomads (Bhotiya tribe) ferried their goods on yaks from this bridge for barter with their other country part. This historic wooden bridge located at a height of 11000 ft in Nelong Valley in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, is now open for tourists. The Government of  Uttarakhand opened the Gartang Gali trek for tourists; it is located close to the Indo-China border and is a 500 m long stairway. As per the reports, the wooden bridge has been built here in traditional style, by cutting through a single rock. When on the bridge, one gets to witness unparalleled views of the stunning Nelong Valley as well as the flora and fauna that surrounds the area. Reports also have it that in view of the Corona guidelines, the district administration will be allowing only 10 tourists to visit the bridge at a time. Believed to have been built by the Peshawar Pathans, Gartang Gali served as a trade route between Tibet and India for many years. Reportedly, after the Indo-China war in 1962, the area was declared as off-limits for tourists, thereby the bridge also lost its tourist spot status. Now, nearly after 59 years, visitors will be able to access this spot. I must say we are lucky to visit this place.  It is a must visit place, you can trek and enjoy the beauty of nature along the way. Mesmerizing view of the mountain and river. We came back to hotel and decided to go to Mukhba to take darshan of Ma Ganga, as Gangotri temple is closed for six months, idol from that shrine is  here for six months, we went some way but as it is time to sunset came back as we saw it was stiff trek and no lights on the way. Then we asked to prepare chicken to nearby hotel had dinner enjoyed bonfire at the hotel and came to Hotel Aanchal.

Next day 25th November 21 we started morning at 8 for Rishikesh.  On the way had darshan of Uttarkashi.  Uttarkashi, meaning Kashi of the north, is a town in Uttarakhand. Uttarakashi is also known as Somya Kashi. Uttarkashi is a religious place for spiritual and adventurous tourism. Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi town is also called as Shivnagri. The town has number of temples and ashrams. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi.  Holy town close to Rishikesh. Since ancient times, Uttarkashi has been a meditational ground for many sages. We had peaceful darshan, no crowd at all. On the returning way had lunch and reached Rishikesh at 6.30 PM.