Dharali – A Scenic Hamlet Between Harsil and Gangotri

Nestled amidst the pristine natural surroundings of the majestic Himalayas and on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the quiet hamlet of Dharali is so beautiful that it seems like a scene right out of a fairy tale book. The town is extremely popular for its glistening apple orchards and for being one of the most remote and untouched destinations in Uttarakhand. It shares almost the same beauty features as the stunning village of Harsil, which is situated at a distance of 6 km. Visiting this place will give you the perfect opportunity for self-discovery and taking some time off from the rat race of city life. The environment here is filled with a deep sense of spiritualism that blends peacefully and perfectly with the picturesque landscape, offering visitors a unique experience.

Location

This beautiful village is placed right amidst the lap of bountiful nature at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level. It is wedged between two of the most scenic hamlets, Uttarkashi and Gangotri. It is also located 20 km before Gangotri Dham and 3 km after Harsil. The national highway runs through this magnificent village. The entire town is lined by the fast-flowing Bhagirathi River, offering some of the most scenic views for visitors. Flanked by two lush green mountains, this sleepy hamlet is located in the perfect place for a thriving environment.

Getting There

Route Map from Rishikesh: Rishikesh – Chamba – Dharasu – Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Gangnani – Harsil – Dharali

• By Road: If you are planning on visiting Dharali by road, the journey from Rishikesh takes almost 8 hours. You can opt to travel by state bus or hire a cab or taxi, depending on your budget, needs, and convenience. Follow the route map above from Rishikesh to Dharali.

• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Dharali is located in Rishikesh, about 7.5 hours away. It caters to a number of trains from various parts of India. Once you arrive, you can hire cabs, taxis, or buses heading for Dharali, which will drop you at the Dharali bus stand.

• By Flight: The nearest airport to Dharali is located in Dehradun, at Jolly Grant, around 7.5 hours away. After deboarding the flight, you can hire a cab or taxi service and head for Dharali.

Places to Stay

Being of importance during the pilgrimage season, Dharali has a number of accommodation options that are clean, spacious, and budget-friendly. There are government guesthouses from GMVN, along with other lodges, homestays, and good-quality hotels. If you are looking for a cheaper option, there are ashrams and dharamshalas available as well. These offer dorm-room-like stays at the cheapest rates and also provide delectable food options at reasonable prices. Budget hotel prices range from ₹700 to ₹1,000, while higher-priced accommodations range from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. You’ll easily find a hotel within your budget.

Nearby Places of Attraction

Being situated among some of the most scenic environments in Uttarakhand, Dharali offers a plethora of places for tourists to explore and rejuvenate. Here are some places around Dharali that you can visit:

Nelang (Nelong) Valley (32.7 km)

This is one of the several hidden valleys and well-kept secrets of Uttarakhand. It was once an old trading route between India and Tibet, and a wooden bridge marks its presence, which can still be seen today. Due to limited and regulated tourism, this valley remains remote and untouched, offering an eerie feeling. Even staying here at night is not permitted, and you can only explore the place after getting a permit from the forest department.

Harsil (6.4 km)

The scenic hamlet of Harsil is one of the most underrated hill stations in Uttarakhand. With large mountains towering over the tiny hamlet, covered in lush greenery, this place is ideal for a spiritual experience. People generally choose to stay at Harsil during their Chardham Yatra to Gangotri. The glistening Bhagirathi River that flows through the town only adds to its beauty.

Swami Sundaranand Viewpoint

This is a simple viewpoint marked with a stone on the NH 108 highway, close to Harsil. The spot is dedicated to Swami Sundaranand, a yogi, philosopher, and advocate for fighting against the adverse effects of global warming on the Himalayas and other glaciers. This place offers stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, along with the Bhagirathi River flowing gracefully through it.

Trek to Kedar Tal (21.2 km)

Trekking to Kedar Tal is one of the most exhilarating expeditions among towering snow-clad mountain peaks. Dharali is made the base camp for the trekking journey to the magnificent high-altitude lake of Kedar Tal. The journey is treacherous and difficult, requiring maximum effort and dedication. The journey takes you through Bhaironghati, Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak, and finally to Kedar Tal.

Weather Conditions

Dharali, like Harsil, experiences high-altitude Himalayan weather conditions, which are as follows:

• Summer Season (April – June): The mornings are sunny, bright, and pleasant, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore nearby amazing places. The average temperature experienced throughout the day ranges between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

• Monsoon Season (July – September): This season should definitely be witnessed at least once in a lifetime. The weather changes, and the temperature also experiences a drop. During torrential rains, it is advised not to make any travel plans, as it may be hazardous due to unexpected rainfalls and landslides.

• Winter Season (October – March): You can choose to experience some Himalayan winter chill. Remember to load up on all your woollens and winter wear properly. The place experiences some snowfall, and temperatures may drop as low as 0°C or even below.

Best Time to Visit

The summer season, from March to June, is the best time to visit. If you want to go on an exploring expedition, these months are ideal because you won’t have to carry large and heavy luggage, which will allow you to explore more places compared to the winter season.