Mukhba Village: Winter Home of Mata Gangotri

Located at a distance of 3 km from the scenic hill town of Harsil, is the quaint village hamlet of Mukhba. Known for its pristine beauty, this part of the Himalayas offers some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding snow-clad mountain peaks. Situated at an elevation of 2,620 meters above sea level, the clear sky above the village of Mukhba displays brilliant hues of blue that cannot be seen anywhere else. You will be greeted with a vast, expansive landscape of undulating mountainous topography covered entirely in thriving lush greenery. The fast-flowing holy river Ganga that snakes its way through this town forms a charming picture of the valley.

Religious Significance

This town is popular among devout Hindus as one of the holiest destinations in the northern part of India. When the main temple of Gangotri Dham shuts down for Darshan during the winter months (November to April), the idol of the presiding deity, Goddess Ganga, is brought down to a temple in Mukhba village, where she is worshipped during these months. This is done to provide pilgrims with an opportunity to offer their prayers to the goddess. There are two temples in this village, one older, made entirely of deodar wood and brass, and a newly built temple created using marble and concrete. This entire village evokes a deep sense of spirituality coupled with incredible and unmatched peace.

How to Reach

By Air: The closest airport to Harsil is situated 232 km away in Dehradun, at Jolly Grant Airport. This airport caters to a few select domestic flights from Delhi. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to head toward Harsil.

By Road: Since Mukhba is a significant religious destination, it is visited by pilgrims from all over India. The village is well connected by a network of well-maintained roads that cater to local and private buses from nearby towns like Rishikesh, Barkot, Tehri, and Uttarkashi, as well as from major cities such as Delhi and Dehradun.

By Rail: The closest railhead to Harsil is situated in Rishikesh, which is 205 km away. This station caters to several trains from major destinations across India. You will need to hire a cab, taxi, or take a local bus heading toward Harsil.

Accommodation Facilities:

• Homestay – Mukhba has a number of homestay options that are within your budget and will present you with some of the most realistic experiences of normal village life. These homestays are a common occurrence in this region.
• Hotels – If you want to experience the beauty of Mukhba in a more comfortable manner, you have the option of choosing a hotel either in Harsil or the pleasant village town of Dharali.
• Lodges – If you want to spend more comfortable time here but at a cheaper rate, then opting for the widely available lodges is a good way to go. These lodges are available in Harsil and Dharali.

Food Availability

Being located on the Garhwal hilly tracts, the local food here celebrates the flavor-packed food selection of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The restaurants, dhabas, and food stalls available in and around the village cater to the food needs of travelers and visitors by offering South Indian and Chinese dishes like momos, noodles, parathas, dal, etc. However, these choices are extremely limited, and you should not expect a luxurious 5-star-worthy meal. If you are looking to have some Pahadi cuisine, you have the option of choosing from a number of delectable pure Uttarakhandi dishes like Pahadi Raita, Gahat Dal, Chainsoo, Sisunak Saag, Bhang ki Chutney, and so much more.

Places of Interest

Dharali

Nestled right on the soothingly calm banks of the holy river Ganga and perched at an elevation of 648 meters above sea level, the pleasant village of Dharali is like a fairytale hamlet. Sitting at a distance of just 3 km from the main town, the entire charming landscape of Dharali is covered in glistening orchards of mountain apples and Rajma cultivation. Covered in a thriving green forest of deodars and pines, this place can easily be called nature’s basket.

Gangnani

If you are seeking to attain some peace of mind among the impressive and green natural surroundings, then Gangnani is the place to be. Located at a distance of 46 km from the holy town of Uttarkashi, Gangnani is an ideal retreat destination for not just spiritually inclined individuals but also for nature lovers. Surrounded by stunning views of the snow-clad mountains, a memorable time here is guaranteed.

Gangotri National Park

If you want an adventurous twist to your travel plans, visiting Gangotri National Park will do the trick. Spanning an area of 2,390 sq. km, and located a few hours from the town of Harsil, this national park is home to a number of high-altitude glacial lakes, coniferous forests, and the world-renowned snow leopards.

Sattal Harsil

Located after covering a distance of 3 km uphill trek from Dharali, as the name suggests, Sattal Harsil represents a collection of seven naturally occurring high-altitude, crystal-clear lakes. These lakes are covered in the dense greenery of pine trees, making the region look even more picturesque, and making it one of the prime trekking destinations among adventure travel enthusiasts.

Activities

• Pilgrimage – People from all over the country visit the village of Mukhba during the winter months (November to March) to offer their prayers to Goddess Ganga, who is placed in her winter abode here. The place witnesses a throng of visitors, and devout pilgrims from across the subcontinent make it a point to visit this place as part of their winter Char Dham Yatra.
• Village Walks – There is no dearth of scenic views in Mukhba. Opting for a village walk is a great way to go since you will be able to savor some incredibly mesmerizing views of the surroundings. Get to know about the local and traditional life of the villagers by walking through this beautiful landscape, which replicates a fairytale wonderland.
• Trekking Activities – The village of Mukhba is located close to a number of different trekking sites and will take you across some of the most pleasant destinations that will appeal to the adventure lover in you. You will be able to cover places like Lamkhaga Pass, Sangla, Gaumukh, and so much more.

Weather Conditions

• Summer: If you are a peace seeker and a nature lover, you will be able to experience the true and charming Himalayan beauty. The summer months range from April to June when the region thrives with tourists from different parts of India. This is believed to be the best time to visit Mukhba village.
• Monsoon: The monsoon months last from July to September, when the entire region gets covered in regular rains and unexpected landslides. It is an unsafe option to visit the village of Mukhba during this time. However, if you want to experience the Himalayan rains, visiting this place during the onset of the rainy season is a good option.
• Winter: Although the Char Dham Yatra shuts down for the winter months, this place remains crawling with devotees and pilgrims from all over India who visit to offer their prayers in the winter abode of Goddess Ganga for their winter Char Dham Yatra.

Winter Char Dham Yatra

When the Char Dham Yatra of India concludes during the winter months, all the presiding deities from the main Dham shrines are carried away in palanquins and doli to their winter homes in nearby holy villages. Since all the main Char Dham sites are located at extremely high elevations, the entire region gets completely covered in a thick blanket of snow, making accessibility not just difficult but impossible to reach.

Here are the winter abodes of all the Char Dhams which you can reach during the closed months:

• Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath (Kedarnath)
• Vasudev Temple in Joshimath (Badrinath)
• Mukhba (Gangotri)
• Shani Dev Temple in Kharsali (Yamunotri)

These sites form the crucial circuit of the winter Char Dham Yatra, which is undertaken by devout Hindus looking to offer their prayers to the lord. The deities are brought down to these winter destinations amongst great celebration, zeal, and enthusiasm, showcased in the form of constant and rhythmic Vedic chants and devotional music. This has made the Char Dham Yatra possible in all seasons, proving that there is no season for spirituality and pilgrimage.