Mukhwa or Mukhba Village is famous for being a part of the Winter Char Dhaam Circuit in Uttarakhand. Located in the Harsil Valley of Uttarkashi, this small village is nestled at a height of about 2,617 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies on the pilgrimage route to Gangotri and serves as the winter seat for Maa Ganga’s idol at its Mukhimath Temple.
The beautiful Mukhba Village attracts thousands of tourists every year for its raw landscape and rustic Koti Banal-style architecture of wooden houses. Drained by the sacred Bhagirathi River, the village is known for its apple orchards and the majestic views of Mt. Srikanth. Apart from its unexplored charm, Mukhba serves as the perfect tourist destination that weaves together the divinity of Gangotri Dham and the adventure of Harsil Valley.
This guide will walk you through the religious significance of Mukhba, how to reach it, the best time to visit, and everything that you must know before planning your trip.
Table of Contents
Religious and Spiritual Significance
Mukhba has been a center of religious and spiritual significance since ancient times. It is a holy site for the Winter Char Dhaam Yatra and is known for its Mukhimath Temple. The temple is popular as the ‘winter home of Maa Ganga’ or ‘Maa Ganga’s Maayka.’ Near the temple, you can find the Lord Someshwara and Narsimha Temple gracing the village. Mukhba’s Semwal people have been known to work as priests and keepers of the Gangotri Temple and Mukhimath Temple for generations.
The idol of Ganga Devi, the goddess form of the sacred Ganga River, is brought to this temple from Gangotri Dhaam in the fall, where it is worshipped for the entire winter season. Along with Maa Ganga’s gold ‘face,’ the idol of Annapoorna Devi and the silver idol of Maa Saraswati are also placed in the Mukhimath Temple during the winter season. The idol is placed back in Gangotri Dham with a small Yatra that starts one day before Akshay Tritiya in April from Mukhba Village.
Another interesting fact is that Mukhba is renowned as the land of penance (Tapobhoomi) for Markendeya Rishi and Matang Rishi, both revered saints in Hindu mythology. According to local legends, Rishi Markandeya composed the well-known ‘Markandeya Purana’ in the Markandeya Village near Mukhba. It was here that he gave the famous ‘Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra.’
Another legend states that, during their forest exile, the Pandavas stayed in this village. They say that a small spring and cascading waterfall above Mukhba, known as “Bheem Gattu/Bheem Dhara or Pandava Dhara,” is said to have been formed from Arjuna’s arrow.
How to reach Mukhba
Your journey to Mukhba starts from Harsil Valley. You must first reach Harsil Village from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Uttarkashi. All these cities in Uttarakhand are well-connected with major cities in India and can be accessed via these modes of transportation:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Mukhba Village is Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 246.7 km away. The airport offers direct flights from cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. Additionally, you can travel from other cities like Chennai and Kochi by taking a connecting flight from Delhi.
Alternatively, you can first reach Delhi from your city by train or flight and then fly from Delhi to Dehradun. Further, you can travel by road to reach Harsil Valley and Mukhba Village.
By Train:
You can reach Mukhba by taking a train from your city to the nearby railway stations of Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Haridwar. Dehradun railway station is about 221.8 km, Rishikesh Railway station is about 241.7 km, and Haridwar’s is 265.5 km from Mukhba. These stations are connected with almost all the cities in India.
You can also reach Delhi first and board a train to Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. After reaching these nearest cities, you can travel by road to Uttarkashi and further to enter the Harsil Valley and Mukhba Village.
By Road:
Route from Uttarkashi:
Uttarkashi-Bhatwari-Gangnani-Harsil-Bagori-Mukhba
The motorable road to Mukhba Village makes it accessible from all big cities in Uttarakhand. Upon reaching Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar from your city, you can find many local buses and taxis to take you to Uttarkashi. The affordable way is to take the UTC bus from Hill Station near Railway Station to Uttarkashi. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Delhi’s Anand Vihar, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, and Akshar Dham to arrive at Dehradun. Further, you can find plenty of UTC Buses and local taxis in Dehradun to take you to Uttarkashi or Harsil.
If you love the thrill of road trips, consider hiring a private cab or driving your vehicle to Uttarkashi and Harsil from Delhi. Upon reaching Harsil, you can either drive or hike to Mukhba to enjoy the scenic views en route. Another option is to rent a bike from Dehradun to make your exploration even more exciting.
Places to visit near Mukhba
In addition to the spiritual charm of Mukhba Village, many visitors also explore the following nearby places of attraction that are a must-see:
Harsil
Harsil is one of the most beautiful and bustling villages in Harsil Valley. Located at an elevation of 2,625 m, the village is drained by the Bhagirathi River and situated in the backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Harsil to Mukhba distance is about 4.6 km, and both are connected by a narrow, motorable road.
At Harsil, you can explore its vibrant market and interact with the Jadh Bhotiya locals. You can also engage in sightseeing activities, spot Himalayan Monal in the forests, and visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple of Lord Shiva.
Harsil Sattal Hike
The Harsil Sattal hike starts from the nearby Dharali village (2.3 km from Mukhba) in Harsil Valley. You must attempt this easy-level hike during the spring season to experience the seven lakes or saat tal as you ascend. You can also get the views of Dhumdar Kandi Pass, Swargarohini Peaks, and Black Peak on top. This eco-trail is a bird-watcher’s paradise and covers a distance of 5 km to-and-fro, ideal for hikers of all ages.
Lama Top
Another exciting hike near Mukhba Village is Lama Top, which starts from Bagori Village. Located at an elevation of about 3,000 m, this hike takes you to a sacred place for Buddhists. The Lama Top hike covers a distance of about 5 km round trip with gradual ascents and a few steep sections.
It takes you through the dense coniferous forest trails, truly a magical experience of hiking in the quiet of nature. At the top, you get the mesmerizing views of the entire Harsil Valley and the Horns of Harsil (twin peaks).
Bagori Village
Famous as the village of Jadh Bhotiyas, which have been living here post the Indo-China war of 1962. The distance between Bagori and Mukhba is about 3.8 km. You can spend a day here visiting the Buddhist Monastery and small ancient temples like Lal Devta Temple, Ringali Devi Temple, Buddha Temple, and Shiva Temple.
You can enjoy the local Garhwali cuisine here and interact with the locals to hear their interesting history. The locals sell handcrafted goods of woolens and shawls that are hard to miss. However, if you are visiting Mukhba in winter, avoid visiting Bagori, as the village gets deserted, with locals moving down to Dunda Village.
Kalp Kedar Temple (Dharali)
The Kalp Kedar Temple of Dharali near Mukhba is another sacred attraction for visitors. The history of this temple is rooted in ancient times and dates back to the Mahabharat era. Said to be about 5,000 years old, this temple features a submerged Kedarnath-like temple in the waters of Khera Gad. This small stream flows all the way down from Mt. Srikantha, giving an enchanting view to the temple setting.
Gangotri Dham and Ganga Temple
If you are planning to visit Mukhba in the summer, a further trip to Gangotri Dham will give you a more fulfilling spiritual experience. Mukhba Village to Gangotri distance is about 19.6 km, and the route goes from the Bhaironghati and Lanka Bridge (highest motorable bridge in Asia).
At Gangotri, you can offer your prayers at the Maa Ganga Temple and visit the Surya Kund and Gauri Kund. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti to experience the divine aura of the Gangotri Dham. Avoid visiting in winter, as the Gangotri town shuts down due to extreme weather conditions.
Gaumukh Tapovan
If you are a trekking enthusiast, add the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek to your list when visiting Mukhba Village. This moderately difficult trek starts from the Gangotri Dham and covers a distance of about 46 km round-trip. Within a span of 6 days, you will be trekking to a height of 14,600 ft, covering Birch and Chir forests, steep ascents, and small streams.
Along the trail, you will encounter the turbulent Akash Ganga River that flows down from Tapovan. The trek takes you to Gaumukh, the snout of the glacier, which marks the origin of the Ganga River. You get stunning views of Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi Massif, Meru, Kedar Dome, and Chaturangi Glacier at Tapovan.
Nelong Valley
Popularly known as Ladakh of Uttarakhand due to its alpine desert and rocky landscape, Nelong Valley is a beautiful destination near Mukhba Village. You need a special permit to enter the valley as it is a politically sensitive area post-Indo-China war. The valley is accessible via Lanka Bridge and Bharonghati (13.4 km from Mukhba).
Along the way, you get views of the Gartang Gali bridge, a wooden cliffside hanging staircase famous as an old trade route between Tibet and Garhwal. Once you enter the Nelong valley, the rugged yet beautiful landscape dotted with small waterfalls will make you take pictures at every viewpoint.
Janak Taal Trek
Janak Tal is a beautiful blue and crystal clear lake located at a height of 13,500 ft in Nelong Valley.
Recently opened to civilians, the Janak Tal Trek starts from the Jadung Village, known as the ghost village of Nelong Valley. The distance from Nelong to Jadung is about 16 km, and the trek to Janak Taal is about a 22-km round trip.
The Janak Taal trek is moderately difficult and takes you through the isolated locations of the Valley. It gives you a perfect opportunity for astrophotography, giving you clear views of the Milky Way at night. Due to its closeness to the Indo-China border and Tibet, you require a special permit to enter Nelong and another one to attempt this trek.
The Best Time to Visit Mukhba
The beauty of Mukhba Village and its accessibility throughout the seasons makes it a must-visit holiday destination for tourists. The ideal time to visit this village is between March to June and Late September to Mid-December. Post December, Mukhba receives snowfall, and you can visit it to experience snowy landscapes. However, the best time to visit Mukhba depends on your preferences and the purpose of the visit:
Spring and Summer (March to June)
- Mukhba Temperature: 23℃ to 18℃ during the day; 10℃ to -1℃ at night
- Weather: Pleasant and calm weather with cool winds
- Highlights: Experience the blooming Apple Blossoms and Rhododendrons
If you prefer calm weather and want to experience the natural beauty of Mukhba, then spring and summer are ideal seasons. Plan your visit before Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) to visit the Mukhimath Temple in Mukhba before Maa Ganga’s Idol is installed back in Gangotri Dham.
Starting in March, spring offers the blooming Apple Blossoms and Rhododendrons, filling the landscape of the Mukhba Village and Harsil Valley. Summer commences in May, becoming the most-loved and peak tourist season for the visitors. The days are warm, and the nights become cool during this time in Mukhba, making it an ideal destination for your summer holidays. You can also explore the nearby Lama Top, Harsil Sattal, and Gartang gali hikes during spring and summer in Mukhba.
Autumn and Winter (October to February)
- Mukhba Temperature: 15℃ to 4℃ during the day; 3℃ to -14℃ at night
- Weather: Cold weather in Autumn and extremely chilly weather in Winter
- Highlights: Experience the Winter Char Dhaam Yatra and snowfall activities in Mukhba
In late September, the post-monsoon charm of the Mukhba Village is a sight to behold. In October and November, autumn makes the landscape in Mukhba transform into photogenic shades of browns and yellows. The slight nip in the air with the onset of fall makes trekking and hiking activities more adventurous here.
In addition to the photogenic scenery at Mukhba, the festival of Diwali marks the return of Maa Ganga at Mukhimath. If you want to experience the winter char dham yatra and festival vibe of the village, autumn is the perfect time to visit Mukhba.
From December to February, Mukhba experiences extremely cold weather conditions with occasional snowfall. The snow-covered charm of Mukhba attracts adventure lovers who seek the thrill of skiing and winter trekking activities.
Mukhba Weather
MUKHAWA WEATHERLocal Traditions and Customs
The Garhwali cultural traditions and customs of Mukhba Village attract thousands of visitors every year. The village’s rich heritage, unique architecture of wooden houses, and several ancient temples make it a sacred haven and a must-visit. Let us have a look at some of the popular festivals and the life of the locals:
Festivals and Events
The popular festivals and events that you can experience at Mukhba Village are:
The Grand Procession of Maa Ganga
The day before Akshay Tritiya in April marks the return of Maa Ganga to Gangotri Dhaam. If you want to experience the pilgrimage procession to Gangotri, this is the perfect time for you to visit Mukhba. It involves hiking to Gangotri Dham in two days with the locals. You can visit other temples like Markandeya Temple and Mundeshwari Temple on your way. The hike to Gangotri in this yatra gives you an incredible spiritual experience.
Ganga Saptami Fair
The Ganga Saptami Fair in Mukhba is celebrated in May or April to celebrate the descent of the Ganga River on Earth. As part of the festival, locals offer their prayers at the Markandeya Temple, and the temple priest performs rituals in the presence of Lord Someshwara’s palenquin. The people and the school children perform dances that depict the mythological stories of Lord Shiva and Parvati. At the fair, many famous local singers perform to enchant the visitors.
Selku Mela and Festival
Selku or Selu-ku is a Garhwali phrase that means ‘kon soyega’ in Hindi or ‘who will sleep’ in English. It is an intangible cultural heritage festival of Mukhba Village, where locals decorate the courtyard of the Someshwara Temple.
Selku in Mukhba is celebrated in the Bhadrapada Masa (September) to welcome the winter and bid farewell to the blooming flowers and the greenery. The locals offer flowers, milk, and curd to their village deity, Lord Someshwara. A fair is organized in the village, where they perform Pandava and Draupadi Nritya as part of the festivities.
The Diwali Festival- Welcoming Maa Ganga at Mukhba
Another attraction at Mukhba is its Diwali festival, which marks the coming of Maa Ganga from Gangotri Dham. The Semwal priest, army band of Garhwal rifles, and the locals carry the palenquin or doli of Maa Ganga from Gangotri to Mukhba on foot. The procession takes 2 days to reach the village, paying a visit to small temples and dancing on dhol along the way. This also represents the closing of Gangotri Dham for the winter months. The Mukhimath Temple is decorated with flowers and oil lamps to welcome the goddess with great pomp and show.
Local Professions and Livelihoods
Mukhba is a small village with a total population of about 1000 people and 170 households. Being in proximity to a spiritual center, Gangotri, and a military center, Harsil, the locals at Mukhba have access to all the modern facilities. To earn their daily bread, the locals engage in the following activities:
- Tourism: Mukhba comes under the winter char dham circuit and receives many visitors throughout the year. The locals benefit from these tourist activities. They run homestays and small dhabas for their livelihood. They also work as local guides and porters to help the visitors.
- Apple Farming and Horticulture: Mukhba and its nearby Dharali Village are famous for their apple orchards and horticulture activities. Many local families own large apple farms that are distributed to other parts of the country, generating adequate revenue.
- Religious Activities: Being a revered clan, the Semwals of Mukhba own the majority of the land in the village. They are traditionally responsible for taking care of the Gangotri Temple and Mukhimath Temple.
- Agriculture and Livestock: Drained by the Bhagirathi River, the land is fertile in Mukhba. As a result, many locals engage in agriculture and sheep rearing in the village to support themselves.
Wrapping up
Mukhba Village offers you a perfect opportunity to experience the local traditions and sacred aura of Devbhoomi. From its rustic wooden houses to the enchanting beauty of Mukhimath Temple, the village is the perfect escape for city dwellers. You can explore its dense forest trails, attempt the winter char dham yatra, or visit the nearby villages of Harsil Valley. Mukhba serves as the perfect window overlooking the lives of Garhwali locals, giving you a wholesome Himalayan experience that combines nature, culture, and spirituality!
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