Harsil is a beautiful village in Uttarkashi district with picture-perfect views of the surrounding Garhwali Himalayas and the Bhagirathi River. It is famous among offbeat adventure seekers and nature lovers for its unexplored trails and hikes amidst dense pine forests. One such eco-trail loved by the hikers is the Harsil Sattal Trek. Sattal which means ‘seven lakes/wetlands’ is a beautiful forest trail with seven high-altitude freshwater lakes along its course. It is a tourist-favourite hiking and camping spot in Dharali village of Harsil Valley.
This in-depth guide to the Harsil Sattal will take you through the entire hike from start to end.
Table of Contents
About Harsil Sattal Trek: What to expect
The Harsil Sattal trek offers captivating views of the seven interconnected lakes and wetlands, with its vibrant flora and fauna. The hike covers a distance of 5km to and fro and can be completed within a day. Initially, the hike begins with stone-chiselled paths leading to a steep and uphill hike on its way upward. On your way to the green meadows, you will witness the seven lakes (from bottom to top)- Mirdunga Tal, Chadgiya Tal, Dawariya Tal, Bamniya Tal, Rikh Tal, Ghandoliya Tal, and Sankhghata Tal.1 These freshwater lakes of Sattal become full during the monsoons and get converted to frozen wetlands in winter.
The alpine grasslands on top give partial views of Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, Black Peak and Swargarohini Peaks. The wetlands and meadows make Sattal a perfect site for camping and hiking amidst the lush terrain of the Himalayas.
The dense green forest of Pine and Deodar blushing in white, pink, and purple shades of Rhododendrons is a treat for the eyes. The Himalayan Birch or ‘Bhoj Patra,’ is a deciduous tree found on uneven tracks of the Sattal hike. Himalayan wildlife like Brown Bear and Himalayan Goral grace the woods as their natural habitat. Sattal is a birdwatcher’s heaven, with Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Bluetail, and Spectacled Finch coloring the landscape in lively colors.2 The Harsil Sattal is a hidden gem of the Harsil Valley with its beautiful views and wilderness.
Dharali and Sattal
The hike to Harsil Sattal starts from the Dharali village, known for its apple orchards and ancient temples. Harsil to Dharali distance is about 7 km, connected via a motorable road. Dharali village is home to the excavated 5000 years old, Kalp Kedar Temple submerged under the water (Khera Gad) flowing from Mt. Srikantha. The holy Kedarnath-like temple hosting a Shivling is believed to have been built during the Mahabharat time.3 Additionally, the warmth of the Jadh Bhotiya locals and the delicious meal of rajma rice add beauty to the small village of Dharali.
Itinerary for the Harsil Sattal Trek
The Harsil Sattal attracts hikers and tourists visiting the Harsil Valley for a respite away from cities. Here is a detailed 3-day itinerary for Sattal Hike to give you an immersive experience of the valley:
Day 1: Reach Harsil (2500m/ 8200ft)
- Arrive in Harsil either via Dehradun(215.9km) or Rishikesh(238.3 km)
- After checking in, explore the beauty of Harsil Valley
- Enjoy a hearty meal of Garhwali cuisine and interact with locals
- Visit the site-seeing locations like the famous post office, apple orchards, and the shores of Bhagirathi
- Spend the night in Harsil
Day 2: Dharali (2963m/ 9,721ft) to Saat Tal Trek (3000m/ 9,843ft)
- Leave for Dharali early morning from Harsil
- Harsil to Dharali distance can be covered on foot easily with pit stops
- On your way explore the Bagori Village (800m) and its Buddhist monastery
- Travel 3km further to Mukhwa Village, offer prayers at Maa Ganga Temple and enjoy its beautiful views
- Dharali Village is 2.3 km from Mukhwa Village, visit the Kalp Kedar Temple and experience apple orchards in the village
- Start your hike early, Harsil Sattal Trek takes 4-5 hours to and fro
- You can opt to stay overnight at a homestay in Dharali or camp in Sattal
- Returning to Harsil is another option for an overnight stay
Day 3: Departure to Dehradun/Rishikesh
- Next morning, check out of your accommodation
- Enjoy a hearty meal of rajma rice
- Take a ride back to Dehradun/Rishikesh, enjoy lovely sights on the way
- This concludes your Harsil Sattal trip
How to reach Dharali
To start your Harsil Sattal Trek you need to arrive at Uttarkashi first and later reach the Dharali Village. The Dharali Village is well-connected through a motorable road via Gangotri-Uttarkashi NH 34. You can plan your visit to Dharali from the Harsil Valley for an immersive experience of the Garhwal Region or you can reach Dharali directly from Dehradun or Rishikesh. You can get a here by a combination of these modes:
By Road
The route from Uttarkashi to reach Dharali via road is:
Uttarkashi – Bhatwari – Gangnani – Harsil – Dharali
- You can travel directly to Dharali from Dehradun or Rishikesh by a private or hired vehicle/cab
- You can catch a UTC bus from Dehradun to reach Uttarkashi, it will take approx 6hrs
- Upon reaching Uttarkashi you can hail a taxi to reach Harsil Valley and Dharali
- Catching a bus going to Gangotri Dham from Rishikesh is another option to reach the village directly
By Railways
The nearest railway stations from Uttarkashi are (approx. 200 km) Dehradun and Rishikesh. You can reach these stations from any major city or town in the country. From here you can catch a bus for Uttarkashi and continue your journey to Harsil or Dharali as stated above.
By Air
You can fly to Dehradun from most of the major airports in the country. The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest to Uttarkashi District (234 km). You can travel by road from Dehradun to Dharali for your Harsil Sattal Trek.
The best time to do the Harsil Saattal Trek
The Harsil Sattal is accessible throughout the year. This is what you can expect on your hike with changing seasons:
- Spring and Summer (April to June)
The spring and summer are the best seasons for doing the Harsil Sattal Trek. The weather conditions are favorable and comfortable enough to plan your trip with the family. Temperature ranges from 18 degrees during day to 5 degrees during the night. Some of the seven natural lakes transform into wetlands covered with grass and a few others receive glacier water. These months are perfect for bird watching and camping with wildflowers covering the bed of alpine meadows. Spring is the best season to experience the Apple blossoms in Dharali.
- Monsoons (July to September)
The refreshing showers of the monsoon season make the moss-covered trails of Sattal even more beautiful. The brimming freshwater lakes and vibrant greenery enhance the sight of Harsil Sattal. If you are a bold adventurer, you can plan your trip during these months. Be mindful of the weather forecasts before planning your hike, as the area becomes prone to landslides and flooding. Carry waterproof jackets and sturdy hiking gear to avoid slipping on muddy trails.
- Autumn and Winter (October to March)
The Autumn months of October and November are ideal if you want to experience the photogenic scenery of the Himalayas on Sattal Hike. These months, although chilly, are perfect for witnessing the beauty of natural lakes amidst the forest. Temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius during day to -2 degrees Celsius during the night. The season has clear skies for campers to witness starry nights. The following months of December to February bring extreme snowfall, completely covering the forest trails. Hiking during winter should be avoided for your safety. You can do the Harsil Sattal Trek in March to encounter the snow-bound mountain peaks and frozen lakes on the trails.
How to get the permit for Harsil Sattal Trek
The visitors need to acquire a permit to hike in the forests of Harsil Valley. You can apply for an online permit from the Single Window System (SWS) Uttarkashi Portal. The per-person cost for the Harsil Sattal Trek is INR 123.07. Carry necessary Government identity cards like your Aadhar card or PAN card to get the permit.
Difficulty level of the hike
The Sattal Hike is an easy-level hike suitable for visitors of every age. The entire round trip of the hike covers 4-5km, taking about 5 hrs, which is easy. You can effortlessly walk on the tracks taking ample pit stops and admiring the beauty on your way uphill. The course of the trail is uneven and steep at a few points, it requires reasonable fitness to hike. Do carry plenty of food and water with you. Bring the necessary camping equipment and gear to enjoy camping under the star-studded night amidst the beautiful lakes of Sattal.
To Summarize
The Harsil Valley is a beautiful holiday destination if you are looking for an adventure in the nature’s lap. The meandering trails of Harsil Sattal are ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers. You can reach here via Dharali Village which is easily accessible to the tourists. The best time to do the Harsil Sattal Trek is from April to June and September to November. With the help of this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip to Harsil Sattal.
- ECOLOGICAL DEGRADATION AND ECO-RESTORATION STRATEGIES
FOR SATTAL WETLAND AREA OF THE BHAGIRATHI-ECO SENSITIVE
ZONE (https://gbpihed.gov.in/PDF/Publication/Bulletin/Envis_Bulletin_Himalayan_Ecology_Vol_29_2021.pdf#page=47) ↩︎ - Birds of Uttarkashi (https://ebird.org/region/IN-UL-UT/bird-list) ↩︎
- Kalp Kedar temple, Dharali Harsil (https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/Kalp-Kedar-an-important-temple-of-Lord-Shiva-in-the-Himalayas) ↩︎
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