Snow peaks above the deodar forests of the Harsil valley, Uttarkashi (photo: Jaya Shukla, Unsplash)

How to Reach Harsil from Dehradun, Rishikesh & Uttarkashi

Harsil is on the Gangotri highway, about 78 km beyond Uttarkashi and about 220 km from Dehradun or Rishikesh. Buses and shared taxis run to Uttarkashi; from there, shared jeeps go on to Harsil and Gangotri in season.

From Uttarkashi≈ 78 km · 3 hrs
From Dehradun≈ 220 km · 8-9 hrs
From Rishikesh≈ 220-230 km
RoadGangotri highway

Route to Harsil at a glance

Dehradun / RishikeshStart
Chamba or MussoorieHill road
UttarkashiDistrict town
GangnaniHot springs
Harsil≈ 78 km after Uttarkashi

Landslides are common between Uttarkashi and Harsil in the monsoon; snow can close the last stretch in winter.

By road

Dehradun to Harsil≈ 220 km · 8-9 hrs
Uttarkashi to Harsil≈ 78 km · 3 hrs

From Dehradun or Rishikesh, drive to Uttarkashi (about 140-150 km) via Chamba or Mussoorie, then follow the Gangotri highway up the Bhagirathi past Gangnani to Harsil.

Uttarakhand Roadways buses and shared taxis run from Dehradun and Rishikesh to Uttarkashi. In the yatra season, shared jeeps and buses run on to Harsil and Gangotri.

  • Break the journey at Uttarkashi if you start late.
  • Fill fuel in Uttarkashi.

By train or air

RailwayRishikesh, Dehradun
AirportJolly Grant, Dehradun

The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh and Dehradun; the nearest airport is Jolly Grant. There is a small helipad at Harsil, used mainly by the army and for emergencies.

How to Reach Harsil: FAQs

How far is Harsil from Dehradun?

About 220 km by road via Uttarkashi, 8-9 hours.

Is there a bus to Harsil?

Buses run to Uttarkashi all year; in the yatra season, buses and shared jeeps continue to Harsil and Gangotri.

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