Kharsali

Kharsali is a small but important village in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for being the winter home of Goddess Yamuna. During winter, the idol from the Yamunotri Temple is brought here when the temple closes due to heavy snow.

Surrounded by the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas, Kharsali offers a peaceful mix of religious importance, stunning natural beauty, and the traditional lifestyle of the Himalayan people.

Location:- Kharsali is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is set at a height of about 2,675 meters (8,776 feet) above sea level, surrounded by tall mountains and lush forests.

Main Attraction:

1. Yamunotri Temple 

• Significance: Yamunotri Temple is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Pilgrims visit Yamunotri to worship the river goddess and seek her blessings for salvation and protection from untimely death.
• Winter Seat: During the winter months (October to April), when heavy snow forces the Yamunotri Temple to close, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is brought down to Kharsali for worship. Kharsali becomes the goddess’s winter home, and the village is deeply associated with this annual religious ritual.
• Trekking Route: The scenic 5 km trek from Kharsali to Yamunotri, through stunning landscapes, adds an adventurous element to the pilgrimage.

2. Shani Dev Temple:

• Significance: Kharsali is home to one of the oldest and most revered Shani Dev Temples in India. Shani Dev, the god associated with Saturn, is worshipped here, and the temple is an important site for pilgrims seeking protection from the negative effects of Saturn.
• Architecture: The temple is constructed in a unique Himalayan style, using wood and stone, and is an architectural marvel that has withstood centuries and natural disasters.

3. Natural Beauty:

• Scenic Landscapes: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and the confluence of rivers, Kharsali is a nature lover’s paradise. The village is known for its pristine beauty and serene environment.
• Hot Springs: Near Yamunotri Temple, the Surya Kund hot spring is another attraction where pilgrims cook rice as a religious offering in the natural boiling waters.

Pilgrimage and Tourism Hub:

• Part of Char Dham Yatra: Kharsali is part of the larger Char Dham pilgrimage circuit that includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. As the winter seat of Yamunotri, it holds an important role for pilgrims during the colder months.
• Trekking and Adventure: Apart from its religious significance, Kharsali attracts adventure enthusiasts for trekking and exploring the serene beauty of the Himalayas. The trek to Yamunotri is popular among pilgrims and trekkers alike.

Why Visit Kharsali?

• Yamunotri Pilgrimage: Kharsali is the starting point for the 5 km trek to the Yamunotri Temple, one of the four holy Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
• Shani Dev Temple: The village is home to an ancient Shani Dev Temple, dedicated to the god of Saturn, which attracts many devotees.
• Natural Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and waterfalls, Kharsali is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
• Trekking & Adventure: Kharsali offers scenic treks, including the route to Yamunotri, making it a great spot for both pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (April to June): The weather is pleasant, and it’s the best time to visit for trekking and pilgrimage.
• Winter (October to March): The village becomes the winter home of Goddess Yamuna, but it gets cold and covered in snow.