Located on the bank of the Bhagirathi river and on the main Gangotri Highway, Prakriti offers the most convenient and easy access. Ample private parking space is available onsite while you enjoy the best views of the valley all through your stay. Below you can check out the best places to visit nearby Dharali and Harsil Village.
Sat Tal literally meaning seven lakes, is a group of mountain lakes uphill from Dharali village. This is the most accessible trek from Prakriti and can be undertaken by people of all ages. The enchanting natural lakes surrounded by foliage of Pine trees make for a beautiful place to feel one with nature. This can be done as a half or full-day activity depending on how much and at what pace you would like to trek.
Mukhba is the winter home of the idol of Goddess Ganga of the Gangotri Shrine. It is a beautiful village across the river from Prakriti Retreat. You can cover the distance on foot, crossing the river on the wooden bridge to reach this tiny hamlet. During the transfer of the idol to and from Gangotri, the procession is a must see event that includes large number of devotees, local musicians and the army band of the Garhwal Rifles.
Harsil is one of the most well known towns in this region. It is also a cantonment (army) area and therefore, parts of Harsil have restricted access. The busy Harsil market has everything from banks, tea stalls and hotels. Wilson cottage in Harsil is one of the major attractions which was made in honour of Fredrick E Wilson or Pahadi Wilson, as he was locally known. The legendary merchant, an ex British army officer has had a major role in developing much of the regions apple and wood trade.
Further beyond Harsil at less than a kilometer is the picturesque sheep herders’ village of Bagori. The concrete path and a few small bridges across the mountains take you to this settlement that is mostly Tibetan and Garhwalis. Though a lot have changed in past decade in terms of construction of houses, you can still come across few traditional houses that are made of wood and stone.
Gartang Gali is a 150-year-old wooden bridge that connected Garhwal to Tibet and was once a flourishing trade route between these regions. It is believed to have been constructed by the Pathans of Peshawar and is considered an architectural gem. The bridge was closed for civilian use since the Indo-China War Of 1962. It was recently renovated and opened to tourists in August 2021. You drive to Lanka bridge and then take a walking trail of about 2.5 Km to Gartang Gali into the Gangotri National Park.
Restricted for civilians since 1962 and recently opened to tourists (in 2015), Nelong Valley is a must-visit destination. The valley is often referred to as the Ladakh of Uttarakhand because of its similar geography and climate. It was a former Indo-China trade route and today visitors can see the relics of the Gartang Gali wooden bridge and the Lal Devta Mandir. Since it’s part of the Gangotri National park, you could also spot some rare wildlife species like the musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and Bharal. Visitors are allowed only on prior permission and fulfillment of basic paperwork. Foreigners are currently not allowed entry to Nelong Valley. A short 30-45 minute drive from Prakriti Retreat takes you to the valley’s entry point and you can easily spend a couple of hours driving through the valley enjoying the surreal natural beauty of the region.
Gangotri is one of the four “Dhams”; others being Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. It is where river Bhagirathi river descends from the glaciers. The river is renamed Ganga after it merged with Alakhnanda at Devprayag. Gangotri temple is the main draw here and visitors from different parts of the world arrive once the temple opens in summer. It is usually during the last week of April or early May as per the Hindu calendar on Akshay Tritiya and closes a day after Diwali each year. When at Gangotri, one cannot miss the spiritual vibes when surrounded by so much faith and natural beauty. It takes about 30-45 mins to reach Gangotri from Prakriti by car.
Gaumukh is the second largest glacier in India, after Siachen. The trail is open to trekkers from May to October each year and is 20Kms from Gangotri Temple. It is one of the most accessible Himalayan Glaciers and on the route, you will pass through the hamlets of Chirbasa and Bhojbasa (preferred overnight stopover). 4 Kms from Bhojbasa and you can see the majestic Shivling Peak and a view of the vast Glacier which is 23Kms long and 4Km wide.
While most return to Gangotri via Bhojbasa from Gaumukh, more adventurous and seasoned trekkers proceed to Tapovan which is 6Km beyond the glacier. Tapovan means “a place for sages to meditate” and as per Hindu mythology, this is the place where King Bhagirath meditated to Lord Shiva for Ganga’s descent to earth. Located at the base of Shivling Peak, Tapovan is a high altitude alpine meadow on the west bank of the Gaumukh Glacier. It is a much loved destination of trekkers for its pure and mystical natural beauty and thrilling hiking experience.
Uttarkashi is home to quite a few natural hot water springs. the most famous one being at Gangnani village en route to Gangotri. It is located halfway between Uttarkashi town and Gangotri and serves as a quick stopover for almost all religious tourists. It is also known as Rishikund and has a religious significance. Devotees ideally cleanse themselves in the warm waters of the spring here before proceeding to the Gangotri temple.
Bugyal in Garhwali means meadow. At an altitude of 3048m, Dayara Bugyal is one of the most beautiful meadows in the country. The panoramic views of the upper Himalayas and the lush green expanse stretching to 28 sq km are enchanting and unforgettable. On the way, you would pass by the Barnala Tal, a natural high-altitude lake. The trek is of easy to moderate range and is considered ideal for beginners.
