A Journey with the Bhagirathi River and Darshan of Maa Ganga
A Magical Morning in Yamunotri
The morning after arriving in Yamunotri was nothing short of an adventure in itself. Exhausted from the journey, I was in such a deep slumber that my wife had to nudge me multiple times to turn off my blaring phone alarm—all she wanted was a few more minutes of peaceful sleep! Truth be told, I hadn’t slept well all night. Between changing out of damp clothes and trying to dry them near the heater, rest was hard to come by. My jeans were completely soaked, but thankfully, by morning, they had dried, as had my wife’s and daughter’s clothes—at least on the inside. The cold, however, made settling into a deep sleep impossible.
As an early riser, I was the first one up. A semi-hot bucket bath (no showers here!) helped shake off the grogginess. Once ready, I planned to step outside and soak in the serene beauty before the rest of the group woke up. But as always, my day truly begins when my wife opens her eyes, greeting me with her adorably sleepy, slightly grumpy morning mumbles.
Stepping outside, I was met with a sight that made yesterday’s struggles vanish—a crystal-clear sky bathed in golden sunshine, as if nature itself was smiling at us. I quickly snapped a few pictures, trying to capture the tranquillity, before heading to the breakfast area. Sipping hot tea while listening to soft morning bhajans was pure bliss.
Journey to the Ancient Shani Mandir
One by one, our group gathered for a leisurely breakfast. Our tour guide then briefed us on the day’s plan, which included visiting the oldest Shani Mandir in the world. For those unfamiliar, Shani Dev (Saturn) is the brother of Mata Yamuna and the God of Death, Yama, and the son of Surya (the Sun God).
A Quick Legend:
Surya’s wife, Saranyu, found his radiance too intense and created a shadow version of herself, Chhaya, to take her place while she meditated. Unaware of the switch, Surya had children with Chhaya, including Shani. When Saranyu returned, conflicts arose, leading to curses and strained relationships, especially between Surya and Shani.
The temple, believed to be the first of its kind, is said to radiate divine energy. Following customs, we left our bags outside before entering. After the visit, we headed to the helipad, where luck was on our side—our helicopter arrived first!
A Breathtaking Flight to Harsil
The helicopter ride from Yamunotri to Gangotri was surreal. We soared over lush bugyals (high-altitude meadows) and snow-capped peaks, even catching a glimpse of the Swargarohini mountain range. We landed at Harsil Helipad, a hidden paradise near Gangotri, often called ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’
At 8,500 feet, Harsil is a dreamy hamlet nestled beside the Bhagirathi River, surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards. Fun fact: parts of the classic film "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" were shot here!
Unexpected Delays & Divine Detours
Our plan was to head straight to the Himalayan Nature Resort, but as they say, in Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods), plans often change. While waiting (for nearly two hours!), I suggested we visit the Bhagirathi River, just a short walk away.
Oh. My. God.
The view was hypnotic—snowy peaks, the rushing river, and an overwhelming sense of peace. My soul felt like it had slipped into meditation. The kids and my wife were equally enchanted.
Finally, the rest of our group arrived, and we set off for Gangotri Temple, about 22 km away. A short walk from the parking lot led us to the temple, where we participated in a beautiful puja and had darshan of Devi Ganga.
Himalayan Nature Resort – A Slice of Paradise
By afternoon, we checked into the Himalayan Nature Resort, a charming retreat nestled between apple orchards and the Bhagirathi and Jalandhari rivers. The rooms were spacious, clean, and offered stunning mountain views. After a refreshing hot shower, we gathered for high tea by the riverbank—the sound of rushing water creating the perfect ambience.
Exploring Harsil’s Hidden Gems
On our way back, our guide shared the legend of Harsil’s name:
The Bhagirathi and Jalandhari rivers once argued over their importance.
Lord Vishnu intervened as Hari-shila (a sacred stone), absorbing their fury and calming the waters.
We also visited the mystical Kalp Kedar Mandir, an ancient Shiva temple in Dharali village. Legend says the Pandavas built it, and Kedarnath’s design was inspired by this very temple. The Shivalinga here remains submerged most of the year, surfacing only briefly—locals predict this based on water levels and weather.
Evening Adventures & Café Serendipity
Later, my Sadhu bhai (brother-in-law) and I ventured into the local market in search of Amul milk for the kids. Though we couldn’t find Amul, we discovered London Dairy milk (unavailable in Mumbai!)—surprisingly delicious.
On our way back, we spotted a quaint riverside café buzzing with travellers and army personnel. We grabbed a corner table, sipped ginger lemon tea, and soaked in the soothing sound of the rushing river. The gentle mist from the water added to the magic—the perfect evening moment.
Dinner, Family Calls & Sweet Slumber
Dinner was a cosy affair, followed by video calls with family back home (the network was surprisingly good!). As we drifted off to sleep, the day’s adventures replayed in my mind—a blend of divine encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unexpected joys.
Dev Bhoomi had worked its magic once again. 🌄✨
Day Highlight: A Divine Helicopter Ride & Hidden Himalayan Gems
The helicopter ride from Yamunotri to Harsil was the absolute highlight—soaring over snow-capped peaks, lush bugyals (meadows), and the sacred Bhagirathi River was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Equally magical was discovering Kalp Kedar Mandir, an ancient Shiva temple where the Shivalinga remains underwater most of the year. The serene riverside café in Harsil, with its ginger lemon tea and misty river views, was the perfect way to end the day.
Final Thought
This journey was a mix of spiritual bliss, adventure, and unexpected delights. Whether it was drying clothes by the heater, sipping tea by the river, or discovering ancient temples, every moment felt touched by divinity. Dev Bhoomi never fails to amaze!
🚁 Pro Tip: If possible, opt for a helicopter ride—it saves time and offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas!
Would you like recommendations for Gangotri darshan rituals or the best photo spots in Harsil? 😊