Hari Maharaj Temple (also called Hari Parbat Peak temple)
sits atop Hari Parbat Hari Maharaj Peak, reaching around 2,900 m, nestled in
ancient oak, cedar, and fir forests. A revered sage attained enlightenment here,
which led to the establishment of the shrine .
The trek spans about 6 km from Mushtik Saur (or Mustik Sour)
village and starts roughly 15 km from Uttarkashi. Village jeeps connect
Uttarkashi to Mushtik Saur regularly .
Trail Outline
- Start Point : Mushtik Saur village ( 15 km from Uttarkashi, reachable by jeep).
- Elevation Gain : About 600
- 700 m to reach 2,900 m.
- Distance & Difficulty :
6 km one-way; graded easy to moderate - suitable for fit beginners comfortable with uphill walks.
Terrain
- First stretch via forest road.
- Last 1 km through dense forest; local custom asks trekkers to go barefoot, and women typically do not proceed past a certain point.
- A viewpoint marked by a flagpost offers panoramic views of Maneri village, Gangotri peaks, and neighboring ridges.
- Temple : A small clay shrine housing a Shiva-linga, though locals believe it's dedicated to Kartikeya - unique for this region.
- Facilities : A basic government-built rest structure & overnight shelter is available at the summit.
- Water : Available near the top temple, and a spring is found about 1.5 km from the base.
Highlights
- Wildlife & Flora : Rich oak/cedar/hemlock forests and Himalayan fauna add charm to the trek.
- Scenic Vistas : At summit, gaze across sweeping landscapes - Maneri, Gangotri peaks, Tamba Khadi ridge, and beyond.
- Cultural Touch : The trek and temple retain local customs - barefoot ascent and gender-based access, showcasing rural traditions.
Tips for Trekkers
- Guide Recommended : Helps with route, rituals, and respecting customs (like barefoot ascent).
- Footwear : Trekking shoes needed for most of the trail; carry lightweight sandals for the last forest stretch.
- Hydration : Pack water; spring and temple water sources exist, but verify potability.
- Permissions : No formal permits needed, but observe local temple etiquette.
- Overnight Stay : Optional overnight in summit shelter; else return same day.
Tips for Trekkers
- Spiritual resonance : A lesser-known Shiva/Kartikeya site atop a sacred peak.
- Scenic trek without rigorous demands.
- Cultural immersion : Spot local customs, hear folklore of sage Hari.
- Stunning views over Uttarkashi valley and Himalayan surroundings.
In essence, if you're looking for a compact mountain trek with spiritual
depth, lush forests, and Himalayan panoramas, the Hari Maharaj Temple trek is a
hidden gem near Uttarkashi - perfect for moderate adventurers and pilgrims.
