Kharsali Village

Kharsali Village is a small Himalayan village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, located near Janki Chatti on the route to Yamunotri. It is notable as the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna when Yamunotri Temple closes due to snow. The village is known for its traditional wooden houses, ancient Shani Temple and Yamuna Temple, and scenic mountain surroundings at an altitude of about 2,675 metres.

Visitors can expect a quiet Himalayan village with traditional wooden and stone houses, narrow lanes, and terraced fields set against forested mountains. The main points of interest are the Yamuna winter temple where the idol from Yamunotri is kept in winter, and the historic Shani Temple built in traditional Kath-Kuni style. The village offers views of the surrounding peaks, a peaceful rural environment, and access to the Yamunotri trek route via Janki Chatti.

Kharsali is historically known for its ancient Shani Temple, believed to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Shani Dev and constructed in traditional Himalayan Kath-Kuni wooden architecture. The village has long served as the winter seat for the Yamuna Temple when the Yamunotri shrine at higher altitude becomes inaccessible due to snow.

The village holds religious importance as the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna. During winter when Yamunotri Temple closes, the idol is brought to the Yamuna Temple in Kharsali for worship, and rituals continue there. The Shani Temple is also an important place of worship for devotees and reflects local Garhwali cultural traditions.