The Remote Village Where the Idol of Gangotri Goddess Resides During Winter
Mukhwa (also spelled Mukhba) is a remote Garhwali village located near Harsil at about 2743 metres. It holds immense religious importance as the winter seat of Goddess Ganga — every year when the Gangotri Temple closes on Diwali, the idol of the goddess is ceremonially brought down and installed in the Mukhwa temple, where it stays until the following Akshaya Tritiya.
The village is inhabited by the priests (pandas) of Gangotri Temple, whose families have served the goddess for generations. Mukhwa is accessible by a 3 km trek from Harsil or a longer motorable road during season. The village has traditional Garhwali houses with intricately carved wooden balconies. The annual procession of the Goddess from Gangotri to Mukhwa (and back) is a grand religious event drawing thousands of devotees.
May to October. Best during the Gangotri closing ceremony (Diwali) or opening (Akshaya Tritiya) for the grand religious procession. Trek is best May–June and Sept–Oct.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (~225 km). Taxi to Uttarkashi then Harsil.
Bus/jeep to Harsil, then 3 km trek to Mukhwa.
3 km trek from Harsil (72 km from Uttarkashi). Motorable road in season from alternate route.