Bagori Village, Harshil II Nelong Homestay II Uttarkashi

Bagori village is a must-visit village in Harshil valley if you are on your way to Gangotri temple. It is a Bhotiya Community Settlement Village, which was originally from the Nelong Valley.
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The people and their culture are what make this place so beautiful. Few individuals are aware of the people's history and traditions. Anyone heading towards Gangotri should stop by this town because of its intricately carved wooden homes with vibrant walls and gates. Conversely, Bagori only manages to maintain its historical significance and natural state with minimal intrusion from modernisation and little tourism.

The Community of Bhotiya
The Bhotiya people are a trans-Himalayan group with close cultural ties to Tibet. They are also referred to as the Bhotias or Bhotiyas. They have adapted to the difficult, hilly terrain by becoming mostly nomadic herdsmen and traders. Their geographical location and past connections with Tibetan and Indian civilisations have shaped their way of life and rituals.

The Arrival in the Valley of Harshil
The history of the Bhotiya community in Harshil Valley dates back to 1962. However, during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, there was a notable surge in their migration to this area. Many bordering Bhotias fled to safer regions of India in fear of being uprooted and persecuted after the Chinese invasion. The isolated and scenic Harshil Valley became a refuge for these uprooted communities.

Village of Bagori
About 150 wooden dwellings make up the small settlement of Bagori. Even they become victims of contemporary concrete structures as time goes by. Nonetheless, there are still many places where you can catch a glimpse of the past. Bagori is the point where one must go past three little bridges and pass through Harsil in order to reach the village. In the winter, the village is completely deserted and closed, with the only sounds coming from the Buddhist monastery's bell and the strong winds that whip across the small road. You witness nothing except shuttered houses, unceasing bell ringing, and blustery winds during a five-minute stroll along the roads, which leaves you feeling eerie.

The Bhotias are masters at making woollen sweaters by hand. They relocate to Dunda, which is their second home, for the winter. This community is unique in that it features temples representing the religious beliefs of the cultures of Tibet and India, both of which are Buddhist and Hindu. The Laal Devta temple, dedicated to the local deity, stands at the village's entrance, while the Buddhist temple is situated next to it. With the gushing breeze toying with your mind and the picturesque village deserted, you get an unearthly impression.