A Comprehensive Guide to the Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Trek to Explore the Hidden Gems

Har ki Dun Trek with Ruinsara Lake at an altitude of 3566 meters is a delightful trekking experience in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand beginning in the village of Sankri. The valley is also the birthplace of the River Tons which creates a panoramic vista through its serpentine route. Melting Jaundhar glacier and the twittering of the Himalayan Monal melt the hearts of every onlooker. The wild flora and Fauna of the pristine valley clad in olive green pine trees and fluttering wildflowers is also a sight to behold. On top of this, the view of the Kalanag peak (6,387 m), Swargarohini I (6,252m), Bandarpunch (6,316), and the low-lying Hata peak, gives you a glimpse of all the major peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. To add to your experience, the trekking path to Ruinsara Tal filled with wild purple orchids is one of the rarest Himalayan trails in Uttarakhand.

The interesting mythological mention of this valley in the ancient epic of Mahabharat comes alive in the tiny villages of Har ki Dun along the trekking route. The villages here, some of which are almost 3000 years old, look like stuck back in the time of Mahabharat with their laid-back lifestyle. The rich culture, intricately carved wooden architecture and the wild surrounding dwelled by barasingha and wild boars can be enjoyed by navigating through Har ki Dun and Ruinsara Tal Valley.

Glance through our Har ki Dun Ruinsara Tal itinerary and learn in detail about the trekking trail, wildlife, culture, lakes, and glaciers that you would encounter during the trek. Both Har ki Dun and Ruinsara Trek can also be attempted separately however, the unusual mélange of this totally different valley is a unique trekking experience.

Must Read- Flora of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary

Duration – 8 hrs Type – Drive Distance – 187 km

On the first day of your Har ki Dun Trek schedule, you will be heading to a little village in the Garhwal Himalayas named Sankri which is the base village of Har ki Dun Trek. It is located at around 190+ kilometers of distance from the city of Dehradun. The drive to this village is as enchanting as the views of the Garhwal Himalayas from this little hamlet of Sankri. On the way to Sankri, you would also be passing by the famous hill station Mussoorie. Also, there would be several waterfalls welcoming you on the roads.

After crossing the villages like Purola and Netwar, just a few kilometers before you are about to reach this village, you would be entering the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It is originally named as Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. The sight of peaks like Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonchh beyond the roaring waters of Tons river lures most travelers and trekkers to this magical forest. The wild animals of this sanctuary also bring thousands of wildlife lovers to the villages located in its vicinity. To be specific, wild boars, musk deer, black and brown Himalayan bears, fishing cat, leopard cats, serow, goral, and barasingha in this mysterious forest gives its visitors a thrilling experience. Throughout your trek to Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Lake, you have a chance of spotting some of the 150 species of Himalayan birds dwelling in this region.

And the village of Sankri offers you the best of this splendid natural heritage. The night camping here in the step gardens and fields of Sankri is an experience in itself. Sankri village is a famous base camp even for the other treks like Kedarkantha Trek, Bali Pass Trek, and even Rupin Pass Trek.

Duration – 6 hrs

Type – Trek(5 hrs) + Drive(1 hrs)

From the base camp, you shall be riding in a local jeep, passing through the rough hilly terrain. Get ready to cross the stream and gushing waterfalls on your adventurous jeep ride. After a crazy ride on the topsy-turvy roads of the Garhwal Himalayas, you would be dropped near the Taluka Village. From here, your journey of traversing through the flowery meadows and turbulent streams starts. The villages along the trek route are also a sight to admire. Belonging to the era when this valley was a part of Duryodhan’s empire, these villages project a unique culture. Perched on the hillocks, the tiny hamlets look like straight from the fairytale books.

The trekking route doesn’t include much of a steep ascent. River Supin would be gushing by all along your trekking route to the Har Ki Dun Valley. After a stiff climb by crossing the Seema-Osla Bridge over a stream, you would reach one of the ancient villages of Har Ki Dun Valley.

The village here is known for the only surviving temple of Duryodhan where they have placed the deity of Someshwara. Until very recently, the people of the village followed the tradition of Mahabharata. The alluring view of the valley can best be admired from almost every house in this tiny village. You can also explore the handlooms run in small houses. The ladies here stitch the best woolen products that are exported to markets all over India. People visiting this valley usually do not miss this chance of buying straight from the weavers.

Duration – 5 hrs Type – Trek Distance -Max altitude – 3,510 m

After a pleasant night in Osla Village, we would depart for an easy but seemingly never-ending trek to Har ki Dun, a cradle-shaped valley in the lap of Hatu Peak. The Swargarohini peak, proudly standing unconquered, can also be seen drenched in the shades of sunset. This site has the power of healing every tired soul who reaches here after a long trek. The route to Har Ki Dun magically passes through the small streams flanked by swaying flowers in yellow, pink, and blue. This stretch by far would be the most beautiful trekking trail. A few kilometers before your arrival to this magical valley, you can start counting the steps vaguely marked on the rocks along the trekking trail.

Spending a day at Har Ki Dun is a must-do to devour its mesmerizing beauty. Apart from the famous peaks that surround Har ki Dun, trekkers opt for a short hike to Marinda Lake. The groups with a high adventurous spirit also opt for a 7-8 km long hike to the Jaundhar glacier.

Jaundhar Glacier: During the month of May-June, the trail to Jaundhar Glacier is full of snow, and is an amazing experience to walk on the slippery snow sheet during the early spring season. During summers the trail is covered with the sacred Bhojapatra trees, once used to write Hindu scriptures. There’s a small lake formed nearby, created by rocks in the flowing river.

Marinda Lake: Marinda Lake is another attraction of the Har Ki Dun Trek. Located at an altitude of 3,970 m, this lake is a picturesque spot with the Swargarohini Peak at its backdrop. A hike through a dense forest filled with oak and pine trees leads to Marinda Lake. The lake is surrounded by countless ‘Brahmkamal’ in August and early September. These flowers bloom only after sunsets taking as long as two hours to show you its complete bloom. You can relax for a while at this place to enjoy the soothing cacophony created by the chirping birds in its surroundings.

Duration – 4 hrs

Max altitude – 3,330 m

A moderate trek of around 9-10 km would first lead you to the same trail towards Osla village. It then moves downhill towards the Ruinsara Valley. A few kilometers of the trail of this Ruinsara trek, before reaching the camping grounds near the waterfall, passes through the dense forest. The age-old trees on this trek seem to be kissing the sky. The forest then eventually opens into a vast green land. The open grassy meadows with the whispering sound of the tumbling waterfall make for a perfect campsite. The sky, on a no moon, the night can be seen studded with twinkling stars.

Duration – 2 hrs

Max altitude – 3,600 m

Early in the morning, the trek starts for a short ascent to Ruinsara Lake located at an altitude of 3600 m. The lake is sacred, and locals perform rituals on special occasions. In the valley, you can easily spot hills covered with rhododendrons and birch trees. The lake sits on flat grassy land, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You’ll see Rhododendron bushes, locally known as ‘Buransh,’ with pink and purple flowers. People use the juice from these flowers to make local drinks and jam. Honey obtained from these flowers is also one of the specialties of the region. The flowers are supposed to have a healing effect on many discomforting diseases.

The reflection of the Valley in Ruinsara Tal with a bright azure sky makes for a charismatic camping experience. The trek is neither too long nor tiring. Thus you can spend the evening gazing at the sky set on fire by the setting sun. The lake area also allows you to take a short walk with your buddies. You can head towards the base of Swargarohini or the Black Peak. Beyond this lays the route of Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek which is another enthralling trek in this valley. The Photographers may expect to capture some captivating vistas.

Duration – 6 hrs

Max altitude – 3,560 m

This 17 km long trek would be completed in no time as it is a constant descent with a few kilometers of exception. While heading back to Seema village you can bid a final goodbye to all the small huts, streams, flowers, and the mighty hills. While enjoying an easy descent the group can stop for some last-minute pictures of the Har ki Dun Valley too. Enjoying your packed lunch with this view would be like a cherry on the cake. After crossing the same bridges, streams, and villages, You would finally reach by evening to Seema Village. Night camping shall be done on the outskirts of this little village.

Duration – 5 hrs Type – Trek + Drive

Distance -1 hrs drive + 5 hrs drive Max altitude -2,050 m

Taking the path along the Supin River, the group departs for the pickup point at Taluka on Day 8 of this Har ki Dun Ruinsara Lake Trek. By now, the jaw-dropping sceneries that you have left behind would already make you miss your trekking moments. Soon you would be reaching Taluka Village where you can board the jeeps for another round of a crazy ride to Sankri.

Duration – 8 hrs Type – Drive Distance

Following the same serpent-like moving roads you would move back to the city of Dehradun with the wonderful memories of the Har ki Dun trek. You can also choose to get off at Mussoorie if you have an extra day left to explore this hill station.

1. Transport from and to Dehradun
2. Guide and cook fees
3. Camping equipment
4. All relevant safety gear and first aid
5. Forest entry charges
6. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment.

Please note that personal luggage can be carried by mules and/or porters on a chargeable basis

• All veg meals with egg preparations starting from day 1 dinner to day last breakfast
• Tented accommodation throughout the trek on Twin Sharing. Guest house accommodation on Day 1 and Day 8 on Double Sharing

1. Insurance @INR 1,050/- per person
2. Buffer day if used will be an additional cost of INR 2,000/- per person
3. Personal Baggage Offload Charges at INR 450 per bag per day weighing up to 12 KG

We’re excited to introduce ‘Himalaya Shelter‘ as your go-to place for adventure tourism, especially trekking in the beautiful Garhwal and Himachal regions of the Indian Himalayas.

At Himalaya Shelter, our idea is created by experienced adventure professionals. We are committed to offering safe and enjoyable trekking opportunities. With over a decade of exposure, we prioritize nature care and love sharing the trekking experience with our dedicated team.

Our meticulously designed itineraries offer a holistic adventure experience in the Himalayas. We’ve curated a specialized team, including seasoned trek gurus, a logistics support team, and top-notch infrastructure with the best tents, trekking gears, and ropes, ensuring safety and comfort for trekkers.

Situated in Dehradun, at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, our company covers the entire Uttarakhand, offering trekkers unique experiences like never before.

Being one of the highest-rated outdoor companies, we proudly hold a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Embark on the enthralling journey of exploring the Himalayas with us for an unforgettable trekking experience

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