Har ki Dun Trek, nestled deep in the Garhwal region of the majestic Himalayas, is a gem among all the major treks around. A highly popular trek, it attracts trekkers and enthusiasts from all over every year. Nestled among cradle-shaped mountains, it offers magnificent views as far as your eyes can see, embedded with deodar trees and sun rays dotting the views as they filter through the clouds to create a heavenly vibe across the landscape.
The Har Ki Dun trek is sprawled across a rather soothing landscape situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary National Park. Starting from the quaint village of Sankri, it passes through the villages of Har ki Dun, like- Taluka, Dhatmir, and Pawani, stretching all the way to Osla village. It is also renowned for the historic importance of the local area, and the mythology.
Another significant aspect that adds to the beauty and soothing nature of the trek is the meadows, grasslands, and the variety of greenery that sprawls across the length of the trek. The trek offers a visual feast to the eyes, as the trekkers get to witness a blended glory of nature encompassing peaks, ridges, forests, glacier ranges, and exhilarating views of the Himalayas in different lights, all surrounded by beautiful birds and different forms of vegetation.
As you make your way through the trek, you come across the ancient villages, getting to witness the local lives and traditions. Also, this trek is the only one with the clearest views of higher peaks including Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
Now that you know what to expect on this trek, let’s get you ready to plan your trip with clear details and the trek itinerary.
The average temperature of this trek is around 10 to 15 C in the day and around night it drops down to 2 to -5 degree Celsius.
Make sure to have your warm clothes at deployment. No need to worry about the ATMs as you will find one in Purola before the trek begins. The starting point and the ending point of this trek remain the same, which is the Sankri village. The duration of this trek will be around 7 days. There is no need to worry for the people who are starting their first trek with this one.
The trek will take you up to 12,000 feet above sea level while giving you the most probable chance of admiring the stunning views of the Swargarohini series of peaks.
This trek will allow you to experience and explore the Himalayas’ oldest walk path and go through the breathtaking mountain scenery, ancient culture, and woods. If you are below 18 years or even 18 years of age make sure to have your consent form ready to participate in this amazing trek.
The history of Har Ki Dun dates back to the time of Mahabharat. Har Ki Dun Valley is supposed to be a part of the mighty kingdom of Duryodhan. Taking a stance from the tradition of worshipping Duryodhan in these villages, we can claim Duryodhan to be a generous king. This contradicts the traditional portrayal of Duryodhan as an unjust and cruel brother. For centuries, most of these villages had temples dedicated to the King Duryodhan. This tradition has gradually declined with more awareness of not praying common humans in temples.
However, in Osla village, you can still see the ancient temple with intricate carvings which was dedicated to Duryodhan. The preceding deity of this temple is now Lord Shiva. Our itinerary of the Har ki Dun Ruinsara Lake trek provides you with an opportunity to interact and experience this unique culture of Osla village.
The Pandavas are said to have followed the trail through Har ki Dun Valley to reach Swargarohini Peak. According to Hindu Mythology, this trail is considered sacred by the locals. Similarly, the Ruinsara Lake is worshipped, particularly by the villagers of Osla.
Duration – 10 hours Distance – 220 Km
Max altitude – 1,950 meters/ 6,400 feet
Your journey begins in Dehradun, where you get to experience the foothills and valleys around the city. You will be driven from Dehradun to the base camp, which is situated in the Sankri village. The distance from Dehradun to Sankri Base Camp is around 210 kilometers. Along the journey, you’ll pass the Yamuna Bridge and enjoy a picturesque view of a large pine forest. This trek might be the most scenic and exciting one that you’ve ever been through.
The drive takes you through some local important scenic points, offering you unparalleled views of nature’s beauty including Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Damta, Newman, Mori, and Purola along with Netwar. As soon as we reach the camp base from Dehradun, the trekkers can enjoy the pollution and smoke-free environment that connects them with nature in a unique way that is indescribable.
Witness the most attractive sunset in the scenic beauty of mountain ranges that will attach you to it in no time. The reason behind scheduling Sankri as the base camp for this trek is so that the trekkers can have an amazing view of the snow-covered mountains.
Duration – 6-7 hours
Distance – 14 Km (trek), 12 Km (drive Max altitude – 7,300metres, 8,200 feet
The next day begins with a breakfast, which is followed by departure towards Taluka for the next leg. Early in the morning, take a drive from Sankri to Taluka. The journey will proceed through thick forests and gorgeous water streams that fall down the roadways on the route to Taluka making it more magnificent and attractive. This portrays the stunning beauty that this beautiful place holds and pleasures its travelers with.
You’ll often hear the delightful chirping of birds, including calls from rare mountain species not commonly found in cities or other hill stations. It’s a unique and soothing experience. As a matter of fact, Taluka is also home to the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. Those who are lucky enough also get to encounter the alluring flowers and plants that are not available for sight everywhere. You can expect magical-looking wild orchids. The common animals that might be visible to you during this trek turn out to be too wild, like the leopards, barking deer, boars, and many more. The trekkers will all set up camp on a small green field close to Seema, where you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape that will lavish your mood with pleasure.
The trek on this initial leg is relatively relaxed and has a gradual ascent as you carry on. You reach Seema before sun-down and explore the local area before retiring for rest in your camp.
Duration – 6 hours
Distance – 8 Km
Max altitude – 3,000 meters, 9,850 feet
You will start the next leg to Kalkatidhar, which is an 8 km journey from Seema. The trek begins after a scrumptious breakfast and takes around 6 hours to complete. After about an hour of trekking, you reach Osla village, located near the Seema bridge that crosses the Supin River. The hanging bridge across the river, with enormous snow-capped mountains in the background, is a great location for taking pictures. The village runs on hydroelectricity, and the traditional ways give you an enchanting perspective on how different these lives are, from the hustle-bustle of the city. Most of us living in the cities are deprived of these traditional experiences. Villagers in these regions are very welcoming and treat the trekkers as their guests.
The ascent is a bit steeper than the previous leg but passes through a lot of variegated fauna including meadows. You reach the Kalkatidhar campsite by evening and retire to rest post dinner.
Duration – 9 hours Type – Trek Distance – 10 Km
Max altitude – 3600 meters / 11,800 feet
This leg is the longest day of the trek, hence you will set off earlier. After breakfast, the walk starts and you set off eyeing the breathtaking views, one after the other. As you proceed, you will enter a glacier basin with mountain meadows and moraines through the trail.
The trek begins by ascending to the convergence point of the Supin River and the river from Ruinsara Valley. You bask in the glory of majestic peaks surrounding you as you carry on the moderate ascent. The hike’s last rise ascends to an eddy and passes through thick forest before arriving at the Har Ki Doon top. The view from the highest point is a surreal one, with panoramic views surrounding you, including Swargarohini I Peak, Hata Peak, and Black Peak. The trail is a mixed one and includes meadows, boulders, and trees. Apart from the peak, you get to enjoy the relaxing and calming vibes of the Maninda and Ruinsara lakes.
Day 05: Kalkatidhar To Seema
Duration – 5 hours Type – Trek Distance – 8Km
Max altitude – 2500 metres / 8200 feet
The return is an easy descent, yet proves difficult as the travelers’ hearts are drawn back to the peak and the wonderful surroundings that hold a special place in the memories. You will begin your early-morning trip back to Seema right after breakfast is done.
All trekkers will spend the night in the camp at Seema, and retire for the last leg of the trek. Don’t forget to see the mountains’ sunset; it is a sight you must see just as you look up to the soothing view on your return journey.
Duration – 5 hours
Distance – 14 Km (trek), 10 Km (drive) Max altitude – 1,950 meters, 6,400 feet
Prepare to make the final trip through thick woodlands from Seema to Taluka as this might be the last time you will engage with nature in this trek. You will arrive at Taluka in the afternoon, after which you will drive back to Sankri Base Camp. Soak in the views as you drive through nature and the best it has to offer on the 14-kilometer journey from Seema to Taluka and document every second as it will remind you of all the beautiful memories of this trek.
Duration – 10 hours Type – Trek + Drive
Distance – 10 km (trek), 210 km (drive) Max altitude – 5,000 meters, 16,400 feet
As you come to the end of this exciting and adrenaline-filled trek, rewind the sweet memories of this trek and go through all the soothing sounds and experiences that you have been through in this trek. Reach Dehradun from Sankri via taxi, and return home.
Trek to Har Ki Dun is truly a year-round and a very good experience. One can go for this trip in any season but apart from monsoon season as for July/August, it is not very convenient to trek as the temperature here drops massively. Every season has something to offer, which is special on its own. Hence plan this trek with your friends and family and make it a memorable trip that will shape your mindset about travel and how nature works and connects.
You can have your luggage carried by mules and/or porters, but there is a charge for this service.
With reference to the subject cited, we would like to enthusiastically introduce ‘Himalaya Shelter.’ It is the best place for adventure tourism, especially trekking in the Garhwal and Himachal regions of the Indian Himalayas.
Himalaya Shelter is a team of experienced adventure professionals. They have been providing safe and enjoyable trekking experiences for over a decade. We care deeply about nature and love sharing our trekking adventures with our enthusiastic team. Join us for a memorable and safe trekking journey!
We’re based in Dehradun, at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas, covering all of Uttarakhand. Our trekking spots offer unique experiences for trekkers like never before.
Keep exploring the Himalayas and nothing can be as enthralling as an experience when you take the treks with us.
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