TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,447 ft
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
40 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
July to September
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun
Discover the captivating beauty of the Har Ki Dun Trek through our comprehensive guide, revealing its unique cultural significance and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it an ideal choice for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike. It is a valley trek situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district of north-west Uttarakhand. It is a cradle-shaped valley that can only be reached by trekking. The distance to the Har Ki Dun valley is 25 km from the road head, making the total trek distance 50 km. It takes 2 to 3 days to reach the valley and another 2 days to return. Har Ki Dun trek in terms of the trail is rather easy, as the ascent is very gradual and has only a couple of short sections which are slightly steep. The only challenge is the distance and we have to walk more than 10 km a day on 4 of the 5 trekking days. It can be done by families with children above 10 years of age.
In 1937, Doon School master Jack Gibson, along with Tenzing Norgay and his colleague John Martyn, climbed Bandarpunch Peak. Gibson made several expeditions in the region and trained young Indian mountaineers. The flora, fauna, and Garhwali culture of the Har Ki Doon Valley became known to the outside world through these expeditions. The name "Har Ki Dun" has two different interpretations. The first is the literal translation, i.e., "Valley of Gods" - "Har" is the name for "Shiva", one of the trinity gods as per Hinduism, and "Dun" means valley. The second name is more closely related to local culture and traditions. The second translation is "The sound of Shiva" or the "Sound of God". Every year during the monsoon, the valley hosts a festival to welcome Lord Someshwara, a form of Shiva, with drummers playing the drum. Ages ago, the Valley supposedly witnessed the disappearance of a Dhaki. During the festival month each year, people claim to occasionally hear the distant sound of drums played by the Dhaki in the early hours of the day. Many village elders mention hearing these drums multiple times throughout their lives.
Har Ki Dun Valley in itself is remarkably beautiful. But we get to further explore more places ahead of the Har Ki Dun Valley. Explorers can take three main routes in different directions from Har Ki Dun.
Marinda Tal is a small but beautiful pond that forms on the stream that runs towards Har Ki Dun from the Borasu glacier. It lies in the north-west direction from Har Ki Dun. We have to trek 2.5 to 3 KM to reach the beautiful lake. A huge boulder obstructs the flow of the river making a shallow pond, surrounded by massive mountains, some of which remain covered in snow throughout the year. The altitude of Marinda Tal is 3,800 meters. An alpine meadow surrounds it, providing a good camping spot on our way to the Borasu Pass trek.
The Hata Valley features expansive alpine meadows that offer views of the Hata peak, visible from Har Ki Dun. Hata Peak altitude is 5,820 meters and it demarcates Uttarakhand from Himachal. Hata Valley is in the north direction, and to the right of Marinda Tal. It is around 3 KM in distance one way.
The Jaundhar Glacier is located at the base of the massive Swargarohini peak. The glaciers in this region have retreated dramatically by a few kilometres, a testament to the effects of global warming. To reach the glacier viewpoint, you have to trek at least 5 kilometres from the Har Ki Dun valley. The trek takes you towards the Swargarohini peak in the east direction. The glacier is a further 2 to 3 kilometres from the viewpoint.
Devsu Thatch located at an altitude of 10,032 feet, is a sprawling meadow above the Supin River. Devsu Bugyal is surrounded by dense forests. Graced with beautifully landscaped grassy mounds and an array of flowers, including orchids, poppies, anemones, primulas, daisies, and marigolds, it offers a mesmerizing experience. Barefoot strolls on soft grass become a sensory dance with nature, inspiring a day of camping to savour the beauty.
The trek of Har ki Dun Valley is not only famous for its mesmerizing landscapes, views of the Himalayan Range, and the beauty of Mother Nature that reflects through each and every tiny wildflower that blooms into it but also because of the remote villages that lie in the lap of the Har ki Dun Valley. Osla and Gangad are two famous villages that you will be able to see/visit during your Har ki Dun Trek. Osla is the most famous village of all due to its rich heritage and unique culture. The villagers of Osla are really kind-hearted and welcoming. In case you are willing to go for the Himalayan Village Exploration program, you will find many cozy homestays in Osla and Gangad where you can stay comfortably and interact with the villagers and observe their lifestyles. If you get a chance, you can enjoy the traditional cuisine at Sankri/Osla. A wholesome Garhwali Thali containing Kafli, Manduva roti (Millet Roti) and Red rice with local dal cooked in a wood fired oven will surely be a luxurious delicacy for you. There is a 5000-year-old ancient temple. Some people believe that this temple was dedicated to Prince Duryodhana and in earlier days, the villagers of Osla used to worship him. But nowadays, they deny this and don't like their village to be associated with a devil personality. Hence, the temple is said to be dedicated to Someshwar Devta. The fine and intricate wooden carvings of the Someshwar Temple will amaze you. A similar work of art can be observed in the wooden carvings of old wooden houses in Osla village.
Flora: Deodar cedar, Chir pine, Oak, and Conifers such as Spruce, Blue pine, and Silver fir.
Fauna: Himalayan Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Brown bear, Monal pheasant, Bearded vulture, Golden eagle, Western tragopan, Steppe eagle, and Black eagle. Har ki Dun trek can also be considered a great destination for bird watching in Uttarakhand. During the Har ki Dun Trek, you will be able to spot many rare species of birds that are found only in the Himalayas. It will be interesting to know that the Snow Leopard project was started from the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park the territory of which covers the Har ki Dun Valley. Please don't worry, you will not encounter this rare wild cat 'Snow leopard' during the trek.
Rhododendron arboreum: Rhododendron arboreum, also known as Burans or the forest tree. It blossoms in red, pink or white and provides a striking note of aberration to the green background. It is conspicuous in the various altitudes modified to suit the Himalayan region.
You can undertake the Har Ki Dun trek throughout at least 7 months of the year. The trek remains accessible in various weather conditions and all seasons, except during the monsoon month, when rain can pose significant challenges.
In late March, generally in the last week of the month, the Har ki Dun trek reopens. The trail may be slightly difficult to navigate as verglas (ice layers) are very common on the trail right after it reopens and up to at least the first week of April. This makes the trail very slippery, and thus, it is important to use micro-spikes during your trek. The grasslands gradually start changing hues from brown to green, and by mid-April, the flora is in significant bloom. During these months, the nearby peaks such as Hata Peak, Swargarohini, and other higher reaches remain covered in a lot of snow, offering a very contrasting and beautiful landscape. Expect the weather to be very cold at night. Snow can still be found at Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal. By late April, the days are very pleasant while the evenings are still quite cold.
Summers are undoubtedly the best time to trek to Har Ki Dun. The weather is really pleasant with warm days during the day and relatively pleasant evenings. Summer showers melt snow in lower reaches, allowing floral bloom, while the peaks remain covered in snow. This makes the landscape breathtakingAfternoon showers become common during the Har Ki Dun trek in summer, but the weather is generally clear and will remain so until the last week of June. By the end of June, the monsoon arrives in the valley, and the wildlife sanctuary closes. For adventure seekers, August can still be a unique time to consider the trek, accounting for the associated risks. The locals celebrate the vibrant Har Ki Dun festival to welcome Lord Someshwara at the beginning of August. It can be a unique time to explore the trek or at least the villages of Har Ki Dun valley. The trek in general resumes in the month of September.
The month of September has the maximum floral bloom among the months that the trek is open, owing to the preceding monsoon rains. However, the snow even from the higher reaches melts away. September can be a good time to plan for the Har Ki Dun trek as often the rains are minimal. By October, the autumn colors take sway. The Har Ki Dun Valley looks like a world covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon. The evenings can be very chilly in October. While the snow would have to wait until mid-November, October rains can bring some snow to the valley, especially by the end of October. November marks the arrival of winter and snow will begin to envelop the valley.
Snow generally arrives in the Har Ki Dun valley and around the Osla village by mid to late December. In recent years, the November month has seen significant, albeit very few, spells of snow in the Har Ki Dun valley. This covers the valley in a white snowscape. However, excessive snow can close the trek. For the lucky few who are able to complete this trek in December month, around the first couple of snowfalls, the valley turns into a fairy world right out of some Disney fairytale. Expect the weather to be really cold, and temperatures to be sub-zero at the Kalkatidhar or Boslo campsites. Verglas can be present on some stretches, and thus micro-spikes are really a must. Overall, the spring-summer months from mid-April to mid-June and the September month are the safer months for visiting Har Ki Dun. Those planning to visit during other months should conduct a thorough weather check before making plans.
Har Ki Dun is considered a moderate level trek in terms of difficulty. The trail follows a well-laid path all the way to the Har Ki Dun valley, a route that the native people of the valley have used for many years. The total distance to the last village of the Har Ki Dun valley, Osla, is 14 km from the starting point of the trek. Some sections have minor steepness, and the final stretch of about 0.5 km is notably steep. During the first day of the trek, we covered only around 10 km, leaving the steep section for the second day. Overall, the trail is gradual all the way to the valley. The distance from the last village to the Har Ki Dun valley is another 11 km. Thus, the total distance of 25 km is covered in 3 days. On the third day, we go further to Marinda Tal, which is 2.5 km ahead of Har Ki Dun. The approximate walking distances for each day are as follows: An additional two days of driving to Sankri and back to Dehradun complete the entire journey, making it a 7-day trip. If you can walk long distances, you can easily trek to Har Ki Dun without worrying much. Children aged 9 or above have been able to complete this trek with us without any difficulty.
Har Ki Dun Trek Route offers an enchanting journey through the pristine valleys and ancient villages of the Garhwal Himalayas. This picturesque trail captivates trekkers with its breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows.
The Har Ki Dun Trek Map showcases the enchanting trail through the Garhwal Himalayas, leading to the picturesque Har Ki Dun Valley. Meandering alongside the Tons River, the map highlights the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, offering a captivating adventure for trekkers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The Har ki Dun Trek is an easy trek; However, it's essential to be well-prepared for the journey. Here are some of the things that trekkers should carry for the trek and their uses:
If you’re physically fit and aware of the safety precautions for the Har ki Dun Trek, you’ll experience the beauty of this trek 200% more effectively compared to those with weaker physical fitness and insufficient knowledge of safety precautions. This preparation enables you to fully enjoy the majestic landscapes and challenging trails without being held back by fatigue or physical limitations.
To overcome the difficulty level of Har ki Dun Trek, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle the difficult terrain of the trail at high altitudes.
Regularly performing these exercises will build the necessary strength and stamina for a successful trekking experience. Good fitness is crucial for tackling the challenges of the Har ki Dun Trek and fully appreciating the adventure it offers.
The challenging terrain requires careful planning and adherence to safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here is a list of 11 essential safety precautions and protocols for the Har ki Dun Trek:
Adhering to these safety precautions and protocols will help ensure a safe and memorable experience on the Har ki Dun Trek. Proper preparation and awareness are key to navigating the challenges of this beautiful Himalayan adventure.
Sankri is considered to be the base camp for many famous and lesser-known and offbeat treks like Bali Pass Trek, Ruinsara Lake Trek, Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek, Maldaru Tal Trek, and many others.
To get well acclimatized, staying at Sankri for at least one night is preferable before starting the trek. On the first day, when you reach Sankri, you will be accommodated at the Himalaya Shelter Guest House. The Guest House offers a cosy and comfortable stay to the trekkers. The spacious rooms with attached washrooms and electric geysers provide trekkers with much-required comfort. You can sit on the balcony and enjoy the beautiful sunset views. The spectacular sight of the sun setting behind the Himalayas will be a mesmerizing experience for you. Delicious and hygienic food will be served to you. If informed in advance, we can serve you the delicious Garhwali Thali.
Due to its prime location, spectacular views, peaceful surroundings, spacious rooms, luxurious stay, delicious food and excellent services, Himalaya Shelter Guest House, Sankri attracts many trekkers and travellers and also hosts nature lovers who are looking for a great work-from-the-mountains option.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
Drive: 190 km, 8 hrs
Altitude Gain: 2,100 ft – 6,725 ft
Accommodation: Cottages/Guest House
Meals: Dinner
We start the journey early from Dehradun and drive initially to the famous hill station of Mussoorie. After just over 100 km, we pass close to the temple of Lakhamandal. According to locals, Duryodhana of the epic Mahabharata conspired to burn the Lakshagriha house of the Pandavas in this area. Damta, Purola, Mori and Netwar are some of the other villages on the route. We follow the river Yamuna upstream.
The river Kamal Ganga merges with Yamuna near Naugaon and accompanies us till Purola. Purola is the last big settlement on the route with a large market. So, it is recommended that the trekkers can buy anything they might have missed out by Purola itself. It also is the last village where most of the mobile networks work.
The drive after Purola is through a beautiful forest of pine trees. In some distance, on top of a hill we can see the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya overlooking the valley. From near the village of Mori, the river Tons flows beside us till about Netwar. The fall in temperature can be felt from here. We officially enter Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary after we cross a check post at Netwar. It can be considered the southern gateway to the sanctuary as most of the treks across the region are accessed from here onwards.
The northern border of the sanctuary merges into Himachal Pradesh. Close to here, the rivers of Rupin and Supin merge to form Tons, which is the largest tributary of Yamuna and in fact larger than Yamuna itself, in terms of volume of flow. The peak of Kedarkantha can be seen from various points along the way from here.
We reach Sankri by early evening. It is a small village with a central market lined with a few shops. The village has numerous apple orchards which are harvested starting from late summer. The market area is new compared to the old village area, a part of which is known as ‘Saud’. The village also produces peach, apricots and potatoes. One can see the Swargarohini peak from here on a clear day. We rest at night in a guest house or in camps.
Day 2: Sankri to Puani Garat
Drive: 10 km, 1 hr
Trek: 10-12 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude Gain: 6,725 ft – 8,270 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Since the journey is long, we start as early as we can in the morning. After breakfast, we board an SUV and drive through a forest road. The drive is quite bumpy. The vehicle crosses one or two streams on the way. We reach Taluka in about an hour. It is a small village with a few shops and two Government guest houses. The trek commences from here on a stony path.
The fragrance of cedar trees can be felt around Taluka. Sometimes during winters, or especially during periods with rather heavy spells of rain, the road to Taluka may be too dangerous for vehicles, as streams run across the road and thus one may be required to walk a stretch of around 8 km up to Taluka, albeit it is only occasional.
We walk close to the river Supin gushing through rapids. Under the shade of walnut, pine, and cedar trees, the walk is quite pleasant. In autumn we can often find walnuts lying around. One must avoid “bichchu ghas” which literally translates to ‘scorpion grass’. A slight touch can give us a stinging sensation which lasts for about twenty to thirty minutes. This herb is also cooked as a vegetable and eaten. Often the passing villagers greet us on the way. High up above on the true left, we get to see the village of Datmer. It is lined by a series of step farms. The farms have the bright red colored Cholai growing from late monsoon to early autumn.
The path crosses over a few streams which merge with Supin. After a few hours of walking the village of Gangad can be seen towards the left, across the river. It is possible to come across a yellow-throated marten in the forests of this area. We can also find edible fruits of seabuckthorn. They are orange in color and grow in bunches. Also, known as ‘leh berries’, the juicy and sour fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C. We continue our trek and soon we reach the secluded campsite at Puani Garat.
Day 3: Puani Garat to Boslo
Trek: 10 km, 5-6 km
Altitude: 8,270 ft – 10,830 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tent
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Today we start the day by heading up towards Osla village, which is located on a sloping spur about a hundred meters above the river Supin. The initial trail to Osla is the steepest section along the entire trek and can take 30-40 mins to cover. The landscape surrounding Osla is full of terraced farms. The colors of these lands differ in every season. The red farms of Cholai (Amaranth) look amazing and can be seen from the late monsoon.
This grain is a powerhouse with its rich nutritional values and a favorite among the locals. Apart from these Kidney beans in wide varieties are cultivated in the area. Osla is the last village on the route to Har ki Dun. From Osla the trail gradually rises higher and we cross a few fields, while the river can be seen far below. We come across a temple some distance below the trail towards the right. We pass through bushes of flowers like orchids, fleece flowers and sunflowers.
The journey today is rather short, which gives the opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare for the next days journey. We can take a breather basking in the sun at the beautiful campsite of Kalkatidhar. The ban to camp at Har Ki Dun has had a rather positive outlook to the trekking itinerary, as it allows for more comfort & at the same time preserves the natural beauty of Har Ki Dun.
Day 4: Boslo to Har ki Dun & Marinda Tal, return to Boslo
Trek: 8-9 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 10,830 ft – 12,530 ft – 10,830 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
The day’s trek can be considered to be rather long as we today visit Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal, a small lake formation due to the obstructing boulder across the river stream, which lies 2 KM further ahead of Har Ki Dun. As we start the trek, at a short distance a hidden and roaring waterfall is encountered with a small tea shop beside the waterfall.
The ascending path offers stunning views above the confluence of the Supin and Ruinsara rivers. From here, you can admire the snow-clad peaks of Ruinsara Valley, notably Black Peak, the highest in the area. To the north, the Har Ki Dun valley unfolds in the distance, with a clear view of the Forest hut. Continuing higher on the right of the river, you enter a final stretch through a beautiful forest. Emerging from the woods, you arrive at Har Ki Dun’s main camping area, nestled beside a babbling stream. This panoramic spot sits at the junction of two valleys, one originating from Jaundhar Glacier and the other beyond Hata Glacier, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Higher up towards the North we can spot the Forest Rest House, while the wood-crafted GMVN guest house lies further up in the distance. The Har ki Dun peak stands tall right in front of us behind the Forest Rest House. Towards its left, Hata peak which is usually snow-covered can be seen. The minor ridge to our right, lined with a few scattered Himalayan birch trees Bhojpatra separates us from the massive Har Ki Dun valley that goes up all the way to the base of Swargarohini Peak. The paper-like bark of these trees was used in ancient times to write religious scriptures.
The vast open meadows following the course of the Supin River can be explored. Further ahead of the meadows one can walk among the forests of Bhojpatra trees (Himalayan birch) or get a closer glimpse of the Jaundhar glacier and Swargarohini peak, for which we will have to head upwards the Har Ki Dun valley, towards the Swargaroini peak in the eastern direction.
We can choose to relax and soak in the environment for some time or we can continue our trek to Marinda Tal, in the north, just 2-3 km away from Har ki Dun. The trail is gradually ascending here. It is a small lake formed by a huge boulder obstructing the river which flows down from the base of the Borasu Pass.
After our short visit to Marinda Tal we make our return journey back to Kalkatidhar. We take the same route and it becomes much easier as its all downhill from here. We reach back by early evening and rest at the campsite.
Day 5: Boslo to Puani Garat
Trek: 10 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude Loss: 10,830 ft – 8,270 ft
Accommodation: Alpine Tents
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
The journey back to Osla is an easy walk. On the route we come across a good view of the trail all the way to Osla and see the valley descend towards Taluka, around the curve of the ridge where the two streams comng from Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara respectively, converge. A little short of this intersection we can get a glimpse of a trail to our left marked by a sight of a bridge down over the stream.
This trail goes to join the trail to Ruinsara lake and is rarely taken. After reaching Osla, one can roam about in the village, talk to locals and soak in the Garhwali culture. We continue our journey from here to our earlier campsite of Puani Garat where we can spend time basking in the sun.
Day 6: Puani Garat to Taluka and Drive to Sankri
Trek: 10 km, 5 hrs
Drive: 10 km, 1 hr
Altitude Loss: 8,270 ft – 6,725 ft
Accommodation: Cottages/Guest House
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Early in the morning, post breakfast we set out from this beautiful abode as we start trekking through the same trail we trekked along on Day 1, towards Taluka. Although the views seem different as the perspective changes significantly trekking downhill. The walk takes lesser time than before and is enjoyable. We walk to the true left of the River Supin until we finally arrive at Taluka, from where a vehicle takes us back to Sankri. We retire for the day in camp alongside the river or in a guest house in Sankri.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 190 km, 8 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Journey Ends: Arrive in Dehradun between 5 and 7 PM
The trek to Har ki Dun concludes today as we leave Sankri. The drive up to Mori through the unique lesser-touched regions is still amazing. The stretch right after crossing Mori town is still the prettiest along the entire journey, albeit the new hydel project has put the fragile environs at increased risk in this area. Rafting and Kayaking which was earlier prevalent here are no longer feasible. Regardless the beauty of the region remains to a significant degree. After crossing the towns and finally Kempty-Mussoorie, we reach Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you, creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region, whilst on the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
Har ki Dun distance from dehradun: The distance from Dehradun to Har Ki Dun is 222 kilometers (138 miles). This includes 200 kilometers by road to Taluka via Mussoorie & Sankri, and 22 kilometers by hiking from Taluka to the GMVN guest house in the Har Ki Dun Valley. The travel time can vary from 8 to 10 hours, and the hiking distance of 22 kilometers takes an average of 15 hours to cover.
Har Ki Dun is located in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand.
No, but it's around 98.7 km away from Dehradun.
Yes, it's a beautiful place worth visiting and ideal for trekking.
Har Ki Dun trek is around 47 km long.
Har Ki Dun, Kuari Pass, Kedarkantha, Nag Tibba are few of most beginner-friendly treks in India.
Har Ki Dun is also known as Valley of Gods, located in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand.
Sankri Village in Uttarkashi District is the base camp or starting point for Har Ki Dun trek.
No, but it's a moderate level trek which usually takes 6 to 7 days to complete.
Har Ki Dun is an ancient, beautiful and famous trekking route in India. It offers a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.
Yes, but heavy snow can make it more challenging.
Yes, but it’s recommended to go with a guide for safety.
It's approx 489 km from Delhi.