Gangaad Village - Lost in Space and Time
Ruinsara Lake and in the backdrop the ridge with Rhododendrons. Beyond the ridge lies the river Supin.
Furthermore, The snow covered peaks in the background offer for an even more compelling view, rendering the trek very unique. 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 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 pass by the famous hill station of 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 will be entering the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It is originally named Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.
The sight of the peaks like Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonchh beyond the roaring waters of the 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 cat, 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 to spot 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, Bali Pass Trek, and Rupin Pass Trek.
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 looks 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 the markets all over India. People visiting this valley usually do not miss this chance of buying straight from the weavers.
As we start the days trek we realize the shee magnificence of the landscape surrounding Osla – 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 late monsoon.
Osla is the last village on the route to Har ki Dun. From Osla the trail gradually rises higher and 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 ascending path climbs high above the confluence of Supin river and the river from Ruinsara valley.
From near this confluence, we get a view of the snow-clad peaks of Ruinsara valley including Black Peak, the highest peak in the region.
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.
The days 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.
After traversing higher up along the true right of the river, we enter the final stretch which is inside a forest. The forest opens up into the main camping area of Har ki Dun, right beside the gurgling stream. This is a very panoramic spot in Har ki Dun located at the junction of two valleys, one originating from Jaundhar glacier and the other from beyond Hata glacier. 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 updwards 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 before we continue our trek to Boslo.
A moderate trek of around 6-7 km would first lead you to the same trail towards Osla village. It then moves downhill towards the Ruinsara Valley.
A few kilometres of 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. The campsite of Untigad is marked by the sudden onset of Bhojpatra trees and a stark change in landscape with the valley widening. We camp here some 1.5 km short of the lake.
Early in the morning, the trek starts for a short ascent to Ruinsara Lake located at an altitude of 3600 m. The lake, as we know, is considered sacred. Some rituals are also performed by the locals on auspicious occasions.
The flora and Fauna of this valley can be easily differentiated with the hills flanked by rhododendron and birch trees. The lake is located on flat grassy land surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The green bushes of Rhododendron (locally known as ‘Buransh’) can be seen loaded with some pink and purple flowers.
The juice obtained from the same flowers is used 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 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 Dhumdar Kandi Pass Trek which is another enthralling trek in this valley. The Photographers may expect to capture some captivating vistas.
The return 16 km long trek would be completed in no time as it is a constant descent with a few kilometres 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 the villages as you did on the third day, you would finally reach by evening to Seema Village. Night camping shall be done in the outskirts of this little village.
Taking the path along the Supin River, we retrace our steps ahead of Seema, which is at an hour and a halfs’ trek at most and consecutively another 1-2 hours for Gangaad. We spend the day around the village.
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to the village and trek till Taluka. A vehicle from Taluka takes us back to Sankri, where we retire for the day in camps or a guest house.
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 on the jeeps for another round of a crazy ride to Sankri.
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.
On the drive back the stretch along Mori where the road runs parallel to river on almost same altitude is bound to leave you nostalgic about the region. You can return for a future trek as the region has plenty of trekking routes, some of which are barely explored. You can also choose to get off at Mussoorie if you have an extra day left to explore this hill station.
Astonishing view of th Har ki Dun Valley with wild mountain flowers blooming
Spectacular views of lush green forests of Himalayas
Snow covered Osla village. Osla village remains covered with snow during winters
Seema Village in winters
The view of Marinda Tal from a distance
Enroute Har Ki Dun Valley
Beautiful river Supin. You will get a chance to hike right besides the river.
Spectacular Ruinsrara Lake. Ruinsara Tal is a high altitude Alpine Lake
View of Ruinsara Lake Trek surrounded by lush green Himalayan Alpine Meadows
Gangaad Village
Fields of Cholai.
Magnificant Swargarohini Peak
Lush green Himalayan Forests
Mountains on one side and River on another side.
Trails passing through the forest right beside the gushing river
Crossing mountain streams to reach to your himalayan destination
Ancient Mountain village home on the trek route
Walking on such heavenly trails in the Mighty Himalayas
Walking through lush green forests on such beautiful trails. Har Ki Dun Ruinsrara lake Treks is full of natural beauty
A small mountain stream that you may encounter during the trek.
The trek slope is low in gradient, which makes it easy to walk. The trek challenges through its distance and on many days we are required to walk long distances.
Weather of Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara trek changes based on the season. The summer months from April to June are a great time to visit, and so is Autumn, from September to October. The trek closes in monsoon and winter months, in late November.
Yes, beginners can certainly undertake the Har ki Dun Ruinsara Trek. It falls under the category of a moderate-grade trek, which is notably more manageable in comparison to other high-altitude treks in the Himalayas. The route is well-marked and boasts numerous established campsites, rendering it an excellent choice for those venturing into trekking for the first time.
Sankri is the basecamp for the Har ki Dun Ruinsara. There are several options to reach Sankri, as mentioned below.
Sankri, a quaint Uttarakhand village, serves as a base camp for various treks in the region. Public buses shared jeeps, and shared taxis run between Dehradun and Sankri.
By Road:- Overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos, ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 900, operate from ISBT Delhi to ISBT Dehradun
By Train:-
Trains from Delhi to Dehradun-
It’s recommended to opt for the overnight Kota Express, also known as Nanda Devi Express, departing at 11:50 PM, and arriving in Dehradun at 5:45 AM, aligning with our morning pickup schedule.
By Air:-
IndiGo – 6E-2582, 6E-2071, 6E-5175, 6E-2134, and Vistara UK-617, are some regular flights from Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The schedules for these flights can be easily checked online.
The Dehradun railway station, a hub for private and shared cabs heading to Sankri, is situated 30 km from the airport. Private taxis are easily accessible within the airport premises, with booking charges of Rs 1200 – 1500 for a Dzire or similar and Rs 1800 – 2200 for an Innova or similar vehicles.
Every morning, a limited number of shared cabs and buses depart for Sankri from the vicinity of Dehradun Railway Station.
Govt. Buses and Private Buses-
Only one government bus departs from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri at 8:00 am. Additionally, two private buses leave around 7:00 am from just outside the Dehradun Railway Station heading to Sankri town. The fare for this journey is approximately Rs. 400 per person, which is roughly the same for both the government and private buses.
Private Cab or Taxies-
You can easily locate shared taxis near Hotel Milan or Hotel Grand, merely a 2-3 minute walk from Dehradun Railway Station. These taxis operate up to Purola, which is 54 kilometers away from Sankri. The journey lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a fare of Rs. 400.
From Purola, you’ll find shared cabs to take you directly to Sankri. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that these cabs typically depart before noon. Hence, plan to reach Purola in the morning if you choose this route. The cab fare from Purola to Sankri ranges from 200 to 300 rupees. (This fare is applicable only when the taxi is full of passengers; otherwise, the cost may vary based on the number of participants.)
In case you miss the buses or taxis from Dehradun for any reason, or due to personal preference, you also have the option to book a private taxi from the same location or near Prince Chowk, approximately 100 meters away from the Railway Station. This would amount to approximately Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for booking a Maxx or Bolero.
Shared or Private Vehicle arranged by Himalaya Shelter-
Himalaya Shelter offers both shared and private transport services directly to Sankri for trekkers. Please note that for shared vehicles, we have fixed departure dates, and it is advisable to book your seats at least a week in advance of the departure from Dehradun. We also offer pickup and drop facilities for your hotel stay in Dehradun.
Here are the highlights of the Har ki Dun Ruinsara Trek-
Ruinsara Lake: Nestled at an elevation of 3,500 meters, Ruinsara Lake is a picturesque alpine gem. Encircled by majestic snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows, it offers a truly captivating sight.
Wild Life: Enriching encounters with the Himalayan wildlife, including barking deer, boar, and leopards, provide a unique glimpse into the region’s biodiversity. The trek also unveils a spectacular panorama of lush green vegetation adorned with wild orchids. Additionally, the journey offers awe-inspiring vistas of snow-draped mountains, expansive valleys, and cascading waterfalls, all contributing to an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Swargarohini view: Nestled in the sacred realms of the Himalayas, Swargarohini is a peak steeped in legend. It is believed to be the very ascent point to heaven for the Pandavas of ancient mythology. This trek rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas of Swargarohini and a host of other majestic Himalayan peaks, imparting an experience both awe-inspiring and spiritually significant.
Alpine Meadows: Along the trekking route, you’ll traverse through numerous enchanting alpine meadows like Devsu Thatch. These lush expanses are not only adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers but also play host to a diverse population of butterflies, creating a truly picturesque and ecologically rich environment
Cultural Insight: En route, the trek leads through several villages like Dhatmir, Gangad, Osla, etc., providing a precious window into the local way of life, rich traditions, and vibrant culture of the region.
To reach Ruinsara Lake from Dehradun, the journey involves a combination of driving and hiking. The drive covers a distance of 210 km to Dhatmir from Dehradun. From Dhatmir, the trek to Ruinsara Lake commences, spanning a distance of approximately 22 km.
The trek is generally safe. The trail is long but very well laid through villages. The altitude of the trek can cause altitude sickness, and trekkers should take necessary precautions such as acclimatizing properly and drinking plenty of water.
The trek should be completely avoided during the monsoon season. While wildlife such as black bears are found ahead of Osla, incidents involving trekkers are very rare. An experienced trek leader will always be present to assist you with any hurdles during the trek to Ruinsara Lake.
Mori, being a small village, has limited banking facilities and only one ATM available. It is advisable for trekkers to carry enough cash with them from Dehradun or Mussoorie to avoid any inconvenience.
BSNL & JIO networks work till Sankri, while other networks only work till Mori. There is no network coverage beyond Sankri.
As Sankri is the last location with access to electricity, it is advisable to bring extra batteries or a power bank for your electronic devices.
For medical emergencies, the closest hospital is located in Mori or Purola.
However, for major medical emergencies, it is important to note that the nearest hospital is located in Mussoorie or Dehradun which can take approximately 8-9 hours to reach.