Har Ki Dun Trek

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:

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.

Hata Valley:

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.

Jaundhar Glacier:

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:

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.

Villages of Har ki Dun Valley- Osla and Gangaad:

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 and Fauna of the Har ki Dun Valley Trek:

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.

Har Ki Dun Trek in Spring (March - April)

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.

Har Ki Dun Trek in Summer (May - June)

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.

Har Ki Dun Trek in Autumn (September - October)

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.

Har Ki Dun Trek in Winter (November - December)

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.

• Sankri village serves as the base camp for a trek to Har Ki Dun valley. It is a village that also serves as a basecamp for other popular treks such as Bali Pass Trek, Rupin Pass Trek, Borasu Pass Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, etc. Sankri is located 190 km from Dehradun, and the drive goes via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, and Naugaon, where the route to Yamunotri and Sankri diverges. Purola and Mori are two important towns ahead of Naugaon. From Mori, expect little to no network coverage and a bumpy road as we enter Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Har Ki Doon trek starts with a drive from Sankri to Taluka, from where we trek to the Har Ki Dun valley. It is situated approximately 25 km farther ahead of Taluka. The entire trek is 50 km, and an additional 2.5 km to Marinda Lake.
• The trek is along the Supin River and goes through the Garhwali villages of Taluka, Gangad, and Osla. The trekking route is densely forested up to Osla, the last village. Har Ki Dun has one Forest Guest House and one Garhwal Mandal guest house (GMVN).
• Camping in the Har Ki Dun valley has been prohibited since the Uttarakhand High Court banned camping in meadows in 2018.
• From Har ki Dun Valley, one can see the entire North Face of Swargarohini I (6,252 m) peak. This face descends to about 2,000 m in less than a 2 km distance and has not been climbed yet.
• Some associate it with the path to heaven that the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata supposedly took. However, the story is actually linked to the Swargarohini steps visible from Satopanth Lake, located beyond Badrinath.
• The beautiful Marinda Tal, formed by a huge boulder obstructing the river, can be trekked in an hour from Har Ki Dun, at a distance of 2.5 km. We can explore the Hata Valley to the north of Har ki Dun.
• The hike to the Jaundhar Glacier viewpoint that takes us to the Swargarohini Base is not feasible owing to the long distance.
• There are many passes in this region, and a few of them cross over into Kinnaur, Himachal, such as Rupin Pass & Borasu Pass. Those towards Yamunotri & Gangotri, such as Bali Pass, Fachu Kandi & Dhumdhar Kandi, go to the Gangotri valley.

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.

1. Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card / Passport and Visa for Foreign Nationals)
2. Medical Fitness Certificate
3. Trek Insurence

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:

• Backpack: A sturdy and comfortable backpack is essential for carrying all the necessary gear and supplies for the trek. Look for a backpack with good support, padding, and ventilation.
• Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes is essential for the rugged terrain and high altitudes. Look for shoes with good ankle support, waterproofing, and sturdy soles that can handle rough terrain.
• Warm clothes: The temperature may drop at night, and it's important to carry warm clothes like fleece jackets, thermal innerwear, and gloves to stay warm.
• Rain gear: The weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and it's important to carry rain gear like a waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry in case of rain.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be intense at high altitudes, and it's important to carry sunscreen with high SPF and sunglasses to protect the skin and eyes from the harsh UV rays.
• Water bottles: Staying hydrated is essential for trekking at high altitudes, and it's important to carry at least two water bottles and a water purification system like a water filter or tablets.
• Snacks: Trekking at high altitudes can be physically demanding, and it's essential to carry high-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts.
• First aid kit: A well-stocked first aid kit with essential medicines, bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers is crucial in case of any injury or illness on the trek.
• Headlamp or torch: It's important to carry a headlamp or torch for navigating in the dark.
• Personal toiletries: Carry personal toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, and wet wipes for personal hygiene.

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.

Preparation for a Good Physical Fitness:

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.

1. Lower Body Exercises:

• Squats:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.
  • Benefits: Strengthens lower body for climbing and descending; stabilizes uneven terrain.
  • How-to: Stand feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a squat, keeping your back straight, then return to standing.

• Lunges:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.
  • Benefits: Improves balance and stability on rocky trails; enhances flexibility.
  • How-to: Step forward with one foot, lowering your body until both knees are bent at 90 degrees. Push back to start and alternate legs.

2. Upper Body Exercises:

• Push-Ups:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Chest, shoulders, triceps, core.
  • Benefits: Strengthens upper body for backpack support and improves posture.
  • How-to: Start in a plank position, lower your chest to the ground, then push back up, keeping your core engaged.

• Pull-Ups/Bodyweight Rows:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Back, biceps, shoulders.
  • Benefits: Enhances posture and reduces back strain; strengthens muscles for carrying a backpack.
  • How-to: For pull-ups, grip a bar and pull yourself up until your chin is above it. For rows, use a low bar or TRX straps.

3. Core Exercises:

• Planks:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Abdominals, obliques, lower back.
  • Benefits: Improves stability and balance; reduces back pain.
  • How-to: Hold a plank position with elbows under shoulders and body in a straight line.

• Russian Twists:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.
  • Benefits: Enhances rotational stability and core strength.
  • How-to: Sit with knees bent, lean back slightly, and twist your torso side to side.

4. Full Body/Cardiovascular Exercises:

• Mountain Climbers:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Core, shoulders, chest, legs.
  • Benefits: Improves cardiovascular endurance and agility.
  • How-to: In a plank position, alternate bringing knees to chest in a running motion.

• Burpees:

  

  • Target Body Parts: Full body.
  • Benefits: Boosts cardiovascular endurance, strength, and agility.
  • How-to: Perform a squat, jump to a plank, do a push-up, return to squat, and jump up.

5. Additional Tips:

• Consistency & Form: Maintain proper technique and gradually increase intensity.
• Recovery & Flexibility: Allow muscle recovery, and stretch before and after workouts.
• Balance Training: Incorporate strength exercises like deadlifts for overall balance and endurance.

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.

Safety Precautions & Protocols during the Har ki Dun Trek:

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:

1. Acclimatization:

• Importance: Acclimatization helps stabilize oxygen levels in the body. It is crucial for preventing altitude sickness and maintaining physical fitness.
• Protocol:
  • Spend an extra day at the Sankri base camp or intermediate points to adjust to the altitude.
  • Ascend gradually, avoid ascending too quickly.
  • Climb high and sleep low. After reaching the campsite, hike to a higher elevation than the campsite's altitude, spend some time there, and then return to the campsite.
  • Reduce strength exercises and increase yoga practice with Pranayama or other slow breathing techniques.

2. Weather Preparedness:

• Importance: The weather during the Har ki Dun Trek can be unpredictable, with sudden rainfall and variation in temperature. Knowing weather facts helps trekkers determine the best time to start or not start their trek, and be prepared for any expected weather fluctuations during the hiking.
• Protocol:
  • Check weather forecasts regularly.
  • Be prepared for sudden changes by carrying appropriate gear, such as waterproof jackets or a poncho, warm fleece, and extra pairs of quick-dry socks.
  • In the mountains, afternoon rain is more common than other times of the day. So, make sure to start and end your hike before noon.
  • If it’s raining continuously, pause on the hike on the spot but avoid stopping near water streams and riffle sections. Try to pass away these areas as quickly as possible.

3. Hydration and Nutrition:

• Importance: Staying hydrated and well-nourished helps maintain energy and health.
• Protocol:
  • Drink plenty of water at regular intervals throughout the trek.
  • Carry high-energy, easy-to-digest foods like nuts, energy bars, and fruits.
  • Avoid taking alcohol.
  • Avoid consuming sugary foods or drinks during the trek. Excess sugar increases blood glucose concentration, leading to fatigue.

4. Health and First Aid:

• Importance: Immediate response to health issues can prevent serious complications.
• Protocol:
  • Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, including altitude sickness medication, and be familiar with basic first aid procedures.
  • Inform your trek leader of any pre-existing health conditions.

5. Safety Gear:

• Importance: The right gear can prevent injuries and keep you safe in adverse conditions.
• Protocol:
  • Wear sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good ankle support.
  • Dress in layers to manage your body temperature.
  • Carry a reliable backpack with a rain cover and other essentials such as a headlamp, rope, oxygen cylinder, gaiters, and microspikes.

6. Emergency Preparedness:

• Importance: Quick action is vital in emergencies.
• Protocol:
  • The nearest hospital is located in Mori, which is 21 km from the Sankri base camp.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers.
  • Ensure that your trek leader has communication devices such as a satellite phone or walkie-talkie in case of an emergency. Also, whenever you get a mobile network, keep updated the basecamp or your emergency contact person.
  • Make sure you have appropriate adventure insurance that covers trekking in high-altitude areas.

7. Navigation and Trail Safety:

• Importance: Navigating high altitudes and challenging trails requires caution and skill.
• Protocol:
  • Follow your guide.
  • Follow marked trails and use a compass, maps, or GPS devices to avoid getting lost on the trail.
  • Pay attention to trail markers and avoid venturing off the path.

8. Wildlife Awareness:

• Importance: Encounters with wildlife can be a risk.
• Protocol:
  • Maintain a safe distance from animals.
  • Avoid leaving food unattended and keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting wildlife.

9. Group Coordination:

• Importance: Staying connected with your group ensures collective safety.
• Protocol:
  • Maintain regular communication with your group.
  • Follow the trek leader’s instructions and avoid separating from the group.

10. Environmental Responsibility:

• Importance: Protecting the natural environment is essential.
• Protocol:
  • Follow "Leave No Trace" principles.
  • Dispose of waste properly and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.

11. Altitude Sickness Awareness:

• Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• Protocol:
  • If symptoms occur, inform your trek leader immediately.
  • Descend to a lower altitude if necessary and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
  • On the Har ki Dun Trek, there are less chances of altitude related sicknessess. Also, you ascent gradually each day of hiking which helps you to be fully acclimitazation. Still, if any symtoms occurs, keep your walking pace slow and steady untill you reach back to the lower altitude campsite.
  • The trek passes through villages like Taluka, Dharkot, Gangad, and Osla, so if you face a major sickness during the trek, you can easily hire horse or mule support to quickly return to the base camp at Sankri.

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.