Har Ki Dun Trek

Har Ki Dun Trek is a beautiful trek which go through the Govind National Park, which is famous for its wild flowers especially orchids. This area has some of the most beautiful forests. It was made popular by Jack Gibson, a teacher at the Doon school in the late 1940’s.The surrounding peaks and glaciers in the Bandarpooch Range are a mountaineer’s delight. The Har-ki-dun valley is famous for its flowers and meadows. The path follows the tons river from Netwar village up through the scenic villages of Gangad, Seema and Osla. Har-ki-dun has many camping places and also a forest guest house. A rest day is ideal to explore the nearby jamdar glacier or make a short excursion to Ruinsara Lake.

A winter wonderland and a trekker’s delight, the Har Ki Dun Trek is a stairway to heaven that will make you fall for its beauty. The thing that makes it an alluring trek is its accessibility both in summer as well as the winter season. Har Ki Dun valley is situated at the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district is very popular to the trekkers as well as that to the climbers. It is a lovely walk to the Har Ki Dun valley with fascinating views of Jaundhar glacier and Swargarohini group of peaks. Har Ki Dun catchment area is a major source of Yamuna River System and the main source of the largest tributary of Yamuna.

It takes you through some of the most charismatic alpine meadows, glaciers and pine forests which is a treat to the eyes. During winters the snow-covered trails look mesmerizing as and when the sun tries to peep behind the clouds. One of the oldest Treks In Himalayas, known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, some believe it’s the same route taken by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata on their ascent to heaven. Swargarohini—the snow peak, the vision of which dominates this trek bears a legacy of the mythical stairway to heaven.

It’s a delightful experience when you’re camping near the flowing river, the forest here is rich in flora and fauna which has an engaging vibe of its own. You are able to see Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak from here. The Har Ki Dun trail takes you through some of the ancient villages that are 2,000 years old. It gives you an insight into the lives of the locals who are residing here in the valley. This trek is heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and also shutterbugs. You can even spot various species of birds that thrive in this region. Capture some thrilling pictures on the trail which will last a lifetime.

Other attractions include, the temple at Osla which is dedicated to Duryodhana, was built by the inhabitants of Saur. It is about 13km from Sankri which lies on the steep mountain trail to Har Ki Doon. It is a 5,000-year formation of wooden chambers that are carved elegantly.

The challenge of Har Ki Doon, besides the long hours of trekking for 6 long hours is coping up with frequent rain. The peak time of the year for this trek is not winter after a snowfall but in summer frequented by rain. Proceeding through green foliages dripping with pearls of rain is a beautiful experience but trekkers must be well equipped for it. Rain trekking essential like poncho, waterproof covers, anti-diarrhoea medicines, and water resistant trekking boots are a must before for this trek. Whatever the conditions are, this trek surely gives you vibes of visiting a wonderland.

• Region :- Uttarakhand ( uttarkashi)
• Duration :- 6 Night/ 7 Day
• Grade :- moderate
• Max Altitude :- 12,200feet ( 44km)
• Best Season :- Sept – Oct.
• Food: Meals while on trek (Veg + egg.)
• Stay :- Guest house/Home stay/Camping
• Starting point:- dehradun to dehradun

Things To carry on Trek (Basics Gears)

• Backpack & Rain Cover (40-60 Liters)
• Trekking Shoes
• LED Torch
• One Water Bottle (one litre)
• Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)
• Clothes
• Trekking Jacket
• Three (Five in winter) Warm Layers
• Two trek pants (one Wear and one carry)
• Two collared t-shirts
• Thermals
• Extra Pair of Clothes
• woolen sweater
• Accessories
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreens Lotion (SPF 50/70)
• Lip Balm (SPF 30)
• Sun cap/Normal Cap
• Synthetic hand gloves
• Five pair of Socks
• Raincoat/Ponchos
• Plastic cover (for wet clothes)

Short Itinerary of Har Ki Dun Trek

• Day 1: Dehradun to sankri travel
• Day 02: Sankri to taluka drive, Taluka to Cheludgad trek
• Day 3: Cheludgad to Har ki dun Camp
• Day 4: Exploration day at Har ki Dun Camp
• Day 5: Har ki dun Camp to Cheludgad Trek
• Day 6: Cheludgad to Taluka trek and drive from here to Sankri
• Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun drive