Harkidun Trek
Har Ki Dun is an Enthralling valley in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Har Ki Dun Trek comes under Govind Wildlife Sanctuary National Park. No doubt, the Himalayas have enchanting beauty, bracing climate, and desirable useful green meadow. So, what else can be better than spending some days here in the serenity.
Har Ki Dun trek, which is the most popular trek in Garhwal Himalayas. The height of Har Ki Dun trek is 3600 meters. It is start from Sankri – A Small Paradise and Taluka which are the last road point of this trek. Har ki Dun trek comes along this route in 4 Himalayan Villages, the first Dhatmir, Gangad, Panwani, and Osla village are the last villages of this area which Are called marginal villages, Har ki dun trek is a very popular trek not only in India but also in the world.
My grandfather used to say, at some time, foreign tourists used to come here a lot, and then people in India did not know much about trekking. That’s why Har Ki Doon treks are the oldest and special.
People go for others treks by this route, like, Bali Pass, Borasu Pass, Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, Maldaru Lake, Bainya Top, Black Peak Expedition, Swargarohini Peak Expedition, Ruinsara Tal, there are more so people come here all year round Live on.
The temperature of the Har Ki Dun Trek always varies with time. The summer temperature of this is Day – (5°C to 15°C), Night – (2° C to 8° C) and the winter temperature is Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C).
Many People also called this trek is Har Ki Doon or Har Ki Doon Valley because they may not know the exact name of this trek. Many People search this trek on google in a different name like Harkidun, Har Ki Doon, Har Ki Doon Valley, and etc.
Trekking to this enthralling valley can be a divine experience for a lifetime.
Har Ki Dun trek or Har Ki Doon Trek comes in the category of epic historic adventure treks. There you can find the essence of mythologies. You can find here also lavish meadows, grasslands, You will go through a thick dense forest covered with Rhododendron trees, many others trees, the trail is beautiful you can see flowers blooming all around and in winters it gets covered by snow, there is the number of species of birds in the woods, you can spot a variety of birds there. mountain ridges, pine forests, glacial ranges, and jaw-dropping views of the Great Himalayas.
Har Ki Doon (The Valley of Gods) or Har Ki dun is the only valley from where you can have a glimpse of elevated peaks. Like Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Kalanag, Bali Pass, Ruinsara Lake, and Swargarohini – I, II, and III. And many other peaks!
During the trek, you will come across the ancient villages. It’s about 300 decades old and will surely take you back in time. On the trail, you will encounter the local lifestyle and communities with lavish vegetation grown in the fields.
Today also, the local people there still worship Duryodhana As their deity. Thus, Har Ki Dun trek is filled with solemn surroundings and legendary culture. It is a must-go for all the travel lovers and nature seekers out there.
Har Ki Dun Trek the Majestic valley in Garhwal Himalayas
Har Ki Dun Situated in the charming Garhwal region of the Great Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It’s a large-sized valley that follows in the footsteps of Indian mythology and, till today, is known to be “Har Ki Dun.”
It has been present for more than 500 decades, no doubt famous as the “Valley of the Gods”. Har Ki Dun has the essence of history and mythology along with the natural beauty. There is the lush climate surrounded by the soothing greenery desired. So that’s the reason why Har Ki Dun is known as “Valley of Gods”.
Truth Behind The Myths
Many fables and tales of the era of Mahabharata are admired here. But, it is essential aware of the readers and trekkers about the real facts and myths.
Many trekking companies claim myths about the worship of Duryodhana in the temple of Yudhishthira. Local people believe that they reach heaven via Har Ki Dun Trek. The truth is none of this exists here as per accurate facts and research. On the contrary, the chronicle of Yudhishthir reaching heaven through the Har ki Dun trail never exists here.
Instead, the saga of reaching heaven was through the path of Badrinath towards Swargarohini peak at Narayan Parvat (mountain).
The locations elapsed are Laxmi van, Chakaratir, Sahastradhara, and Satopanth Lake.
Furthermore, there is no existence of any Duryodhana temple at the Mori district of Uttarkashi. Instead, the temple, which is claimed as Duryodhana Temple, is the Someshwar Mahadev temple, a chapel of Lord Shiva.
Thus, Har Ki Dun is also known as “The valley of Shiva.”
Har Ki Dun Trek the Majestic valley in Garhwal Himalayas
Har Ki Dun Situated in the charming Garhwal region of the Great Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It’s a large-sized valley that follows in the footsteps of Indian mythology and, till today, is known to be “Har Ki Dun.”
It has been present for more than 500 decades, no doubt famous as the “Valley of the Gods”. Har Ki Dun has the essence of history and mythology along with the natural beauty. There is the lush climate surrounded by the soothing greenery desired. So that’s the reason why Har Ki Dun is known as “Valley of Gods”.
Truth Behind The Myths
Many fables and tales of the era of Mahabharata are admired here. But, it is essential aware of the readers and trekkers about the real facts and myths.
Many trekking companies claim myths about the worship of Duryodhana in the temple of Yudhishthira. Local people believe that they reach heaven via Har Ki Dun Trek. The truth is none of this exists here as per accurate facts and research. On the contrary, the chronicle of Yudhishthir reaching heaven through the Har ki Dun trail never exists here.
Instead, the saga of reaching heaven was through the path of Badrinath towards Swargarohini peak at Narayan Parvat (mountain).
The locations elapsed are Laxmi van, Chakaratir, Sahastradhara, and Satopanth Lake.
Furthermore, there is no existence of any Duryodhana temple at the Mori district of Uttarkashi. Instead, the temple, which is claimed as Duryodhana Temple, is the Someshwar Mahadev temple, a chapel of Lord Shiva.
Thus, Har Ki Dun is also known as “The valley of Shiva.”
Why Choose Har Ki Dun Trek?
Before heading towards the itinerary, it is essential to perceive the reason behind choosing Har Ki Dun trek.
See firstly. The trekking distance of Har Ki Dun Trek is 56 km, which is covered into 7 days. Har Ki Dun Trek is a Moderate Level Trek because of the things that this trek has to offers.
These are:
No high altitude mountain sickness due to the forthcoming of the forest region.
The trail is not that abrupt and sheer as compared to other treks. So, beginners can easily do this trek.
You got to see so many heavenly bodies at one place like the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, meadows, lakes, pine forests, different variety of flora and fauna surpassing through bona fide Garhwali heritage and culture.
Do spare time in Interaction with locals, and you will get to know about some of the ancient tales of Indian mythology.
During the winter season, this fascinating valley remains covered in snow, and the white sheet of snow makes it look like a magical wide snow-land.
And, in summers, the valley turns different and amusing because of meadows, wildflowers, and woods blooming in different colors.
About Base camp Sankri in Har Ki Dun Trek
Not only Sankri is the base camp for the Har Ki Dun Trek but also for 25 + Himalayan treks. Thus, it always remains busy by the hustle and bustle of trekkers. This small village is genuinely beautiful because of its pleasant setting and calm environment.
There are quaint wooden houses made of Deodar wood. And also some hotels and restaurants serving delicious local food. Their specialty is “Red Rice.” So, get to know the villagers and have a glimpse of their lifestyle.
It is the best place to explore the Himalayan culture and tradition.
You will also have some excellent views of lofty Swargarohini Peaks and Bandarpoonch. And yes, do not miss their glorifying sunrise and sunset views.
Moreover, the nearest village to Sankri is “Saur” The temple of Someshwar Devta there is highly worshiped by the villagers.
Therefore, the base camp will leave you admiring with its exquisite beauty.
The altitude we are going to cover at Har Ki Dun Trek
Sankri – 1920 Meters
Cheludgad camp – 2600 Meters
Har Ki Dun Camp – 3645 Meters
Key Points of Har Ki Dun Trek
Duration: – 6 Nights 7 Days
Base camp: – Sankri
Summer Temperature: – Day (5°C to 15°C) Night (2° C to 8° C)
Winter Temperature: – Day (-2°C to -5° C) Night (-5°C to -12°C)
Har Ki Dun Altitude: – 3500 Meters
Best Time: – All year
Trek Level: – Moderate
Trek distance: – On foot 64 Km – By taxi 442 km
Group Size: – 20 people
Short Itinerary of Har Ki Dun Trek
Day 1- Pick up to you from Dehradun railway station – Drive to Sankri Market – 210 Km (8/9 Hours (1920 Meters)
Day 2 – Trek from Sankri to taluka by taxi – 11 km same day trek to Cheludgad camp (12 km) (4/5 Hours) (2600 Meters)
Day 3 – Trek from Cheludgad camp to Bhasla camp Har Ki Dun (13 km) (6/7 Hours) (3500 Meters)
Day 4 – Exploration Day (Manida Lake) (Jaundhar Glacier) Har Ki Dun valley back to camp (4/5 Hours)
Day 5 – Trek from Har Ki Dun to Cheludgad via OSLA village (13 km) (5/6 Hours) (2600 Meters)
Day 6 – Trek from Cheludgad camp to Taluka (12 km) (4/5 Hours) Same day Drive to Sankri Hotel
Day 7 – Sankri to Dehradun by taxi (210 km) (8/9 Hours)
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
The first day begins with a 10 hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You are expected to reach Dehradun railway station by 6:30 in the morning. To reach on time, you can book an overnight bus ride from Delhi to Dehradun ISBT.
Passing through Mussoorie- the “Queen of the Hills” on to Uttarkashi district, we will cross Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and Netwar before finally reaching village Sankri- the first stop on the trek. The road is through and through picturesque with pine tree forests starting on both sides of a road that catches up on a parallel to the course of the river Tons. Stopping at a favorable hour, we will have lunch somewhere by the road at an inn. Reaching Purola, you should get done with important calls and internet usage because hereafter, connection will get fuzzy. BSNL is the only efficient service available in this zone with limited providers.
A short way before Sankri, we will cross the Govind National Park checkpoint and at about 6 in the evening, the drive will end at Sankri. After freshening up at the guest house, you will get sufficient time to explore the market close by. Trekking essentials, garments, and equipments are available at the bazaar in Sankri, in case you need last minute shopping for the venture ahead.
Day 2: Sankri to Puani Garaat
On day 2, we start on our drive from Sankri to Taluka at 7 in the morning. This short drive through gradually thickening forests and streams cutting through the path over boulders will introduce us to the terrain of our trek closely.
Reaching Taluka, another village of the same lineage found on this trek, trekkers will be invited to collect refreshments before getting started on the hike. The first lapse is a descent to the banks of the beautiful Tons and keeping the river on the right, the trail enters a level walk through forests of conifers until reaching the first cemented bridge.
Crossing the stream, the trail leads up to a wooden bridge where a gentle slope goes down to the waters. Here you can fill your bottle and move ahead. The whole way along the river is ideal for photo compositions and provides shade too. We approach the rest point for lunch by the Supin tributary that we crossed before at around 1 in the noon. At a rocky height from the banks of the rivulet is a food shack, one of the many that we are going to find on our trek to the valley. These stores are with packaged food and beverage along with delightful hot snacks. In addition to our packed lunch, this will add a different twang of delight to outdoor meals on the move.
Progressing ahead, harvest fields of potato, millet, and maize will fall on the way giving the whole stretch a ranch house feel. Pauni Garaat, a green clearing on the banks of Supin at its sprightly best is arrived at late in the afternoon as the Sun begins to dip—welcome to the first camp!
Day 3: Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar
Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar is a distance of 7 km over 6 hours which we start early morning at 6. The trail crosses 3 “garaat” or hydroelectricity run chaffing units which are used by the villagers for separating husks of millet and maize followed by grounding to flour. The idyllic vibe retained in the surrounding, the trek proceeds through harvest lands, cattle grazing, and slant roofed huts used as granary and storages. After crossing a log bridge, the trail turns for an ascent. On this incline, you will get fabulous viewpoints to steal glimpses of the Dhauladhar Range out front. Snaky trails to Borasu Pass and Baspa Valley can also be made out from here.
The high trail winds further down reaching a tabletop green stretch—Kalkattiyadhar. This is the campsite for day
Day 4: Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon
A shorter distance of 5 km is reserved for the summit day, spanning over 3.5 hour of trekking time. Moving through a thick forest of conifers—chestnut, bhojpatra or papyrus bark, pines, and cedar, the trail is an intense experience of nature. There are several log bridges to be crossed over cool flowing streams concluded by the final ascent lap. The last landmark on the stretch to the valley is a waterfall, after which the ascent is unrelenting till the destination is reached.
About after 40 minutes on the uphill trail from the waterfall, you will reach the Valley cradled in greenery at the feet of the Har Ki Doon peak. The silvery waters of Supin streams through the heart of the valley and at the end of the vale there shows green roofed cottages of the forest department. The camps are made with a view of the majestic Swargarohini visible in front and the Hatha peak peeking from a corner. You will reach the valley in time to take a walk up to the cluster of green-roofed cottages. From here, you can treat your eyes to a different side of Swargarohini. A Shiva temple with a trident raised in the sky marks this glorious spot.
Remember to keep your cameras on stand-by to capture that beautiful essence of alpine glow when the sun sets.
Day 5: Har Ki Doon to Pauni Garaat via Osla
On day 5, we start off with a packed lunch towards Osla via Kalkattiyadhar. Down by the same trail, we break towards the village after crossing a cemented bridge. The village is reached by afternoon to be greeted with a host of smiling faces. The exceptional architecture of Osla’s houses invokes a different time and a different world altogether, the most striking structure being the Durtodhana temple topped with a pair of carved peacocks.
Multihued ethnic garments, bronze and silver hand whittled jewelry, and typical headgears define the cultural richness of the people here. After soaking in the rustic charm of Osla for an hour or two, wind down the narrow hilly lanes back to the expansive riverbed and followed by a few hours of mixed descent, you will reach Pauni Garaat camp by the gusty Supin flowing by.
The hum of the river will keep you company through the night.
Day 6: Pauni Garaat to Sankri
A 5 hour trek to Taluka sets off this morning, climbing down by the familiar trail, stopping at familiar rest points. The car waits at the end of the dirt road to drive back base camp-wards. Pay special attention to descending tactic. Though climbing down accounts for lesser exhaustion, stressing out your soles with bold steps is unadvisable.
Sankri will be reached just in time for tea.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
The journey concludes with the 10 hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun. Breakfast and lunch will be on the way. Reaching time at Dehradun station will be 6pm, suitable for an overnight journey to Delhi.
Inclusions :-
1. Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and Return.
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
3. All necessary entry fees and permits.
4. Accommodation:- Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
5. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
7. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
8. AH Staff Insurance.
9. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Note : Normally AH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1800/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
CANCELLATION, POLICY
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, andcancellation charges would be as follows
Up to 30 Days: – 90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refund.
Between 21 – 30 Days: – 50% of Trek/Adventure/Tour/Travel/Hotel program cost will be refund.
Location
Related Tours
RS.9,000/- Per Person
Duration – 8 Days (Sankri to Sankri)
Best Season – Round the year
Level – Easy , Moderate
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:
Winter temperatures – Har Ki Dun– 3°C to – 5° C – And Base Camp Har ki Dun / -5°C to -10°C – winter December to Jan
Summer temperatures – Har Ki Dun Valley base +5° C to +15° C
You’ll Need to bring or rent
- Backpack
- Trekking Shoes
- Suitable Clothing
SHORT ITINERARY
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
- 220 km drive by NH 507 – approx 10 hours.
- Altitude: 6,400 feet.
- Last ATM- Purola
- Small shops available for trekking gears and miscellany
- BSNL network erratic
- Guest House Stay
- Breakfast and lunch excluded, dinner included
- Trekkers will be picked from Dehradun at 6:30am in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle.
- Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm .
Day 2: Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka
- Sankri to Taluka (Drive 12 km) (1 hour)
- Altitude of Taluka- 7,000 ft
- Taluka to Pauni Garaat
- Altitude-8,200 ft
- Trek Distance: 10km
- Trek Time: 6 hours approx
- Trek Level: Easy level walk and gradual ascent in most parts
- Packed lunch
- Spring water points
- Riverside camping in Govind National Park forests
Day 3: Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar
- Altitude- 9,800 ft
- Trek Distance: 7 km
- Trek Time: 6 hour
- Packed lunch
- Spring water points
- Trek Level: Steeper ascent than last day, but well distributed in level walks and inclines
- Camp stay in meadows overlooking mountains near a food stall
Day 4: Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon
- Altitude: 11, 768 ft.
- Trek Distance- 5 km
- Trek Time- 3.5 hour
- Hot lunch
- Spring water points
- Trek Level: Relaxed forest walk combined with boulder walk. Mixed gradient with gradual incline
- Riverside camping in the valley
- Snow Peaks in View: Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Black Peak etc
Day 5: Har Ki Doon to Pauni Garaat via Osla
- Trek Distance – 12 km
- Total Trek Time- 8 hour
- Har Ki Doon – Kalkattiyadhar: 5 km; Kalkattiyadhar – Osla: 5.5 km; Osla – Pauni Garaat: 1 ½ km
- Packed lunch
- Spring water points
- Riverside camping in Govind National Park forests
Day 6: Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka
- Trek Time-5 hour
- Trek Distance-10 km;
- Packed Lunch
- Spring water points
- Drive from Taluka to Sankri- 12 km
- Driving Time- 1 hour
- Guest house stay
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
- Distance: 220 km drive, approx 10 hours
- Driving Time-10 hour
- Driving Time- 7 am-6 pm
- Breakfast and lunch excluded
- You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle
Note: On Day 7, you’ll reach Dehradun by 6 pm. You can book your travel any time after 8 pm.Who can go
- First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.