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Har Ki Dun Trek: Way to Heaven | Complete Information|2024

Har ki Dun Trek –

Well !! Har ki Dun Trek distance is around 27 Kms, so before packing up, you should have the complete information about this heavenly trek. Here is the Har ki Dun trek Blog for you.

Har ki dun Trek
“We don’t stop hiking because we grow old- we grow old because we stop hiking”
  • Har ki dun valley is situated inside the Govind Pashu National Park in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, a northern state in India. This trek has several camping places to offer. So enjoy the beauty of this place with joy.
  • The 6-day long trek starts from the beautiful village of Sankari. The common route for the trek is Sankari -> Taluka (along river Rupin and Supin) -> Osla -> Har ki dun. The trek offers majestic views of Himalayan hills and snow-laden glaciers, Bandarpunch peak, dancing rivers, and the most beautiful is Swargarohini peak. That view will be unimaginable and unforgettable. FromHar ki Dun, you can also go on a short excursion to the Marinda Taal (Lake). Mainda Tal is a beautiful natural lake situated at a high altitude, 4KM from Har ki dun. It could be the best option to explore this nearby spot too.
  • One of the best attractions of the Har Ki Dun trek is the white-capped Swargarohini Peak. Swargarohini is made of two words, Swarga and Rohini, which means “to ascend to heaven”. It is believed that Pandavas of the Epic Mahabharata, went to heaven from this place. You will get to listen to the same story if you visit Satopanth Lake in Badrinath.
Har Ki dun Trek
Pic by Abhishekfirmal

How to Reach (Mode of Transport):

By Air: The nearest Airport to Sankari is nearly 240 kilometers. Jollygrant Airport is well connected to other airports in India. So you can board any flight coming to Jollygrant airport in Dehradun. After reaching the Airport, you can easily hire a taxi or cab from the airport to reach Sankari or Purola.  

By Bus: Sankari is very well connected with the major destinations of Garhwal such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, Purola, etc. To reach Dehradun, you can board a bus from Uttarakhand Transport from ISBT Delhi or Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. After reaching Dehradun, you will easily get a bus to Purola and Sankari (the Bus station is near the Railway station in Dehradun).

You can also book a taxi to Sankari (Check the booking price beforehand, at least try to ask two or three taxi drivers before confirming the deal, THANK us later 😉

By Train: The nearest Railway station to Sankari is the Dehradun railway station. Which is around 200 kilometers away from Sankari. Once, you come out of the exit gate of the Railway station, you will find the Uttarakhand Transport bus near the exit gate.

The other nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh, and its distance is around 25 km. Now here, you can board a bus to Sankari from here. Enjoy the ride.

Har ki Dun
Har ki Dun Picture by Arya Swetha 

About Har Ki Dun trek map  –

Har ki Dun Trek map
Har ki Dun Trek map

It is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. You have to go from Dehradun, via Mussoorie. First, you will reach Sankari Village (190 KM from Dehradun). Before Reaching Sankari, there is an entry point that falls in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Do not forget to take an entry ticket /Entry Pass from there. You have to tell them how many days you will stay there. The pass will cost you around Rs. 200. It is very important to have it as it will validate your travel in Har ki Dun valley.    

From Sankari, there is a narrow road toward Taluka Village. Taluka is the last point that is connected to the road. Your actual trek will start from here. Har Ki Dun is at 27 KM distance from Taluka. 

Osla and Seema villages are the two most popular intermediate stoppages of this trek. From Taluka, you will find two routes, One is toward Osla and another one is toward Seema village. Osla is the old village and it is the home of many residents, whereas Semma village is mainly dedicated to tourists. Don’t worry you will find a staying option in both of the places. 

Har ki Dun is 12 KM from Osla  / Seema village. After Reaching Har Ki Dun You can stay there in the GMVN guest house. Camping is not allowed in Har ki Dun. If you want to pitch your tent, you can go to nearby places, Simatra or Kalkatiyadhar. 

Har Ki Dun Trek in summer (March-end to June) –

A place to escape from the salutary heat of Delhi and other megacities. Usually, during the summer, there is a clear blue sky. If you are planning to do this trek in summer then do pack some light woolen clothes, because the temperature can fall at night. The temperature in Sankari can remain at 5-6 degrees centigrade during the night. And at the same time, the temperature can be as low as -1 degree or -2 degree centigrade. This is the best time to do the Har ki Dun Trek.

Har Ki Dun Trek in winter (Nov-Feb) –

If you are planning to do this trek in winter, then pack a lot of woolen clothes. The spine-chilling cold winter can be very harsh for you. There will be heavy snow, so do pack warm clothes, jackets, thermals, raincoats, goggles, and fleece jackets. The temperature in Sakari at this time can be as low as -1 degree centigrade, and at the same time, the temperature in Har ki dun can be as low as -16 to -10 degree centigrade.

Har ki dun trek Itinerary –

har ki dun trek in May
har, ki dun trek. Picture By: Arya Swetha

First Day: Delhi-Dehradun-Mussoorie: (Drive)

The first day (if you are coming from Delhi): If you are coming by train or bus, then you need a day, to reach Dehradun and then Mussoorie. You can stay at a Mussoorie at night. The night views from Mussoorie are worth watching. Let us know about your night trip to Mussoorie in the comments below.

Second Day: Mussoorie- Sankari (Around 165 kilometers, Drive)

After witnessing the beautiful morning in Mussoorie, you will head towards Sankari (the starting point of the trek). On the way to Sankari, you will come across many shallow brooks, waterfalls, and dense forests. Before starting the trek, make sure you have enough food and have chocolates, and water bottles. After arriving at Sankari, you will stay there for the night.

Third day: Sankari-Taluka (Around 15 kilometers, Drive)

The morning will start with breakfast and getting your things packed. You will drive around 4-5 hours to reach Taluka. Enjoy the beauty surmounting the hills en route to Taluka village. After reaching Taluka, you’ll stay there for that night in a hotel. And the real trekking will start the next day.

Fourth Day: Taluka-Osla/Seema Village : ( 14KM Trek)

 Wake up early, and do not miss the enchanting views of the sunrise. You’ll have your breakfast and start trekking through the trails. You’ll be trekking alongside the Rupin river. The trek is famous for its continuously ascending and descending slopes. At one time, you’ll be ascending the slope, and the very next time descending the slope. The forest of chestnut, walnut, and willow trees will make you feel refreshed.

The trail then reaches the village of Gangar. After crossing the village, you’ll be able to see the high peak of Bandarpoonch. After following the trails for 7 to 8 hours you’ll finally reach your destination, Har ki dun valley.

Fifth Day: Osla/Seema – Har ki Dun (13 KM Trek)

Nothing to rush for, enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills and the valley. Capture the moment of happiness, or you can try to just be there, enjoying every part of that immense beauty looming in front of you. Set your tent there, and enjoy one of the best moments of your life. You can also make a short excursion to Marinda lake. If you are an experienced trekker, you can head up to the valley for around 3 to 4 kilometers.

Sixth Day: Return journey from Har ki Dun to the Osla/Seema Village.

After this, you can opt to be there for some more days, or can head back to your place. We leave this part up to you.

Trek to Har Ki Dun
Trek to Har Ki Dun. Picture by: Arya Swetha

What is the Har ki dun trek difficulty level?

The difficulty level of the Har Ki Dun trek is classified from easy to moderate trek according to the difficulties and adventure of the trek.  The trek of 6 days makes the trek more difficult.

Har ki Dun Trek Solo, is it possible?

Yes. Har ki dun trek is an excellent trek for solo trekking. Because in this trek trekkers experience faces many different situations which are to be faced by them alone. It is best to go alone For exploring the exciting nearby areas, interact with the locals and other trekkers, and turning stranger people into friends.

There are a few things that a trekker can do solo just like enjoying a bonfire with fellow trekkers, taking pictures of the mountain vistas, and playing with the fresh snow if you are trekking in winter.

Nearby Places during Har ki Dun Trek –

Ruinsara Lake –

Jamdhar Glacier – 

Marinda Tal –

Best time for Har ki Dun Trek –

The best time to plan the Har ki Dun trek is during the summer season. In summer as well you have to carry some woolen clothes with you. or you can also plan post-monsoon.

During Monsoon – Avoid going to Har Ki Dun. The Government Authority will not allow you to enter in July and August. So please check the feasibility before planning a trip in these months.

Enroute Har Ki Dun Trek, Pic Credit – Abhishek Firmal

Staying option during the Trek:

  • The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam guest houses are there at Har ki Dun Campsite, so you can plan your stay there. 
  • If you want to experience something new, then you should carry your camping tent with you. There are many locations where you can pitch your tent. 
  • You can choose beautiful Homestays, That will also give you the feeling of being local. 

Package includes in Har ki Dun Trek –

Meals – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. We provide only vegetarian simple food on all days of the trek.

Trekking equipment – High-quality tents and sleeping bags are available for all the camp.

Safety equipment – Oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc will be with the guide/ trek leader at the campsite as well to deal with an emergency.

Leaders – All of our trek leaders are qualified in basic and advanced mountaineering and first aid course.

Expert team – Our team in Har ki dun trekking are having specific certified guides, cooks, and helpers.

Accommodation – You will be staying at a guest house/tent at Sankari. Different rooms for males and females are available.

Do you need a guide for the Trek –

It is optional. As this is gonna be a long trek so having a guide will be a good help. But if you are not opting for a guide that is also fine you need to ask local villagers for navigation. You will easily get local guides there. 

MOST IMPORTANT !! To avoid regret, things must know before Har ki Dun trekking:

  1. Trek is easy but the distance is quite more for the beginner, so if you are physically fit, then only you should go for this trek.
  2. You can hire mules and porters if you find it hard to carry your backpacks. 
  3. If you are traveling during the rainy season, make sure to check the weather condition for at least a week. Also, make sure to check the details about the road condition from your guide or some local authorities.
  4. There is No ATM, No Paytm. So keep enough cash from Dehradun itself.
  5. Make your petrol tank full, You will hardly find any petrol pump when entering the Sankari village. 
  6. This place is not having proper Mobile network connectivity. even from Sankari, you won’t have access to the mobile networks so better make emergency calls earlier.
  7. If you are planning to stay in Osla village, you will have to interact with the local people and children. You will get to know about their culture. They are big-hearted and they are always there to welcome you so DON’T FORGET to carry sweets or candy for them. If you will not carry, you will regret that.

We wish you a Happy Journey.

 

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