You are destined to fall in love with the lovely valley of Har Ki Dun, where the clouds drop down to meet the spiky tree tops, where azure, crimson, beige, and sienna assemble serenely to meet the dark brown and green colours of the rocky valley. This valley in Uttarakhand, nestled at the foot of Fateh Parwat, offers awe-inspiring views of the towering snow-capped mountains of the Gharwal Himalayas, surrounded by lush green alpine terrain.
Are you a backpacker looking for truly adventurous destinations? The two-day Har Ki Dun hike provides more than simply excitement; it’s a spooky surge of steps leading to magnificent yet risky and physically difficult views of tranquilly. The state government has provided excellent inexpensive food and hotels, security, and prompt medical help for this 5-7 day expedition. Pack your baggage for this wonderful journey; you’ll never forget the heaving breaths and surge of warm blood caused by the incredible scenery; after all, this is the ‘Valley of Gods.’ Pack your best comfy hiking shoes because this one will be difficult; you can’t afford any improper steps, faulty strides, or misaligned posture.
Har Ki Dun Trek Best Time
When you begin climbing the steep, slippery rocks, you’ll see that there is no trail. In the vast Himalayan environment, you’re on your own; don’t be surprised if a golden eagle decides to roost nearby or if the wild boar isn’t expecting any visitors. Yes, you will see numerous wild animals, including endangered species.The centuries-old towns will surprise you as you climb historic steps scorching into old Indian culture; don’t forget to take up the richness, as this is where the Gods ascended into heaven.
Looking around, you’ll notice the snow-capped peaks of Ruinsara; also, this is the only valley that cleverly displays Blackpeak, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini I-III. Har Ki Dun Trek, one of the greatest winter treks, provides an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of the surrounding areas, as well as fascinating scenery covered with fluffy mountains and, of course, animal and bird sights. Despite everything, this will be one of your best Himalayan treks and a great weekend trip.
Har Ki Dun Trek Difficulty Level
From October to March, the valley is draped in powdery white snow; its elevation of 3500m above sea level causes temperatures to drop to -5 to -12 degrees Celsius. Visits from wild animals are not uncommon on the Har Ki Dun Trek, although they can be deadly. Always keep several numbers for the region’s helpline, police, army control, and emergency tower on hand; all of them can come in handy at any time. It is mandatory to carry medical aid with necessary drugs or antiseptics while trekking, as well as CPR. The altitude can cause dizziness, severe altitude sickness, sleeplessness, lung issues, and ataxia; always be ready to assist. This is a fantastic winter excursion; snow blizzards are to be expected if you venture to higher heights.
Har Ki Dun Trek Route Map
Trek from Dehradun
Don’t be confused when you go on the trek to begin your Har Ki Dun Trek; we have a route planned out for you. If you are not a Dehradun resident, arrive in Dehradun and proceed to the railway station, grab a cab, and always be on time.
Dehradun-Sankri: 196 kms- 7 hours
Sankri- Taluka: 14kms-5 hours by trekking.
Taluka-Osla: 13 kms- 7 hours by trekking.
Osla- Har Ki Dun: And way back!
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
Gather at 06.30 a.m. at the Dehradun railway station. We get ready and have hot tea right outside the railway station. We leave the Dehradun train station at 7 a.m. to begin our journey. After we get at Kempti Falls, we can enjoy breakfast. The route will be on standard mountain roads after Kempti Falls. The Tons River will be to our left. We arrived at Purola at 1.30pm after passing through Nain Bagh, Naugaun, and Morri. We eat here and then make our way to Sankri. Purola is the last town with ATMs.
Day 2: Trek from Taluka to Gangaad, After travelling by car from Sankri to Taluka.
We will travel for 45 minutes after breakfast to Taluka, where the trek will begin. The driving distance is 11 kilometres. Snowfall frequently disrupts road travel in the first two weeks of December. This stops the car from moving past a certain point. The hike’s starting point can be reached on foot from there. As a result, we must leave Sankri at 8 a.m. to begin the day. When we arrive in Taluka, we notice red and green signs indicating that Har ki Dun is 27 kilometres distant (one way). Trek down the left bank of the Rupin nalla to the first campground, Gangaad (river).
Day 3: Kalkatiya dhar/Seematra to Gangaad
The climb we’re on today is stunning, and it concludes with a campground called Puani garat/Chiloor gadh. Puani garat, formed from the words water and make, refers to a wheat mill located near a running water supply. We make our way straight to Seema village. On the ridge to the left, we can see the Osla settlement, which we will visit on our way back. We enter the Har Kin Dun Valley through the concrete bridge on our left after passing through seema. The river is now to our right, and it will be known as the Har ki dun nala from now on (river).
If we cross to the right, we can get to the Ruinsara tal and Bali pass path. We arrive to the spot where Seema and Osla peasants gather their harvests from Seema. As we can see, step farming is taking place on the left side of our path. We arrive at the Kalkatiya dhar campsite after another hour of walking. If there are water sources nearby, we will pitch a tent here in Kalkatiya dhar for the night. If not, we climb up the ridge that swings left from Kalkatiya Dhar into the Har ki Dun Valley. It’s another 30-minute climb to the Seematra campground from here. Water will be available at either of these sites.
Day 4: From Kalkatiya Dhar/Seematra to Har ki Dun
We start at 8 a.m. today. The circuit starts with a couple descents and some beautiful waterfalls. In the winter, the main waterfall is generally frozen, making for a stunning spectacle. Following the descent, a Baslau, or camping area, can be seen on the right. After crossing Baslau and hiking for about an hour, you’ll arrive at the Har ki Dun campground.
Day 5: Discover Har Ki Dun by travelling to Maninda Tal and Jaundhaar Glacier.
Today could be used as a rest day. For a fast climb, use the left ridge for about 3 kilometres to reach Maninda Tal Lake. After spending some time there, return. Otherwise, if we take the correct route through the Har ki Dun valley, we can go for around 9 kilometres to reach the Jaundhaar glacier. It would be a long and difficult walk from Har ki Dun to Jaundhaar Glacier. Long valley walks and difficult ascents are required. We’d rather return from the Maninda Tal than attempt to climb the Jaundhaar Glacier.
Also Have a Look on- Brahmatal Trek
