Ready for a beautiful trek in the mountains? The Har Ki Dun Trek in Uttarakhand is a perfect mix of easy hiking, stunning views, and peaceful villages. Known as the “Valley of Gods,” this trek is great for beginners and nature lovers. Here’s a simple, friendly guide to make your Har Ki Dun Trek unforgettable!
Why Trek to Har Ki Dun?
Har Ki Dun, at 3,566 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a hidden valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and sparkling rivers. It’s one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic treks, offering a glimpse of Himalayan village life and wildlife. The trek is easy to moderate, making it ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting a calm adventure with big views.
What to Expect on the Har Ki Dun Trek
- Duration: 6–7 days (round trip).
- Distance: About 44–50 km (round trip).
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with basic fitness.
- Starting Point: Sankri village (200 km from Dehradun, 7–8 hours by road).
- Highlights: Har Ki Dun valley, Tons River, ancient villages, and views of peaks like Swargarohini.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri village. Stay in a guesthouse or camp.
Day 2: Trek 10–12 km from Sankri to Taluka or Pauni Garaat (4–5 hours) through forests. Camp by the river.
Day 3: Trek 8–10 km to Kalkatiyadhar or Har Ki Dun (4–5 hours). Enjoy meadow views and camp in the valley.
Day 4: Explore Har Ki Dun, visit nearby villages, or hike to Jaundhar Glacier (optional). Camp again.
Day 5–6: Trek back to Sankri via Pauni Garaat or Taluka (18–20 km, 6–7 hours).
Day 7: Drive back to Dehradun.
Fun Things to Do on the Trek
- Explore the Valley: Walk through Har Ki Dun’s meadows and see peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpunch.
- Visit Villages: Meet locals in Osla or Seema to learn about their mountain life.
- Camp by the River: Sleep in tents with bonfires, listening to the Tons River.
- Spot Wildlife: Look for Himalayan birds, deer, or even leopards in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Photography: Capture rivers, forests, and snowy peaks for amazing memories.
Best Time to Trek Har Ki Dun
- Summer (April–June): Warm days (15–25°C), green valleys, and blooming wildflowers.
- Autumn (September–November): Cool weather (10–20°C), clear skies, and colorful forests.
- Winter (December–March): Snowy trails (0–10°C), great for snow lovers, but pack warm gear.
- Avoid: July–August due to rain and slippery paths.
Things to Carry
- Warm clothes: Fleece jacket, thermals, woolen cap, socks, scarf.
- Comfy clothes: T-shirts, trek pants (avoid jeans).
- Raincoat or poncho.
- Trekking shoes with good grip.
- Backpack (30–40 liters) with rain cover.
- Water bottle (1 liter) and snacks (energy bars, dry fruits).
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
- Torch or flashlight.
- First-aid kit and personal medicines.
- Trekking pole (optional, helps on uneven trails).
How to Get to Har Ki Dun
- Starting Point: Sankri village, the base for the trek.
- By Road: Sankri is 200 km from Dehradun (7–8 hours by car or bus). Take a bus or taxi from Dehradun to Mussoorie, then to Sankri via Purola (₹500–₹1,500).
- By Train: The nearest station is Dehradun (200 km). From there, take a bus or taxi to Sankri.
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (220 km) is the closest. Taxis to Sankri cost ₹3,000–₹4,000.
- From Delhi: Take a bus or train to Dehradun (6–7 hours), then a bus/taxi to Sankri.
Tips for a Great Trek
- Starting Price: Around ₹1,499 per person for a 6–7 day group trek (includes transport from Dehradun, meals, camping, and guides). Prices vary by operator, season, or extras like porters (₹250–₹300/day). Check with Thrillophilia, Indiahikes, or Trekveda for deals.
- Stay Safe: Book with trusted trek operators and follow your guide’s advice.
- Pack Light: Carry only essentials to make trekking easier.
- Be Eco-Friendly: Don’t litter, avoid plastic, and respect the valley’s nature.
- Book Early: Peak seasons (April–June, September–November) get busy. Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water and eat snacks to keep your energy up.
- Check Weather: Winter treks may have snow, so confirm trail conditions.
Why You’ll Love It
The Har Ki Dun Trek is like stepping into a fairy tale! Its green valley, sparkling rivers, and cozy villages feel peaceful and magical. Perfect for beginners, this trek offers big Himalayan views without being too tough. Whether you’re camping under the stars or chatting with locals, it’s an adventure that leaves you happy and refreshed.
Ready to plan your Har Ki Dun Trek? Let me know if you need help with bookings, packing tips, or more details!