Har Ki Dun Trek 2024 Uttarakhand | Cost, Itinerary, Date
Region: Uttarakhand
Base Camp: Sankri
Days: 7
Altitude: 11,400 ft
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 44 km
Min Age: 15 Years+
Best Season: Summer and Winter
Trek Description
The charismatic Har ki Dun trek is in the mesmerizing valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. As the name suggests, Har ki Dun means the land of God. It’s a blend of two words, “Hari,” which means God Narayana, and “Doon”, meaning house. The first thing that comes to every trekker’s mind may ask, what makes this stand out among other treks?
The track’s mythical history and traditions attract visitors. It is believed that Pandavas aimed to reach heaven through the Swargarohini Peak, which is located just in front of Har ki Dun. Only Yudhistra made it to Swarg. He followed Sato Panth(Satya ka rasta) on the rise to ecstasy.
One exciting thing that very few trekkers know about the Har Ki Dun trek is that it is one of the oldest treks. In fact, the trekking culture builds after this trek, not only in Indians but also in foreigners.
At an elevation of 11,400 feet, this valley, environed by Black, and Swargarohini peaks, offers breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped summits, crystal-clear waterfalls, and vibrant Rhododendron forests.
With Jaundhar Glacier, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini Peaks I & II, and Ruinsara Peak as its backdrop, the 44 km trek traverses pristine alpine meadows, enchanting springs, and azure lakes, delivering goosebumps at every turn.
The journey begins from Taluka, a wide valley that magically narrows as you enter. The river flowing beside you will make you wander through a forest that feels like a wonderland. The beauty is so captivating that you’ll feel like a child exploring a magical forest for the first time.
The river boasts shades of blue and green that you won’t believe until you witness it. As you climb through the forest, you’ll realize that this journey is exquisite. While trekking, you’ll not only come forward with the beauty of divine nature but also get a chance to learn about the authentic culture of Uttarakhand.
Itinerary
Sankri is a small but very popular basecamp village and the starting point of numerous spectacular Himalayan treks. Your journey for the trek will start from Dehradun to Sankri, which is about 190 km and takes about 9-10 hours to reach.
Departing from Dehradun, we’ll go to Sankri via Mussoorie with a lunch break. The journey will take you through the amazing scenic views of Mussoorie, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills.” The drive unfolds alongside the picturesque Yamuna River and culminates at the majestic Tons River. Along the route, you’ll be treated to captivating sweeps of lush pine forests.
Upon reaching Sankri, we’ll check in at our stay. To re-energize everyone for the upcoming trek, we’ll walk on a leisurely evening walk through the inviting trails of Sankri. It will serve as your haven for the night as you prepare for the exciting days ahead.
The hikers wake up to the serene beauty of the Himalayas on day 2 of the trek. The day starts with a healthy breakfast, and we go from Sankri to Taluka via a vehicle.
Upon arriving at Taluka, we’ll trek through lush green meadows and dense forests. There, you’ll experience a variety of flora and fauna along the way. The path leads to the charming Osla village, renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture and welcoming inhabitants. Here, you can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
Starting at 7 a.m. after breakfast, the 8-kilometer Seema to Kalkatidhar hike typically lasts 6 hours. You’ll pass Osla village along the way, with a charming hanging bridge over the Supin River. After the 30-minute hike, you’ll have stunning views of the Swargarohini mountain ranges.
You will reach the Osla village, famous for its mythology and a temple honoring Duryodhan from the Mahabharata. The walk steepens as we leave Osla and offers views of the Dhauladhar Range. Ultimately, it leads to Kalkatidhar, a lush green meadow famous for its views of Bugyal Devsu, Mt. Black Peak, and the Ruinsara Range.
The summit day begins early at 7 AM, covering about 14 kilometers. December brings a snowy landscape, sometimes requiring microspikes and gaiters for easier trekking.
We’ll start from the campsite, where the Supin River and Ruinsara Valley meet and enjoy the stunning views. Snowy peaks of Ruinsara Valley, including Mt. Black Peak, dominate, with the serene Har Ki Dun valley below.
The trek varies in steepness, including a challenging 45-degree incline in knee-deep snow. The final stretch winds by a river through dense forests, leading to the Har Ki Dun Summit, offering panoramic views of Swaragrohini-1, Hata Peak, and Black Peak. The valley boasts alpine meadows, glaciers, forests, and streams against imposing mountains.
The valley is incredible, making it difficult for the trekkers to return. You must get up and ready for the day as soon as you awake. After having breakfast, you’ll begin the trek early in the morning to Seema. After you’ve arrived in Seema in the evening, a night stay will be in tents. All the trekkers will be served with dinner.
Be ready for your final trek, journeying from Seema to Taluka through lush forests. You’ll arrive in Taluka by afternoon and return to the Sankri base camp. This 14 km trek is bound to provide you with unforgettable memories, so be sure to capture each moment. Day 6 marks the end of your camping adventure, with the night’s stay scheduled at the Sankri Hotel.
Your journey ends with a 7-8-hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun.
After reaching Dehradun, you can travel to your hometown on the same day or can rest to visit places in Dehradun & Rishikesh.
What’s Included?
Price Inclusion
- Transportation: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is included in the package.
- Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays during your trek with accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or dormitories, offered on a twin, triple, or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents on a double or triple sharing basis.
- Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals. Our meals are designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
- Camping Fees/Permits: All necessary trekking permits and woodland camping fees are included in the package, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Trek Equipment: We provide essential trekking equipment, including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents with mattresses, and sleeping bags. Utensils, ropes, micro-spikes, and gaiters (if required) are also part of our equipment offerings.
- Mules and Porters: Mules and porters are available to carry central equipment, easing your load and allowing you to focus on the trek.
- Qualified Team: Our team comprises experienced and qualified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters who are dedicated to making your trek safe and enjoyable.
- Basic First Aid: A basic first aid kit with an oxygen cylinder and a helmet (if required) is available to address any potential health concerns during the trek.
- Expert Assistance: You can always reach out to our experts for any queries or assistance during your trekking journey. Simply contact us at +91-8089693825.
Price Exclusion
- Backpack Offloading: If you prefer to offload your backpack, an additional fee of INR 1050 per bag applies.
- Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: The service of mules or porters to carry personal bags is not included and can be arranged at an extra cost.
- Emergency Costs: Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek are not included in the package.
- Tips: Tips for the trekking team are optional and not included in the package.
- Items Not Mentioned: Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered.
- Stay at Dehradun: Accommodation and meals in Dehradun on the last day of the trek are not included.
- Meals During Transportation: Meals during transportation are not included.
- GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.
Things to Carry
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
How To Reach Dehradun
The nearest airport to Dehradun is the Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to and from Dehradun. Upon landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Dehradun.
Dehradun is well-connected to major Indian cities by train. The Dehradun Railway Station is the primary railway station serving the city or you can also come to Haridwar or Rishikesh Railway Station. You can book tickets on various trains connecting Dehradun to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
You can opt for a road trip to Dehradun also. National highways connect Dehradun to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The road journey offers beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills.
Note: Upon arriving in Dehradun, you will join the Himalayan Dream Treks for the Har Ki Dun trek. Our team in Dehradun will be there to assist you with transportation arrangements. You will receive the contact information of the Transport Coordinator or our office team one week before your departure.
We’ll organize transportation for you, which will be available from either the Dehradun railway station or the airport. The transportation costs can be settled directly with your taxi driver for pick-up and drop-off. Please communicate in the English language for any inquiries or correspondence.
Difficulty Level of Har Ki Dun Trek
As you know, the trek starts from Taluka. There are several routes that you can opt for the trek. If you’re trekking alone, you can quickly return to the Har ki Dun Valley. You’ll face only just a few long walks.
But it’s a little challenging if you travel with us, as mentioned in our itinerary, like Ruinsara Lake and the Har Ki Dun trail. Why? The Har ki Dun trek is a moderate-level trek, defined as the most challenging trek of all.
And the big reason for this is the long-distance you cover in this trek. Like every day, you’ll cover a long distance of 7, 8, and 9 km; there are days when you’ll cover 15 km in a single day. This trek gets longer and longer if you actually study the itinerary; these are long walks but not very difficult.
For instance, if you go from Kalkatiyadhaar to Har ki Dun and come back, there are a few steep essences over there. Besides this, you’ve to climb to a high altitude of almost 11,400 feet, so you’ve to be physically fit and make preparations for the trek.
One last thing that every beginner trekker thinks: Can I do it as a first-timer? So, the answer is yes! Definitely you can do it. All you need is fitness and good preparation.
Best Time for Har Ki Dun
Har Ki Dun trek is accessible year-round, catering to the preferences of both summer (April to June) and winter (November to March) enthusiasts. Summer trekkers can relish the lush greenery, while those seeking a snowy wonderland will find winter treks genuinely enchanting.
Furthermore, the monsoon season transforms this trek into a paradise of blossoming flowers and vibrant green landscapes, leaving trekkers with unforgettable memories.
More Info of Har Ki Dun
The Har Ki Dun trek is a path to heaven that takes you through the pristine valleys of the Garhwal Himalayas. With its breathtaking landscapes, this ancient route has been traversed for centuries by the indigenous people of the Garhwal region, offering a glimpse into their rich traditions.
Trading Tales Along the Age-Old Path
Har Ki Dun has served as an ancient trade route between the Yamuna and Tons rivers for centuries. Traders and travelers used this route to exchange goods, and it played a vital role in the economic and cultural exchange between the Himalayan regions and the plains of India.
Yudhishthira’s Path to Heaven
According to Hindu mythology, from the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas took this very route on their journey to heaven. Thus, the trek holds religious significance for Hindus and is often associated with legendary heroes.
In fact, the Swargarohini is one of the focussed attractions of the Har ki Dun trek. Also, Swargarohini peaks are believed to be the only way to heaven on earth. Once you visit this peak, you’ll feel that it’s a simple method to detox your spirit and soul.
Influence of Thang Ta Culture
The indigenous people of the region, primarily the Bhotiya and Jaunsari tribes, have their unique culture and traditions. The Thang Ta, a martial art form, is widely practiced here and has been passed down through generations. Trekkers can also get the chance to witness or even participate in cultural events showcasing these traditions.
The Har Ki Dun hike is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant biodiversity.
Rhododendrons- Rhododendrons are also called “Buraans” frequently. The trials often feature these colorful red and pink flowers, especially in the spring. They give the luxuriantly green surroundings a splash of color. Even the juice from this flower is well-liked in Uttarakhand and is frequently seen at every village gathering.
Pine and Deodar Trees- The hike passes through lush stands of pine and deodar trees. These enormous conifers create a shaded and tranquil environment.
Himalayan Monal- This bright pheasant is frequently noticed in the area due to its iridescent plumage. It serves as Uttarakhand’s official bird.
Numerous Bird Species- A wide variety of bird species may be found in Har Ki Dun, including the Himalayan griffon, golden eagles, and several finches and thrushes.
Within the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas, Har Ki Dun is a fantastic hiking location. This hike offers outdoor enthusiasts access to numerous surrounding sites and exhilarating treks including Ruinsara Tal Trek, Bali Pass Trek, Rupin Pass Trek and more.
Among the highlights is the chance to behold the awe-inspiring Swargarohini peaks, which hold significance as the supposed pathway to heaven in Hindu mythology. An excellent location for birdwatching and wildlife observation, Har Ki Dun’s lush meadows and coniferous forests offer chances to spot Himalayan animals like the snow leopard and the charming musk deer.
Additionally, while you travel the trail, you’ll pass through the charming villages of Osla and Taluka, which provide a unique glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the nearby Garhwali people and enable trekkers to engage in genuine cultural interactions.
Gallery
Map of Trail
FAQs
The Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Jaundhar Glacier, and Hata Peak can all be seen from the Har Ki Dun trek in Uttarakhand, India.
The Tons River originates from the Har Ki Dun in Garhwal. This river is the largest tributary to the River Yamuna. In addition, the Supin River flows along a trekking route from Taluka to Seema and Ruinsara River from Ruinsara Lake.
The nearest ATM to Sankri is typically located in Purola, a town relatively close to Sankri. It is a common stop for trekkers and travelers heading to Sankri, and you can usually find ATM facilities there to withdraw cash for your journey. However, it’s also a good idea to carry some money with you, as ATM availability in remote areas can be limited and subject to availability.
Har Ki Dun sees snowfall during winters, generally from late November to early March, with December and January being the coldest. So, if you’re seeking snow-covered trials, plan your trek during this period, but be prepared for freezing weather and challenging trekking conditions due to snow.
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