Trek to Har Ki Dun

Har Ki Dun Trek is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna. The trail through alpine meadows, moraine ridges, glacier basins, pine forests, and ancient villages, gives you spectacular valley views and a chance to experience the wonderful slow-paced local lifestyle. It is one of the oldest Treks in the Himalayas, known as the ‘Valley Of Gods’.

The trek goes through some of the most isolated villages of India which are unaffected by civilization. The trail in most parts runs through deep forest covers which keeps away the risk of altitude adaptation marking the trek safe for beginners and young trekkers. Proceeding through green foliage’s dripping with pearls of rain is a beautiful experience but trekkers must be well equipped for it. Rain trekking essentials like a poncho, waterproof covers, anti-diarrhea medicines, and water-resistant trekking boots have to be ticked off the checklist when packing for this journey.

DURATION

7 days/6 nights

Dates

21st March 2021

18th April 2021

2nd May 2021

23rd May 2021

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

6:30 AM: Picked up from Dehradun

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

5:00 PM: Expected arrival at Sankri

Day 2: Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka

Sankri to Taluka (Drive 12 km) (1 hour)

The altitude of Taluka – 7,000 ft

Taluka to Pauni Garant

Altitude-8,200 ft

Trek Distance: 10km

Time: 6 hours approx

Level: Easy level walk and gradual ascents in most areas.

Packed lunch, spring water points.

Riverside camping at Govind National Park forest.

Day 3: Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar

Altitude- 9,800 ft

Trek Distance: 7 km

Time: 6 hour

Level: Steeper ascent than the previous day, but well distributed in level walks and inclines.

Packed lunch, spring water points.

Camp stay in meadows overlooking mountains near a food stall

Day 4: Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Dun

Altitude: 11, 768 ft.

Trek Distance- 5 km

Time- 3.5 hour

Level: Relaxed forest walk combined with boulder walk. Mixed gradient with a gradual incline

Hot lunch, spring water points.

Riverside camping in the valley

Snow Peaks in View: Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Black Peak, etc

Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Pauni Garaat via Osla

Trek Distance – 12 km

Time- 8 hour

Har Ki Dun – Kalkattiyadhar: 5 km; Kalkattiyadhar – Osla: 5.5 km; Osla – Pauni Garaat: 1 ½ km

Packed lunch, spring water points

Riverside camping at Govind National Park forest.

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

Guesthouse stay

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

Early morning checkout and leaves for Dehradun. You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a private vehicle. We will reach Dehradun by night.

HOW TO REACH DEHRADUN?

The whole group needs to reach Dehradun station at the latest by 6:30 am.

By Train: There are regular trains available from Bandra Terminal or Delhi to reach Dehradun before 6:00 am on earlier. (Preferably board Nanda Devi express from Delhi to reach Dehradun by 5:30 am)

By Air: There is a cheap Air Asia flight available from Mumbai to Dehradun or Delhi to Dehradun landing before 6:00 am.

People can fly in the previous evening too. That way, they visit Dehradun the previous evening. If arrived before the start date, the stay isn’t covered that night, but we can definitely help you book a hotel, or you can book one yourself.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Trekkers will be picked from Dehradun at 6:30 am sharp.

Drive your way through the mesmerizingly beautiful valley of Dehradun on your way to Sankri. Expect to be wonderstruck at the beauty of the coniferous jungle at Jarmola, the largest and the most beautiful pine forest in Asia. The drive to Sankri will take you through Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola, Mori Naitwar, and finally Sankri.

Sankri is a small but pretty village with 250 houses. A few Dhabas and shops make up the commerce scene in Sankri. It is the entry to the scenic valley of Har ki Dun nestled at an elevation of 1970 meters above sea level in the Tons Valley affording majestic views of the snow-clad Himalayas. Wash away the exhaustion as you settle for some simple delicacies catered to you as you arrive at Sankri(around 5:00 pm) and retire peacefully for the night.

Day 2: Sankri to Pauni Gharat via Taluka

Early morning at 7:00 am get ready to cross another level and reach Taluka. 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. The trail to Taluka is almost level, going through 10-11 mountain bends. On the way, there are three big streams, almost submerging sections of the road in water.

The hike is scenic, going past a series of wild roses, irises, and bamboo, chestnut, and cedar (deodar) trees. 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 the conifers! The whole way along the river is ideal for photo compositions and provides shade too. Another amazing flavor for the day will be the riverside camping at Govind national park forest.

Take rest for the night, under the star-studded sky, and enjoy the refreshing environment. It will be thrilling to your mind, body, and soul to see such a beautiful and invigorating environment.

Day 3: Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar

Before that why not start our journey with a yoga session which will not only channelize your energy but also boost your morale, Chalo phir! Our day’s destination is Kalkattiyadhar, named after the sharp ridge-like structure of this mountain. Unlike yesterday there are no forest shades along the way but you will enjoy the view of a lot of waterfalls and small wooden bridges.

The trail crosses 3 “great” or hydroelectricity run chaffing units. The trek proceeds through harvest lands, cattle grazing, and slant-roofed huts used as granary and storages. Right after crossing Seema village, there is a bridge crossing, followed by a steep ascent, followed by the beautiful view of a waterfall. We will also cross a 300-year-old temple dedicated to Devi Kandhara.

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. Set up your camps and reside for the night under the peaks, enjoying the chilly climate.

Day 4: Finally, the day arrived to reach the magnificent ‘Valley Of Gods’

Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon! Kalkatiyadhar towards the valley we can see the mighty Bali pass which is one of the toughest passes to cross. But the ascent to Har ki Doon offers excellent views of the snow-covered mountains and lush green terraced fields. The trek Level goes with a relaxed forest walk combined with a boulder walk and Mixed gradient with a gradual incline.

The last steep climb of 200 m gets one to the famed meadows of Har Ki Doon with the west face of Swargrohini overlooking the valley. The pine forest has a sizable number of rhododendron trees. There is also a lovely stream gushing down on the way, with a variety of Himalayan alpine flowers along its sides, especially blue poppy.

The beauty of the valley will make you never want to leave the place. You can explore the entire ground in about an hour or two. This point is a feast for your eyes to enjoy the picturesque views of peaks and glaciers. After spending some time take dinner and relax for the night at the campground☃

Day 5: Watching the sunrise from behind the Swargrohini peak is the best morning view of all the days. We would have all successfully completed our trek and now was the time to start the return journey. Day to leave Har Ki Doon and head to Pauni Garaat via Osla. Generally, return journeys are sleepy and tiring but this journey is going to be different.

We will move through several beautiful sights and see diverse scenic landscapes along the way which will not let you sleep anyway. We will pass through the village Osla. This village is famous for having a temple dedicated to Duryodhana, eldest of the Kauravas in Hindu mythology ‘Mahabharat’ but villagers denied the theories and state that it belongs to Lord Shiva. No worries, we will there visit and learn about it too!!

Day 6: On day six, you will trace back your steps from Oslo to Sankri. On the last day of this heavenly beautiful trek, you will cover 26km following steeper terrains and stellar environments. You will see amazing migratory birds in the snow-peaked mountains. As you continue walking on the terrain for around 6 to 7 hours, you will reach Sankri.

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

After this, we will pack our bags, photographs, and endless Hikerwolf memories and conclude our journey of a 6-7 hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun. We will be reaching Dehradun by night and end our wonderful journey and head home with a big fat smile.

INCLUSION:

An experienced staff of guide and cook

All days breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

6 nights stay in hotel/camps/homestays on double/triple sharing basis

First Aid

Assistance in traveling

HikerWolf expertise

EXCLUSION:

Any personal expenses like Insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages

Travel fare from Dehradun to base Village (Sankri) and back (1300/- per person)

Mules or Porter’s to carry personal luggage

Anything not mentioned under inclusions

THINGS TO CARRY:

Trekking Shoes compulsory

Haversack

Personal medicines if any

Sweaters

Torch

Compulsory bedsheets

Thermal

Warm clothes

Sunglasses

Sun cap

Synthetic hand gloves

Socks

Poncho

Suitable pair of clothes

Toiletries (sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, toilet paper, sanitizer, and wet wipes)

Cutlery (spoon, coffee mug, and lunch box)

Water bottles

Plastic covers or bags for wet clothes

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Keep your bag as light as possible. Make sure it is not more than 3-4 kgs

Do not carry any valuables. Please take care of it in case you are carrying the same. We will not be responsible if you lose them by any chance.

WHO ALL CAN GO:

Newbies can volunteer, 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 stress.

The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.

Heart problems, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission.

The climber must not have the mentioned conditions.