The Har ki dun trek is one of the most known treks among a lot of trekkers and nature enthusiasts which is nestled cozily on the hinges of the Garhwal Himalayas. This thrilling trek is also known as a hanging valley because of its cradle-shaped mountains.
It is also called the winter wonderland as in winter the paths are covered with snow and the sun throws its rays within the clouds. The Har ki Dun trekking is filled with soothing sights of deodar trees that will enchant your soul with the pine smell.
How to Reach?
Dehradun is the starting point of the trek. Trekkers can reach Dehradun by Air/Railway and Road. The nearest railway station is the Dehradun junction, which is connected to other major cities in northern India, primarily New Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport serves Dehradun domestically, with regular flights coming in and out from many major cities in India. Regular bus services are also available to and fro Dehradun through an excellent roadways network.
Famed with numerous other names such as Hari ki Dhun, Har ki Doon, and more, the trek attracts adventurers from across the country. It is the best escape to sneak peek at the virtuous terrains of the Himalayan region. This valley is situated in the Uttarkashi district, and the catchment area acts to be a source of the Yamuna River System.
Har ki Dun is a distinctive trek in Uttarakhand with the nearest rail and air connectivity available in Dehradun. It takes almost 10 hours to drive from Dehradun to reach Sankri, which is the base point of the Har ki Dun trek. The next stop will be at Puani Garaat, and the route goes via Taluka, a tranquil hamlet featuring Kumauni cultures.
From Puani Garaat, the trek moves toward Kalkattiyadhar. Har ki Dun is nearly 10 km from Kalkattiyadhar, and it takes almost 5 hours to reach the final destination. While returning, there is another Himalayan village, Osla, before reaching Sankri and eventually Dehradun.
An overview
- Region: Uttarakhand
- Trek Duration: 7 to 8 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
- Max Height: 12,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 44 km
- Type of Trail: Round trail (From Sankri to Har ki Dun and back to Sankri)
- Base Camp: Sankri
- Best Time to Trek: All around the year, except monsoon. Snowfall is experienced here between December to April.
Itinerary of Har ki Dun Trek
This expedition to a calm winter wonderland takes one through the ancient villages, where they could meet the residents and experience an amalgamation of local cultures and practices that helps them meet their day-to-day challenges on these rough terrains. Given below is the itinerary for the Har ki Dun trek:
Day 1: From Dehradun to Sankri (220 km drive)
Day 2: From Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka (12 km drive to Taluka, followed by a 6-hour walk to Pauni Garaat)
Day 3: From Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar (8 km walk that takes almost 6-7 hours)
Day 4: From Kalkattiyadhar to Har ki Dun and return to Kalkattiyadhar (10 km walk that takes almost 9 hours)
Day 5: From Kalkattiyadhar to Pauni Garaat via Osla (8 km walk that takes almost 5 hours)
Day 6: From Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka (10 km trek, followed by an hour drive to the guest house or homestay)
Day 7: From Sankri to Dehradun (220 km drive)
Activities – Har ki Dun Trek
1- Campaign
Camping beside the river amid lush greenery is a must to do while trekking to Har ki Dun. Camping during Har ki Dun is a unique experience having refreshing mornings with the sound of nature, spotting some rare birds in their quarrelsome swings, and sleeping under the glittering sky. It will be a lot more interesting than staying at a guest house or homestay.
2- Hiking
This is a chance to explore the hidden waterfalls and valleys, that lead to spellbinding views of snow-covered mountain peaks by hiking through the rough terrains of the Har ki Dun trek. Short hikes to nearby villages are also preferred if you wish to share a meal with locals and plan for an overnight stay to get revived for the journey ahead. Osla, Taluka, and Sankri are the best places to understand the regional culture, lifestyle, and customs.
2- Bird-watching and Photography
The Har ki Dun trek is a paradise for nature lovers. Birds can be spotted including Great Pied Hornbill, Cheer-Pheasant, Green Magpie, Koklass-Pheasant, Kalij-Pheasant, Oriental Turtle Dove, Hill-Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous Sibia, Great Barbet, etc. here. Capturing moments with a mobile phone or DSLR is something unavoidable on this journey.
The Har ki Dun Trek has a lot to offer to its treks providing them with endless memories to reminisce in their life.
