Overview ~
One amongst the natural marvels that Uttarakhand offers to the travel enthusiast and adventure seeker is the Har ki Dun valley. Situated in the region of the Garhwal Himalayas, it’s an Aladdin’s cave for any seasoned trekker and a nature adventure enthusiast. Not unlike the imperious Kedarkantha trek, the Har ki Dun valley has its place in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. It is a place of great religious and cultural significance and, of course, natural wonders.
Seasoned trekkers would agree that the best way to enjoy Har ki Dun is going for a Har ki Dun Trek. This magnificent journey begins from the picturesque village of Sankri. During the expedition, you will encounter lush green meadows adorned with colorful alpine flowers in spring and summer, and witness the land’s transition into a pristine white wonderland during the winter season. The path follows the Supin River, providing the comforting sound of flowing water as a steady presence. The trek offers a mix of easy to moderate difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
The major attraction of Har ki Dun Trek is reaching the unbelievably beautiful Har ki Dun valley, ensconced between towering mountains Swargarohini peak and Bandarpoonch peak. Even the gods cannot overlook the mesmerizing allurement of har ki dun valley and came to reside there. Which is literally the meaning of the name Har ki Dun – the valley of Gods. Also mythology suggests that Pandavas took this path during their last journey towards heaven.
To reach this Valley of Gods you need to undertake a 7-8 days trek, also known as Har ki Dun Trek. Start the trek from Sankri village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. From there, the path will take you through Govind national Park which is itself a treat for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. On the way you can expect welcoming cries of Himalayan langur and several species of exotic birds. The green surroundings created by age-old Rhododendrons, Cedar, Conifers and other Himalaya floras will refresh your soul, mind, and body with their cool breeze, calming color palette, and fragrances. The valley is home to a variety of various plants and animals, such as musk deer, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, etc. The Jaundhar Glacier and the Morinda Tal are among the high-altitude glacial lakes found in Har ki Dun Valley.
The mesmerizing journey of Har ki Dun Trek will soon take you to the people living in quaint villages along the route. You will experience the humble and close to nature living of people living in Osla village, Taluka, and Seema. The views get more and more dramatic the more you get closer to the destination—with snow-clad peaks towering against the azure sky, it becomes a majestic scene. At the very end, it is the sense of accomplishment that one feels best while reaching Har ki Dun since trekkers are rewarded with panoramic vistas, straight out of a postcard.
From adventure and romance with nature to a cultural soak, Har ki Dun promises to be an experience one will not forget. It is a concentration of the Himalayas—awesome, serene, spiritually enriching—and every step here is a journey within and a testament to the greatness of the natural world around.
Itinerary ~
Day 1
Drive From Rishikesh to Sankri (around 7 -8 hours) and stay overnight at Sankri.
The exciting adventure to the beautiful Har Ki Dun trek starts with a departure from Rishikesh while proceeding towards the captivating village of Sankri. It will be a day for getting acquainted with your companions and having an overview of the trek program for the days to come.
The travel from Rishikesh to Sankri will take you via the beautiful Tons Valley, an area widely known for its beauteous scenery and natural beauty. This journey takes approximately 8-9 hours, giving you ample opportunities to relish the beautiful scenes that come your way. There are famous views like the famous hill station, Mussoorie, which is great for its colonial-era architecture and misty hills, followed by Kempty Falls, which is pretty to see. Quite a few pretty interesting things before the actual Har ki Doon Trek started, eh? Sankri, at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, will strike you for being so calm and unassuming.
Nestled within green peaks, most of them capped with snow, Sankri is the base camp for some really interesting hiking routes, one of them being the famous Har Ki Dun trek. You could get accommodated in some homely guest house or camp in the cradle of nature in Sankri. Feel the serenity of Sankri and the excitement of what lies ahead as you take on this incredible Har Ki Doon trek.
Day 2
Sankri To Seema via Taluka.
Day 2 of the Har Ki Dun trek is from Sankri to the picturesque village of Seema via Taluka. Views on this part of the trek are simply great, blending some nice scenes with fun and frolic that one gets with lush green forests. The day’s sojourn shall be started with a good breakfast at Sankri and then continue with an hour-long drive to Taluka, a small hamlet at an altitude of 1900 meters.
Upon reaching Taluka, you will begin the climb upwards to Seema, an altitude of about 8,399 ft, or 2560 meters. Depending on your pace and the surrounding natural beauty, this most endearing journey from Taluka to Seema takes anywhere between five and six hours. You will ride through several kinds of lush woodlands, with willow, chestnut, and walnut trees providing shade along the path and a quiet ambiance. Birds singing and the soft murmur of the Supin River to keep you company all the way will please your senses with sights and sounds from the forest.
En route, you will also be treated to some warm hospitality by the locals who dwell in the tiny villages you pass through. The interaction with the locals and the view of their traditional lifestyle are valuable insights into the culture of the region.
The very moment one reaches Seema, it is the heart-stopping view of the mountain ranges that embellishes the scene, promising a lot more. Seema will be your abode for the night and you will have the option to stay in a cozy guest house or camp under the starlit sky. Here ends Day 2 of Har ki Dun trek. Have a good rest and recharge for the next day.
Day 3
Seema To Kalkati Dhar.
On the 3rd day of the Har Ki Dun trek, bid farewell to the picturesque village of Seema and start the thrilling climb towards the enchanting location of Kalkati Dhar. It will take one about 6-7 hours of trekking through views of the vivid valley and towering peaks that surround one from every side.
The view from here, looking down the expansive vistas of the valley and up to the majestic peaks in the range above, is simply breathtaking. You are struck by its beauty, which makes your whole journey just mind-blowing. After all, the pure and pristine beauty of the Himalayan wilderness will pay off for the sweated efforts put in while being on a journey to Kalkati Dhar. On the way, picture opportunities against this breathtaking backdrop present themselves in immortalizing moments that never fade.
Ahead lies Kalkati Dhar, an interesting destination, to be visited before your day comes to a close. The 6,562 feet above sea level make for quite an eye-feast, with the changing hues adding a touch of mystique. Kalkati Dhar has just the right ambience and location in which to rest and recoup after an arduous day of trekking. There is a serene atmosphere that will be very endearing to you. You again have the choice of either a camp, amidst all the splendor of the countryside, or a homely guest home stay.
Day 4
Kalkati Dhar to Harkidoon to Maninda Lake.
The 4th day of Har ki Dun Trek is also the summit day and the one for turning back. Be ready to drench yourself in adventure and exploration as you lug yourself for the trek from Kalkati Dhar to the famous Har Ki Dun valley and further to a breathtaking Maninda Lake. Today, you will experience splendid landscapes, panoramic views, and a rewarding trekking adventure.
It’s almost 4 to 5 hours of moderate trekking from Kalkati Dhar to Har Ki Dun. When one reaches Har Ki Dun, the grandiose view of the valley will engulf your senses. Lying at an altitude of 3566 meters, nearly 11,699 feet, Har Ki Dun is a breathtakingly beautiful location that attracts large crowds for its natural beauty and during the hiking season. From Har Ki Dun, the trail leads on to the tranquil Maninda Lake that lies ensconced within these peaks. This mountain-framed glacial lake adds beauty to the trek you are in. Maninda Lake reflects the surroundings, its blue waters mirroring the nearby mountains, creating a picture-perfect view that will remain etched in your memory forever. After enjoying Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake, spend the divine hour there and return back towards Kalkati Dhar. When you reach Kalkati Dhar, relax for a while and capture the peaceful moments right below these mighty mountains. The night at Kalkati Dhar is all about satisfaction; maybe once the stars above remind you again of the kind of expanse and magnificence that the universe has.
Day 5
Kalkati Dhar to Seema.
Day 5 of the Har Ki Dun trek invites one to start a memorable journey backwards to the beautiful village of Seema. This part of the journey takes up to 5-6 hours of walking time, all downhill, amidst the picturesque scenery and peaceful paths of the area. Start your journey back to Seema with peace at Kalkati Dhar landscape. On the way down, you will have scintillating views of the surrounding country that might have gone unnoticed during your upward journey. Before you, stretches an artist’s canvas of mountains and valleys, with every stroke of Nature’s brush, the landscape turning more enchanting.
As one approaches Seema, an environment that is comforting in its serenity extends a warm welcome to him/her. The serenity in the atmosphere and hospitable reception in the village provide just the right setting in which to relax and think about the wonderful adventure in the Himalayas. Seema offers you the opportunity to meet other trekkers and share stories of happenings and experiences that have been had during your trekking adventure. The bonding experience developed along the way enhances the experience with lifelong friends. You can have an overnight stay in a cozy guest house or camp under the starry sky in Seema, all for reliving that serenity.
Day 6
Seema to Sankri vie Taluka.
Day 6 of the Har Ki Dun trek is when you bid goodbye to the charming village of Seema and start back towards Sankri. This leg offers a mix of trekking and a drive with views so that you can soak in that one last beauty of the Himalayas. After a rejuvenating night’s rest in Seema, you will set out on the trek towards Taluka. The trek from Seema to Taluka takes about 4 to 5 hours, and after some time, it reveals familiar but engrossing landscapes that you have grown to like on your trekking expedition.
On reaching Taluka, you would get some time to rest and spend some moments of calmness. From Taluka, you begin the beautiful one-hour drive back to Sankri. On your way back to Sankri, once again, you will be engulfed in that feeling of home due to the welcoming atmosphere of the village. You can relax in a guesthouse or go camping and enjoy the beauty of nature for the last time.
Day 7
Sankri To Rishikesh (The Final Journey)
Note : The above itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, group size, and other factors. It’s always best to check with your trekking company for the most up-to-date itinerary and any changes. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are physically fit and acclimatized before attempting the Harkidoon trek, as it involves high altitudes and strenuous trekking.
Sights
Map
Info
Things To Carry ~
If you are planning to go on the Har ki Dun trek, here are some essential items that you should carry with you:
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack with a capacity of at least 40-50 litres to carry all your essentials.
- Trekking Shoes: Good quality trekking shoes with a good grip and ankle support.
- Warm Clothes: It is essential to carry warm clothes as the temperatures can drop significantly at night. Carry thermals, fleece jackets, down jackets, gloves, and woollen socks.
- Rain Gear: Carry a raincoat or poncho to protect yourself from rain and wind.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
- Headlamp or Torch: A headlamp or torch with extra batteries is necessary as there will be no electricity on the trek.
- Water Bottles: Carry at least two water bottles with a capacity of 1 litre each to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with medicines for headaches, stomach upsets, and other common ailments.
- Trekking Poles: Trekking poles provide stability and support and reduce the strain on your knees while descending.
- Miscellaneous: Carry a camera, power bank, and pocket knife for emergencies.
Make sure to pack light and carry only the essentials to avoid unnecessary weight on the trek.
