Har Ki Dun Trek: Unveiling Hidden Wonders
Embark on a unique Har Ki Dun trek, venturing off the regular trails to discover hidden gems along a new route. The journey offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and ancient charm, showcasing lesser-known sections of the region.
Traverse enchanting Boslow woods, winding through dense conifers and oaks with mesmerizing snow patches. Explore Devsu Thatch, a large clearing high above the Thamsa River, resembling a forest meadow with beautifully landscaped grassy mounds.
While venturing into new territories, seamlessly weave through ancient Har Ki Dun villages, witnessing traditional wooden houses and ancient temples frozen in time. Enjoy cultural immersion with village stays in Gangaad and Datmir, passing through Osla with deep-rooted traditions.
Beyond cultural richness, embrace the spectacular Har Ki Dun Valley, a haven for nature lovers set at 3566 meters in the Govind Ballabh Pant National Park. Known as “The Valley of Gods,” it boasts rich flora and fauna, offering breathtaking views from the Laundhar glacier to the Swargarohini peaks.
Har Ki Dun unfolds as an extraordinary journey, where each step reveals the wonders of nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Detail Itinenerary
Day 1 (Dehradun to Sankri)
- Our transport departs ISBT Dehradun at 7 AM.
- Picturesque route through Mussoorie hills and Kempty falls.
- Winding roads with mountain streams, changing landscapes.
- Final 22 km through Govind National Park, offering diverse flora and fauna.
- Challenging roads compensated by stunning views of conifer forests, Tons river valley, and apple orchids.
- Expect to reach Sankri by 5 PM, a green village with views of Mt. Swargarohini.
- Snow-covered Sankri during peak winter (December to February).
- Stay in guest houses, providing comfort for trekkers.
- After check-in, explore the surroundings.
Day 2 (Sankri to Taluka by road; Trek from Taluka to Pauni Garaat)
- Motor-able road from Sankri to Taluka (12 km).
- Start at 8 AM, delightful forest road with Deodar and Bamboo trees.
- Spot rare Himalayan birds: Himalayan Raven, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul.
- Reach Taluka in an hour; a picturesque hamlet with Supin River.
- Trek from Taluka to Pauni Garaat (9 km, 5-6 hours).
- Uneven stony trail out of Taluka, expands into an open land along Supin River.
- Pass cemented and wooden bridges over streams; refill water bottles.
- Pleasant hike under Walnut, Pine, and Cedar trees with a gradual ascent.
- Encounter mule-traffic and locals preparing for winter.
- Spot the village of Gangar; wooden shops offering tea and snacks.
- Quick lunch halt in Gangar, trail runs along the right side of the river.
- Fields of Potato and Maize along the way.
- Camp at Pauni Garaat, explore the area, hot dinner, and early rest for the next day.
Day 3 (Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar)
- Trek from Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar (8 km, 3-4 hours).
- Trail through towering forests to the village of Seema.
- Seema Bridge, a hanging bridge over the Supin River, offers scenic views.
- Steep climb after crossing the bridge to meet the Osla trail.
- Expansive farms growing Amaranth, villagers working in the fields.
- Views of Banderpoonch and Swargarohini ranges, flowers like fleece and sunflowers.
- Magnificent viewpoints of Dhauladhar ranges, trail culminates at Kalkattiyadhar ridge.
- Campsite at Kalkattiyadhar with panoramic views of Buyal Devsu, Mt. Black Peak, Ruinsara Range, and Kedarkantha Summit.
- Ample time for acclimatization and preparation for the summit.
- Expected to reach the campsite by noon.
- Note: Har Ki Dun trek closed for visitors post-December until mid-March.
Day 4 (Kalkattiyadhaar to Har Ki Dun and back to Kalkattiyadhaar)
- Summit day covering a distance of about 14 km.
- Early start at 6 AM post breakfast.
- Pristine white snow-blanket in December.
- Microspikes and gaiters may be provided based on snow conditions.
- Trail runs high above the convergence of Supin River and Ruinsara valley river.
- Sprawling views of snow-clad peaks of Ruinsara valley, including Mt. Black peak.
- Moderate trek gradient with a mix of steep and gradual ascends.
- Incline of about 45 degrees in a snow-covered stretch.
- Last leg climbs through dense forest to Har Ki Dun Summit.
- Har Ki Dun Summit offers views of Swaragrohini-1, Hata Peak, and Black Peak.
- Explore meadows, glacier moraines, coniferous forests, swift streams.
- Grand view of huge mountain ranges from the summit.
- Exploration of the area takes about 1-2 hours.
- Head back to Kalkattiyadhaar after lunch.
- Expected duration: 7-8 hours.
Day 5 (Kalkattiyadhaar to Pauni Garaat)
- Wake up for a pleasing sunrise at Kalkattiyadhaar campsite.
- Morning temperatures can drop to subzero levels in December.
- Trek back is mostly downhill, making it fairly easy.
- Begin trek after breakfast, cross Har Ki Dun Bridge, and descend downstream.
- Ascend to Kalkattiyadhaar and gradually descend to Pauni Garaat.
- Explore the quaint village of Osla along the way.
- Osla features double-storied wooden houses with slant roofs.
- Visit the Someshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Osla.
- Admire beautiful and detailed carvings on the temple walls.
- If time permits, engage with locals who are welcoming to trekkers.
- Head back to Pauni Garaat via the downward trail.
- Spend the night at Pauni Garaat.
- Expected duration: 3-4 hours.
Day 6 (Trek from Pauni Garaat to Taluka; Taluka to Sankri by road)
- Begin descent to Taluka after breakfast, retracing the same path.
- Trek runs through thick forests of Chir Pine, ferns, and flowering trees.
- Trekking poles can be helpful during this downhill stretch.
- Walk alongside the Supin River for a couple of hours.
- Final stretch to Taluka is over a cemented trail.
- Reach Taluka, where the vehicle will be ready to take you back to Sankri.
- Expected trek duration: 5-6 hours.
- Drive from Taluka to Sankri takes approximately 1 hour.
Day 7 (Sankri to Dehradun)
- After breakfast, prepare to checkout from Sankri.
- Retrace the same roads driven through on the first day.
- Savor the mesmerizing landscapes during the return journey.
- Expect to reach Dehradun by 7-8 PM.