Trekking through the Har Ki Dun trail in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, gives a magical trip covered with dense vegetation, small towns, and alpine meadows. Situated at 11,675 feet, the valley is a sight that provides a panorama of snow-capped peaks of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.
The trek is well-known for its varied plant species which are known to be living in this zone. The adventurers cross the Govind National Park, wooden bridges over clean rivers. The ancient culture of the region can be noticed in charming hamlets such as Osla and Sankri. Har Ki Dun, literally “Valley of Gods”, is a mesmerizing trek, capturing the glorious grandeur of the Himalayas. This tour Har ki Dun trek guide will help you throughout your journey.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick itinerary for the Har Ki Dun trek: They still need modernization.
Day 1: Travel to Sankri from Dehradun by car
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Taluka
Day 3: Hike from Taluka to Osla
Day 4: Osla trek to Har ki Dun
Day 5: Hike in Har Ki Dun Valley
Day 6: Trek back from Har Ki Dun to Osla
Day 7: Osla to Sankri Trek
Day 8: Go back to Dehradun by car
You can also customize this plan according to your preferences and weather conditions. Always check the newest information and talk to a local guide for the most exact and safe trekking journey.
Best time to do the Har Ki Dun trek
The Har Ki Dun trek can be done almost seven months in a year which is one of the best things about this trek. The trekking season starts in March which is the time of summer and lasts till June. You can have the best experience while trekking in the summer; it is safe and you will not have to worry about carrying heavy luggage.
It is advised to avoid trekking during the monsoon months, the Govind Pashu Vihar sanctuary shuts down for about 3 months. It can be dangerous to do this trek during monsoon because of heavy rain, and the trails may become slippery. The trekking season resumes again after the monsoon is over in September which lasts till November. These are the pre-winter months after that from December to February it is impossible to do the har ki dun trek due to the snow-covered trails.
So, the best time for this trek is from March to June (spring season)and September to November(autumn season).
Difficulty level of Har Ki Dun trek
Har ki dun trek’s difficulty level is moderate. The starting point of this trek is Kotgaon, which is located at an altitude of 6,455 ft. and you’ll achieve a maximum altitude of 11,600ft. On the har ki dun trek in 4 days.
It is an easy hike through the valley in most parts, in terms of terrain. There are 2 main reasons why is trek is rated as a moderate one. The first reason is – you’ll have to cover a long distance of around 10 km in just a day and multiple exits are not available, there is only one way for both entry and exit, which makes it a bit challenging for trekkers. You need to be physically fit if you are a beginner with no experience of trekking.
Before going on the har ki dun trek you must be able to cover a 5 km distance in 35 minutes and you should not have any kind of serious health issues like breathing problems.
How to reach the base camp
By air:
To get to the Har Ki Dun base camp by air, fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest airport. A taxi or an already booked cab can be hired from the airport to Sankri which is the beginning point of the trek. Traveling from Dehradun to Sankri takes 10–12 hours and with a distance of about 200-220 km covered. Otherwise, you can take a connecting flight from Delhi to the Pantnagar Airport and proceed by road to Sankri. Take careful planning into consideration given that travel times depend on weather conditions as well as road accessibility, especially in remote Himalayan locations.
By train:
To get to the Har Ki Dun base camp by train, depart from Delhi to Dehradun Railway Station. Many trains link Delhi and Dehradun, guaranteeing a pleasurable ride. From Dehradun, either hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Sankri, the base camp for the Har Ki Dun trek. From Dehradun to Sankri the drive takes about 10-12 hours, and the distance covered is around 200-220 km. The alternative way is to take a train from Dehradun to Rishikesh from where you can head to Sankri via road. Do make a point of seeing the train schedules and book tickets beforehand for a hassle-free tour of this bewitching trekking hub in Garhwal.
By road:
One can drive or take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun to reach at Har Ki Dun base camp via roads. Commute from Dehradun by taxi or bus to Sankri, a point from where the trek begins. It is an approximate 10-12 hours road journey from Dehradun to Sankri covering 200-220 km.
What to pack for the trek
1. Mandatory documents
- You must carry an original and a photocopy of your government ID proof. You will need to show this ID proof to the forest department for identification.
- A medical certificate is a must; this certificate should be filled by the MBBS doctor. You will not get the permission from forest department without this certificate.
2. The essentials
- Comfortable pair of hiking shoes
- Warm clothes and layers
- Accessories like sunglasses, trekking poles, cap, waterproof gloves, and rain cover
- Toiletries like toothpaste, sunscreen, moisturizer, toilet paper, and a plastic cover for wet clothes
3. Personal medical kit
- Essential medicines prescribed by a doctor
- First aid supplies
- Medicines like Dolo 650, digene, ORS, and a knee brace
How to get fit for the trek
It takes cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility to get fit for the Har Ki Dun trek. Start with regular cardio exercises, for instance running, cycling, or brisk walking, for the sake of improving stamina. Add strength training for leg muscles, since trekking is on different terrains. You can also do exercises with your body weight, e.g. squats, lunges, and core workouts. To practice hiking, do it with your pack fully loaded to replicate the trek conditions. Emphasize flexibility via asanas like yoga or stretching to avoid injuries. Increase progressively the intensity and the time of your exercises. Engage in hiking and/or stair climbing to prepare for a specific trek. Drink water, eat nutritious food, and get a good night’s sleep to achieve full fitness. Consulting a fitness professional or a trekking guide will provide a workout plan built into account your current fitness level and the requirements of the Har Ki Dun trek.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Har Ki Dun trek is one of the best treks for someone who wants to reconnect with nature and also wants to go on an adventurous and spiritual journey. The views from the summit are worth all the challenges you might come across during the trek. You just need good physical health and you are good to go on this thrilling journey. Do not forget to carry essential safety gear so that you can avoid any kind of mishappening during the trek. This journey will give you lots of memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Pull up your trekking shoes and get ready for this thrilling journey.
FAQ’S
The best time to go is the autumn and summer seasons i.e., from March to June and September to November. The weather will be pleasant and the trek will offer clear views.
It is considered to be a moderate trek which is perfect for first-time and moderately experienced trekkers. The trail involves gradual up-and-down treks, on different terrain.
Yes, there is a permit needed. Take it from the Forest Department at Sankri or Taluk at the onset of the trek.
Solo trekking is possible, but traveling with a group or hiring a local guide is recommended, at least for safety and navigation sake, if you are not acquainted with the locality.
The accommodations are, mainly, in tents or simple guesthouses in villages. It’s better to take the sleeping bag along as a necessity.
Carry trekking gear, warm clothing, rain gear, a first aid kit, some high-energy snacks, and a water bottle. Refer to the packing list issued by your trek organizer.