Har Ki Dun Trek: Complete Guide

Dev Bhoomi-Uttarakhand is an ideal tourist hub, widely known for its enchanting valleys, vistas, and sacred connection to the spiritual world. Travel Acharya offers a trek to a beautiful valley that will mesmerize you with its stunning geography. Read the full guide to ‘Chalo Chale Har Ki Dun’.

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About Har Ki Dun

Har ki Dun, known as the Valley of God, is a coarsely contoured hanging valley surrounded by snow-clad hillocks. The trail, weather, green meadows, and dense forests, bounded by bugyals and wildlife are significant attractions for hikers and trekkers. The place is in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand which is linked to Baspa Valley via Borasu Pass, at 3566 m(11,700 feet). The Har Ki Dun trek comes under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park and is the prime source of the River Yamuna Basin System. The trek to Har ki Dun is a trekker delight accompanied by snowy peaks, refreshing vegetation and a serene environment.

Special Things about This Place

• Har Ki Dun Valley is 500 years old, holds spiritual importance. It is said that the Pandavas took the route from this valley to heaven.
• The pinnacles of Swargarohini can be seen from this valley, the destination of the Pandavas’ abode in heaven.
• Due to its mythological connection with the Pandavas and Shiva, the place is called the Valley of Shiva (Shiv Ghati). The Someshwar Mahadev Temple exists here.
• Located in the core of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park, it is part of this heritage hub.
• The Har Ki Dun Valley is a viewing point for stunning crowns such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag (Black Peak), the foot of Fateh Parvat, and Ranglana.
• The place is home to lakes such as Har ki Dun Lake, Dodi Tal Lake, and Brahmatal Lake.

Trekking in Har ki Dun Valley

Har ki dun trek Distance

• The journey of Har Ki Dun begins from Dehradun to Sankari Village(Base camp) filled with natural surroundings and enchanting views of Swargarohini peaks.

Dehradun to Sankari Village Distance: 199.6 km via NH 507

Duration: More than 6 hours

• From Sankari Village drive through to Taluka Village or take a local bus. Through your journey, you will come across the trees of chestnuts, chinars, deodar, oaks, etc.
• Sankari to Taluka Distance: 12 km

Duration: More than 1 hour

• Taluka to Seema/Osla Trek – 14km 

During your trek, you can see River Tons through the dense forest of rhododendrons, deodar, oaks and pines, village houses and culture, small bridges and natural elements make it enthralling. From the Taluka to Seema trail, the Supin River will greet that you can cross with a small bridge. 

Duration for this trek: 6-7 hours approx

• Seema/Osla to Har Ki Dun 

Covered by Himalayan terrains, alpine meadows, dense forests, flowing streams, and lush green vegetation, the trail through Har Ki Dun is fascinating. 

The distance between Seema/Osla and Har Ki Dun Valley is a 12 km trail that took 6 hours.

• Explore Morinda Tal and Jaundhar Glacier (Trek)

Distance between Morinda Tal & Har ki Dun: 4km approx

Distance between Jaundhar Glacier & Har ki Dun: 7km approx

temperature and Ideal Trekking Time

Easy to moderate trek level of Har Ki Dun. Basic fitness is required for steeps otherwise the trek is moderate and not challenging at all. The route goes through alpine forest of deodar, oak, pines, fir and some common vegetation, rocky terrain and some elevations. 

Best Trekking Time: April-June & September-November.

Har ki Dun: Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Overview

Summer(Apr-June): Warm and sunny weather with temperatures between 25 °C and 15°C. Clean skies and green surroundings are favourable for travelling this trail. It is the best time for trekking and outdoor activities like nature walks and exploration.

Monsoon(July-Aug): This is a humid and wet season, and the temperature ranges from 20°C to 10°C. Being hilly terrain, the trail becomes slippery, making it unfit for travelling. However, the environment of Har Ki Dun Valley is revived by rain, but the Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary is closed and reopens after the monsoon.

Autumn(Sept-Nov): During the autumn season, the rain subsides and clouds of rain get shattered, and the wildlife sanctuary reopens. The weather is clear, and the temperature ranges from 20°C to 8°C.

Winter( Dec-Mar): The temperature drops from 10°C to minus °C. The environment is chilled and mountain peaks are covered with snow blanket. Ideal for snow lovers, the trek becomes difficult because of winter and snowfall. 

Wildlife and Natural Attractions During Each Season

How to Reach Har ki Dun Valley?

By Road: 

From Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, or any other major cities, reach Dehradun to Purola, then Sankari, or directly from Dehradun to Sankari village by road.

Delhi

The ISBT Kashmiri Gate buses are available for Dehradun.

Route distance: 254 km

Duration: 12 hours

The schedule for ISBT buses from Delhi to Dehradun is available, click to Check the Timetable.

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Dehradun

Mussoorie Bus Stand in Dehradun limited buses are available directly to Sankari. Otherwise, you can drive or hire a cab from Dehradun to Sankari Village or Purola. The private buses are available from 5.30 am onwards and Government buses from 8.00 am.

Route distance: 190 km

Duration: 7hours 

Purola to Sankari Village

The local buses, shared taxis, and rental cars or jeeps are available for Purola to Sankari village.

Distance between Purola & Sankari: 54 km

Duration: 3-4 hours

Stops during the journey: Mori Village (at the banks of River Tons) and Netwar Village (start point of Govind Ballabh Pant Pashu Vihar Sanctuary)

By Train: 

• Railhead near Har Ki Dun Valley is Dehradun Railway Station (200 km approx.)
• Other railheads Rishikesh (220km) and Haridwar (250 km) are connected to major cities.
• Rishikesh trains are not much connected to Dehradun than Haridwar stations.
• Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, and Nanda Devi Express are some trains from Haridwar to Dehradun.
• From Dehradun, visitors can drive directly to Sankari Village.
• If you are taking trains from Haridwar to Rishikesh travel by road to Dehradun then Sankari.

By Air: 

The only airport available for Har Ki Dun Valley is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport.

Various flights from large cities go to the Dehradun airport.

You can take a taxi or a local bus to Sankri.

Alternatively, there is Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand at  290 km but it is not as convenient as Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Lodging Options Close to Har Ki Dun Valley

Campsites for Trekkers

No special camping sites are available for booking during your Har Ki Dun Valley Trek. However, you can set up your camps or arrange camping from Travel Acharya at reasonable prices.

Sites where you can camp:

• On the banks of the Supin River, Taluka
• Meadows of Taluka
• Fields in Osla
• Camp near river stream or villages
• Open green plains of Seema village
• Kalkatti Dhar is an open area between Osla and Har Ki Dun Valley with snowy peaks and alpine meadows.
• Har Ki Dun Valley where you can camp in the plains of the valley and Jaundhar Glacier.

However, some areas are restricted for camping and require special permits as the area is under Govind Ballabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lodges, Hotel and Homestays in Nearby Villages

For a complete har ki dun package of accommodations, camping, transportation, trek guidance, meal arrangement, and trek gear renting, trust Travel Acharya—the best in Uttarakhand for travel bookings and affordable packages.

Activities in and around

Photography and Nature Exploration

• Villages Like Sankari, Taluka, Osla, and Seema:  The villages represent Pahadi-Garhwali culture with houses, village culture and traditions. Situated amidst serene nature the Osla village has Duryodhana Temple whereas the Supin River flows across Seema village.
• Valleys of Har Ki Dun: The Har Ki Dun valley is a tranquil retreat for hikers and nature lovers. The beauty of this place makes it a favourite tourist spot and photogenic location.
• Wildlife and Stretch of Vegetation across Har Ki Dun Valley: Being part of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary you can explore floras and faunas in the alpine meadows of Har Ki Dun. However, it is restricted in some regions to enter or camp.
• Peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kalanag: From Har Ki Dun Valley you can see amazing pinnacles of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kalanag (Black Peak), an ideal site for photoshoots.
• Jaundhar Glacier: At a distance of 5-6 km from Jaundhar Glacier, situated at a height of 4150 meters, the trek to this place is for advanced trekkers who can adjust to the difficulty level of the trail. Trekkers can view Glacier, Jaundhar Peak, Swargarohini Peak and coarse terrains.
• Supin River: In Seema Village, this river is a source of living for natives and trekkers. You can cross this river through a small wooden bridge.
• Kalkatti Dhar: The meadows between Osla and Har Ki Dhun, trekkers can acclimatize here at 3200 meters and experience panoramic views.

Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting

Being part of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park and the natural Har Ki Dun Valley offers natural lovers and wildlife photographers a picturesque view. Here are available various types of floras, faunas and birds (avifaunas), see the table below:

Visiting Local Villages and Experiencing Culture

• Sankari: 

Garhwali traditions, Base camp for trekking, Garhwali and Bhotia communities live here, agricultural source of income (primary), wooden houses and terraced fields. 

• Taluka:

Hindu-Tibetan cultural influence, the Bhotia community dominates this region, Shepherds and farmers are prime occupations, mud and stone houses and women weave traditional Garhwali Shawls.

• Osla:

A Tibetan village, a culturally rich village, Someshwar Mahadev Temple(Mori village) is here, they have their own dialect -Osla Khas, Makarsakranti and Baisakhi are celebrated.

Note – There is no Duryodhana Temple, the temple of Duryodhana and Karna is in Jhakholi village of Uttarkashi and the only temple of Duryodhan in Kerela.

• Seema:

Garhwali & Bhotia culture, traditional hindu customs, occupations such as subsistence farming and livestock rearing, traditional Garhwali handicrafts are made here, Baisakhi mela is popularly celebrated

View This Video to See Har Ki Dun Appearance

Important Advice for Trekking in The har ki Dun Valley

Packing Essentials for the Trek

Your backpack must include:

• Trek poles
• Sleeping bags
• Trekking boots
• Plenty of water
• Medical kit
• Warm clothes
• Skin care products
• Gadgets and electronic accessories
• Healthy snacks
• Rain Gears
• Personal Hygiene like toothbrush, bodywash

Permits and Guidelines for Visitors

• Trekking Registration in Sankari or Taluka Forest Office Department
• Trekking Permit in Govind wildlife Sanctuary and Har ki Dun Trek is necessary to enter the premises. Also a nominal fee for sanctuary is applicable.
• You can obtain these permissions from Sanakari Forest Department or Uttarakhand Tourism Department.

FAQS

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