Har Ki Dun Trek

REGION : Uttarakhand
Duration : 7 Day
Start Point : Dehradun
End Point : Dehradun
Highest Altitude: 12,000 Ft.
Approx Trekking : 44 Kms.
Grade : Easy To Moderate

Har Ki Dun or the Valley of Gods is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. At 3,500 M, Har Ki Dun is one of the most gorgeous river valley treks in the country. Diverse flora and fauna, larger than life landscapes, quaint villages tucked into the mountains and vast, expansive meadows leave you in awe throughout. The trek progresses alongside the splendid Supin River, crossing bridges across clear water streams running through scenic Garhwalian villages.

The Har Ki Dun trail is famous for its changing scenery in each season. During summer and spring, pleasant temperatures grace the valley. Flowers are in full bloom and there is a delightful range of wildlife to spot. With the onset of winters, the valley experiences snowfall every couple of weeks transforming the lush green highlights into pristine whites.

The journey begins from the capital city of Dehradun. If you have opted for transportation by Himalayan Legions, please ensure you board your vehicle from ISBT Dehradun latest by 7 AM. If you are traveling on your own to Sankri, this article could come in handy in planning your trip.

Sankri is located at a distance of 197 km from Dehradun and would take about 9-10 hours to cover, gaining an altitude of 1950 m. The drive will take you through the spectacular hills of Mussoorie and the renowned Kempty falls. The roads here are long and winding and swift mountain streams run parallel to the roads in many sections.

There is a motor-able road stretching over 12 km that connects Sankri to Taluka. We start at 8 AM and drive through a forest road flanked by Deodar and Bamboo trees. Streams of clear water swerving down the hills accompany you throughout this stretch. The drive is a delight for all nature lovers as you will be able to spot rare Himalayan birds like the Himalayan Raven, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, and Himalayan Bulbul.

It takes an hour to reach Taluka. Taluka is a small picturesque hamlet with a cluster of concrete houses and a couple of government guest houses. The gushing Supin River flowing across the village dominates the landscape.

The day begins with a short session of yoga and stretching to pump up for the trek ahead. Post breakfast, we commence the 8 km long trek to Kalkattiyadhaar. The trail runs through a thicket of towering forests culminating in the village of Seema. It is marked by a sparse cluster of concrete structures and a forest department guest house set on the banks of the Supin River. The Osla village is located on the other side of the river, at a slightly higher elevation of about a hundred metres.

Next to the village of Seema lies the infamous Seema Bridge, a large hanging bridge running across the Supin River with a backdrop of colossal mountain ranges. The jewel-blue Supin River can be seen sparkling as it winds its merry way through the boulders.

The summit day is the longest of all days as we will be covering a distance of about 14 km. Be prepared for an early start. We begin our hike at 6 AM post breakfast just as the sun rises. In December, the pristine white snow-blanket all around shines meekly as we trail through. Depending upon the density and rigidity of the snow, your trek leader may provide you with microspikes and gaiters for easy navigation.

The trail eventually leads you to a stretch with an incline of about 45 degrees. Although it is not steep, the section is likely to be covered in knee-deep snow making it a taxing ascent.

Wake up in time to catch a pleasing sunrise from the Kalkattiyadhaar campsite. The morning temperatures are quite low and can even drop to subzero levels in December. The journey back is fairly easy since the trail is mostly downhill. After having breakfast, we begin the trek by crossing the Har Ki Dun Bridge and continue the gentle descent downstream. From there, ascend up to the Kalkattiyadhaar and descent gradually till Pauni Garaat.

After breakfast, we begin our descent to Taluka retracing the same path we came through. The trek runs through thick forests of Chir Pine, various ferns and flowering trees making up for a beautiful trail. Beware of “bichu ghaas” growing along the sides of the trail. Even a gentle touch of the plant can leave you with a stinging sensation for about 25 minutes. Don’t worry though, the herb is not poisonous and is in fact cooked by locals as a vegetable.

Since we will be descending throughout today, be careful not to exert too much pressure on your knees while walking. Trekking poles can come in handy for this stretch.

After breakfast, savor the mesmerizing landscapes around as we prepare to checkout. We will be retracing the same roads that we drove through on the first day. Expect to reach Dehradun by 7-8 PM.

Note: To be on the safer side though, arrange your return journey expecting to be at the Dehradun Bus Stand at around 9 PM. This could help account for any delays we may run into along the way.

• Stay at Wooden House – Meraki Triangle, Sankri
• One of the most beautiful lake and valley in Uttarakhand
• Stunning views of Swargarohini Group of Peaks & Black Peak
• High altitude expedition
• Wide variety of flora and fauna –Govind Ballabh Pant National Park

• Food as per menu on the trek ,Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
• Forest Camping charges
• Safety Equipment,Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
• All necessary permits and entry fees
• Trek guide, cook, helpers, and mules for carrying common luggage
• Transportation if Specified in Itinerary,
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff

• Meals during road Journeyss
• Any kind of Insurance
• Any expense of personal Nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
• Carriage of personal laggage during the trek

Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.

The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.

Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.

Back pack & rain cover	(50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack + rain cover	20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter)
Walking stick	Advisable (At least one)
Head torch	1 Nos.
Water bottle/Hydration pack	2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack- 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter Carry at least one thermos flask
Snacks	Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical Kit	Consult your doctor

T-shirts	2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton)
Fleece T-shirts	1 Nos.
Fleece jacket	1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater)
Down feather / Hollofil jacket	1 Nos.
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant)	1 Pair
Thermal inners (upper and lower)	1 Pair
Trek pants	2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris)
Poncho	1 Nos.

Sunscreen cream	Hand sanitizer
Moisturiser	Antibacterial powder
Toilet Paper & wipes	Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm	Quick dry towel

Sun cap	1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap	1 Nos.
Balaclava	1 Nos.
Neck-gaiters	1 Nos.
Sunglasses	Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses.

Trekking shoes	1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters/flip-flops	1 Pair (Optional)
Cotton socks	5 pairs
Woollen socks	3 pairs
Gaiters	1 Pair (Our team will notify you if required)

Waterproof gloves	1 Pair
Fleece/woollen gloves	1 Pair