Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12,000 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 44 Kms.
A winter wonderland and a trekkers delight, the Har Ki Doon Trek is a stairway to heaven that will make you fall for its beauty. The thing that makes it an alluring trek is its accessibility both in summer as well as the winter season. Har Ki Dun valley is situated at the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district is very popular to the trekkers as well as that to the climbers. It is a lovely walk to the Har Ki Dun valley with fascinating views of Swargarohini group of peaks. Har Ki Dun catchment area is a major source of Yamuna River System and the main source of the largest tributary of Yamuna.
It takes you through some of the most charismatic alpine meadows and pine forests which is a treat to the eyes. During winters the snow-covered trails look mesmerizing as and when the sun tries to peep behind the clouds. One of the oldest Treks in the Himalayas, known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, some believe it’s the same route taken by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata on their ascent to heaven. Swargarohini—the snow peak, the vision of which dominates this trek bears a legacy of the mythical stairway to heaven.
It’s a delightful experience when you’re camping near the flowing river, the forest here is rich in flora and fauna which has an engaging vibe of its own. You are able to see Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, and Blackpeak from here. The Har Ki Dun trail takes you through some of the ancient villages that are 2,000 years old. It gives you an insight into the lives of the locals who are residing here in the valley. This trek is heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and also shutterbugs. You can even spot various species of birds that thrive in this region. Capture some thrilling pictures on the trail which will last a lifetime.
Other attractions include, the temple at Osla which is dedicated to Duryodhana, was built by the inhabitants of Saur. It is about 13km from Sankri which lies on the steep mountain trail to Har Ki Doon. It is a 5,000-year formation of wooden chambers that are carved elegantly.
The challenge of Har Ki Doon, besides the long hours of trekking for 6 long hours is fighting with frequent rain. The peak time of the year for this trek is not winter after a snowfall but in summer frequented by rain. Proceeding through green foliages dripping with pearls of rain is a beautiful experience but trekkers must be well equipped for it. Rain trekking essential like a poncho, waterproof covers, anti-diarrhoea medicines, and water resistant trekking boots is a must before for this trek. Whatever the conditions are, this trek surely gives you vibes of visiting a wonderland.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 – Dehradun to Sankri
220 km drive by NH 507 – approx 10 hours.
Altitude : 1,950m/6,400ft.
Last ATM- Purola.
Small shops available for trekking gears and miscellany.
BSNL network erratic.
Guest House Stay.
Breakfast and lunch excluded, dinner included.
Trekkers will be picked from Dehradun at 6:30am in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle.
Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm.
Day 2 – Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka
Sankri to Taluka (Drive 12 km) (1 hour).
Altitude of Taluka – 2,100m/7,000ft.
Taluka to Pauni Garaat.
Altitude – 2,500m/8,200ft.
Trek Distance – 10km.
Trek Time – 6 hours approx.
Trek Level – Easy level walk and gradual ascent in most parts.
Packed lunch.
Spring water points.
Riverside camping in Govind National Park forests.
Day 3 – Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar
Altitude – 2,950m/9,800ft.
Trek Distance – 8 km.
Trek Time – 6 hour.
Packed lunch.
Spring water points.
Trek Level – Steeper ascent than last day, but well distributed in level walks and inclines.
Camp stay in forest overlooking mountains near a food stall.
Day 4 – Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon & back to Kalkattiyadhar
Altitude – 3,400m/11,800ft.
Trek Distance – 10 km.
Trek Time – 9 hour.
Packed lunch.
Spring water points.
Trek Level : Relaxed forest walk combined with boulder walk. Mixed gradient with gradual incline.
Camp stay in forest overlooking mountains near a food stall.
Snow Peaks in View : Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Black Peak etc.
Day 5 – Kalkattiyadhar to Pauni Garaat via Osla
Altitude – 2,500m/8,200ft.
Trek Distance – 8 km.
Total Trek Time – 5 hour.
Packed lunch.
Spring water points.
Riverside camping in Govind National Park forests.
Day 6 – Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka
Altitude – 1,950m/6,400ft.
Trek Time – 5 hour.
Trek Distance – 10 km.
Packed Lunch.
Spring water points.
Drive from Taluka to Sankri – 12 km.
Driving Time – 1 hour.
Guest house stay.
Day 7 – Sankri to Dehradun
Distance – 220 km drive, approx 10 hours.
Driving Time – 10 hour.
Driving Time – 7 am-6 pm.
Breakfast and lunch excluded.
You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle.
Who can go
First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Dehradun to Sankri
The first day begins with a 10-hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You are expected to reach Dehradun railway station by 6:30 in the morning. To reach on time, you can book an overnight Bus/Train from Delhi to Dehradun ISBT.
Passing through Mussoorie- the “Queen of the Hills” on to Uttarkashi district, we will cross Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and Netwar before finally reaching village Sankri- the first stop on the trek. The road is through and through picturesque with pine tree forests starting on both sides of a road that catches up on a parallel to the course of the river Tons. Stopping at a favourable hour, we will have lunch somewhere by the road at an inn. Reaching Purola, you should get done with important calls and internet usage because hereafter, the connection will get fuzzy. BSNL is the only efficient service available in this zone with limited providers.
A short way before Sankri, we will cross the Govind National Park checkpoint and at about 6 in the evening, the drive will end at Sankri. After freshening up at the guest house, you will get sufficient time to explore the market close by. Trekking essentials, garments, and equipment are available at the bazaar in Sankri, in case you need last minute shopping for the venture ahead.
Day 2 – Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka
On day 2, we start on our drive from Sankri to Taluka at 7 in the morning. This short drive through gradually thickening forests and streams cutting through the path over boulders will introduce us to the terrain of our trek closely.
Reaching Taluka, another village of the same lineage found on this trek, trekkers will be invited to collect refreshments before getting started on the hike. The first lapse is a descent to the banks of the beautiful Tons and keeping the river on the right, the trail enters a level walk through forests of conifers until reaching the first cemented bridge.
Crossing the stream, the trail leads up to a wooden bridge where a gentle slope goes down to the waters. Here you can fill your bottle and move ahead. The whole way along the river is ideal for photo compositions and provides shade too. We approach the rest point for lunch by the Supin tributary that we crossed before at around 1 in the noon. At a rocky height from the banks of the rivulet is a food shack, one of the many that we are going to find on our trek to the valley. These stores are with packaged food and beverage along with delightful hot snacks. In addition to our packed lunch, this will add a different twang of delight to outdoor meals on the move.
Progressing ahead, harvest fields of potato, millet, and maize will fall on the way giving the whole stretch a ranch house feel. Pauni Garaat, a green clearing on the banks of Supin at its sprightly best is arrived at late in the afternoon as the Sun begins to dip—welcome to the first camp!
Day 3 – Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar via Osla
Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar is a distance of 7 km over 6 hours which we start the early morning at 6. The trail crosses 3 “garaat” or hydroelectricity run chaffing units which are used by the villagers for separating husks of millet and maize followed by grounding to flour. The idyllic vibe retained in the surrounding, the trek proceeds through harvest lands, cattle grazing, and slant-roofed huts used as granary and storages. Right between the forests of cashew nuts and walnuts lies the serene village Oslo. This village is said to be a preacher of Duryodhana of Mahabharata. Well, apart from the stories, the village is blissful having 2000 years old Temple and a few houses. The villagers are welcoming here. After a small chit-chat proceed further on the ascend.
On this incline, you will get fabulous viewpoints to steal glimpses of the Dhauladhar Range out front. Snaky trails to Borasu Pass and Baspa Valley can also be made out from here. The high trail winds further down reaching a tabletop green stretch—Kalkattiyadhar. This is the campsite for day 2.
Day 4 – Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon & back to Kalkattiyadhar
Today you will start early as compared to other days. However, mesmerizing the views were until today, get ready to encounter something more. The trail will go into the glacier basin having moraines and alpine meadows. Tall pine trees will be greeting you at every step.
The trail is mixed of steep and moderate ascend until the Har Ki Dun valley. Just as you rise high you can see snow patches and frozen waterfalls. In Winter these sections are covered with thick snow. A valley is a heavenly place displaying immense beauty in one sight. The huge peaks of Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Black Peak etc show their marvelling glimpses. The valley is an amazing amalgamation of meadows, frozen streams, coniferous forests, glacier moraines, the backdrop of huge peaks.
Try to engulf everything. After exploring the valley creating memories for a lifetime we return back to our last campsite at Kalkattiyadhar.
Day 5 – Kalkattiyadhar to Pauni Garaat via Osla
From today the trek is actually the return journey. Today we shall retrace the steps through the Oslo village to Pauni Garaat. Here’s another chance to relive the moments with the peaceful villagers. Say goodbye to them and the stunning sights around you.
Follow the same trail as of earlier and reach the campsite of Pauni Garaat. Enjoy your last few moments of nightlife in the mountains.
Day 6 – Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka
A 5-hour trek to Taluka sets off this morning, climbing down by the familiar trail, stopping at familiar rest points. The car waits at the end of the dirt road to drive back base camp-wards. Pay special attention to descending tactic. Though climbing down accounts for lesser exhaustion, stressing out your soles with big steps is inadvisable. Sankri will arrive at the time for tea.
Day 7 – Sankri to Dehradun
The journey concludes with the 10-hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun. Breakfast and lunch will be on the way. Reaching time at Dehradun station will be 6 pm, suitable for an overnight journey to Delhi.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun. Come one day early if planning to come by flight.
By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival – 5:40am)
Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10pm; Arrival – 5:00am)
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhis ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Sankri by 4:00 pm
Food from dehradun to Sankri is not included in the trek cost
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and Return.
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
3. All necessary entry fees and permits.
4. Accommodation:- Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
5. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
7.Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
8. TTH Staff Insurance.
9. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Note : Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1800/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee: The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book: It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: –
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.