Hidden deep in the western part of Garhwal in Uttarakhand lies a breathtaking Himalayan Valley, known as Har ki Dun. Surrounded by legends and known as the "Valley of Shiva," Har ki Dun is a cradle-shaped valley accessible through trekking and steeped in mythological significance. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas took the same path during their final journey to heaven, making this region one of the oldest trekking routes in the Himalayas. Whether you're a nature lover, a seeker of history and culture, or an adventure enthusiast, the Har ki Dun trek is an experience that seamlessly blends stunning valley views, timeless charm, and rich traditions.
The trail starts from the quaint Sankri base camp and continues through ancient villages like Taluka, Dharkot, Dhatmeer, Gangad, and Osla. With every step on this trekking trail, you encounter wooden bridges, dense forests of deodar and pine, alpine meadows like Kalkatiyadhar and Devsu Thatch, and forests of Boslo, all of which showcase the diverse range of flora and fauna of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park. The mighty Himalayas stand tall in the background, with Kalanag and Swargarohini appearing to rise straight into the sky. This scenic trail rewards trekkers with heavenly landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-clad paths in winter. It's not just a journey through mountains but a walk through the villages and culture that reflect the traditional lifestyle of Uttarakhand.
How Har ki Dun Valley get Famous
Famous mountaineers Jack Gibson and Tenzing Norgay once explored this very valley. Along the way, trekkers get glimpses of age-old pilgrimages, traditional wooden houses, age-old water mills, and the ancient Someshwar Devta Temple. The trail from Dharkot to Osla is particularly culturally enriching, letting you witness the untouched beauty of ancient trails and the hospitality of local people. The route is a perfect blend of mountaineering appeal and cultural depth, taking you off the beaten path into a Himalayan treasure.
Quick Overview of Har ki Dun Trek
Har ki Dun is among the most famous treks in India, with a total trekking distance of approximately 34 km, and can be completed within 4-5 days. Including travel days, it becomes a 7-day round trip from Dehradun. It's a scenic and accessible route with easy to moderate difficulty, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
To more information about Har ki Dun Trek, visit official website of the Har ki Dun valley tour operator.
Let's now walk through the complete itinerary.
Har ki Dun Trek Itinerary (6N/7D)
Day 1 – Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
Your journey begins in Dehradun, from where you'll drive about 200 km to reach Sankri, the gateway to several famous treks in Uttarakhand. En route, you'll pass through the Thamsa River valley, with stunning views and glimpses of traditional culture. The drive takes about 8–10 hours. Overnight stay at Sankri base camp.
Day 2 – Drive from Sankri to Dharkot Village and Trek to Seema
After a short drive to Dharkot Village, the trek begins. The trail is gradual, passing through lush greenery, traditional wooden homes, and the ancient village of Gangaad. You'll walk along a section that feels like walking alongside the mountain range itself. After a few river crossings and scenic segments, you reach Seema for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – Trek from Seema to Boslo Campsite via Kalkatiyadhar
Today, the trail gradually ascends into alpine meadows of Kalkatiyadhar and the forests of Boslo. You'll witness changing landscapes, age-old water mills, and possibly alpine flowers if it's summer. Camping under the sky here, surrounded by Himalayan landscapes, is a surreal experience.
Day 4 – Trek from Boslo to Har ki Dun Valley, Exploration of Marinda Lake, and back to Boslo Campsite
This is the day you reach the heart of the trek. As you enter Har ki Dun Valley, the view opens up to Swargarohini and Hata Peak. Swargarohini appears to rise straight, a visual treat for photographers and mountain lovers. Explore the picturesque Marinda Lake before returning to Boslo.
Day 5 – Trek from Boslo to Seema Campsite via Osla Village
Descending down, the trail takes you through the culturally rich Osla Village. Known for the Someshwar Devta Temple and traditional wooden architecture, Osla is one of the most ancient villages in this region. This walk back is not just scenic but also historically enlightening.
Day 6 – Trek from Seema to Dharkot Village and Drive to Sankri
Retrace your steps through forests and across wooden bridges back to Dharkot. A short drive returns you to Sankri where you rest and reflect on the incredible journey through this cradle-shaped valley.
Day 7 – Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
The final day of the trek brings you back to Dehradun, completing the full circle of this culturally and naturally rewarding trek.
Best Time to Visit for this Trek
The Har ki Dun trek offers different experiences depending on the season, each revealing unique shades of the Himalayan landscape. While the trek is accessible from April to November, the best experiences are found during the spring-summer and autumn seasons.
Trekking in Spring and Summer, which spans from late April to June, is truly a celebration of life in the valley. The weather during this time is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging between 12 to 18°C and cooler nights dipping to 2 to 8°C. The trail comes alive with blooming alpine flowers and dense greenery. Forests of deodar and pine echo with the sounds of nature, and the meadows of Kalkatiyadhar and Devsu Thatch burst into vibrant hues. This is also the best time to spot diverse flora and fauna inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park. The rivers and streams swell with fresh snowmelt, and the overall ambiance is peaceful and welcoming. You can also enjoy camping under clear skies, and the longer daylight hours make it easier to cover trail sections comfortably.
Trekking in Autumn, which begins in September and continues till mid-November, brings a different charm to Har ki Dun. This season is marked by crisp air, crystal-clear skies, and remarkable visibility of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini and Kalanag. Daytime temperatures hover between 10 to 15°C, while nighttime can get quite cold, dropping to as low as 0°C. The post-monsoon freshness rejuvenates the landscapes, leaving the forests and valleys washed and vibrant. Autumn is perfect for photographers and solitude seekers, as the crowds thin out and the trails remain serene. The golden-brown tones of meadows and forests, combined with the snow-dusted mountain tops, offer a visually stunning contrast. This season also makes camping beside the Tons and Supin rivers a magical experience, with the soft murmur of water accompanying starry nights.
Difficulty Level of the Trek
The Har ki Dun trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, but several key factors influence how challenging it might feel to an individual.
Terrain
The terrain is generally friendly, with well-trodden and clear trails weaving through forests, meadows, and villages. Most sections are gradual in ascent, though steeper gradients appear near places like Kalkatiyadhar, where elevation gain becomes more noticeable. However, there are no technical climbs or precarious ridges, making the route manageable for those with average fitness levels.
Walking Distances & Altitude Gain
Walking distances range between 6 to 10 kilometers per day, with a total distance of about 34 kilometers over the course of 4 to 5 trekking days. Each day requires walking for 4 to 6 hours on average, depending on pace and rest breaks. The altitude gain is steady, starting at around 1,900 meters in Sankri and peaking at approximately 3,600 meters in Har ki Dun Valley. The gradual ascent significantly helps in acclimatization, but attention to hydration and pacing remains important.
Weather Factor as Difficulty
Weather is another crucial factor. In summer and autumn, conditions are mostly favorable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. However, sudden rain or snow can make trails muddy or icy, especially in spring's pre-monsoon or winter's snowy months. These seasonal challenges slightly raise the difficulty level, requiring trekkers to be prepared with proper gear and clothing.
Altogether, while not a strenuous high-altitude trek, Har ki Dun demands reasonable fitness, good preparation, and awareness of how terrain and weather interact across the journey.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the Har ki Dun trek involves more than just packing gear—it requires both physical and mental readiness, along with a strong sense of responsibility toward nature and local communities. While this trek is suitable for beginners, taking the right preparatory steps can greatly enhance your experience and safety.
Physical Fitness
Start with a basic fitness routine at least three to four weeks before the trek. Cardio workouts like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming will build your stamina and lung capacity. Include leg-strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges, and step-ups to prepare your muscles for continuous uphill and downhill walking. Flexibility and core exercises like yoga or stretching can help prevent injuries and reduce fatigue on long walking days. Practicing short hikes with a backpack on weekends is also a great way to condition your body for the trek.
Mental Preparation
Trekking in the Himalayas can be physically demanding and mentally humbling. You must be prepared for unexpected weather changes, basic camping conditions, and a lack of digital connectivity. Building a positive mindset, patience, and flexibility will help you enjoy the experience to its fullest. Understanding that the journey is as meaningful as the destination will make every step rewarding, even during moments of physical challenge.
Acclimatization Awareness
Although Har ki Dun has a gradual altitude gain, it's still essential to be aware of altitude-related issues. Ensure proper hydration throughout the trek. Avoid alcohol and smoking before and during the journey. Take breaks during ascents to help your body adjust to the elevation. Watch for early signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, and inform your trek leader if symptoms arise.
Trekking Etiquette & Rules
Respect the environment by following Leave No Trace principles—do not litter, avoid using plastic, and do not disturb the local flora and fauna. Stick to designated trails to prevent erosion and protect the ecosystem. Interact respectfully with the local communities, seeking permission before photographing people or religious sites. Always listen to your trek leader or guide, especially during emergencies or route changes.
Proper preparation, both physical and mental, combined with a respectful attitude and environmental responsibility, will ensure that your Har ki Dun trek becomes a deeply fulfilling Himalayan adventure.
Trek Essentials
Carry a quality backpack with rain cover, layered clothing for temperature variation, a down jacket for cold nights, good trekking shoes, personal medication, headlamp, thermals, gloves, and sunscreen. Don't forget a reusable water bottle, as streams are common on the way.
How To Reach Base Camp
Sankri, the base camp for the Har ki Dun trek, lies in the western part of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. To get there, you first need to reach Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, which is well-connected to major cities across India by road, rail, and air.
Reaching Dehradun:
If you're traveling by train, Dehradun Railway Station is a major hub with direct connections to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Trains like the Nanda Devi Express and Dehradun Shatabdi are convenient for overnight travel from Delhi.
For those opting to fly, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport and receives daily flights from major metros like Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, you can easily get a taxi to reach Dehradun city center or directly connect toward Sankri.
If you're traveling by road, Dehradun is around 250 km from Delhi and can be reached in 6–8 hours via buses or private taxis. Several state-run and private buses operate from Delhi's ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun, offering options like Volvos, semi-sleepers, and budget coaches.
Reaching Sankri from Dehradun:
Once in Dehradun, the journey to Sankri, which is about 200 km away, takes roughly 9 to 10 hours. The route is scenic, passing through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, with views of pine forests and mountain landscapes.
You can hire a private taxi from Dehradun (railway station or airport) directly to Sankri. This is the most convenient option, especially for groups, though more expensive.
For budget travelers, shared sumo cabs and taxis are available early in the morning from Parade Ground or Mussoorie Bus Stand in Dehradun. These go toward Purola or Mori, where you can switch to another shared vehicle for the final stretch to Sankri.
You can also take state-run buses (by UTC) from Dehradun ISBT to towns like Purola or Netwar. From there, local jeeps and taxis are frequently available heading to Sankri.
It's best to leave Dehradun early in the morning so that you can reach Sankri by evening. Whether you're traveling solo or in a group, the journey to the base camp is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse of Uttarakhand's raw beauty and cultural charm even before you start walking the ancient trails of the Har ki Dun trek.
Visiting the valley of Har ki Dun is not just about trekking; it's about experiencing Uttarakhand's culture, walking ancient trails, and immersing in stories that date back to ancient times. Whether you seek mountaineering challenges, cultural exploration, or scenic beauty, this trek has it all. So if you're looking for a journey where traditional culture and lifestyle meet the Himalayan landscapes, the Har ki Dun trek in the Land of Gods—Uttarakhand—is calling you.
