Har ki Doon TREK

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HAR KI DOON TREK

Har Ki Doon also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, it is believed that this was the route taken by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata on their ascent to heaven through the Swargarohini peak which bears the legacy of the mythical stairway to heaven. It is also believed that this valley was home to a warrior named, Bhog Dat, a Kaurava supporter, making Har ki Dun one of the few places where Duryodhana is worshipped. A winter wonderland and a trekker’s delight, the Har ki Dun trek is a ‘Stairway to Heaven’ that will make you fall for its beauty. 

Situated in the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district, there is this lovely walk to the Har ki Dun valley through Govind National Park along the Thamsa river with fascinating views of the Swargarohini group of peaks. Although being the oldest Trek in the Himalayas, the trekking trail is not too often treaded upon; it not only gives you the opportunity the experience the wild thriving there but also takes you through the local villages which are as old as 2000 years! The 44Km47km trek begins from Sankri to Har ki Dun Pass which is at an average altitude of 12,000 ft, making a quick stop at Osla, a small village 8,500 ft from sea level and famous for its chestnut and walnut trees. Summer and postMonsoon being the ideal time for this trek, the trail passes through the dense forest, rich glaciers and you are sure to be indulged in the serenity and solitude local lifestyle.

TREK highlights

Region

Uttarakhand

Difficulty Level

Easy-Moderate

Altitude

12,500 Ft.

Time Duration

7 Days

Trekking Distance

32 kms

why you should choose Har Ki Doon Trek

Osla Village:

This village has a history of its own. The temple of Duryodhan is the biggest highlight of this place. The villagers to date treat him as a God. 

 

Campsites:

There are a lot of pretty campsites that make the trek a memorable one. The view of the sunrise is probably one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see. You also get to pitch your tent by the river or in the middle of the valley and every night you end up seeing billions of stars. 

 

Flora and Fauna

The trek from Sankri to Osla have a variety of trees, animals, plants, etc. The Govind Wildlife sanctuary is on the way where you can spot a lot of animals like Parakeets, Vultures, etc. 

 

View of a wide range of Peaks and Ranges

On the way, we get to see different peaks such as Swargrohini, Black Peak and Jaundhar Glacier. This is one of the few treks where you can see such a wide range of peaks from the valley. 

 

Easy Trail

If you are a beginner Trekker then this choice of the trek is perfect for you to start as the trail while being easy gives you a first-hand experience of actual trekking for longer periods.  

 

Who Can GO For Har ki DOON TREK

  • 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 45 minutes without a stress.

  • The climber should be able to carry a 10 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.

How to reach

The Dehradun Railway station is one of the main stations in the City and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Dehradun by train cost around Rs.350 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs.890 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.

By Train:-
From Delhi take the DDN SHTABDI SPL (02017) Dep. New Delhi at 06:45am. Arrival Dehradun at 12:55pm. or the Uttar KOTA DDN SPL (02401) Dep. NZM at 11:45pm arrival Dehradun at 05:40 am (Overnight Journey).

By Bus:-
Regular buses fly from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar/Kashmiri Gate station to Dehradun. Buses drop you at ISBT bus station.Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Isbt and Railway

Brief Itenary

Day 01: Dehradun to Sankri
• Altitude 6,400 feet
• Stay in guest house/Eco-Camps.
• 220km 8hr-10hr drive
• Local market and network is available.
• Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of ISBT (Bus Station)/Railway station.
• Route:- Dehradun- Mussorie- Naogaon -Purola- Mori- Sankri

Day 02 : Sankri to Taluka to Gangar
• 12km of drive to Taluka then 9km of trek to Gangar
• One third of the trek through village and rest through forest
• Stay in tent
• Moderate level ascent through forest
• Hot lunch at camp
• Spring and manmade water points are available

Day 03 : Gangar to Kalkattiyadhaar
• 12km 5hr-6hr of trek to see Bandarpooch, Swargarohini and greater Himalayas Stay in tent

Day 04 :- Kalkattiyadhar to Har-Ki-Doon and Jaundhar Glacier View Point to Kalkattiyadhar
• 6km 4ht-5hr of trek
• Moderate ascent most of the time, few slops have steep ascent
• It’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
• 360 degree of view from summit
• First 180 degree angle covers Himalayas Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Kala Naag, Ranglana and other greater Himalayas peak

Day 05 : Kalkattiyadhar to Gangar
• 12km 4hr-5hr of trek
• 360 degree of view
• History of Seema Village reveals fascinating and often charming aspects of the culture and life of the people of the Village

Day 06 : Gangar to Taluka to Sankri
• 9kmof trek to Taluka (12km of drive to Sankri)
• 360 degree of view
• History of Seema Village reveals fascinating and often charming view

Day 07 : (Return) Sankri to Dehradun (Drive)
• Drive 220 km.
• After Breakfast and morning tea move to Dehradun
• Reach Dehradun by 8:00 PM

Detailed Itenary

Day 01: Dehradun to Sankri (220km 8hr-10hr drive)

The Journey to the cradle shaped valley starts from Dehradun. Dehradun rests between the Ganga and the Yamuna, and attracts a large number of tourists each year for its magnificent landscapes. Your journey starts in the morning, picking you up at 7.00 AM from the Dehradun Railway station. We drive to Sankri passing through the queen of hills i.e. Mussoorie. On the way you get an opportunity to have a splendid view of the Snow-clad hills from Mussoorie onwards. You will also have the astonishing view of “Kempty Falls” en-routing Sankri. Sankri held as base camp for many treks and one of them is Har-Ki-Doon. It is a village with jaw dropping view of the Mighty Himalayas. It is located 13 km inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary which itself does not need any introduction. The beautiful sun setting behind the Himalayas with the scenic view of the Swargarohini peak makes Sankri one of the most popular base camp.

 

Day 02 : Sankri to Taluka to Gangar (12km of drive to Taluka then 9kmof trek to Gangar)

After a sumptuous breakfast, we take a short drive to Taluka village where we begin our 9 km trek through the dense forest trails of Gangar. At first, the trek descends, we walk alongside of the river Rupin and then we move uphill through forest full of Chestnut, Walnut and Willow trees. The trail winds upwards and continues to the village of Gangar. And then we come across sceneries within the prominent mountain backdrops. On our way ahead we reach the Temple of Duryodhana, which is believed to have a significant historical significance by the locals. The tears shed by the locals are believed to have formed the River Tamsa when the demise of Duryodhana occurred at the battle of Kurukshetra. we stay overnight in camps directly under the magnificent stars with stimulating Campfire to release our stress.

 

Day 03 : Gangar to Kalkattiyadhaar (12km 5hr-6hr of trek )

After breakfast, we will head out on the next 12 km trek through the thick forests of Govind National Park which is a wonderful mixture of flora & fauna. The main wildlife fauna includes Snow leopard, Himalayan Black and Brown Bears, Tahr, Bharal, Musk deer, Serow, Mousedeer, Snowcock, Monal, Tragopan, Chir, Chiker, Koklas and Kaley pheasants. There are about fifteen species of large mammal in the sanctuary as well as about one hundred and fifty species of bird. The colorful Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, is found in this forest. The Har-Ki -Doon Valley route will be a balance between steep climbs, descending walks and brisk walks. Har-Ki-Doon is situated on the foothills of Swargarohini Peak with scenic views of nature. It is home to the silent Jaundhar Glacier which fascinates every traveler. The Har-ki-Doon is called the ‘hanging valley of gods’ with high chances of sighting wildlife. The smell of pine combined with the sight of deodar trees will aromize your senses. We then trail through terraced mountain fields, conifer forests, and lush green grasslands. The coniferous flora on the opposite side of the valley is awesome and is a shutterbugs delight. The trail climbs to the ridge locally named as Kalkattiyadhaar. We stay overnight at Kalkattiyadhaar; above the clouds and closer to the sky!!!

 

Day 04 :- Kalkattiyadhar to Har-Ki-Doon and Jaundhar Glacier View Point to Kalkattiyadhar (6km 4ht-5hr of trek)

Today is the most appealing day where we will be trekking completely on white snow and grass patches, as we continue our trek to Har-ki-Doon and Jaundhar glaciers. Including north and south glaciers of Jaundhar, the total range of 55km fully covered with snow and some tiny little green grasses. In our mythological scriptures it is 9073636666 / 9073626666 / 7895283267 www.adrenalinerushadventure.in mentioned that Pandavas went to heaven (Swarga) through the Swargarohini. What a divine feeling, to sit there in a place that is so far away from your daily routine and just feeling the touch of the in the lap of mother nature. We will descend back to Har-Ki-Dun that day and we relax with a bonfire snacks which will occupy you for the rest of the evening before you enjoy a nice and hot freshly cooked dinner before going into your sleeping cocoons with lots of mesmerizing memories of the valley.

 

Day 05 : Kalkattiyadhar to Gangar (12km 4hr-5hr of trek )

Today after breakfast we mark our return journey to Gangar and take the same path to reach the destination. While descending, you get to have greater view of scenic landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty as much as you wish and ready yourself to head towards home. Well, the downhill trek is fun and easy, covers 14 km and takes a handful of hours. A restful night is pretty much guaranteed in the base camp as all the co-trekkers will be becoming your best companions now and its time to spend some quality time together gathering memories ending with one last night campfire & stay in tents. Spend your night with peace and rest your hamstrings.

 

Day 06 : Gangar to Taluka to Sankri ( 9kmof trek to Taluka 12km of drive to Sankri)

After dawn, we Start from Gangar, the rays of rising Sun will pave our way to Seema and then to Taluka. The route lies by the side of Supin River. The history of Seema Village reveals fascinating and often charming aspects of the culture and life of the people of the Village. Once you set foot in Seema Village, you will see the traces of the historical events that happened here. The best way to understand the culture and lifestyle of the people of the Village is to get familiar with the enriching history and culture of Seema Village. This trek back to Taluka will give us opportunity to take a refreshing bath in tantalizing chilled water of the many streams we cross/pass by. This overnight will be on comforting Bed of a good hotel at Sankri!

 

Day 07 : (Return) Sankri to Dehradun (Drive)

Today is the last day of the memorable trip where we take away a bag full of memories cherishing the whole life. We head back from Sankri to Dehradun with a heavy heart remembering those nights under the clear sky on the lap of the Himalayas.

Important things to carry for trekking

Basic Essentials

An identity card – Original and Photocopies (MANDATORY)

Back Pack & Rain Cover (50-60 liter)

Day Pack & Rain Cover (20-30 liter, If you hire mule or porter)

1 ltr of pet water bottle or hydration pack

Floaters or Sandals, Trekking Shoes (waterproof are better during snow and rain)

LED Torch/Headlamp (With extra batteries)

Poncho, Rain Coat or Umbrella any one is must (Poncho are lightweight, easy to carry/fit)

Torch with pair of batteries

Clothing & other Essentials

2 Pairs of Quick Dry Tees and Track Pants (Denim are not recommended for treks.)

1 pair of T-shirts (half and full sleeve)

3 Pair of Cotton Socks, 2 pairs of woolen socks

2 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket

Thermal Wear – 1 pair (you can keep two if going on the long trek)

Gore Tex type similar hard shell for rain or snow & to be worn over mid layers like fleece or down jackets.

One down feather Jacket

Sun Cap, One Scarf, Light towel, Gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof)

Woolen cap or Balaclava that covers the ear (protection from cold waves), Dark UV Sunglasses

Carry a few plastic bags in case your clothes get wet.

Eatables – Quick Energy During Trek

Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, Energy bars, Toffees and Dry fruits & nuts.

 

INCLUSIONS

1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg)
3.Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.

EXCLUSIONS

1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head

F.A.Q.

For Har Ki Doon Trek

Simply select “Contact Us” offered by us from navigation menu and mail us about your Trek Details according to your preferences and make online payment by Debit Card/ Credit Card or Net Banking.

You have to provide a photo identification, medical health certificate and a scan copy of confirmation of payment made.

Yes, you can cancel the booking due to any reason. But you have to give us a written declaration for cancelling the package.