HAR KI DUN TREK (06 Nights / 07 Days)

The adventurous journey to Garhwal region of Uttarakhand starts from the capital of Uttarakhand; Dehradun. It is one of the oldest cities in India and has a large number of tourists each year due to its picturesque landscapes and vibrant weather. It is nestled between the Ganges and the Yamuna. Various historical sites of architectural value can be found here with auspicious temples that are renowned. We will pick you up at 7.00 AM from the Dehradun Railway station and from then on we are the companions of the most awaited trip. We will drive to Sankri via the queen of hills i.e. Mussoorie. Ironically, popular tourist destinations don’t even deserve your attention when you’re on a bigger journey like this. Mussoorie is not just another hill station on the way but has a pretty rich history in itself. Ruskin Bond, Stephen Alter, and Bill Aitkin (to name a few) all call Mussoorie their home. The British architecture can still be spotted across the town. Snow-clad hills start to show up in the distance from Mussoorie onwards. We will also have the awesome views of “Kempty Falls” en-routing Sankri. Sankri is the base camp of this exhilarating expedition and the entry point to the charismatic Har Ki Dun. It is a scenic village that is conveniently situated at the astounding pinnacle of 1950 meters, in the Tons Valley with elating views of the Himalayas. It is magically located 13 km inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The beautiful sun setting behind the Himalayas coupled with the shimmer of the Swargarohini peak makes Sankri an ideal base camp amidst the ridges. Reaching Sankri, we will explore the scenic hamlet to prepare for the trek that lays ahead and overnight stay at Sankri.

After breakfast, a short drive to Taluka village will take us to the beginning of our 15 km trek through the forest trails of Gangaad. At first, the trek descends, takes a left turn to let us walk alongside the river Rupin and then loves upwards through an enticing forest of Chestnut, Walnut and Willow trees. The trail winds upwards through the beautiful forest full of Chestnut, Walnut and Willow trees, and continues to the village of Gangar. Pauni Garaat(altitude of 2500 m) is beautiful abode offers extraordinary sceneries within the prominent mountain backdrops. The Temple of Duryodhana is sited here, which is believed to hold a significant historical significance by the locals. The tears shed by the locals are believed to have formed the River Tamas when the demise of Duryodhana occurred at the battle of Kurukshetra. Stay will be overnight in camps directly under the magnificent stars with refreshing Campfire.

After breakfast, we will head out on the 12 km trek through the thick forests of Govind National Park which is a pristine landscape with a wonderful mixture of flora & fauna. The Govind National Park (altitude ranges from 1,400 to 6,323 meters above sea level) is situated at the confluence of the Tons (or Supin and Rupin rivers). The main wildlife species include 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 colourful Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, thrives in the forests here. The Har Ki Dun Valley route will be a refreshing balance between steep climbs and leisure level walks. Har Ki Dun is a cradle shaped valley in the majestic Garhwal Himalayan region. It is situated on the foothills of Swargarohini Peak with scenic views of nature’s bounty. It is home to the enthralling Jaundhar Glacier where nature’s exquisiteness engrosses every traveller. The Har Ki Dun 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 entice your senses whilst you 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 photographer’s delight. The trail climbs to the ridge locally named as Kalkatti Dhar. Overnight stay will be at Kalkattiyadhaar (altitude of 2950m); above the clouds and closer to the sky!

And the most exciting dawn of our journey rises as today we will be trekking on completely white snow and grass patches, a complete contrast to the grass we had been walking onto as we continue our trek to Har ki Doon and Jaundhar glaciers (altitude of 4300 m). Including north and south glaciers of Jaundhar, the total range is about 55 kilometres fully covered with snow and some tiny little green grasses for which you will be coming for the trek in Uttarkashi. And according to the local folklore, where fairies congregate! In our religious scriptures (Granth), it is mentioned that Pandavas went to heaven (Swarga) through the Swargarohini. What a bliss it may, to sit there that is so so far away from your daily office and just soaking the feeling of the surrounding. We will descend back to Har Ki Dun that day and again a bonfire snacks and maybe some folklore and spooky stories shall 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 unexplored dreams in your eyes.

Trace your steps back as we will mark our return journey to Paunigaraat and you can have the same path to reach the destination. While descending, you can have greater views of scenic landscapes and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh energy as much as you wish as we have already started journey heading towards home. Well, the downhill trek is fun and easy, covers 14 km and takes about 5 hours. The enjoyable night is pretty much guaranteed in the base camp as all the co-trekkers are your best companions now and will have their own idea to have some quality time together one last night by campfire and tents. Spend your night with peace and remove your hamstrings.

Starting from PauniGaraat, the rays of rising Sun will pave our way to Seema and then to Taluka. The route lies straight by the side of Supin River as if we would get to the source of the 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 learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people of the Village is to get familiar with the enriching history of Seema Village. This trek back to Taluka will give us abundant opportunities to take a refreshing bath in tantalizing chilled water of the many streams we cross/pass by. This overnight won’t be the directly under the magnificent sky but certainly on the comforting Bed of a good hotel at Sankri!

Sankri to Dehradun 8 hours drive The trek to Har ki Dun concludes today as we leave Sankri and reach Dehradun by late afternoon.