Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri – 190km drive
The Har Ki Dun trek in Uttarakhand begins with an 8-hour, 190 km drive from Dehradun to Sankri, which is situated at an altitude of 6,725 feet or 2,050 meters. We start the journey early in the morning and pass through the famous hill station of Mussoorie after driving for just over 100 km. Along the route, we also pass by the Lakhamandal temple, a site of historical significance where Duryodhana of the Mahabharata is believed to have conspired to burn down the Pandavas’ Lakshagriha house.
Driving further, we cross several villages such as Damta, Purola, Mori, and Netwar. While following the upstream of river Yamuna, we see the river Kamal Ganga merging with Yamuna near Naugaon, and it accompanies us till Purola. This is the last big settlement on the route with a large market, and it is recommended that trekkers buy anything they might have missed out on by this point. Additionally, Purola is the last village where most of the mobile networks work.
After Purola, we drive through a picturesque forest of pine trees, and in the distance, we can see the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya perched on top of a hill, overlooking the valley. From the village of Mori, the river Tons flows alongside us until we reach Netwar. At this point, the temperature drops significantly, and we officially enter the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary after crossing a check post.
As we move further, we can see the peak of Kedarkantha from various points along the way. We arrive at Sankri by early evening, a small village with a central market lined with a few shops. The village is known for its numerous apple orchards, and during late summer, they begin harvesting. One can also see the Swargarohini peak from here on a clear day.
We rest at night in a guest house or in camps.
Day 2: Sankri to Puani Garat – 10km trek
Embark on the Har ki Dun trek in Uttarakhand by starting early in the morning with a bumpy SUV ride from Sankri to Taluka. From Taluka, the 10-12 km trek begins on a stony path, offering the pleasant fragrance of cedar trees. During winters or heavy rain spells, the road to Taluka may be dangerous, and one may need to walk around 8 km. The walk takes us close to the Supin River, and we come across walnut, pine, and cedar trees along the way. The path also crosses several streams merging with the Supin, and we must avoid the stinging sensation of ‘bichchu ghas’ which is a type of herb that is also eaten as a vegetable. As we trek higher, we get a glimpse of the village of Datmer on the true left, and we can spot a yellow-throated marten in the forests. We can also relish the sour and juicy fruits of seabuckthorn, also known as ‘leh berries’, which are rich in Vitamin C. After a few hours of trekking, we reach the tranquil campsite at Puani Garat, where we can relax and rejuvenate amidst nature.
Day 3: Puani Garat to Kalkatidhar 10km Trek
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Har Ki Dun Valley as we trek from Puani Garat to Kalkatidhar, covering a distance of 10 kilometers in 5 to 6 hours. The trek begins with a steep climb to Osla village, located on a sloping spur above the Supin River. The surrounding landscape is adorned with terraced farms that showcase different hues in every season. During late monsoon, the red farms of Cholai or Amaranth are a sight to behold. This superfood is rich in nutrition and a local favorite. The area is also known for cultivating various varieties of kidney beans.
As we leave Osla, the trail gradually ascends and crosses a few fields, providing breathtaking views of the river below. Along the way, we pass by a temple and encounter beautiful wildflowers such as orchids, fleece flowers, and sunflowers. The journey today is relatively short, allowing us to acclimatize to the high altitude and prepare for the next day’s trek.
After crossing Kalkatidhar, we can take a break and bask in the sun at the scenic campsite. Camping here is a great alternative to Har Ki Dun, as it offers more comfort while preserving the natural beauty of the valley. Join us on this incredible adventure and explore the wonders of the Har Ki Dun trek in Uttarakhand.
Day 4: Kalkatidhar to Har ki Dun & Marinda Tal, return to Kalkatidhar: 17 km Trek
The Har ki Dun trek is a challenging but stunning adventure for those who are up for a 15 to 17 KM trek lasting 7 to 8 hours. This trek starts at Kalkatidhar and leads to Har ki Dun and Marinda Tal before returning back to Kalkatidhar.
As you embark on this journey, you will come across a hidden waterfall and a small tea shop near the confluence of the Supin river and the river from Ruinsara valley. From this point, you can get a breathtaking view of the snow-clad peaks of Ruinsara valley, including the Black Peak, the highest peak in the region. Towards the north, you can see the Har ki Dun valley in the distance, and you might even spot the Forest hut at Har ki Dun.
As you trek higher up along the true right of the river, you will enter a forest, which eventually opens up into the main camping area of Har ki Dun, located at the junction of two valleys. This panoramic spot is surrounded by vast open meadows, Bhojpatra forests, and a view of the Jaundhar glacier and Swargarohini peak.
If you choose to continue your trek to Marinda Tal, you will embark on a gradual ascent to a small lake formed by a boulder obstructing the river that flows down from the base of the Borasu Pass. Afterward, you will make your return journey back to Kalkatidhar, taking the same route downhill.
To prepare for the Har ki Dun trek, it is essential to have good physical fitness and endurance. Additionally, be sure to pack warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, and necessary camping equipment. The best time to go on this trek is from mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November.
Overall, the Har ki Dun trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides a great opportunity to connect with nature and challenge yourself.
Day 5: Kalkatidhar to Puani Garat : 10 km trek
The trek from Kalkatidhar to Puani Garat is a beautiful and scenic 10 km journey that takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Har Ki Dun valley as it descends towards Taluka, where two streams originating from Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara converge. Along the way, you might catch a glimpse of a trail leading to Ruinsara lake, although it is seldom taken.
As you near the intersection of the two streams, you will see a bridge spanning the water below, marking the start of the trail to the left. From here, you can easily make your way back to Osla, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and chat with the friendly locals. Take some time to explore the charming village and its surroundings before continuing on to Puani Garat, where you can relax and bask in the sun at your campsite.
The Har ki dun trek in Uttarakhand is a popular trekking destination, and this route offers a truly unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired. So pack your bags and embark on this incredible journey to discover the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Day 6: Puani Garat to Sankri: 10 km trek
On the last day of the Har ki dun trek, we start our journey from Puani Garat to Sankri. After a delicious breakfast, we trek through the same trail that we took on Day 1, but this time downhill, providing us with a different but equally stunning perspective of the surroundings. The trek is about 10 km long and takes about 4-5 hours to complete, with the River Supin flowing beside us. Upon reaching Taluka, we take a vehicle to Sankri. You can choose to spend the night in a comfortable guest house or a cozy cottage beside the river.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun – 190km drive
The exciting journey of the Har ki Dun trek comes to an end today as we bid adieu to Sankri. The drive from Sankri to Dehradun spans a distance of 190 KM and takes around 8 hours. The route takes us through some of the most picturesque yet lesser-explored regions of Uttarakhand, and the drive from Mori is particularly breathtaking. However, the beauty of the area is under threat due to a new hydel project, which has unfortunately put the delicate environment at risk, making activities such as rafting and kayaking no longer feasible. Despite this, the region still holds its charm. Finally, passing through towns and Kempty-Mussoorie, we arrive in Dehradun between 5 and 7 PM, marking the end of our memorable trek to Har ki Dun. Let’s cherish the memories and plan our next adventure soon!
