Snuggled cozily on the hinges of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Har ki dun trek is one of the most famous treks among a lot of nature enthusiasts and trekkers. This thrilling trek is also known as a hanging valley because of its cradle-shaped mountains.
It is also called the winter wonderland as in winter the paths are covered with snow and the sun throws its rays within the clouds. The Har ki Dun trekking is clasped with soothing sights of deodar trees that will enchant our soul with the pine smell. Dehradun is the starting point for this trek.
How to Reach?
Trekkers can reach Dehradun by Air/Railway and Road. The nearest railway station is the Dehradun junction, which is connected to other major cities in northern India, primarily New Delhi. Jolly Grant Airport serves Dehradun domestically, with regular flights coming in and out from many major cities in India. Regular bus services are also available to and fro Dehradun through an excellent roadways network.
The Har Ki Dun Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun
The journey begins early from Dehradun and drives to Sankri. It is recommended that the trekkers can buy anything from Purola that they might have missed out on as it is the final settlement of having a market. It also is the last village where most mobile networks are available. The drive after Purola is through a gorgeous forest of pine trees. The peak of Kedarkantha can be seen from various points along the path from here. Thus trekkers could reach Sankri by early evening. This is a small village with a central market with a few shops. This town has numerous apple orchards which are harvested beginning in late summer. One can see the Swargarohini peak from here on a clear sunny day. There are camps and guest houses to rest at night.
Day 2: Sankri to Puani Garat
This is the chance to witness the sprawling wild flora throughout the journey. Since the journey is long, it will be best to start as early as possible in the morning. Have breakfast and drive through a bumpy forest road and you will be crossing one or two streams on the way. Thus Taluka would be reached in about an hour, a small village with some shops and two Government guest houses. The trek starts from here on a stony path with the fragrance of cedar trees that can be felt all around Taluka. The river Supin is gushing through rapids. Be careful to avoid “bichu ghas” which translates to ‘scorpion grass’. A slight touch of it can give us a stinging sensation that could last for about twenty to thirty minutes. But this herb can be cooked as a vegetable and eaten. Camping can be done at Puani Garaat.
Day 3: Puani Garat to Kalkatidhar
Osla village will be the primary destination, which is located on a sloping spur about a hundred meters above the river Supin. The initial path to Osla is the steepest section along the entire trek and it could take 30-40 mins to cover. The landscape surrounding Osla is entirely of terraced farms. Osla is the last village on the route to the Har ki Dun trek. The trail gradually rises higher from Osla crossing a few fields, while the river can be seen far below. There is a temple some distance below the path towards the right. Trekkers pass through bushes of flowers like fleece flowers, orchids, and sunflowers.
Day 4: Har Ki Dun trek
The day’s trek can be considered to be rather lengthy as Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal will be covered on the same day. Marinda Tal is a small lake formation due to the obstructing boulder across the river stream. It lies 2 KM further ahead of Har Ki Dun.
Day 5: Kalkatidhar to Puani Garat
Begin the journey back to Osla which is an easy walk. On the route, there will be a good view of the trail to Osla, and you could see the valley descend towards Taluka, around the curve of the rim where the two streams coming from Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara respectively, converge. Trekkers get a glimpse a little short of this intersection, a trail to the left marked by a sight of a bridge down over the stream. This path joins the trail to Ruinsara lake and is rarely taken. One can roam about in the village after reaching Osla, talk to locals and soak in the culture of Garhwal.
Day 6: Trek from Puani Garaat to Sankri
Try to start trekking through the same trail that had been trekked along on Day 1, towards Taluka early in the morning. Although the views seem different as the perspective changes accordingly trekking downhill. The walk takes less time than before and is quite enjoyable.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
The drive up to Mori through the unique lesser-touched regions is mesmerizing.
This Har ki dun trek is a trekking experience with endless memories and experiences. Thus, it remains one of the top treks in the country.
