Explore the gem: Har Ki Dun Trek
Introduction
Har Ki Dun Trek is very popular among the treks in the Himalayas. It is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand which attracts trekkers, enthusiasts, and nature lovers from all over the world.
Har Ki Dun is a cradle-shaped valley whose name justifies its mythology. Here, Dun means ‘Valley’, and Har Ki means ‘God’s’ which means God’s Valley. This trek offers the visitors its epitome of beauty – magnificent mountain views, sunrises and sunsets, deodar trees, lush green meadows, and whatnot. Har Ki Dun also introduces people to its rich culture and heritage which makes them visit this place more.
Har Ki Dun: Its History and Mythology
The history of Har Ki Dun can be traced back to the period of Mahabharat when Har Ki Dun was a part of Duryodhan’s mighty kingdom. Duryodhana is portrayed as a cruel and unjust brother in the excerpts of Mahabharata and history, which is completely contradictory in Har Ki Dun where local villagers worship him. This is the reason why these villagers had temples dedicated to King Duryodhana for centuries.
As the legend says, the Pandavas had taken the same trail through Har Ki Dun Valley to Swargarohini Peak which is why this trail is considered very sacred as per Hindu Mythology and even by the locals. Even the Ruinsara lake is considered sacred by the villagers of Osla where the temple of Osla is dedicated to Lord Shiva after Duryodhana.
Har Ki Dun Trek: Short Itinerary
Dehradun → Sankri Base Camp (Day 1)
- Distance: 220 km
- Time Taken: 10 hours
- Maximum Altitude: 6,400 ft/ 1,950 meters.
Sankri Base Camp → Taluka → Seema (Day 3)
- Time Taken: 6-7 hours
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Drive Distance: 12 km
- Maximum Altitude: 8,200 ft/ 7,300 meters.
Seema → Kalkati Dhar (Day 3)
- Time Taken: 6 hours
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Maximum Altitude: 9,850 ft/ 3000 meters.
Kalkati Dhar → Har Ki Dun → Maninda Lake → Back to Kalkati Dhar (Day 4)
- Time Taken: 9 hours
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Both side Distance: 12 km
- Maximum Altitude: 11,800 ft/ 3600 meters.
Kalkati Dhar → Seema (Day 5)
- Time Taken: 5 hours
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Maximum Altitude: 8,200 ft/ 2500 meters.
Seema → Taluka → Sankri Base Camp (Day 6)
- Time Taken: 5 hours
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Drive Distance: 10 km
- Maximum Altitude: 6,400 ft/ 1,950 meters.
Departure from Sankri → Dehradun (Day 7)
- Time Taken: 10 hours (Trek+Drive)
- Trek Distance: 10 km
- Drive Distance: 210 km
- Maximum Altitude: 16,400 ft/ 5,000 meters.
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Har Ki Dun Trek: Inclusions
- Fees for travel guide and cook.
- Camping equipment
- Safety gear, personalized first-aid, and medications.
- Charges are required during forest entry.
- Mule support and porter to carry camping equipment and personal luggage.
- Required veg meals with egg preparations for the whole trip.
- Twin-sharing tented accommodation and double-sharing guest house accommodation.
Har Ki Dun Trek: Exclusions
- Rs 1,050 per person insurance.
- An additional cost of Rs 2,000 per person if Buffer Day is used.
- Baggage Unloading charges – Rs 450 per bag ( 12 Kg max weight).
Must-visit places in Har Ki Dun
There are many must-visit places and must-have experiences in Har Ki Dun that you shouldn’t miss out on. A few of them are –
- Osla Village
- Distance: 26 km from Taluka
- A small yet beautiful Hamlet Village known as Osla.
- Sankri
- Distance: 35 km
- A scenic hamlet located in Uttarakhand.
- Sankri Zipline Ride
- The time needed for exploring: 1 hour
- If you’re going to Sankri or Saur Village, then Zipline Ride is something you must try there.
- Marinda Tal
- Marinda Tal/ Morinda Tal is a scenic high-altitude lake that you must visit after reaching Har Ki Dun Valley.
- Taluka Village
- Distance: 12 km (from Sankri via trek or drive).
- While you’re trekking at Har Ki Dun, do visit Taluka Village as it is the epitome of beauty.
- Swargarohini Peak
- Altitude: 6,252 m/ 20,512 ft
- Swargarohini Peak is located at the Saraswati (Bandarpoonch) range of the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Jaundhar Glacier
- Altitude: 4,300 m/ 14,107 ft
- Jaundhar Glacier also known as Jamdhar Glacier is one of the largest sources of the Tons river that you must visit when going for the Har Ki Dun Trek.
- Ruinsara Tal Trek
- Altitude: 3,500 m/ 11,480 ft
- Ruinsara Tal Trek is a must-have experience while you’re exploring the valleys of Garhwal as its ethereal beauty will leave y ou in awe.