Among the many treks available in Uttarakhand, the Har ki Dun walk stands out as an unusual adventure that offers a great opportunity to see parts of the Himalayas that have yet to be explored. Har ki Dun, also known as the Valley of Gods, is a cradle-shaped structure in the Govind Ballabh Pant National Park that sits at an elevation of 3,566 meters. Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini are just a few of the mountains that can be seen from the valley’s vantage point.
The Har ki Dun walk is a 7-8 day excursion that begins in Sankri and takes hikers over rugged pathways carved out of the mountains over the millennia through a profusion of alpine plants.
Way To Reach Har Ki Dun Trek
Having set off on your journey across the Garhwal Himalayas, The lovely city of Dehradun in Uttarakhand is the jumping-off point for the Har Ki Dun Trek. Dehradun is an attractive destination; you can get here by plane, rail, bus, or automobile. If you’re coming from Delhi or another big city, you may land at Jolly Grant Airport, just 25 kilometers from Dehradun, and then take one of the many taxis waiting to take you into the heart of the city.
Dehradun is the final stop on the train line before the Himalayas, and it has connections to all the important towns in the region. Trains such as the Mussoorie Express, the Shatabdi Express, and the Nizammudin Dehradun Special leave New Delhi often for their destinations along these routes. Some other trains depart regularly from other major cities, including Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Amritsar.
From New Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate, several buses leave every half hour towards Dehradun, which takes 6 and 8 hours. It’s also possible to take a Volvo or a state-operated bus from Shimla or Mussoorie. You may fly, join a prearranged luxury bus tour, or rent a car and drive through the picturesque lanes of National Highway 72.
When To Go To Har Ki Dun
This hike is best done in the summer (April–June) or after the monsoon (September–December). Winter is the greatest season to come if snow trekking is your main reason for going. It’s important to allow yourself enough time to acclimate to the high altitude’s different climate from the lowlands.
Pleasant weather is to be expected throughout the warmer months. In most cases, the sky is clear, and there is no fog. Remember to pack some light woolen if you’re going on a summer walk; the temperature drops even in the middle of the day.
For the duration of the monsoon, the hiking paths continue to be more prone to landslides. Roads are still closed, but the beautiful scenery is well worth the inconvenience.
Har Ki Dun Valley is most peaceful and solitary in the wintertime. It snows heavily every winter, and there are few places to stay. Make sure to leave home with your coat, raincoat, fleece jacket, and thermals if you’ll be travelling in the winter.
Har Ki Dun Trek: Sightseeing Opportunities
The following locations will be visited on your journey:
1. Govind National Park
The total area of the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is 958 square kilometers. This area contains the watershed for the primary tributary of the River Yamuna, which flows through the valleys of Rupin and Supin.
A wide variety of plant life may be found there because of its location at the crossroads of the subtropical, temperate, and alpine climate zones. There are more than 20 different types of animals and over 100 birds in this area, thanks to the profusion of Himalayan cedar, rhododendron, Himalayan yew, beech, Himalayan spruce, and spikenard.
2. Someshwar Mahadev Temple
Celebrations and fairs are held regularly at the Someshwar Mahadev temple in Sankri. The temple’s Pahadi-style building has exquisite Deodar woodcarvings. The temple dates back to the time of the Pandavas, and it is possible to idle away many hours there taking photographs of the surrounding Swargarohini peaks.
All About the Natives
Uttarakhand is a great place to visit because of its rich history and unique culture. The people of Uttarakhand have been gifted with several religious monuments across their cities, towns, and villages.
Learn about the customs of this fascinating area, where faith and culture are held near, yet everyday life is entertaining to see. Since the turn of the century, tourism has increased, bringing in new money for locals. Everybody respects their unique culture and appreciates the kindness they provide to tourists. Because of their kindness and respect for travellers, your journey will be filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
What Happens When You Dig Into All Those Urban Legends
Stories from the time of the Mahabharata, including several fables, are held in high regard. Nonetheless, readers and hikers must be informed about the facts and falsehoods.
There are urban legends that trekking companies will tell you about Duryodhana being worshipped at the Yudhishthira shrine. The locals firmly believe that if you go up Har Ki Dun, you’ll end up in paradise. According to the exhaustive investigation, none of these things can be found in this area. The converse is true: there is no record of Yudhishthir’s ascent to heaven through the Har ki Dun route.
Narayan Parvat’s Swargarohini peak, located on the Badrinath pilgrimage route, was the focus of the sacred journey (mountain). Laxmi van, Chakaratir, Sahastradhara, and Satopanth Lake are the places that have passed.
In addition, the Mori area of Uttarkashi does not have a Duryodhana temple. Despite its name, the Duryodhana Temple is the Lord Shiva shrine of Someshwar Mahadev.
Har Ki Dun Trek: Why Go There?
- Understanding why you have decided to hike the Har Ki Dun before moving on to the schedule details is important.
- Har Ki Dun Trek is a 56-kilometer (35-mile) hike that takes a minimum of 7 days to complete. Considering everything the Har Ki Dun Trek offers, it is categorized as a Moderate Level Trek.
- Since a forest will soon be in the area, high-altitude mountain sickness will not be an issue.
- Compared to similar hikes, this one is not as steep and rocky. It’s a relatively easy hike for first-timers. You were treated to a panorama of the Himalayan mountains, lush green meadows, tranquil lakes, towering pine forests, and an abundance of flora and animals, all while immersed in authentic Garhwali tradition and culture.
- Spend some time conversing with natives, and you’ll pick up some of the old myths of India.
- This magnificent valley is blanketed in snow during the winter, making it a huge, enchanted snow land.
Activities For The Har Ki Dun Hike
While visiting Har ki Dun, be sure to do the following:
Go Camping Har Ki Dun
When you camp on your way to Har ki Dun, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature and the sounds of the river. Camping during Har ki Dun is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, much more intriguing than staying at a homestay or guest house, because of the opportunity to sleep beneath the starry sky, wake up to the sounds of nature, and maybe even see some rare birds as they argue in the trees.
To Observe And Photograph Birds
This hike is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to a wide variety of avian species, such as the Great Pied Hornbill, Green Magpie, Cheer-Pheasant, Koklass-Pheasant, Kalij-Pheasant, Hill-Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Oriental Turtle Dove, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous Sibia, Great Barbet, and many more! Going through this trip is only possible by constantly pulling out your phone or camera to take pictures.
Suggestions For The Har Ki Dun Trek
- Although this trip is ideal for those seeking adventure in the Himalayas, it has challenges since it is characterized by harsh weather and moderate to great difficulty.
- To survive the erratic climate of the mountains, it is essential to pack warm clothes and other protective equipment. Keep your backpack secure, and ensure you have a windbreaker, dry socks, and a hat on hand. To prevent frostbite, it is important to wear properly fitting boots made of high-quality materials. Do your part to improve blood flow by using the appropriate footwear and socks.
- Take along a warm, cozy sleeping bag. Bring a durable backpack that can withstand rough use, particularly one lined with plastic or waterproof. Take your forms of identification with you, as you may need to show them to the authorities.
Conclusion
The vacationer must be in good physical condition—able to run or walk 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in under 30 minutes without tiring. The rucksack the traveler would be carrying would weigh between 10 and 15 kg. Carrying loads on your shoulders will not be an issue.
If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy, you should not make this trip. The Har ki Dun trek is an adventure of a lifetime that leads to the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. Tusk Travel is the best place to plan and book your next outdoor adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the Har Ki Dun Trek?
The Har Ki Dun Trek is a scenic trail in Uttarakhand, offering stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas and lush green valleys.
2. How long is the Har Ki Dun Trek?
The trek spans approximately 47 kilometers and takes 6–7 days to complete.
3. What is the best time to visit Har Ki Dun?
The best time is from March to June for greenery and pleasant weather, or from September to November for clear skies and cooler temperatures.
4. What is the difficulty level of the trek?
It is a moderate-level trek, suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels.
5. What is the starting point of the trek?
The trek starts from Sankri village in Uttarkashi district.
6. What are the main attractions of the trek?
Key highlights include the Swargarohini Peak, alpine meadows, glacier views, and charming villages like Osla and Taluka.
7. Is prior trekking experience required?
While prior experience is not mandatory, a good fitness level is recommended.
8. What is the total altitude of Har Ki Dun?
Har Ki Dun is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,566 meters (11,700 feet).
9. What should I pack for the trek?
Essentials include trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, a first-aid kit, energy snacks, and a water bottle.
10. Are guides or permits required for the trek?
Yes, a guide is recommended for safety, and permits are mandatory as the trek falls within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
11. Is the trek suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, but it’s safer and more enjoyable to join a group or hire a guide.
12. What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
Accommodation options include basic guesthouses in villages or camping sites along the trail.
