Har Ki dun Trek

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.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.

Your Har Ki Dun adventure begins with an early morning SUV ride from Sankri to Taluka. The drive is short but bumpy, passing through dense forest trails. During the monsoon or winter months, this stretch can become risky due to landslides or snow—sometimes requiring a trek of up to 8 km on foot before reaching Taluka.

From Taluka, the trek begins on a stony path shaded by cedar and pine trees. The refreshing aroma of the forest accompanies us as we make our way along the Supin River, whose soothing sound stays with us throughout the day.

The trail winds through groves of walnut, pine, and cedar, occasionally crossing small mountain streams that merge with the Supin. Along the way, we stay alert for the ‘bichchu ghas’—a local herb that causes a mild stinging sensation if touched but is also famously used as a cooked vegetable by the locals.

As we gradually gain altitude, glimpses of the quaint village of Datmer appear across the river on the true left. If you’re lucky, you might spot a yellow-throated marten darting through the forest canopy.

Nature surprises us at every step—with bursts of sea buckthorn berries (locally known as ‘leh berries’) that grow along the trail. Their tangy, citrus flavor makes for a refreshing trail-side snack and they’re known for being rich in Vitamin C.

After 5–6 hours of a scenic and enriching walk, we finally arrive at Puani Garat, a peaceful campsite nestled beside the river. Surrounded by nature and far from the chaos of everyday life, it’s the perfect place to unwind and prepare for the journey ahead.

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.

Today is the most awaited day of the Har Ki Dun trek as we head towards the heart of the valley—Har Ki Dun, a breathtaking cradle-shaped valley surrounded by snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows.

After an early breakfast at our campsite in Kalkatidhar/Boslo, we begin our gradual ascent towards Har Ki Dun. The trail is a moderate climb, weaving through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, charming wooden bridges, and streams fed by glacial melt. As we gain altitude, the vistas open up to reveal towering peaks like Swargarohini, Hata Peak, and Jaundar Glacier in the distance.

After about 3–3.5 hours of trekking, we reach Har Ki Dun, a pristine high-altitude meadow perched at around 3,500 meters. We spend quality time here soaking in the stunning landscape, taking photographs, and exploring the surroundings. You can also spot the ancient stone huts used by local shepherds and get a glimpse into their traditional way of life.

After spending time at the valley, we retrace our steps back to the campsite at Kalkatidhar/Boslo, descending through the same scenic route. The return takes another 2.5–3 hours.

The day is long but incredibly rewarding—a true highlight of the entire trek, filled with panoramic views, peaceful silence, and a deep connection with the raw beauty of the Himalayas. Rest and rejuvenate at the camp in the evening under the star-lit sky.

After a hearty breakfast at our campsite in Kalkatidhar/Boslo, we pack our bags and begin our descent toward Seema Camp. Though we retrace the same trail we had earlier climbed, the experience feels refreshingly different. The downhill route opens up new perspectives of the majestic valley, and the descent allows us to take in the landscape more comfortably and at a leisurely pace.

The trail winds gently through alpine forests and open meadows, with the ever-present Supin River running alongside us—its glistening waters and rhythmic sound providing a calming backdrop to our walk. As we descend, the flora subtly changes, and we once again pass through stretches of walnut, pine, and rhododendron trees, their colors and scents even more vivid in the afternoon light.

Wildlife sightings are not uncommon—keep an eye out for Himalayan birds flitting between the trees or the distant call of barking deer echoing through the forest. We also pass occasional shepherd huts and grazing grounds where you might spot goats or sheep, and if lucky, exchange a friendly wave with the locals tending their flocks.

This portion of the trail is easier on the legs, allowing us to soak in the beauty and reflect on the journey so far. As we approach Seema Camp, the terrain levels out, and we’re welcomed by the familiar, tranquil setting nestled amidst the forested landscape.

Once we reach the camp, it's time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful vibes of nature. With hot tea in hand and the river nearby, we spend the evening in reflection and quiet celebration—recharging for the final stretch of our Har Ki Dun adventure.

We begin our final morning in the valley with a refreshing breakfast at Seema Camp, soaking in the serene atmosphere one last time. From here, we start a short but scenic descent, covering approximately 4 km through the forested trail toward Taluka. The route is relatively easy and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing us to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the ever-present company of the Supin River.

Upon reaching Taluka, we board a vehicle for the drive back to Sankri (about 12 km), where a warm meal and cozy accommodation await. It’s a day of mixed emotions—gratitude for the journey completed and the memories made, and a hint of nostalgia as we leave behind the majestic Har Ki Dun valley.

Relax, unwind, and celebrate the successful completion of the trek in the charming village of Sankri.

As the sun rises over the serene hills of Sankri, we begin the final leg of our Har ki Dun journey. After an early breakfast and heartfelt goodbyes to the mountains that have been our home for the past week, we board our vehicles for the drive back to Dehradun.

The road trip spans around 190 km, taking approximately 8–9 hours, and winds through some of the most scenic yet lesser-known landscapes of Uttarakhand. The route via Mori is especially captivating—lush forests, charming hamlets, and winding mountain roads keep the journey visually rich and engaging.

As we drive along the Tons River, we can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia. This region was once a hub for river sports like rafting and kayaking, but the advent of a large-scale hydel project has unfortunately threatened the fragile ecosystem. The damming of the river has changed the course of its flow and put a halt to many adventure activities. It's a poignant reminder of how delicate these natural landscapes truly are.

Despite these changes, the raw beauty of the region endures. The ever-changing scenery—from dense pine forests to terraced farms and vibrant mountain villages—keeps us enchanted throughout the drive. We pass through Purola, Naugaon, and finally wind our way past Kempty Falls and Mussoorie, soaking in the last glimpses of the mountains.

By evening—between 5:00 and 7:00 PM—we reach Dehradun, bringing our unforgettable Har ki Dun trek to a close. While the physical journey ends here, the memories of pristine valleys, gushing rivers, warm campfires, and new friendships will stay with us for a lifetime.

Let’s hold onto the magic of this experience—and begin dreaming of the next great adventure.