Har ki Dun Trek

Trek & Distance: 16 drive, 4 km trek in 2 hrs

Altitude	8,589 ft

Enjoy the beautiful morning and the views at Sankri and leave for Dharkot after an energetic breakfast. The drive from Sankri to Taluka will take you about an hour or more to reach. The road is very undulating with loose stones and boulders on the way, but the beautiful views of the mountains and water streams make it worthwhile. You can also see the Har Ki Dun peak from far away and small village settlements near the valley. Once you reach Taluka, you can have your tea and snacks at a dhaba or you can continue your drive further to Dharkot which is about 1-2 km away. The region beyond Taluka is frequented by landslides, destroying the motorable roads that come in its way. Currently, the entire stretch of road, from Taluka to Gangad is under construction. You can drive to Dharkot and after that, you will have to trek to Seema Village, about 4 km trekking distance. The campsite for the day will vary by 1-2 km near Gangad, depending on the road conditions. From Dharkot, the road is extremely muddy and uncomfortable to walk on. As you approach Gangad, the muddy trail will disappear taking you towards a well-marked trail. On the trail, you will be greeted by the rumbling and roaring blue waters of the Supin River which runs parallel throughout the Har Ki Dun Trekking trail. This river drains the upper reaches of Swargarohini and Banderpunch mountains before merging with the Rupin River to form Tons River, an important tributary of the Yamuna River. Here, you will pass through forest sections with greenery on both sides of the trekking path. The melodious chirpings of birds and the red, white, and pink wildflowers will fill your heart with eternal bliss. You can find edible fruits of seabuckthorn or ‘leh berries’ growing on the trails. These are rich in vitamin C and their juice is often sold in the market. You can eat these small orangish berries but avoid their seeds. The lush greenery and its Himalayan fauna combined with stunning views will make you forget the toil of the mildly uphill climb. As you approach Gangad, the last lap will include a gentle descent. Due to the frequent occurrence of rockfalls and landslides, it is possible that Gangad may not be accessible. In that case, we will continue our hike further to find a night stay at the nearby Seema Village. The trail from Gangad to Seema starts along the small river streams that eventually merge into the Supin River. The trail from here is particularly tough due to big and small rocks paving the entire trekking path. Cover this section by placing your feet carefully over each rock to avoid ankle sprain or angling. Land on both your feet and carry sturdy waterproof boots to avoid any injury. On your way, you will cross a wooden bridge Chelud Gad to reach the other side of the river. The route from here will take you to Seema Village, 4 km from Gangad. The entire section will take you through the stone-laden uphill trek. Take small pit stops on your way to relax your knees and ankles. If by chance you get stranded due to unpredictable rainfall, you can find small canteens and shepherd shelters throughout the trekking route for a temporary stay. As you approach Seema Village, you may find one or two hydro-powered mills or water mills used by the Villagers. Locally known as Gharat, these water mills use the water of streams to grind Ragi or Mandua, a staple for the villagers. At Seema, you can spend your night by setting up a camp in the nearby small ground in the village or you can opt for a homestay. Have your dinner here and spend the night.

Trek Distance: 8.7 km, 4-5 hrs

Altitude	11,500 ft at Boslo

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast of mandua ki roti and saag. We will leave Seema early to reach Boslo campsite on day 3. Begin your trek by offering your prayers at the Mahadev Temple of Seema and continue your ascend further to Osla. Enjoy the surreal views of the Hata Peak and Har Ki Dun Valley on your way which seems to come nearer as you go up. Cross a wooden bridge from Seema to Osla. Now you are towards the left of the Supin River. At Osla village, the simplicity of village life and kids playing merrily will fill your heart with warmth. This village is said to be home to the ancient temple of Someshwara Mahadev, which is said to be dedicated to Duryodhana, from Mahabharat. If time permits, offer your prayer here and admire the heavenly setting of this wooden carved temple amidst the quaint hilly village. Osla is the last village on the trekking route to Har Ki Dun, from here you will not find any dhabas or canteens. We will continue our hike towards our next stop, Kalkatiyadhar. On your way, you will cross the terraced fields with crops, from millets and mustard to wheat and amaranth, being grown as per the season. The striking colors of greens, yellows, and browns in contrast with the blue sky and the mighty peaks of Kalanaag and Swargrohini will take your breath away. After trekking on a steep trail for around 4.3 km you will arrive at Kalkatiyadhar. Here, you will find a meadow where you can lie down on the carpet of grass and admire the views of Har Ki Dun Valley while relaxing. The majestic views of Devsu Bugyal, Blackpeak (Kalnaag), and Ruinsara Range will wash away all your tiredness. From Kalkatiadhar, a 2.5 km further trek with a gentle gradient over a ridge will take you to Boslo. En route, you will notice Bhojpatra Trees lining the cliff, representing the high altitude of the place. If you are lucky, you can spot Himalayan Monal perched on one of the tree tops. The entire route is paved with rugged stones jutting out from the ground on a very narrow trail. Take extra care while walking to avoid any injury. As you approach Boslo, you will find yourself at a heavenly Bugyal or alpine meadow surrounded by towering peaks and a stunning view of Har Ki Dun. We will offload and set up our camps at Boslo to rest and retire for the night.

Trek distance & Time: 8-9 Km; 5-7 hrs (Boslo to Har Ki Dun and further to Marinda Lake)

Altitude	11,604 ft at Har ki Dun valley, 12,500 ft at Marinda Lake

Day 4 is the most exciting day of this trek! You will visit the Har ki Dun Valley, its summit, and Marinda Lake (optional) today.

Wake up at dawn so that you do not miss the heavenly sunrise from the Boslo campsite. You will see the golden-red hues hitting the top of Swargrohini Peaks and the slight fog above it will give it an illusion of fire.

Have your breakfast and you can leave your bag at the camp. You can carry your day bag with snacks and a water bottle. Har Ki Dun Valley from Boslo is about 2 km away. Today’s trail section will include forests, cascading waterfalls, and the raging Supin River. The entire route is well-marked and the gradient is gentle. Throughout the route, the chirpings of the birds and the gurgling of the waterfalls and river streams will give you company.

As you go up, the valley starts opening up with the face of Har Ki Dun appearing right in front of you. You will get clearer views of the Ruinsara range, Swargarohini, and Hata Peak. When you enter the Har Ki Dun Valley, the scenic location of a vast meadow with Supin flowing at full speed towards the right and loft peaks looking down from all directions will stun you with its beauty.

The valley is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It used to be a campsite but currently camping here is not allowed. Explore the wondrous meadow and soak in its beauty. If you want to have a closer look at Swargarohini and Jaundhar Glacier, you can trek further to the summit. At the summit, you will find a small Mahadev Temple, giving Har Ki Dun, or “Valley of Gods,” a true meaning.

Another beautiful location where this trek will lead you is Marinda Tal. This alpine lake features clear and blue water. It is formed by a boulder obstructing the flow of a water stream that flows down from the far-off Borasu Pass. Marinda Tal is only 2 km from Har Ki Dun and you can visit it if time permits.

Enjoy and explore the unparalleled scenery of the Valley. Its divine beauty evokes a sense of Lord Shiva’s presence in the mountains. Retrace your steps back to the Boslo Campsite. Have your dinner at the camp and rest for the night.

Trek distance & Time: 8.7 km; 4-5 hrs

Altitude	8,589 ft

Start your day early, soak in the beauty of the Boslo campsite and its beautiful views. We will go back to the civilization today. Descend back to Kalkatiyadhar first. Here, the downhill walk is fairly easy along the cedar and pine lined on the ridge. From Kalkatiyadhar, we will descend to Osla Village where you can visit the Mahadev temple, if you missed this spot before on Day 4. Throughout the way from Osla, you will pass through many dhabas where you can have your lunch or tea and snacks. The numerous water streams will appear at several spots, you can fill your bottles there. As you descend further, the Seema Village and its terraced fields will welcome you. Relax at a homestay or the campsite, have your dinner, and spend the night here. If you have time, you can explore the village and interact with the friendly locals here.

Trek distance & Time: 4 km trek- 2 hrs, 16 km drive

Altitude	6,400 ft

Start your day early with a warm cup of Tea and a final look at the terraced fields of Seema Village. After a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the friendly locals who made your stay memorable. Today is a short but sweet day a gentle 4 km walk back to Dharkot then drive to Sankri. As you approach Dharkot, the motorable road comes back into view a small reminder that civilization is close. At Dharkot, your vehicle will be waiting. Load your backpacks and settle in for the 16 km drive back to Sankri through the winding mountain roads. The same deep gorges, dense deodar forests, and distant peaks that greeted you on Day 2 will now feel like old friends saying goodbye. Reach Sankri in late afternoon. This is your last night in the mountains use it well. Explore the small market at Sankri, pick up local souvenirs, or simply sit outside and watch the peaks you just trekked under glow in the afternoon light. Have a warm dinner at your guesthouse, rest your tired legs, and let the memories of the past six days sink in quietly.

Drive distance & Time: 190 km; 9-10 hrs

Day 7 marks the end of this incredible trek to Har Ki Dun. Start your day early and check out from your accommodation. After having breakfast, get ready for the long drive back to Dehradun. Enjoy the views of the Har Ki Dun Valley from Sankri. You can stop at Purola to have your lunch. By evening, you will arrive at Dehradun. This concludes your Har Ki Dun Trek.