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About Har Ki Doon
Opening time- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Prime days and hours- Weekends, Mornings
Suggested Duration- 10 days
Tickets- Available Offline
Nearest Railway Station- Dehradun Railway Station, about 200 km
Nearest Bus Stand- Mussoorie Bus Stand, about 153 km
Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, about 226 km
Har Ki Dun is one of the most scenic and peaceful treks in Uttarakhand, perfect for beginners and nature lovers. This week-long trail starts from the small village of Sankri and takes you through pine forests, riverside paths, and beautiful mountain valleys. As you walk along the Supin River, you pass through villages like Osla and Gangad, where people still follow old traditions and live close to nature. The route is filled with green meadows, tall trees, and the sounds of birds and flowing streams. With views of snow-covered peaks like Swargarohini and Black Peak, every step of the trek feels magical and refreshing.
Har Ki Dun is not just about trekking, it's about connecting with nature and learning about local culture. The trail leads you to a wide, bowl-shaped valley that feels calm and untouched. There’s also a small temple at Osla dedicated to Duryodhana, adding a touch of myth to the journey. For anyone looking for quiet nature trails, cultural stories, and mountain views, this trek is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Uttarakhand. It's the perfect escape for a slow-paced, meaningful Himalayan experience.
Har Ki Doon Highlights
• Walk the ancient Har Ki Doon trail, believed to have been taken by the Pandavas on their journey to heaven, steeped in legends from the Mahabharata.
• Trek through dense pine and deodar forests along the Supin River, with wooden bridges and cascading streams adding to the scenic charm.
• Discover Osla, a remote mountain village with a Duryodhana temple and traditional wooden homes reflecting Bhotiya tribal culture.
• Catch breathtaking views of the Swargarohini, Black, and Hata Peaks towering over alpine meadows and glacier-fed valleys.
• Explore hidden gems like Morinda Tal, a peaceful glacial lake, and spot Himalayan Monals, musk deer, and other mountain wildlife.
• Camp under starry skies in secluded clearings, surrounded by forests and snowy ridges, making for a magical Himalayan escape.
How To Reach Har Ki Doon
By Road- To reach Har Ki Dun, start from Sankri village, the trek’s base camp, located around 190 km from Dehradun, taking about 6 hours to reach via NH 507.
By Trek- The trekking route begins after a short drive from Sankri to Taluka via Dharkot, covering around 21 km by road. From Taluka, the actual trek to Har Ki Dun Valley begins, winding through villages like Cheludgad, Osla, and alpine meadows along the Supin River. The complete trek takes about 6-7 days, depending on your pace and breaks..
Trek Route-
Taluka to Cheludgad (Approx. 6 km / 4-5 hours)
Your trek begins from the small village of Taluka, after a short drive from Sankri. The trail gently ascends through thick pine and deodar forests, alongside the Supin River. You’ll pass scenic wooden bridges and small Himalayan hamlets, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and forest wildlife.
Cheludgad to Har Ki Dun Valley (Approx. 12 km / 6-8 hours)
Walk through open meadows, high ridgelines, and rhododendron patches, with views of snow-capped peaks getting closer. Traditional villages like Osla dot the route, adding cultural depth. As you reach Har Ki Dun Valley, the panoramic views of Swargarohini, glacier basins, and alpine landscapes leave a lasting impression.
Har Ki Dun to Maninda Tal and Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint (Approx. 8 km / 6-7 hours)
On the exploration day, head deeper into the valley for a high-altitude day hike. The trail climbs gradually to Maninda Tal, a quiet alpine lake, and further to a viewpoint of the Jaundhar Glacier. Surrounded by sharp ridges and icy peaks, this stretch showcases the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Best Time To Visit Har Ki Doon
Peak Season (April to June)
Weather Insights: Clear skies, blooming meadows, and comfortable temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C make it the best time for the trek.
Things to Do: Enjoy forest walks through pine and deodar trees, explore local villages like Osla, and take in panoramic views of snow-covered peaks like Swargarohini and Black Peak.
Moderate Season (July to September)
Weather Insights: The monsoon brings frequent showers, lush green landscapes, and misty trails, with temperatures between 15°C and 22°C.
Things to Do: Witness vibrant alpine flora, experience thundering streams and waterfalls, and capture dramatic cloud-covered Himalayan scenery.
Low Season (October to March)
Weather Insights: Cold weather sets in, with temperatures dropping to 2°C during the day and sub-zero at night. Snowfall is common between December and February.
Things to Do: Perfect for snow trekking, winter photography, and peaceful hikes through frozen landscapes.
Har Ki Doon Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go-
- Please note that a permit, commonly called a trek ticket, is mandatory to enter the Har Ki Dun region. It can be obtained from the Uttarkashi District Administration from Sankri.
- Mobile signals are patchy after Purola and completely unavailable in Sankri and beyond, so rely on offline maps and GPS if needed.
- Pack warm clothing, even in summer, rain protection, a reusable water bottle, a torch, personal medications, and high-energy snacks.
- Always check the weather forecast before starting the trek. Snowfall may occur in winter months, and monsoon trails can be slippery and foggy.
- Be respectful of local customs, do not litter, and avoid disturbing wildlife in the forests and alpine meadows.
Begin Your Trek from Sankri
Your Har Ki Dun journey begins at Sankri, a quiet village nestled in the Uttarkashi district. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and snow-capped peaks, Sankri is the base camp where most trekkers stay the night before the trek. The trail follows the Supin River, with wooden bridges and chirping birds adding charm to the walk. This first stretch sets the tone for the entire trek, calm, scenic, and full of quiet Himalayan beauty, perfect for nature lovers.
Pass Through the Timeless Osla Village
Osla is a small mountain village famous for its wooden homes and a rare temple dedicated to Duryodhana. Walking through this village feels like stepping back in time. The friendly villagers, stone paths, and terraced fields give you a real sense of Garhwali culture. It’s one of the most unique and soulful stops along the Har Ki Dun trek.
Camp in the Meadows of Kalkattiyadhaar
Set against a backdrop of pine trees and distant snow peaks, Kalkattiyadhaar is a wide, grassy campsite where many trekkers spend the night. Surrounded by alpine beauty, it’s a perfect spot to relax, click pictures, and sleep under a sky full of stars. The peaceful setting makes it a memorable highlight and a must-visit experience for anyone camping in Uttarakhand.
Reach the Majestic Har Ki Dun Valley
The cradle-shaped Har Ki Dun Valley is the heart of the trek. Surrounded by Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Hata Peak, this green meadow with river streams looks straight out of a dream. It’s also believed to be the route taken by the Pandavas to heaven, adding mythological charm to the breathtaking natural beauty.
Hike Further to the Serene Marinda Tal
Just a short hike from the Har Ki Dun Valley lies Marinda Tal, a peaceful high-altitude lake formed by a rock blocking a mountain stream. The water reflects nearby peaks, making it a quiet, picture-perfect spot. It’s ideal for those who want a little more adventure and a calm moment away from the main trail.
Catch a Glimpse of the Swargarohini Peaks
Throughout your trek, especially from the valley and summit areas, the snow-covered Swargarohini peaks remain the most captivating sight. Their sharp, shining presence against the sky is unforgettable. Local legends say these peaks are the stairway to heaven taken by the Pandavas, adding a magical and mythic vibe to your entire Har Ki Dun journey.
Tourism Board Alliances
Har Ki Doon FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the Har Ki Dun trek, and is it suitable for beginners?
Har Ki Dun is rated as an easy to moderate trek, making it suitable for reasonably fit beginners. The terrain includes forest paths, gentle ascents, and some rocky sections, but it's not too steep or technical. With proper preparation, even first-time trekkers can complete this trail comfortably. Regular walking, stair climbing, and basic stamina training help make the trek more enjoyable.
Are there accommodation and food facilities available during the trek?
Yes, most Har Ki Dun trekking packages include stay and meals. Trekkers usually stay in tents at campsites or in basic guesthouses or homestays in villages like Sankri or Osla. Food is freshly cooked and includes simple meals like dal, rice, roti, and vegetables. Carry some energy snacks, and always inform your trek operator of any food allergies or dietary preferences beforehand.
Do I need any permits or permissions for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Yes, a trekking permit is required to enter the Har Ki Dun Valley as it falls under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. You can obtain this permit from Sankri, which is the trek’s base village. The permit is issued by the Uttarkashi District Administration. Trekking without a permit is not allowed, so ensure you or your operator gets it before starting the trail.
