Har Ki Dun Valley Trek

20/01/2013 14:21

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Altitude: 3566 mts/11697 ft
Grade: Easy - Moderate
Season: March - June & Sept - Mid Nov
Places covered: Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Sankri - Taluka - Taluka - Osla - Har Ki Dun - Osla - Taluka - Sankri

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 2 Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie

Board the morning AC Train for Dehra Dun at 06:55 hrs. Arrival at Dehra Dun by noon. Upon arrival at Dehra Dun met our representative and then transfer to Mussoorie and check in to hotel for overnight stay.

Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill station. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley & Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.

Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. Mussoorie is famous for its scenic beauty and the hustle bustle of a hill resort. It provides many amusements for domestic and foreign tourists.

Mussoorie is conveniently connected to road by Delhi and major cities and is the 'Gateway' to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India.
Day 3 Mussoorie - Sankri (166 kms/ 5-6 hrs)

The twisting road follows a winding course going into the Yamuna valley via Mussoorie, and the Kempty falls, finally descending into the Tons river valley, crossing towns such as Sankri, Purola and Mori. Sankri is the last village connected to the motor road. This picturesque village is about 13 Kms inside the Govind Wild Life Sanctuary (Netwair is the place where the check post is located). Sankri is the gateway to the almost untouched Har-ki-dun (3566m) with the Swargarohini Peak(6096m) towering above it in the backdrop. Overnight in tourist rest house/tent.
Day 4 Sankri - Taluka (1900 m/6232 ft) 14 kms/4-5 hrs

From Sankri the track is well marked and passes through dense forest with breathtaking views of the valley sprawled below and the gushing river Rupin. Taluka, a small hamlet nestled in the lap of nature, is also known for its beautiful "Pahari cottages" made out of an intricate wood , stone and mud ensemble - a must see, as it is considered earthquake proof, and contains the animal sheds on the ground floor, utilizing their body heat to warm the living area located directly above ! The village is located at an altitude of 1900 Mts, and has guest houses and a few shack shops providing daily provisions to the local inhabitants. The campsite on this day is by the river banks of the Supin. Overnight in tourist rest house/tent.
Day 5 Taluka - Osla (2560 m / 8400 ft) (13 kms/6-7 hrs)

The trail from Taluka village initially descends and then continues gradually on the true left of the valley adjoining the river Rupin. Later the trail winds upwards through beautiful forest full of Chestnut, Walnut and Willow trees, and continues to the village of Gangar. One has to cross a stream here and continue to climb to finally vet a bird eye 's view of the settlement of picturesque Osla village at a distant on the true right of the valley. From this point, one continues to trek to Seema. The campsite is located opposite to the village of Osla and separated by the swift river. Seema is a small village with a few shops selling limited supplies of daily use! A Forest Rest House and Tourist Bungalow are available for the visitors. Overnight in tourist rest house/tent.
Day 6 Osla - Har - Ki Dun (3566 m / 11700 ft) (12 kms/6-7 hrs)

The trail from Seema initially continues on the true left of the valley, goes past fields followed by crossing a hanging bridge over river Rupin, to the right hand side of the valley. The trail now ascends, going past fields and pastures with local huts. The coniferous flora on the opposite side of the valley is awesome and is a photographer's delight. The trail climbs to the ridge locally named as Kalkatti Dhar, The gradual ascent to Har ki dun offers excellent views of the snow covered mountains and lush green terraced mountain fields. The last steep climb of 200 m gets one to the famed meadows of Har ki Dun with the west face of Swargrohini overlooking the valley. The campsite is located by a small stream, with peaks of Har Ki Dun and Swargarohini towering above. Overnight in the tents.
Day 7 Har Ki Dun

The day is for relaxation and exploration. Having a morning at ease you can explore Morinda lake in the first half of the day. One can see Kala nag, Bandar poonch, Ruinsara peaks and the majestic Swargarohini even before one reaches Har ki dhun. A truly heavenly and peaceful place, for those wanting to spend some time by themselves feeling one with the vast expanse! One realizes that it is not a destination spot by itself, it doesnt feel like one, you will want to go right towards Swargarohini and Jumnar glacier or left towards Borasu pass (Taking one to Chitkul in Himachal). The huge and picturesque valley is flanked by massive mountains on three sides, and the valley floor is covered in soft grassy patches. Lunch and rest. Overnight in the tents.
Day 8 Har Ki Dun - Osla

The trek back to the village of Osla is an easy walk which gives a lot of opportunity to admire and photograph the beauty of the valley and the villages. The trek to Osla takes around 3-4 hrs. Overnight in tourist rest house/ tent.
Day 9 Osla - Taluka (13 kms/3-4 hrs)

The walk towards Taluka village is equally easy as the previous day. Absorb the natural beauty while taking the relaxing descent down thebreathtaking valley! Overnight in rest house/ hotel.
Day 10 Taluka (13 kms/3-4 hrs) - Sankri - Dehradun (215 Kms, 7-8 hrs)

The trek for the day is relaxing and fun walk through the forest and on the well marked path. On arriving Sankri bid farewell to ponies/ porters. Board the vehicle and start driving towards Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand> Hotel check in. Take out time to visit places such as the Forest Research Institute, The Indian Military Academy, Malsi Deer Park, Robber's cave, or a simple dekko of the Paltan Bazaar! Overnight in the hotel.
Day 11 Dehradun - Delhi

In the morning board the AC train for Delhi at 05:10 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 11:15 hrs. On arrival met our representative and then transfer to airport and from here catch your onwards destination flight.