Har Ki Dun Trek, Uttarakhand
Situated at a height of 3566 m in the Western Ganges of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Hanging Valley of Gods, also known as Har ki Doon, is a moderate trek, offering a wonderful experience to the trekker. This cradle-shaped valley is enveloped by sparkling peaks and dense forests. Make your Summer Vacations in Uttarakhand more exciting by unveiling the secrets of the inhabitants who reside in the valley and still practice polygamy and worship Duryodhana, a Kaurava brother from the Mahabharata, as their deity.
Boasting of immense serenity and untouched natural beauty, this trek has a vast and varied variety of flora and fauna. It is also said that this was the place from which the Pandava brothers reached heaven. The trail also has the rare tree species of Bhojpatra and Brahmakamal, along with the Jaundar glacier and Swargarohini glacier. Not clicking photographs would be a crime.
Why Har Ki Dun is Special
- Rich flora, including Bhojpatra, Oak, Rhododendron, Brahmakamal
- Rare wildlife sightings: Himalayan Monal, Black Bear, Langur
- Spectacular glacier views (Swargarohini & Jaundhar)
- Trek through 2,000+ year-old villages like Osla & Gangaad
- Ideal for beginners stepping into multi-day trekking
The valley appears entirely different in each season:
Snow-covered in winter, lush green in summer, vibrant yellow-orange in autumn.
Day-Wise Itinerary for Har Ki Dun Trek
| Day | Itinerary Plan | Highlights / Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Dehradun to Sankri Village | Scenic drive, homestay |
| Day 2 | Sankri to Taluka to Gangaad Village | Forest trail, river crossings |
| Day 3 | Gangaad to Har Ki Dun Base Camp | Peak views, meadows |
| Day 4 | Exploration Day: Har Ki Dun to Jaundhar Glacier or Maninda Tal and back | Photography, snow patches |
| Day 5 | Har Ki Dun to Osla Village | Ancient villages |
| Day 6 | Osla to Taluka to Sankri | Return downhill |
| Day 7 | Sankri to Dehradun | End of trek |
This itinerary can be customized depending on pace and weather conditions.
Best Time to Visit
- March to June - Green landscapes, flowers blooming
- September to December -Crystal-clear views and snow patches
- Avoid the monsoon due to slippery trails and landslides
How to Reach
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), 230 km from Sankri |
| By Train | Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected |
| By Road | Buses and taxis from Dehradun to Sankri |
The drive from Dehradun to Sankri itself is a mountain photography delight.
Nearby Attractions
You can extend your trip to:
- Kedarkantha Trek (starts from Sankri)
- Ruinsara Tal Trek
- Taluka & Osla Village cultural walk
Perfect for travelers who want a longer Garhwal adventure.
Trek Cost (Approx.)
| Package | Includes | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Guides, camping, permits, meals | Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 per person |
| Standard | Transport from Dehradun, equipment, meals, and guides | Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 18,000 per person |
Prices may vary based on group size and season.
Essential Travel Tips
- Carry good trekking shoes, woollens, sunglasses, and gloves
- Stay hydrated and walk steadily at your pace
- Respect local culture and religious beliefs
- Do not feed wildlife or litter in forests
- Network connectivity is limited beyond Sankri
Har Ki Dun Trek Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 6 to 7 Days |
| Starting Point | Sankri Village, Uttarkashi |
| Max. Elevation | 3,566 meters |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Trek Distance | Approx. 48 km |
| Region | Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Garhwal Himalayas |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June and September to December |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Nearest Railhead | Dehradun Railway Station |
Har Ki Dun Trek is a perfect combination of nature, adventure, culture, and mythology. Whether you're a beginner seeking your first multi-day trek or a nature lover craving peace amidst the Himalayas, Har Ki Dun leaves unforgettable memories.
This trek beautifully captures the essence of Untouched Garhwal – inviting trekkers to explore the legendary “Hanging Valley of Gods”.
