The Har-Ki-Dun trek is one of the most sought after treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The valley of Har-ki-Dun is located at the base of Fateh Parvat, at an altitude of 3,556 meters. The valley is surrounded by dense Pine forests and offers amphitheatre views of mountain such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Blackpeak. This deserted piece of land is a paradise for flora and fauna lovers. Black bear, Langoors and wild boars are native habitants in the region. Golden eagles are also found in this region. The accessibility through Govind National Park makes it rich in flora. You can find trees of Bhojpatra, Bramhakamal, the flower. Swargarohini and Jaundar Glacier are in the south-east of this cradle shaped attraction. Given to its beauty and moderate difficulty level, this is an ideal trek for experienced as well as novice trekkers.
Har ki Dun is an easy level trek ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For a novice, it is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain a good physical stamina and read extensively. Any experienced trekker would love to go on this trek for the love of its views and trekking.
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
1. Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
2. Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
One should have done an easy trek of 2-3 days upto 2500 M altitude. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. A basic knowledge of how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will help.
Click here for text packing list.
Start point of Har ki Dun Trek is Taluka which is 12 kms from Sankri. Sankri is a small village in Uttarakhand which is a base camp for many Uttrakhand treks. It is 180 km from Dehradun. There are indirect public buses and shared jeeps running between Dehradun and Sankri.
Dehradun is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport.
By Road:
There are no direct buses to Sankri from Delhi. There You can take overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to Dehradun. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 247 km. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Sankri is 187 km away in Dehradun. There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Dehradun like Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance.
By Air:
The nearest airport from Sankri is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 213 km away from Sankri. You can reach Dehradun from New Delhi by flight.
Dehradun is the beautiful capital city of Uttrakhand with a number of attractions to visit. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar Temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.
There is no mobile reception after Sankri. Even in Sankri, you get only BSNL network. There are a few landline booths in Sankri that can be used on paid basis.
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
