Among the many treks available in Uttarakhand, the Har ki Dun walk stands out as an unusual adventure that offers a great chance to see parts of the Himalayas that have yet to be explored. Har ki Dun, also known as the Valley of Gods, is a cradle-shaped formation in the Govind Ballabh Pant National Park that sits at an elevation of 3,566 metres. The valley provides breathtaking views of mountains such as Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini.
Har ki Dun trek is a unique trekking destination in Uttarakhand, with convenient access to both airports and train stations in the nearby city of Dehradun. From Dehradun, the starting point of the Har ki Dun walk in Sankri is around a 10-hour journey.
The trail continues from Puani Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar. It takes about 5 hours to travel the almost 10 kilometres from Kalkattiyadhar to Har ki Dun. On the way back to Sankri and then to Dehradun, you’ll pass through yet another Himalayan village called Osla.
Reaching Your Goals
About 220 kilometres separate the base camp in Sankri from Dehradun. To get to the trailhead of Har ki Dun, you can take any of the following routes.
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport has frequent flights to and from New Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, etc. The trip from here to Sankri, by car, will take you close to 10 hours.
Transport: Train
There are numerous train lines that stop at Dehradun Terminal. From Delhi, the trip to Dehradun is an overnight one. To reach Sankri from the train station, you may either take a taxi or a bus.
The road network connecting to Dehradun is extensive. From Delhi and other places such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, Shimla, Amritsar, etc., you can take a bus or hire a cab or taxi to get to Dehradun.
Optimal Conditions for a Hike to Har ki Dun
The months of April through June and September through December are ideal for a Har ki Dun hike. Visit in February or March, though, to go snow trekking. Time spent acclimating to the high elevations will pay dividends.
Summer
Summers are always mild and sunny. During the night, the temperature could drop to as low as -1 degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing.
Monsoon
Don’t schedule your expedition for the monsoons. Landslides are common on the path, and roads remain impassable.
During the winter, the Har Ki Dun valley is pristine. In the colder months, snowfall is common. However, things get difficult on the excursion because there are so few places to stay. Pack your warmest coats, ponchos, fleeces, thermals, and rainwear. During this season, temperatures often hover around -15°C, with the occasional dip to -10°C.
The Best Way to Hike to Har ki Dun
The following are some of the most important things to remember when organising your trip:
You should begin hiking preparations a minimum of one month before the actual trip.
The entire trekking path, including the base camp, lacks an ATM, so be sure to have enough cash.
Get in touch with other seasoned travellers and schedule your trip well in advance.
During the monsoon, the trail to Har ki Dun becomes muddy and slick, so it’s best to avoid making plans to hike there.
Important Tools and Equipment
A well-padded, water-resistant backpack of 50–60 litres
Long pole for hiking
Headtorch
Bottles of water, a hydration pack, and a thermal container
Snacks like energy bars and dried fruits
Packet of First Aid Supplies
Disinfectants and hand sanitizers
Packaging material intended for single use
Prepare Your Body for the Har ki Dun Trek
The voyager must be physically healthy. Ability to run or walk five kilometres in thirty minutes without tiring.
A backpack weighing 10–15 kg would be carried by the traveller. Your shoulders will not bother you while you walk with weight.
If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, asthma, or epilepsy, you shouldn’t do this trip.
You can find peace and quiet in the Himalayas on the Har ki Dun trek, an adventure of a lifetime.
