The Har Ki Dun Trek is a stunning trek that passes through the Govind National Park, renowned for its beautiful wild flowers, especially orchids. This area boasts some of the most breathtaking forests and was popularized by Jack Gibson, a teacher at the Doon school in the late 1940s. The surrounding peaks and glaciers in the Banderpoonch Range are a mountaineer’s dream.
The Har-ki-dun valley is famous for its flowers and meadows. The trail follows the Tons River from Netwar village, passing through the picturesque villages of Gangad, Seema, and Osla. Har-ki-dun offers many camping spots and even a forest guest house. Taking a day of rest is perfect for exploring the nearby Jamdar glacier or making a short trip to Ruinsara Lake.
A winter wonderland and a paradise for trekkers, the Har Ki Dun Trek is a heavenly experience that will captivate you with its beauty. What makes it even more enticing is its accessibility in both summer and winter seasons. Situated in the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district, the Har Ki Dun valley is highly popular among trekkers and climbers. The trek to Har Ki Dun valley offers a lovely walk with stunning views of the Jaundhar glacier and the Swargarohini group of peaks. The catchment area of Har Ki Dun Trek is a significant source of the Yamuna River System and the largest tributary of Yamuna.
This trek takes you through enchanting alpine meadows, glaciers, and pine forests that are a feast for the eyes. In winter, the snow-covered trails create a mesmerizing sight when the sun peeks through the clouds. Considered one of the oldest treks in the Himalayas and known as the “Valley of Gods,” some believe it is the same route taken by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata on their journey to heaven. The snow peak of Swargarohini, which dominates this trek, carries the mythical legacy of a stairway to heaven.
Camping near the flowing river is a delightful experience, and the forest here is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, creating a captivating atmosphere. From this vantage point, you can see Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, and Blackpeak. The Har Ki Dun trail also takes you through ancient villages that have stood for 2,000 years, providing a glimpse into the lives of the locals who call this valley home.
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Difficulty Level of Har Ki Dun
The region experiences frequent rainfall, which can be a challenge. The Har ki Dun trek has moderately difficult trails that are best suited for intermediate level trekkers. However, beginners can also attempt this trek if they are determined, adventurous, and looking for a challenging start.
Beginners don’t need to worry about the long trek as they won’t have to cover the entire 53-kilometer distance in one go. They will only need to trek a maximum of 5 hours and cover a maximum distance of 9 kilometers each day. This allows them enough time for acclimatization and rest during the trek. If beginners are physically fit, they shouldn’t face much difficulty in hiking the trek, making it an ideal choice to start their trekking journey.
Har Ki Dun is considered an easy to moderate trek in terms of difficulty. The trail follows a well-established path used by the local people for many years. The total distance to the last village of Osla in the Har Ki Dun valley is 14 km from the starting point of the trek. Some sections have minor steepness, with the final stretch of about 0.5 km being notably steep. We covered only around 10 km on the first day, leaving the steep section for the second day.
Overall, the trail is gradual all the way to the valley. The distance from the last village to the Har Ki Dun valley is another 11 km. Therefore, the total distance of 25 km is covered in 3 days. On the third day, we continue further to Marinda Tal, which is 2.5 km ahead of Har Ki Dun. The approximate walking distances for each day are as follows:
- Day 1: Around 10 km
- Day 2: Steep section
- Day 3: 11 km to Har Ki Dun and 2.5 km to Marinda Tal
The entire journey takes 7 days, including two days of driving to Sankri and back to Dehradun. If you are capable of walking long distances, you can easily trek to Har Ki Dun without much worry.
Read More: Best Time To Visit Har Ki Dun Trek
How Technical is Har Ki Dun Trek?
The Har Ki Dun trek is often considered to be a moderate trek, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. It offers a beautiful and relatively easy-to-reach trail through the western Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India.
Typically, this trek takes about 6 nights and 7 days to complete, covering a round trip distance of approximately 53 kilometers. The trail includes moderate uphill and downhill sections, with some steep areas, rocky paths, and occasional river crossings. However, compared to other treks at high altitudes in the region, the Har ki Dun trek has a more gradual ascent, making it easier for beginners. The highest point on the trek is the Jaundhar Glacier, which is located at an altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). Generally, altitude sickness is not a major concern on this trek unless you have a pre-existing condition or are particularly sensitive to altitude. While it is important to have physical fitness and stamina for any trek, including Har ki Dun, it is advisable to prepare yourself by regularly exercising and doing some pre-trek training to improve your endurance and strength. It is also recommended to acclimatize properly by taking rest days and staying hydrated during the trek.
Suggested Read: How To Reach Har Ki Dun Trek
FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the Har Ki Dun trek?
The Har Ki Dun trek is considered an easy to moderate difficulty level trek . It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
Which months are best for undertaking the Har Ki Dun trek?
The best months for the Har Ki Dun trek are from May to October . The trek is accessible throughout the year except during the monsoon season . In peak winters, it may not be accessible due to heavy snowfall.
Is it safe to go on the Har Ki Dun trek during the winter season?
The Har Ki Dun trek requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Trekkers should be able to cover a distance of 5 km in 35-40 minutes without stress and carry a backpack weighing 10-15 kg . It is recommended to undergo physical training and preparation before attempting the trek.
What are the physical fitness requirements for the Har Ki Dun trek?
The trek is generally safe, but it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and avoiding overexertion . It is recommended to do the trek with a certified guide or trekking agency for safety reasons.
What essential gear is recommended for the Har Ki Dun trek?
The essential gear required for the Har Ki Dun trek includes trekking shoes, warm layers, rain gear, water bottles, snacks, and personal medication . Trekking poles and gaiters may also be helpful.
Trek the majestic Har Ki Dun this season!!