Nestled away from the hustle bustle of the city, Har Ki dun is a beautiful cradle shaped valley with untouched panoramic beauty. Perched at an elevation of 3,566 mts above the sea level, this place is one of the remotest areas of Uttarakhand offering a plethora of trekking excursions.
Also referred to as “Valley of Gods”, in Har Ki Dun you will find yourself surrounded by thick Pine forests and scintillating mountain peaks. This beautiful trail will take you to some of the most unexplored areas of Garhwal Himalayan region where the simplicity and rustic lifestyle of the residents of hills is still untouched by the time. The beautifully carved houses along the way add to the charm of this trek. Visit this splendid place if peaceful nature and adventure is what you are looking for.
Food Availability
For the rest of the trek, pack essential food. Carry enough packed food to get you through the trip.
Camping/Shelter
The place is best known for its trekking and thus most of the visitors like to camp. You won’t find any guesthouses during your seven-day trek in the region.
Water Availability
Packed water is available at the beginning of the trek at a dhaba in Sonamarg. However, after that you will get several freshwater rivers and streams to refill your stock of water. It will be recommended to stock up enough amount of water at the start to avoid dehydration and till you get a chance to restock.
General Tips and Tricks
- Make sure you carry warm clothes and rain gear, irrespective of what season you are travelling in.
- Carry your own trekking gear and equipment. Be prepared to use it at all times.
- Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way.
- A good pair of trekking shoes is a must.
- Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
- Make sure you carry spare batteries and memory cards for your camera as there will be no electricity supply.
- A well informed and trained guide is very important. Sort out all queries, trivial or otherwise, well in advance to avoid a misunderstanding.
Best Time to Visit Har Ki Dun
Come December, the region is covered in snow that can be as deep as 5 feet. This snow melts only after April. While March and April still see snow, the weather is pleasant. It is the best time to visit for those adventure seekers who are enchanted by snow. There are no treks during the monsoons either. Treks reopen in September and last till November, taking advantage of the dry, pleasant weather.
How to Reach Har Ki Dun
- Rail: One can reach Dehradun by an overnight train from Delhi, which runs regularly. The best option is the special A/C train between the two stations. You will reach Dehradun at 5.40 am. From there onwards take a taxi or a bus to cover a distance of 185 kms till Sankri which will take about 5 hours.
- Road: The total distance from Delhi to Sankri is almost 440 Km which can be covered in approximately 9 hours. You can either directly drive to Sankri or take a bus to Dehradun and drive further till Sankri by local vehicle.
- Source: holidify.com