Har ki dun trek : The Weekend Thrill

With the closest air and train connectivity in Dehradun, Har ki Dun is an unusual trek in Uttarakhand. Driving from Dehradun to Sankri, which also serves as the starting point of the Har ki Dun walk, takes roughly ten hours. The next stop is Puani Garaat, and the trip passes via Taluka, a tranquil village with Kumauni customs.

The hike heads towards Kalkattiyadhar from Puani Garaat. Nearly 10 kilometres separate from the Har ki Dun trek from Kalkattiyadhar, it takes 5 hours to get there. You’ll pass via Osla, another Himalayan settlement, on the way back before getting to Sankri and then Dehradun.

Places to Visit:

You will travel to the following locations on your trek:

• Govind National Park:

The 958 square kilometre Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area. The primary tributary of the River Yamuna receives water from the Rupin and Supin valleys, which are located in this area. It has a variety of vegetation and is located in subtropical, temperate, and alpine climate zones. With the profusion of Himalayan yew, beech, Himalayan spruce, and spikenard trees, you can see over 20 different types of animals and 100 different species of birds.

• Taluka village:

Nearly 10 kilometres separate Taluka Village from Sankri. The picturesque hamlet features a collection of wooden homes where friendly people cordially invite guests for inexpensive overnight stays and meals. Taluka is the perfect site to stop and learn about the local way of life in the remote Himalayan villages since there are constant chats about the area and the sounds of the river rushing nearby.

• Someshwar Mahadev Temple:

The Someshwar Mahadev temple in Sankri hosts a festival and fair each year. The temple’s Pahadi-style construction displays exquisite Deodar wood carvings. You may spend a few hours here while admiring the views of the Swargarohini peaks at the temple, which dates back to the time of the Pandavas.

• Har Ki Dun valley:

A hidden valley at the height of 3566 metres. Har ki Dun valley, completely covered in snow from December to March, gives breathtaking views of Swargarohini peak, Kala Nag peak, Bandarpoonch, and other peaks. The Garhwal Himalayas is one of the unusual valleys.

Things to do:

• Camping:

You’ll be setting a tent next to the river amidst luxuriant vegetation while hiking to Har ki Dun. Camping during Har ki Dun is a unique experience, much more exciting than staying at a homestay or guest house. It allows you to sleep beneath the starry sky, enjoy pleasant mornings filled with the sounds of nature, and see some uncommon birds in their argumentative swings.

• Hiking:

You will be able to discover secret waterfalls and valleys while hiking through the challenging terrain of the Har ki Dun trip, rewarding you with mesmerising vistas of snow-capped mountain peaks. If you want to enjoy a dinner with the locals and stay the night to recharge for your next excursion, you may also go on short walks to adjacent villages. The most important sites to understand the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle are Osla, Sankri, and Taluka.

• Bird-watching and Photography:

For lovers of nature, the walk is a delight. In this area, birds like the Great Pied Hornbill, Green Magpie, Cheer-Pheasant, Koklass-Pheasant, Kalij-Pheasant, Hill-Partridge, Rufous-throated Partridge, Oriental Turtle Dove, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, Rufous Sibia, and more. On this tour, you can’t help but capture moments with your smartphone or DSLR.

How to reach:

Sankei’s base camp is roughly 220 kilometres away from Dehradun. The best routes to take to the Har ki Dun trek are as follows.

• By Rail:

There are several train connections at Dehradun Terminal railway station. Dehradun can be reached from Delhi via overnight travel. You may take a cab or a bus to Sankri from the railroad station.

• By Road:

The road network around Dehradun is good. To go to Dehradun from Delhi or other cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, Shimla, Amritsar, etc., you may take a bus or rent a cab or taxi.

• By Air:

Regular connections to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport are available from cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, etc. You may take a cab or a bus to Sankri from the airport. Sankri may be reached by car in just under ten hours.

Best time to visit:

April through June and September through December are ideal for planning the Har khi Dun trip. However, you must go in February or March if you want to go snow trekking. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to adjust to the high altitudes.

• Summer:

Throughout the summer, the weather is still comfortable. The voyage is excellent because the sky is still evident, and the days are sunny. During the evenings, the temperature might drop below -1° C, so pack thick clothing.

• Monsoon:

Plan your journey outside of the monsoon season. Landslides frequently occur on the trek, and roads are still impassable.

• Winter:

The valley of Har Ki Dun has perfect winters. During the winter, snowfall occurs in the area. The excursion becomes challenging due to the lack of lodging choices. Always keep warm clothing, such as jackets, raincoats, fleece jackets, thermals, etc., with you. The temperatures range between -10 °C and -15 °C at this time.

What needs to pack:

• A 50–60 litre backpack is ideal with comfortable straps and a rain cover.
• Trekking pole
• Headtorch
• Water bottle, hydration pack, and thermos flask
• Energy bars and dry fruits
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizers and disinfectants
• Disposable bags