Har Ki Dun Trek – The Valley of Gods

The Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, often called the “Valley of Gods” due to its strong connection with Hindu mythology and local folklore. Nestled in the Govind National Park, the trek offers a stunning mix of ancient villages, alpine meadows, glacier basins, and snow-capped peaks.

Har Ki Dun is believed to be the route taken by the Pandavas to reach heaven, making it a cultural as well as a scenic treasure.

📌 Quick Facts

  • Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
  • Duration: 6–7 Days
  • Max Altitude: ~11,700 ft (3,566 m)
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Best Season: April–June & September–December (snow from Dec–Mar)

🌄 Highlights of the Trek

  1. Majestic Himalayan Peaks – Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), Jaundhar Glacier.
  2. Charming Villages & Culture – Osla and Seema villages with traditional wooden houses.
  3. Flora & Fauna – Pine, oak, rhododendron forests and Himalayan wildlife in Govind National Park.
  4. Rivers & Streams – Along Tons River, wooden bridges, and glacial streams.
  5. A Mythological Connection – Pandavas’ path to heaven with rich folklore.

🗓️ Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Dehradun → Sankri (200 km | 8–9 hrs)
  • Day 2: Sankri → Taluka (drive) → Trek to Seema/Osla (2,600 m)
  • Day 3: Seema/Osla → Har Ki Dun Valley (3,566 m)
  • Day 4: Explore Har Ki Dun Valley (optional hike to Jaundhar Glacier viewpoint)
  • Day 5: Har Ki Dun → Seema/Osla
  • Day 6: Seema/Osla → Taluka → Drive to Sankri
  • Day 7: Sankri → Dehradun

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

  • Spring/Summer (Apr–Jun): Meadows in full bloom, pleasant weather, clear views.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Sharp post-monsoon views, vibrant forests.
  • Winter (Dec–Mar): Heavy snow, true winter wonderland.

Difficulty Level

  • Grade: Easy to Moderate
  • Ideal for beginners with basic fitness
  • Trails involve gradual ascents, river crossings, ~10–12 km/day
  • Max Altitude: ~11,700 ft (3,566 m)

🚍 How to Reach Har Ki Dun Trek Start Point

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
  • Base Camp: Sankri village

Travel Route

  • Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Sankri (200 km, 8–9 hrs)
  • Sankri → Taluka (12 km drive) → Trek start

🌟 Why Should You Do the Har Ki Dun Trek?

  • One of the oldest Himalayan treks with Mahabharata connection.
  • Trek through traditional villages like Osla and Seema.
  • Close-up views of Swargarohini and other snow peaks.
  • Forests, rivers, meadows, and glaciers in a single trek.
  • Blend of cultural and natural Himalayan experience.

✨ Har Ki Dun Trek is not just a trail — it’s a journey into Himalayan culture, mythology, and untouched natural beauty.