Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12100 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 35 Kms.
A winter wonderland and a trekkers delight, the Har Ki Doon Trek is a stairway to heaven that will make you fall for its beauty. The thing that makes it an alluring trek is its accessibility both in summer as well as the winter season. Har Ki Dun valley is situated at the western flank of Garhwal in the Uttarkashi district is very popular to the trekkers as well as that to the climbers. It is a lovely walk to the Har Ki Dun valley with fascinating views of Swargarohini group of peaks. Har Ki Dun catchment area is a major source of Yamuna River System and the main source of the largest tributary of Yamuna.
It takes you through some of the most charismatic alpine meadows and pine forests which is a treat to the eyes. During winters the snow-covered trails look mesmerizing as and when the sun tries to peep behind the clouds. One of the oldest Treks in the Himalayas, known as the 'Valley of Gods', some believe it's the same route taken by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata on their ascent to heaven. Swargarohini—the snow peak, the vision of which dominates this trek bears a legacy of the mythical stairway to heaven.
Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun – Sankri (180 Kms Drive Time approx 5hrs)
We meet up with fellow Wanderers at a central place in Dehradun, we then proceed to have an early lunch (at your own expense).himalayas griffon then drive to Sankri via Mussoorie, Kempty Fall, Yamuna Valley, Tons Valley across the Yamuna bridge, Nainbagh, Nowgaon, Purola & Jarmola. For the night we will stay in a hotels / GMVN.
Day 2: Sankri To Osla
Sankri – Osla via taluka After Breakfast, we check out and proceed to the last village connected to the motor road. This picturesque village is about 13 Kms inside the Govind Wild Life Sanctuary (Sankri is the place where the check post is located). Sankri is the gateway to the almost untouched Har-ki- dun (3566m) with the Swargarohini Peak (6096m) towering above it in the backdrop. Sankari to Taluka by jeep if road is open. Our Trek starts from Taluka, we start walking along the glacial Supin river for the first part of the trek.
Taluka, a small hamlet nestled in the lap of nature, is also known for its beautiful “Pahari cottages” made out of an intricate wood , stone and mud ensemble – a must see, as it is considered earthquake proof, and contains the animal sheds on the ground floor, utilizing their body heat to warm the living area located directly above ! The village is located at an altitude of 1900 Mts, and has guest houses and a few shack shops providing daily provisions to the local inhabitants.
Day 3: Osla /Seema to Waterfall campside (2560 m / 8400 ft) (13 Kms/6-7 hrs)
The trail from Osla village initially descends and then continues gradually on the true left of the valley adjoining the river Supin. Later the trail winds upwards through beautiful forest full of Chestnut, Walnut and Willow trees, and continues to the village. Osla village at a distance on the true right of the valley. From this point, one continues to trek to Seema. The campsite is located opposite to the village of Osla and separated by a swift river. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Waterfall to Har Ki Dun (3566 m / 11700)
decent down to Waterfall (12 Kms/6-7 hrs)The trail from Waterfall campside initially continues on the true left of the valley, goes past fields followed by crossing a hanging bridge over river Supin, to the right hand side of the valley. The trail now ascends, going past fields and pastures with local huts. The coniferous flora on the opposite side of the valley is awesome and is a photographer’s delight. The gradual ascent to Har ki dun offers excellent views of the snow covered mountains and lush green terraced mountain fields. The last steep climb of 200 m gets one to the famed meadows of Har ki Dun with the west face of Swargrohini overlooking the valley. The campsite is located by a small stream, with peaks of Har Ki Dun and Swargarohini towering above.
Same Day decsent down to Waterfall campside
Day 5: Waterfall To Osla Village / Seema
One can see Kala nag, Bandar poonch, Ruinsara peaks and the majestic Swargarohini even before one reaches Har Ki Dun. A truly heavenly and peaceful place, for those wanting to spend some time by themselves feeling one with the vast expanse! You will want to go right towards Swargarohini and Jumnar glacier or left towards Borasu pass (Taking one to Chitkul in Himachal). The huge and picturesque valley is flanked by massive mountains on three sides, and the valley floor is covered in soft grassy patches. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Osala/Seema To Sankri
The trek back to the sankri vai to taluka of is an easy walk which gives a lot of opportunity to admire and photograph the beauty of the valley and the villages.
Day 7: Sankri To Dehradun
After an early breakfast we drive to Mori. Weather permitting we will do white water rafting. We then drive from Mori to Dehradun to board our train/ flight. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.
By Train :-
The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
By Bus:-
Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.
Fitness
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant.The percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our hemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
The Kedarkantha Trek is an easy trek suitable for first time trekker with basic fitness
Trekking Experience: Ideal trek for a beginner.
Fitness Required: The Kedarkantha Trek falls in the category of Moderate treks. The trail is fairly laid out path and has very few steep ascends or descends. Water is available through out the trail. But still if you are thinking of your first big Himalayan trekking experience its better to be prepared. Here is the training schedule to prepare for the trek.