Overview
Har Ki Dun Trek: A Spiritual and Scenic Journey Through the Valley of Gods
Your Ultimate Destination in Uttarakhand – 2025
Nestled in the majestic Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, the Har Ki Dun Trek invites you to explore one of the most breathtaking valleys in the Indian Himalayas. This trek, located at an altitude of 11,958 ft (3,645 m), offers an enchanting mix of spiritual legend, vibrant culture, and panoramic natural beauty.
Often called the “Valley of Gods,” Har Ki Dun is more than just a trek—it’s a soulful journey through ancient legends and pristine landscapes. The valley is believed to be the route taken by the Pandavas on their final journey to Swargarohini Peak, said to be the gateway to heaven, as described in the Mahabharata. Along the way, travelers are enveloped by the serene beauty of alpine forests, lush meadows of Devsu Bugyal, and the gentle rhythm of the Supin River.
Why Choose Har Ki Dun Trek in 2025?
Historic Route: Walk a trail that’s over 500 years old, rich with ancient legends and cultural significance.
Scenic Beauty: Enjoy snow-capped peaks, high-altitude meadows, and river crossings with surreal views at every turn.
Wildlife & Flora: Spot diverse wildlife, alpine birds, and vibrant plant life in one of the most untouched areas of Uttarakhand.
Cultural Exploration: Visit charming Garhwali villages like Osla, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life.
Spiritual Connection: Experience peace and inner stillness as you traverse through landscapes tied to mythological tales.
Trek Highlights
Jaundhar Glacier: A stunning glacier framed by towering snow peaks.
Morinda Tal: A tranquil high-altitude lake amidst rolling meadows.
Har Ki Dun Valley: The heart of the trek with expansive views and spiritual aura.
Osla Village: Known for its ancient wooden houses and local folklore.
Meaning Behind the Name: “Har Ki Dun”
“Har” or “Hara” refers to Lord Shiva, symbolizing divinity and calm.
“Dun” or “Doon” denotes a valley or fertile land nestled between mountains. Together, Har Ki Dun signifies “Valley of Lord Shiva”—a sacred and serene destination.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Dehradun – Drive to Sankri (Base Camp)
- Distance: 190 km | Travel Time: 8–9 hours
- Altitude: 1,920 meters
- Mode: Comfortable Tempo Traveller
- Stay: Hotel (Twin sharing)
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri around 6:00–7:00 AM. Enjoy the views of charming towns, rivers, and lush valleys along the way. Notable stops and sights include Mussoorie Road, Kempty Falls, Yamuna Bridge, and small towns like Purola and Jarmola. By evening, settle in at your hotel in the peaceful village of Sankri.
Day 2: Drive to Taluka – Trek to Cheludgad (Seema) Camp
- Drive: Sankri to Taluka (21 km | 1 hour)
- Trek: Taluka to Cheludgad Camp (6 km | 4–5 hours)
- Altitude: 2,600 meters
- Mode: Taxi + Trek
- Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Taluka, the trek’s starting point. From here, begin a delightful forest trek along the Supin River. Pass through picturesque landscapes and wooden bridges to reach Cheludgad Camp, where you’ll spend the night under the stars amidst serene wilderness.
Day 3: Trek to Har Ki Dun Valley
- Trek Distance: 13 km | Duration: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 3,500 meters
- Mode: On foot
- Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
Today’s trek takes you deep into the Govind National Park, through dense forests, alpine meadows, and alongside gushing streams. As you approach Har Ki Dun Valley, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Camp in the valley, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains.
Day 4: Explore Manida Lake & Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint
- Manida Lake Trek: 8 km | 5–6 hours
- Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint: 14 km | 7–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,645 meters
- Mode: On foot
- Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
Explore the heart of Har Ki Dun Valley with visits to Manida Lake, a serene spot reflecting the Himalayan peaks, and Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint for close-up glacier views. The trails offer unforgettable vistas of waterfalls, meadows, and towering peaks. Return to camp for the night, soaking in the beauty of nature.
Day 5: Trek Back to Cheludgad Camp
- Trek Distance: 13 km | 5–6 hours
- Mode: On foot
- Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
Retrace your steps back to Cheludgad Camp, enjoying the trail from a new perspective. Take your time, relax by the streams, and capture the beauty of the Himalayan wilderness. Rest at the campsite for the night.
Day 6: Trek to Taluka – Drive to Sankri
- Trek: Cheludgad to Taluka (6 km | 3 hours)
- Drive: Taluka to Sankri (21 km | 1 hour)
- Stay: Hotel (Twin sharing)
A short morning trek brings you back to Taluka, where your taxi awaits. Drive to Sankri, relax in your hotel, and celebrate your adventure with your fellow trekkers.
Day 7: Drive Back to Dehradun
- Distance: 190 km | 8–9 hours
- Mode: Tempo Traveller
- Early morning, depart for Dehradun, carrying unforgettable memories and stunning photos from your Himalayan trek.
Inclusion & Exclusion
What’s Included in This Trek?
- Transport from Dehradun to Dehradun in Tempo Traveller or Bolero (depending on group size)
- Forest permits and entrance fees
- Comfortable accommodation at The Grand Shiva Hotel, Sankri
- Tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis
- All meals during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks (Tea, Coffee, Soup), and Dinner
- High-quality tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and liners
- Separate toilet tents for ladies and gents
- Dining tent and dining table setup
- Supportive kitchen team
- Radio walkie-talkies for effective communication
- Experienced trek leader, guide, and technical guide
- Medical kit and oxygen cylinders for emergencies
- Trekking gear like crampons and gaiters (as required)
What’s Not Included in This Trek?
- Personal travel insurance
- Mandatory medical certificate for forest permits
- Foreign nationals: Permit cost of ₹2000 is not included
- Personal tiffin/lunch box for packed lunches
- Personal toiletry items and personal medication
- First day: Breakfast and lunch during the journey to base camp are not included
- Last day: Lunch and dinner during the return journey are not included
Trek Essential
🧥 Clothing
- Thermal Innerwear (Top & Bottom – 2 pairs)
- Full Sleeve T-Shirts (Quick-dry – 2-3)
- Insulated Jacket / Down Jacket (1)
- Fleece Jacket or Woollen Sweater (1)
- Waterproof Windcheater / Poncho (1)
- Trekking Pants (2 pairs – quick-dry)
- Woollen Cap, Balaclava / Neck Gaiter
- Sun Cap / Hat
- Woollen Gloves + Waterproof Gloves
- Woollen Socks (3-4 pairs)
- Cotton Socks (2 pairs for travel)
👟 Footwear
- Sturdy Trekking Shoes (with good grip)
- Comfortable Slippers / Sandals for camp
🎒 Bags
- Rucksack / Trekking Backpack (50-60L)
- Daypack (10-20L – optional for summit day)
- Rain Cover for your backpack
🧴 Personal Items
- Sunscreen SPF 40+, Lip Balm, Moisturizer
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, Paste, Biodegradable Soap, Towel, Toilet Paper
- Personal First Aid Kit (basic medicines, band-aids)
- Sanitary Items (for women)
🔋 Essentials
- Water Bottles / Thermos (2 litres capacity)
- Headlamp / Torch (with extra batteries)
- UV Sunglasses (must for snow glare)
- Trekking Pole (optional but helpful)
- Energy Bars, Dry Fruits, and Snacks
- ID Proof (Original + Photocopy)
📝 Extras (Optional but Useful)
- Notebook & Pen
- Camera / Mobile Power Bank
- Small Lock for bags
- Plastic Ziplock Bags (for waterproofing electronics)