Har ki dun Ruinsara

"The Har Ki Dun & Ruinsara Tal Trek is a timeless journey into the mythical heart of the Garhwal Himalayas — where ancient villages, pine-scented valleys, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes blend into a storybook trail steeped in folklore and stunning beauty."

 INR  17,000 (Sankri to Sankri)

+ INR 3,000 (transportation to & from Dehradun)

+ INR 4,800 (offloading bag)

• Trek Name: Harkidun Ruinsara

• Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

• Trek Grade: Moderate

• Maximum Altitude: 3,650 m (Ruinsara Tal)

• Region: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Start/End Point: Sankri

The Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Lake trek is arguably one of the finest valley treks in the Indian Himalayas. This journey takes you deep into the cradle-shaped Har Ki Dun valley, nestled beside the gurgling Supin River, and onward to the pristine alpine beauty of Ruinsara Lake. Along the way, trekkers are welcomed by some of the oldest villages in Uttarakhand like Osla and Gangad, where timeless traditions, wooden houses, and warm hospitality offer a rare cultural experience. The scenic vistas, lush forests, snow-capped peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, and rich cultural heritage make this trek an unforgettable adventure that stays etched in memory for a lifetime.

• Ancient Himalayan villages: Osla & Gangad

• Panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag

• Pristine alpine lake: Ruinsara Tal

• Diverse landscapes: forests, meadows, rivers, glaciers

📅Day 1: Drive to Sankri (1,950 m)

Scenic 8–10 hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri via Mussoorie and Purola. Check-in to a cozy guesthouse.

🛏️ Overnight stay in Sankri

📅Day 2: Drive to Gangad – Trek to Osla (2,600 m)

Short drive to Gangad. Begin your trek through terraced fields and wooden bridges to the ancient village of Osla.

🥾 Trek: 4 km | Stay: Homestay/Tent in Osla

📅Day 3: Trek from Osla to Simatra (3,200 m)

Climb through pine and rhododendron forests to reach the peaceful Simatra meadow—ideal for stargazing.

🥾 Trek: 6–7 km | Stay: Tents at Simatra

📅Day 4: Trek to Har Ki Dun (3,560 m) and back to Simatra

Reach the stunning Har Ki Dun valley surrounded by snowy peaks of Swargarohini and Hata peak. Explore and return to Simatra.

🥾 Trek: 12 km (round trip) | Stay: Tents at Simatra

📅Day 5: Trek to Ruinsara Tal (3,650 m)

Trek through thick forests and alpine terrain to reach the tranquil Ruinsara Lake.

🥾 Trek: 9 km | Stay: Tents near the lake

📅Day 6: Trek to Debshu Bugyal (3,000 m)

Descend through enchanting landscapes to the lush alpine meadows of Debshu Bugyal.

🥾 Trek: 10 km | Stay: Tents

📅Day 7: Trek to Gangad – Drive to Sankri

Trek back to Gangad village and drive to Sankri. Celebrate your successful trek.

🥾 Trek: 6–7 km | Stay: Guesthouse in Sankri

📅Day 8: Departure from Sankri to Dehradun

Drive back to Dehradun with unforgettable memories.

🚗 Drive: 190 km | Duration: 8–10 hours

🚉 By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

Well connected with major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Lucknow.

✈️ By Air:

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

Regular flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities.

From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Dehradun ISBT or directly to Sankri.

🚌 By Road:

Dehradun to Sankri (190 km | 8–9 hours)

Two main options:

1. Private Cab: Can be booked in advance. Costlier but comfortable.

2. Local Bus: From Dehradun ISBT to Sankri via Purola (limited availability, leaves early morning).

🔹 Har Ki Dun means “Valley of the Gods.”

This ancient valley is believed to be the path the Pandavas took to heaven via Swargarohini peak, making the trek not just scenic but deeply spiritual.

🔹 Osla village worships Duryodhana, not a Pandava!

Yes — the remote village of Osla has a temple dedicated to Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince from the Mahabharata. The architecture is 200+ years old and entirely made of wood.

🔹 Ruinsara Tal is a hidden alpine lake in a glacier basin.

While most trekkers stop at Har Ki Dun, the full circuit includes Ruinsara Lake — a pristine lake surrounded by snow walls and dramatic rocky peaks, often skipped by mainstream groups.

🔹 You’ll see Swargarohini – the “stairway to heaven.”

This striking snow-clad peak is believed to be the mythical route the Pandavas ascended to heaven — a rare myth-meets-mountain moment you witness right from your campsite.

🔹 The trail crosses through ancient shepherd routes.

For centuries, this circuit has been used by Gujjar shepherds and traders, moving through forest trails and alpine meadows long before it became a modern trek route.

🔹 You walk through 3 climate zones in one trek!

From pine and deodar forests to alpine grasslands and glacial basins — the circuit covers subtropical, temperate, and alpine terrain, offering one of the most varied landscapes in Uttarakhand.

🔹 The trail passes through Govind National Park.

Har Ki Dun lies within the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to snow leopards, black bears, musk deer, and dozens of rare birds and wildflowers.

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