Har ki dun

"Har Ki Dun is one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly treks in Uttarakhand, taking you through ancient Himalayan villages, forested valleys, and blooming alpine meadows to a cradle-shaped valley nestled beneath snow-capped peaks."

 INR 12,500 (Sankri to Sankri)

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

+ INR 3,200 (offloading bag)

• Trek Name: Harkidun Ruinsara

• Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

• 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. 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

• 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 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 6: 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 is called the “Valley of the Gods.”

The name literally means “Valley of God Shiva”, and it's believed that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata took this path on their final journey to Swargarohini — their stairway to heaven.

🔹 You get a clear view of the mythical Swargarohini peak.

Swargarohini I, II & III dominate the skyline and are deeply associated with the Mahabharata legend. On clear days, the view from Har Ki Dun is truly divine.

🔹 The villages here are frozen in time.

Remote villages like Osla and Gangad still retain their centuries-old wooden houses, unique temples, and traditional lifestyles of the local Garhwali people.

🔹 Osla Temple is dedicated to Duryodhana, not a hero!

The intricately carved temple in Osla is said to honor Duryodhana, the controversial Kaurava prince. Locals worship him as a deity — a cultural twist that surprises many trekkers.

🔹 The trail is part of an ancient Indo-Tibetan route.

Long before modern trekkers arrived, Har Ki Dun was used by traders and shepherds moving between the Tons Valley and remote parts of Himachal and Tibet.

🔹 Flora and fauna are rich and protected.

Located inside the Govind National Park, this trail is home to musk deer, barking deer, Himalayan monals, and dozens of wildflower species in spring and summer.

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