Har Ki Dun Trek With Camping

• We kick off our journey bright and early from Dehradun, embarking on a scenic 190-kilometer drive to Sankri, a charming destination nestled at an altitude of 6,725 feet (2,050 meters). The road takes us through some fascinating places.
• Our initial stop is the renowned hill station of Mussoorie, located a little over 100 kilometers from Dehradun. As we continue our drive, we come close to the Lakhamandal Temple, a place steeped in mythological tales. Locals believe it to be the spot where Duryodhana, a character from the epic Mahabharata, plotted to burn down the Pandavas' Lakshagriha house.
• Our route then leads us through quaint villages like Damta, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, following the upstream flow of the Yamuna River. The Kamal Ganga River merges with the Yamuna near Naugaon and accompanies us until Purola. Purola, the last major settlement en route, boasts a bustling market where trekkers can stock up on any essentials they may have missed.
• Beyond Purola, we enter a serene forest of pine trees, and atop a hill, we spot the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya overlooking the valley. The village of Mori marks the presence of the Tons River, which flows beside us until Netwar. Here, you'll sense a significant drop in temperature. After crossing a check post at Netwar, we officially enter the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, the gateway to numerous treks in the region.
• The sanctuary's northern border merges with Himachal Pradesh, and as we travel further, the Rupin and Supin rivers combine to form the mighty Tons, a massive tributary of the Yamuna. The grandeur of the Kedarkantha peak becomes increasingly visible as we journey on.
• Our day concludes as we reach Sankri by early evening. This small village boasts a central market lined with a handful of shops. Sankri is famous for its apple orchards, with harvest season commencing in late summer. In addition to apples, the village produces peaches, apricots, and potatoes. On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the Swargarohini peak. We rest for the night in a guesthouse or camps, gearing up for the adventure that awaits us.

Distance: 10 KM drive, 10/12 KM trek 

Duration: 1-hour drive, 5 to 6 hours trek 

Altitude: 8,270 Feet | 2,520 meters 

Accommodation: Camping

• We kick off our day early to embark on a long journey, setting out in the morning. Following a hearty breakfast, we hop into an SUV for a ride along a forest road, though a bit bumpy. Along the way, our vehicle skillfully crosses a stream or two, adding to the adventure. After about an hour's drive, we arrive at Taluka, a small village boasting a few shops and two government guesthouses, marking the starting point of our trek.
• Taluka exudes the delightful aroma of cedar trees, creating a soothing ambiance. Occasionally, particularly in winter or during heavy rain, the road to Taluka might become impassable for vehicles due to stream crossings. In such cases, we may need to trek around 8 kilometers to reach Taluka, but this is an infrequent occurrence.
• Our trek unfolds alongside the rushing Supin River, meandering through a landscape adorned with walnut, pine, and cedar trees. In autumn, we often stumble upon fallen walnuts, a delightful natural treat. It's essential to steer clear of the "bichchu ghas" or scorpion grass, which can cause a stinging sensation upon contact, lasting for about half an hour. Interestingly, this herb is also used in cooking as a vegetable by the locals.
• As we make our way, we may exchange greetings with friendly villagers en route. High up on the true left, the village of Datmer comes into view, nestled amid a series of step farms. These farms boast the vibrant red Cholai crop, which thrives from late monsoon to early autumn.
• Our path crosses over several streams merging with the Supin River. After a few hours of trekking, the village of Gangad appears on the left, across the river. Keep an eye out for the yellow-throated marten, a resident of these forests. You may also spot seabuckthorn bushes, bearing edible, orange fruits known as 'leh berries.' These juicy and tangy fruits are a rich source of Vitamin C.
• Our trek continues, and before long, we reach the serene campsite nestled in the secluded beauty of Puani Garat. Here, we set up our camps, surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

Distance: 10 Km trek 

Duration: 5 to 6 hours of trekking to Har Ki Dun Valley 

Altitude: 10,830 Feet | 3,300 meters 

Accommodation: Camping

• Today, our journey leads us toward Osla village, perched about a hundred meters above the Supin River on a sloping spur. The initial trail to Osla is the steepest segment of the entire trek, requiring approximately 30 to 40 minutes to conquer. The landscape surrounding Osla is a tapestry of terraced farms, each season painting them in different hues. During the late monsoon, the vibrant red Cholai (Amaranth) farms make a stunning sight.
• Cholai, known for its rich nutritional value, is a local favorite and a nutritional powerhouse. Additionally, the region cultivates a variety of kidney beans. Osla marks the final village on our route to Har ki Dun. As we continue from Osla, the trail gradually ascends, taking us through a few fields while offering distant views of the river below. Along the way, we may come across a temple situated slightly below the trail on the right side. The path is adorned with wildflowers like orchids, fleece flowers, and sunflowers.
• Our journey today is relatively short, providing an opportunity to acclimatize to the higher altitude and prepare for the upcoming adventures. We can take a leisurely break, soaking in the sun's warmth at the picturesque Kalkatidhar campsite. The restriction on camping at Har Ki Dun has actually improved the trekking experience, offering greater comfort while preserving the pristine natural beauty of Har Ki Dun.

Distance: 15 to 17 KM trek 

Duration: 7 to 8 hours of trekking 

Altitude: 12,530 Feet | 3,820 meters, return to 3,300 meters 

Accommodation: Camping

• Today's trek is a bit of an endurance test as we embark on a 15 to 17-kilometer journey to explore Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal. Our adventure begins with a hidden and thunderous waterfall, tucked away at a short distance from the starting point. Here, a quaint tea shop offers a welcome break.
• As we ascend, the path treats us to breathtaking views above the confluence of the Supin and Ruinsara rivers. The snow-clad peaks of Ruinsara Valley, including the imposing Black Peak, the highest in the area, majestically grace the northern horizon. Gazing to the north, the Har Ki Dun valley unfurls before us, providing a clear view of the Forest Rest House. Continuing on the right bank of the river, we traverse a final stretch through a captivating forest.
• Emerging from the woods, we arrive at the primary camping area of Har Ki Dun, nestled alongside a babbling stream. This panoramic location serves as the meeting point of two valleys, one originating from Jaundhar Glacier and the other beyond Hata Glacier, offering a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
• As we gaze northward, the Forest Rest House comes into view, while further in the distance lies the woodcrafted GMVN guest house. The prominent Har Ki Dun peak stands tall before us, just behind the Forest Rest House, with the usually snow-clad Hata peak to its left. To our right, a minor ridge adorned with scattered Himalayan birch trees, known as Bhojpatra, separates us from the expansive Har Ki Dun valley, extending all the way to the base of Swargarohini Peak. These birch trees are known for their paper-like bark, historically used to write religious scriptures.
• We have the option to explore the vast open meadows that follow the course of the Supin River or venture further among the Bhojpatra tree forests. For those seeking an up-close view of the Jaundhar glacier and Swargarohini peak, we can head further up the Har Ki Dun valley, eastward.
• For a shorter excursion, we can choose to relax and soak in the pristine surroundings or continue our trek to Marinda Tal, situated just 2-3 kilometers north of Har Ki Dun. The trail gradually ascends in this section. Marinda Tal is a small lake formed by a colossal boulder obstructing the river that flows from the base of the Borasu Pass.
• After our brief visit to Marinda Tal, we retrace our steps, heading back to Kalkatidhar. The return journey follows the same route but is considerably easier, with a downhill descent. By early evening, we reach our campsite, where we can finally rest and recharge.

Distance: 10 KM trek 

Duration: 4 to 5 hours trek 

Altitude: 8,270 Feet | 2,520 meters 

Accommodation: Camping

• Our return journey to Osla is a pleasant and straightforward walk. Along the route, we're treated to panoramic views of the trail leading back to Osla and witness the valley descending towards Taluka. This descent follows the curve of the ridge, where the two streams originating from Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara merge. A bit before this convergence, a trail to our left comes into view, marked by a bridge spanning the stream.
• This less-traveled trail connects with the route to Ruinsara Lake and is seldom taken by trekkers. After reaching Osla, you have the opportunity to explore the village, engage with the locals, and immerse yourself in the rich Garhwali culture. Our journey then continues to the familiar campsite at Puani Garat, where we can unwind and soak in the sun's warmth.

Distance: 10 KM trek, 10 KM drive 

Duration: 5 hours 

Altitude: 6,725 Feet | 2,050 meters 

Accommodation: Cottages/Guest House

• As the morning sun graces the sky, we embark on our journey from the tranquil haven of Puani Garat, following a hearty breakfast. Our path retraces the same scenic trail we ventured on during Day 1, leading us back to Taluka. While the landscapes may appear different, descending this trail offers a fresh perspective and unique vistas. The descent is swifter and no less enjoyable than the ascent.
• Our route keeps us on the true left of the meandering Supin River until we finally reach the quaint village of Taluka. From here, a waiting vehicle whisks us away to our destination in Sankri. As the day comes to a close, we find ourselves nestled in a camp by the river or resting comfortably in a guesthouse in Sankri, ready to relish the memories of our trek.

Distance: 190 KM 

Duration: 8 Hours 

Journey Ends: Arrive in Dehradun between 5 and 7 PM

• Today marks the conclusion of our remarkable trek to Har ki Dun as we bid farewell to Sankri. Our journey commences with a drive that takes us through the unique and relatively untouched regions of the Himalayas, a truly amazing experience.
• The stretch right after passing through Mori town continues to be the most picturesque part of our entire journey. However, it's worth noting that the construction of a new hydel project in this area has posed increased environmental risks, impacting activities like rafting and kayaking that were once prevalent here. Despite these changes, the region's beauty remains largely intact.
• Our drive takes us through towns and finally to Kempty-Mussoorie before we reach our final destination, Dehradun. We anticipate arriving in Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening, concluding our memorable journey with a sense of fulfillment and awe for the Himalayan landscapes we've encountered along the way.