OVERVIEW

Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12,000 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 44 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 Valleys. 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 Valley, the vision of which dominates this trek bears a legacy of the mythical stairway to heaven.

It's a delightful experience when you're camping near the flowing river, the forest here is rich in flora and fauna which has an engaging vibe of its own. You are able to see Swargarohini – I, II, III, Bandarpoonch, and BlackValley from here. The Har Ki Dun trail takes you through some of the ancient villages that are 2,000 years old. It gives you an insight into the lives of the locals who are residing here in the valley. This trek is heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and also shutterbugs. You can even spot various species of birds that thrive in this region. Capture some thrilling pictures on the trail which will last a lifetime.

Other attractions include, the temple at Osla which is dedicated to Duryodhana, was built by the inhabitants of Saur. It is about 13km from Sankri which lies on the steep mountain trail to Har Ki Doon. It is a 5,000-year formation of wooden chambers that are carved elegantly.

The challenge of Har Ki Doon, besides the long hours of trekking for 6 long hours is fighting with frequent rain. The Valley time of the year for this trek is not winter after a snowfall but in summer frequented by rain. Proceeding through green foliages dripping with pearls of rain is a beautiful experience but trekkers must be well equipped for it. Rain trekking essential like a poncho, waterproof covers, anti-diarrhoea medicines, and water resistant trekking boots is a must before for this trek. Whatever the conditions are, this trek surely gives you vibes of visiting a wonderland.

Short Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Dehradun to Sankri
The first day begins with a 10-hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You are expected to reach Dehradun railway station by 6:30 in the morning. To reach on time, you can book an overnight Bus/Train from Delhi to Dehradun ISBT.

Passing through Mussoorie- the “Queen of the Hills” on to Uttarkashi district, we will cross Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and Netwar before finally reaching village Sankri- the first stop on the trek. The road is through and through picturesque with pine tree forests starting on both sides of a road that catches up on a parallel to the course of the river Tons. Stopping at a favourable hour, we will have lunch somewhere by the road at an inn. Reaching Purola, you should get done with important calls and internet usage because hereafter, the connection will get fuzzy. BSNL is the only efficient service available in this zone with limited providers.

A short way before Sankri, we will cross the Govind National Park checkpoint and at about 6 in the evening, the drive will end at Sankri. After freshening up at the guest house, you will get sufficient time to explore the market close by. Trekking essentials, garments, and equipment are available at the bazaar in Sankri, in case you need last minute shopping for the venture ahead.

Day 2 - Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka
On day 2, we start on our drive from Sankri to Taluka at 7 in the morning. This short drive through gradually thickening forests and streams cutting through the path over boulders will introduce us to the terrain of our trek closely.

Reaching Taluka, another village of the same lineage found on this trek, trekkers will be invited to collect refreshments before getting started on the hike. The first lapse is a descent to the banks of the beautiful Tons and keeping the river on the right, the trail enters a level walk through forests of conifers until reaching the first cemented bridge.

Crossing the stream, the trail leads up to a wooden bridge where a gentle slope goes down to the waters. Here you can fill your bottle and move ahead. The whole way along the river is ideal for photo compositions and provides shade too. We approach the rest point for lunch by the Supin tributary that we crossed before at around 1 in the noon. At a rocky height from the banks of the rivulet is a food shack, one of the many that we are going to find on our trek to the valley. These stores are with packaged food and beverage along with delightful hot snacks. In addition to our packed lunch, this will add a different twang of delight to outdoor meals on the move.

Progressing ahead, harvest fields of potato, millet, and maize will fall on the way giving the whole stretch a ranch house feel. Pauni Garaat, a green clearing on the banks of Supin at its sprightly best is arrived at late in the afternoon as the Sun begins to dip—welcome to the first camp!

Day 3 - Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar via Osla
Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar is a distance of 7 km over 6 hours which we start the early morning at 6. The trail crosses 3 “garaat” or hydroelectricity run chaffing units which are used by the villagers for separating husks of millet and maize followed by grounding to flour. The idyllic vibe retained in the surrounding, the trek proceeds through harvest lands, cattle grazing, and slant-roofed huts used as granary and storages. Right between the forests of cashew nuts and walnuts lies the serene village Oslo. This village is said to be a preacher of Duryodhana of Mahabharata. Well, apart from the stories, the village is blissful having 2000 years old Temple and a few houses. The villagers are welcoming here. After a small chit-chat proceed further on the ascend.

On this incline, you will get fabulous viewpoints to steal glimpses of the Dhauladhar Range out front. Snaky trails to Borasu Pass and Baspa Valley can also be made out from here. The high trail winds further down reaching a tabletop green stretch—Kalkattiyadhar. This is the campsite for day 2.

Day 4 - Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon & back to Kalkattiyadhar
Today you will start early as compared to other days. However, mesmerizing the views were until today, get ready to encounter something more. The trail will go into the glacier basin having moraines and alpine meadows. Tall pine trees will be greeting you at every step.

The trail is mixed of steep and moderate ascend until the Har Ki Dun valley. Just as you rise high you can see snow patches and frozen waterfalls. In Winter these sections are covered with thick snow. A valley is a heavenly place displaying immense beauty in one sight. The huge Valleys of Swargarohini, Hata Valley, Black Valley etc show their marvelling glimpses. The valley is an amazing amalgamation of meadows, frozen streams, coniferous forests, glacier moraines, the backdrop of huge Valleys.

Try to engulf everything. After exploring the valley creating memories for a lifetime we return back to our last campsite at Kalkattiyadhar.

Day 5 - Kalkattiyadhar to Pauni Garaat via Osla
From today the trek is actually the return journey. Today we shall retrace the steps through the Oslo village to Pauni Garaat. Here's another chance to relive the moments with the peaceful villagers. Say goodbye to them and the stunning sights around you.

Follow the same trail as of earlier and reach the campsite of Pauni Garaat. Enjoy your last few moments of nightlife in the mountains.

Day 6 - Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka
A 5-hour trek to Taluka sets off this morning, climbing down by the familiar trail, stopping at familiar rest points. The car waits at the end of the dirt road to drive back base camp-wards. Pay special attention to descending tactic. Though climbing down accounts for lesser exhaustion, stressing out your soles with big steps is inadvisable. Sankri will arrive at the time for tea.

Day 7 - Sankri to Dehradun
The journey concludes with the 10-hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun. Breakfast and lunch will be on the way. Reaching time at Dehradun station will be 6 pm, suitable for an overnight journey to Delhi.

Risk & Respond

High Altitude Treks?: Risk and Response A high altitude trek calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by Apex To Himalaysto minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.
Risk: Altitude Before you start the trek, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.
Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.
Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.
Response: The decision of the Trek Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.
Risk: Injuries Often, while trekking over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.
Response: All our Trek Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.
Risk: Lack of communication devices In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trek, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.
Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.

Included

• Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and Return.
• Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
• All necessary entry fees and permits.
• Accommodation:- Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
• First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
• Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
• Apex To Himalays Staff Insurance.
• Porters/mules to carry central equipment.



Excluded :-

• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Food during the transit.
• Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
• Insurance.
• Any kind of emergency evacuation charges 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

How to Reach

By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun. Come one day early if planning to come by flight.

By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi

• Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)
• Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)

By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi to ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station

• Apex To Himalays Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00am.
• Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
• You will reach Sankri by 4:00 pm
• Food from dehradun to Sankri is not included in the trek cost