Har Ki Dun Trek
7 Days · 3566m · Cradle of Gods · Swargarohini Views · Wildlife Sanctuary
📅 7 Days
🌿 3566m Valley
🐘 Wildlife Sanctuary
🥾 Moderate
7 Days · 3566m · Cradle of Gods · Swargarohini Views · Wildlife Sanctuary
The har ki dun trek leads into a cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas at 3566m (11,700 ft), enclosed by Swargarohini (6252m), Bandarpunch (6316m), and Kala Nag (6387m). Total distance is approximately 47 km return from Sankri, spread over 4–5 trekking days. Starting point is Sankri village (1920m) in the Uttarkashi district — the same base as Kedarkantha — reached from Haridwar via Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Purola (220 km, 8–9 hours). The name translates as "Valley of Gods"; local legend connects it to the Pandavas who passed through here on their ascent to Heaven.
The trail follows the Tons River valley upstream through thick Himalayan oak, horse chestnut, and walnut forest, passing the ancient wooden villages of Taluka and Osla — homes over 500 years old with intricate carved facades and flat stone roofs. Altitude gain is gradual, rising from Sankri through forest to the open valley floor. Difficulty level is Moderate — daily distances of 8–14 km on well-established trail; suitable for trekkers with basic fitness and prior walking experience. Best time is April–June for wildflowers and green meadows, and September–November for clear autumn skies and peak clarity.
The route passes through Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, Himalayan monal, and cheer pheasant. Ruinsara Lake (3700m), a glacial lake 9 km beyond the valley floor, is a worthwhile day extension with views of the Swargarohini glacier group. Dev Yatra organises complete har ki dun trek packages from Haridwar with Sankri transport, camping, all meals, certified guide, and permits included.
Swargarohini (6252m) and Bandarpunch (6316m) visible from the valley. One of the most impressive valley head views in Garhwal.
Osla and Har Ki Dun villages with ancient Himalayan architecture. Homes over 500 years old with wood carvings.
Forest with snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer and rich bird diversity including monals and cheer pheasants.
High altitude lake near the valley head. Good campsite. Reflects the surrounding peaks.
BEST SEASON
Snow melting. Wildflowers in May-June. Rhododendrons. Clear views. Best time for families and groups.
POST MONSOON
Excellent clarity after monsoon. Forest turns golden. Good views. Slightly cooler nights.
WINTER
Heavy snow in valley. Trail challenging. For experienced winter trekkers only. Govind Sanctuary access restricted.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Airport pickup arranged.
Haridwar Railway Station — well connected pan-India. Overnight trains from Delhi reach Haridwar in 5-6 hrs.
Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to trek base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). We arrange pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun on request.
Har Ki Dun is a family-friendly trek compared to most Himalayan routes — the gradient is gentle, the valley is beautiful, and the trail is well-established. The villages of Osla and Gangad inside the valley are worth spending time in — the wooden temples, traditional house architecture, and local hospitality are a highlight beyond the scenery itself. The trail from Sankri to Har Ki Dun (35 km) takes 3–4 days depending on pace. May–June and September–November are the best months. Do not attempt in winter without proper winter experience as the valley gets cut off by snow. Ruinsara Lake (9 km beyond the valley floor) is a worthwhile extension.
The har ki dun trek is one of the most historically and scenically rich valley trails in the Garhwal Himalayas, set in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at 3566m (11,700 ft). Starting point is Sankri village (1920m), 220 km from Haridwar via Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Purola — 8–9 hours by road. Total distance is approximately 47 km return, covered over 4–5 trekking days through Taluka and Osla to the valley head. The full package including transport takes 7 days. Distance from Dehradun is around 185 km; from Delhi approximately 430 km.
Best time is April to June for rhododendron bloom, wildflowers, and green meadows; September to November for crystal-clear autumn skies and excellent peak visibility. Winter (December–March) sees the valley cut off by heavy snow — only experienced winter trekkers should attempt it. Difficulty level is Moderate — daily distances of 8–14 km on well-marked forest and meadow trail, altitude gain of 200–500m per day. Temperature at the valley floor is -5°C to -10°C on winter nights; pleasant 10–20°C in summer. Is the har ki dun trek safe? Yes — the trail is well-established within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, with a forest department permit system and experienced local guides.
Ancient wooden villages of Osla and Gangad along the trail feature carved timber architecture over 500 years old — a cultural dimension rare on any Himalayan route. Ruinsara Lake (3700m) at the base of the Swargarohini glacier group is a worthwhile day extension from the valley camp. Common comparisons: vs Kedarkantha — Kedarkantha is a summit trek; this valley trail offers culture, wildlife, and gentler gradient. Vs Valley of Flowers: both are valley treks, but the har ki dun trek delivers more cultural immersion and a longer, more remote experience in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dev Yatra's package from Haridwar covers transport to Sankri, all camp and guesthouse accommodation, meals, certified local guide, Govind Sanctuary permits, porter for common equipment, and safety gear. For booking and current pricing, call or WhatsApp +91-8057146497. We run departures in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) with fixed batch dates and private itineraries on request.