Har Ki Dun trek is possibly India’s best river valley route, and it has never failed to enchant trekkers from all over the world. There are many reasons for this, the most important of which is the valley’s natural beauty. The changing colours of the seasons make this a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Har ki Dun is a cradle-shaped hanging valley located on the western side of the Garhwal Himalaya, below the Har Ki Dun peak. Har ki Dun valley, at an elevation of 3556 metres, is accessible via Govind National Park, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The trek takes you through a thick forest dotted with chestnut and walnut trees, as well as willows and Chinar, glacier basins, pine forest, beautiful ancient villages, and the opportunity to experience the wonderful slow-paced local lifestyle.
Har Ki Dun Trek
Har Ki Dun Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas is an excellent option for beginners due to its gradual descents and fast ascents. Trek to Har Ki Dun, a valley at the base of Fateh Parvat that offers breathtaking views of azure blue skies and a thick forest of chestnut, deodar, and sycamore trees.
Har Ki Dun is one of Uttarakhand’s best treks, allowing you to walk along sparkling, playful, flowering streams and waterfalls as well as climb a gentle gradient. The scenery grows more beautiful with each move. The hills give way to mountains, which give way to giants, before the valley opens into Har Ki Doon’s cupped hand.
Har Ki Dun Valley is also considered the base point of many Himalayan peaks due to its strong road link through the Borasu Pass. Har Ki Dun Valley has a maximum elevation of 3566 metres, and the trekking path provides views of the stunning Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini peaks.
The Har-ki-Dun trek begins in Sankri, a small village in the Garhwal Himalayan Range, and lasts nine days. The trek continues to Taluka and the banks of the Rupin and Supin rivers, with breathtaking views of the Indian Himalayas. The trekking trail continues from Taluka to Osla, where visitors can marvel at the thick forest filled with chestnut and walnut trees. Har ki Dun is reached after a steady ascent from Osla. Morinda Lake, Jaundhar Glacier, and Borasu Pass can all be visited while in Har Ki Dun Valley.
You can’t miss the gentle hike through this big fertile valley, the remote villages along the way, and the culture and hospitality of the people. It’s a beautiful walk to the Har Ki Dun valley, with spectacular views of the Jaundhar glacier and the surrounding Swargarohini peaks. The views of the Swargarohini party, the Bandarpunch range, and Black Peak (Kalanag) are all worth noting.
The walk culminates in a beautiful valley formed by a glacier, resembling an amphitheatre surrounded by high spurs of Rocky Mountains. Special note should be made of the sunrise and sunset at Har Ki Dun. This trek is appealing because it has early snow in November and a lot of leftover snow in the spring. Further exploration of the Marinda Tal/Jaundar glacier would undoubtedly pique your adventurous spirit.
Because of the above, this trail is a must-see for experienced hikers. Beginners can enjoy the fast trail with its gentle gradient. It’s no surprise that, when these two factors are combined, it’s one of the most common treks in the Indian Himalayas.
Location:
Har Ki Dun valley is located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district (Purola subdivision) on the far western flank of the Garhwal range. The trek route is completely within Govind Pashu Vihar National Park’s buffer and core regions. Via its largest tributary, the Tons River, this catchment area is a major source of Yamuna. Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Nallah, near Osla village, form the meandering Tamosa River. Tamosa flows alongside Taluka and joins Supin near Jakhol below the village of Sankri. The Tons River is formed when the Supin and Rupin rivers meet at Netwar.
When is the best time to go on the Har Ki Dun trek?
Apart from the monsoon season of July/August, when trekking is not possible, the Har Ki Dun trail is open all year. Every season has something unique to give in its own right.
During the summer, the valley turns lush, shiny, and luminous, beginning in May. The trees are lush and glossy green, including Blue Pine, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar), Kharsu (Oak), Spruce, Silver Fir, and Birch. Because of the sun, glaciers melt faster and spill more water into the Tons River’s tributaries. The days are warm to pleasant, and the nights are colder. If you prefer a warm environment, this is the season to pick.
The valley stays lush green in September after the monsoon has passed. As autumn approaches, the grass begins to turn a pale yellow colour. Autumn leaf foliage is taken by maple, chestnut, walnut, and other deciduous tree species. The surrounding area took on a brilliant yellow, orange, and bronze hue. This season is chosen for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of early snowfall in late autumn.
As you can see, it is entirely up to you to decide when the best time to trek in this beautiful valley is. It’s a lovely path at any time of year.
Har Ki Dun trek: interior villages, native people, and culture:
It is no longer the norm in the Himalayas to walk a full day to reach the last village on a trail from the nearest motorable path. The trail, which begins in Taluka village, leads to interior villages such as Gangad, Powani, and finally Osla. The locals’ neatly built wooden houses and attire are reminiscent of Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnauri community. This route is a must-do for parents who want to introduce their children to hiking and outdoor activities in the Himalayas. Check out our Har Ki Dun in Gangar and Osla homestays if you prefer this form of interaction.
Temperature and clothing needed for the Har Ki Dun trek:
Summer (May/June): Daytime temperatures can reach as high as 25/30°C, particularly if it is sunny and hot. The temperature at Har Ki Dun can range from 10°C to 5°C at night and early in the morning.
Fall/Autumn (Oct/Nov) or spring (Mar/Apr): Temperatures begin to cool in October. The temperature at Har Ki Dun will drop to below freezing late at night or early in the morning. Prepare for a temperature of 0°C. If you hike in the spring, you should expect similar temperatures.
Winter (Dec/Feb): In December, the days are cool and the nights are cold. Sankri, Seema, and Har Ki Dun have nighttime temperatures of 2°, -2°, and -5°/-10° C, respectively.
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