Overview
Har Ki Dun Trek: A Spiritual and Scenic Journey Through the Valley of Gods – Your Ultimate Destination in Uttarakhand (2025)
Nestled within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, the Har Ki Dun Trek offers a rare blend of natural beauty, ancient legend, and peaceful solitude. Located in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 11,958 ft (3,645 m), this trail is often called the “Valley of Gods”, and for good reason. With its alpine meadows, snow-clad peaks, and whispering pine forests, it is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and spiritual seekers alike.
This historic trail, more than 500 years old, holds deep mythological significance. Legends from the Mahabharata suggest that the Pandavas traversed this very path on their final journey toward Swargarohini Peak, believed to be the celestial staircase to heaven. These timeless stories lend a mystical aura to every step taken on this soulful journey.
As you trek through the breathtaking Devsu Bugyal, the panorama of majestic mountains unfolds before you. The peaceful melody of the Supin River guides your path, surrounded by vibrant flora and the gentle chirping of Himalayan birds. The riverbanks, dotted with green islands and framed by tall deodars, offer the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection or adventurous exploration.
What sets the Har Ki Dun Trek apart is not just its scenery but also its connection with local culture. The warm, traditional villages of the Garhwal Himalayas along the route provide trekkers with an opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Garhwali heritage, making the journey even more memorable.
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the outdoors or the serenity of the mountains, this trek offers a unique combination of adventure, mythology, and natural beauty. The Har Ki Dun Trek is more than just a trail—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience into the spiritual and scenic heart of Uttarakhand.
Iitinerary
🗓 Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)
Distance: 190 km
Time: 8–9 hours by road
Mode: Tempo Traveller / Taxi
Altitude: 1,920 meters
Stay: Hotel (Twin sharing)
🚐 Early morning pickup from Dehradun Railway Station (6:00 – 7:00 AM). The drive takes you through Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Yamuna Bridge, Naugaon, Purola, and Jarmola before reaching the scenic village of Sankri in Uttarkashi. Enjoy changing landscapes, pine forests, rivers, and Himalayan views.
🗓 Day 2: Sankri to Taluka by Taxi | Trek to Cheludgad Camp via Dharkot
Distance: 27 km (21 km by taxi + 6 km trek)
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
🚖 Morning taxi ride from Sankri to Dharkot via Taluka. From Dharkot, begin the 6 km trek through pine forests, wooden bridges, and peaceful riverside paths to reach Cheludgad. Enjoy evening bonfire and dinner at the campsite.
🗓 Day 3: Cheludgad to Har Ki Dun Base Camp
Distance: 13 km (trek)
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 3,500 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
🥾 This trail takes you deep into Govind National Park. Walk through alpine meadows, cross mountain streams, and witness the grandeur of Swargarohini and Black Peak before reaching the iconic Har Ki Dun valley. Settle in and soak in the majestic Himalayan atmosphere.
🗓 Day 4: Exploration Day – Manida Lake and Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint
Manida Lake: 8 km round trip | 5–6 hours
Jaundhar Glacier (optional): 14 km round trip | 7–8 hours
Altitude: 3,645 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
🌄 Begin early. First, trek to the serene Manida Lake. Those seeking more challenge can continue to Jaundhar Glacier Viewpoint. Expect steep ridges and snow patches, but the glacier views are worth the effort. Return to camp for warm food and bonfire.
🗓 Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Cheludgad via Osla Village
Distance: 13 km (trek)
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 2,600 meters
Stay: Campsite (Twin sharing)
🏞 Descend from Har Ki Dun and pass through Osla, a traditional village known for its wooden houses and temple. This is a great cultural experience. Continue back to Cheludgad for your night stay.
🗓 Day 6: Cheludgad to Taluka (trek) | Drive to Sankri
Distance: 6 km (trek) + 21 km (drive)
Time: 3–4 hours
Stay: Hotel in Sankri (Twin sharing)
🌲 Trek down to Taluka through the peaceful Himalayan trail. From there, drive back to Sankri and relax at the hotel. It’s a day to recover, share stories, and enjoy local cuisine.
🗓 Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 190 km
Time: 8–9 hours
Mode: Tempo Traveller / Taxi
🚌 After breakfast, start the return journey to Dehradun with amazing memories, photos, and a refreshed soul. Reach by evening.
Inclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport Facility from Dehradun to Dehradun. Tempo Travllers or Bolero Taxi
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in The Grand Shiva Hotel at Sankri Best Accommodation
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soup and Dinner
High quality tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
Kitchen team
Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication
Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders
Crampons and Gaiters
Trek essentials
Necessary Items to Carry on a Trek
1. Basic Trekking Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Backpack (with rain cover) | 50–60L with padded straps |
| Daypack (with rain cover) | 20–30L (if off-loading backpack) |
| Trekking Poles / Walking Stick | 1 |
| Water Bottle | 2 thermos flasks (1L each) |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electrolyte |
2. Clothing Guide (Based on Season)
| Item | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry collared T-shirt | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves) |
| Fleece T-shirt (Full sleeves) | 2 | 2–3 |
| Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
| Down Jacket | 1 (available on rent) | 1 (available on rent) |
| Thermal Inner (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
| Quick-dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
| Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Woollen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Poncho / Rain Jacket & Pants | 1 | 1 |
| Lightweight Quick-dry Towel | 1 | 1 |
3. Head Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Head Torch | 1 |
| Sun Cap | 1 |
| Woollen Cap | 1 |
| Balaclava | 1 |
| Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
| Sunglasses | 1 |
4. Footwear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Shoes (High ankle) | 1 pair |
| Flip-flops | 1 pair |
| Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
| Woollen Socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 pair |
| Microspikes | 1 pair |
5. Personal Care Essentials
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Toilet Paper | 1 roll |
| Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
| Lip Balm | 1 |
| Light Towel | 1 |
| Moisturizer | 1 |
| Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
6. Personal Medical Kit
Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
Pain Reliever | 1 strip |
Motion Sickness Medicine | 1 strip |
Fever/Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
Allergy Medicine | 1 strip |
Diarrhoea Medicine | 1 strip |
Cream/Spray for Sprains | 1 |
Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
ORS | 1–2 packets |
Band-aids | 5–6 |
Cotton | 1 small roll |
Gauze | 2 pieces |
Scissors | 1 |
Tweezers | 1 |
Elastic Bandage | 1 |
Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 pills |
Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip |
Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |