The trail to Har Ki Dun follows the Supin River gorge deep into the western Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Located within the protected boundaries of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Har Ki Dun (literally The Valley of Shiva or Valley of Gods) is an amphitheater-shaped alpine cradle sitting at 3,566 meters (11,700 feet) beneath the snow-covered glaciated ramparts of Mount Swargarohini (6,252m) and Hata Peak (6,500m).

Unlike steep summit hikes such as Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun is a multi-day valley expedition. Over 6 to 7 days, trekkers hike between 47 and 52 kilometers, passing through 500-year-old wooden villages like Osla and Gangad, crossing glacial torrents over log bridges, and traversing centuries-old deodar, walnut, and chestnut forests.

This master har ki dun trek guide provides a complete practical briefing: daily walking distances, roadhead logistics, campsite facilities, elevation profiles, weather patterns, and 2026 trip budgets.

🧭 FIELD AUDIT & VERIFICATION

• Last Verified: 20 August 2026
• Verified By: Avantika S Jaiswal (Lead Travel Strategist)
• Checked: Trail Access ✓ • Govind National Park Permits ✓ • Transport ✓ • Campsites ✓ • 2026 Trek Costs ✓
• Field Advisory: Mountain weather, permit rules, and forest road conditions can change rapidly. Always cross-verify at the Sankri checkpost before departure.

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Har Ki Dun Trek at a Glance

Trek Parameter	Verified Field Data
Region & District	Western Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
Base Town & Roadhead	Base Town: Sankri (1,950m) | Trailhead: Taluka Village (2,180m)
Highest Trail Point	3,566 meters (11,700 ft) (Optional Jaundhar viewpoint: 3,750m / 12,300 ft)
Approx. Total Trek Distance	47 to 52 km (29–32 miles) round-trip from Taluka
Typical Duration	6 to 7 Days (including Dehradun return road transit)
Trek Difficulty Rating	Moderate (Gradual elevation gradient, but long daily walking distances)
Highest Campsite	Har Ki Dun / Boslo Campsite (3,566 m / 11,700 ft)
Best Seasonal Windows	Spring/Summer: April to June | Autumn: September to November
Winter Snow Window	Mid-December to Late February (Snow begins past Seema)
Permits & Forest Dues	Govind Wildlife Sanctuary checkpost permit (~₹150 Indians / ₹600 Foreigners)
Approximate Trip Budget	₹13,500 to ₹24,000 per person (depending on independent vs. group format)

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Is Har Ki Dun Worth It?

Har Ki Dun is one of the premier multi-day valley trails in the Himalayas because it combines cultural heritage with alpine wilderness. Over 5 days on foot, you walk past ancient terraced fields, wooden Himalayan architecture, and sub-alpine meadows without the punishing, steep vertical ascents of 4,500m+ passes.

📌 QUICK EXPEDITION METRICS

• Total Trek Distance: 47 km (Round-trip)
• Peak Basin Altitude: 3,566 m (11,700 ft)
• Trip Duration: 7 Days (5 days on foot)
• Difficulty Grade: Easy to Moderate

• Who will love it: Trekkers who enjoy rivers, forests, traditional mountain culture, and long, steady endurance walks in scenic valleys.
• Who should choose a different trek: Anyone looking for a fast 2-day weekend hike, trekkers focused purely on climbing a steep summit peak (who should choose Kedarkantha), or travelers expecting heated hotel rooms and attached bathrooms.

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Where Is Har Ki Dun Located?

🗺️ Har Ki Dun Expedition Route Pipeline (Dehradun to 3,566m)

1. 📍 Dehradun Transit Gateway (640 m / 2,100 ft)

   • Transit: 🚗 Mountain Highway • 210 km (8–10 Hours via Mussoorie, Purola & Mori)
   • Logistics: Direct early morning buses depart at 5:30 AM & 6:30 AM (₹450–₹550) or shared Maxx cabs (₹800–₹1,000) from near Dehradun Railway Station.

2. 🏡 Sankri Base Village (1,950 m / 6,397 ft)

   • Transit: 🚙 4x4 Forest Track • 12 km (1 Hour along Supin River Gorge)
   • Logistics: Administrative outfitting launchpad with homestays, gear rental hubs, and Govind National Park entry permit checkpost.

3. 🥾 Taluka Trailhead to Puani Ghaat / Gangad (2,180 m ➔ 2,500 m)

   • Transit: 🚶 Foot Trek Commences • 10 km (4–5 Hours riverside walk)
   • Terrain: Packed forest floor shaded by deodar, chestnut, and walnut canopies, crossing wooden cantilever bridges.

4. 🏘️ Osla Heritage Village & Kalkatiyadhar Ridge (2,600 m ➔ 2,950 m)

   • Transit: 🚶 Valley Climb • 11 km (5–6 Hours)
   • Terrain: Ascending rocky stone steps past ancient 500-year-old carved wooden architecture and terraced amaranth fields to the open ridge of Kalkatiyadhar.

5. 🏔️ Har Ki Dun Valley Basin (3,566 m / 11,700 ft)

   • Transit: 🏁 Alpine Meadow Destination • 9 km (4–5 Hours)
   • Scenery: Broad U-shaped glacial valley framed directly beneath the sheer glaciated face of Mount Swargarohini I (6,252m) and Hata Peak.

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How to Reach Har Ki Dun from Dehradun

Step 1: Dehradun to Sankri (210 km Drive)

Sankri is the administrative launchpad for both Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha. The 8 to 10-hour drive passes through Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Damta, Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and the Netwar forest entry gate.

Transport Mode	Approx. Travel Time	Approx. One-Way Fare	Practical Logistics
Direct State / Private Bus	9 to 10 Hours	₹450 – ₹550	Departs at 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM from near Dehradun Railway Station.
Shared Taxi (Sumo/Maxx)	8 to 9 Hours	₹800 – ₹1,000	Available at Dehradun taxi stand; leaves once all 10 seats fill up.
Private Reserved Taxi	7 to 8 Hours	₹6,500 – ₹8,000	Bolero/Innova; convenient for small trekking groups with heavy rucksacks.
Self-Drive	8 to 9 Hours	Fuel: ~₹3,500	Paved highway until Mori; winding, narrow mountain road to Sankri.

Step 2: Sankri to Taluka (12 km Jeep Track)

From Sankri, local 4x4 Mahindra Maxx vehicles navigate an unpaved, rocky forest track to Taluka village (₹150–₹250 per seat shared, or ₹1,000–₹1,500 private cab). During heavy monsoon rains, landslides can block this road, requiring an extra 3-hour walk from Sankri to Taluka.

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Har Ki Dun Trek Route: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day	Route Stage	Distance	Start Elev.	End Elev.	Elevation Gain/Loss	Walking Hours	Terrain & Key Features
Day 1	Dehradun to Sankri	210 km (Drive)	640 m	1,950 m	+1,310 m	8–10 hrs	Winding highway through Yamuna and Tons river valleys; overnight in Sankri guesthouse.
Day 2	Sankri $
ightarrow$ Taluka $
ightarrow$ Puani Ghaat / Gangad	10 km (Trek)	2,180 m	2,500 m	+320 m	4–5 hrs	Wide riverside trail shaded by deodar and walnut trees; cross wooden bridges over side streams.
Day 3	Puani Ghaat to Kalkatiyadhar (via Osla)	11 km	2,500 m	2,950 m	+450 m	5–6 hrs	Climb past terraced wheat/amaranth fields; view Osla across the river; camp on open ridge.
Day 4	Kalkatiyadhar to Har Ki Dun Basin	9 km	2,950 m	3,566 m	+616 m	4–5 hrs	Treeline yields to open alpine meadows; panoramic views of Swargarohini and Hata Peak.
Day 5	Har Ki Dun $
ightarrow$ Maninda Tal / Jaundhar Glacier $
ightarrow$ Seema	15 km	3,566 m	2,600 m	+200 m / -1,166 m	7–8 hrs	Morning exploration of glacial lake; long descent down the valley to Seema campsite.
Day 6	Seema to Taluka to Sankri	14 km (Trek)	2,600 m	1,950 m	-650 m	5–6 hrs	Retrace riverside trail along the Supin River; jeep transfer from Taluka back to Sankri.
Day 7	Sankri to Dehradun	210 km (Drive)	1,950 m	640 m	-1,310 m	8–10 hrs	Early morning departure from Sankri to Dehradun for evening train/flight connections.

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What the Trail Actually Feels Like (Terrain Breakdown)

• Sankri to Taluka (Rough Roadbed): A rocky, dirt track cut into the cliffside above the Supin River gorge. In dry weather, it is a bumpy 4x4 ride; in wet weather, small streams wash over the roadway.
• Taluka to Gangad (Riverside Forest Path): The walking trail begins gently. The path is packed earth and smooth river boulders shaded by towering deodars, chestnut, and walnut trees. You cross tributary streams over wooden cantilever bridges constructed from interlocking deodar logs and stone.
• Gangad to Osla and Seema (Terraced Valley & Rocky Climbs): The valley narrows. The trail climbs steadily on rocky steps carved into the hillside above the roaring river. You pass cultivated fields of red amaranth (chaulai) and barley before reaching the suspension bridge at Seema.
• Kalkatiyadhar to Har Ki Dun (Alpine Meadows & Glacial Moraines): Above 3,000 meters, the forest ends. The trail traverses rolling sub-alpine meadows (bugyals) and glacial moraine gravel. The path is wide and gradual, opening into the broad, flat, U-shaped glacial valley of Har Ki Dun.

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Har Ki Dun Campsites: What to Expect

HAR KI DUN CAMPSITE AMENITIES MATRIX

Campsite / Village	Elevation	Accommodation	Water	Network
Sankri Base	1,950 m	Homestays/Hotels	Tap/Hot	Jio/Airtel
Puani Ghaat	2,500 m	Riverside Tents	Stream	Zero (No)
Seema / Osla	2,600 m	GMVN / Homestays	Spring	Zero (No)
Kalkatiyadhar	2,950 m	High Ridge Tents	Natural	Zero (No)
Har Ki Dun Valley	3,566 m	Alpine Tents/GMVN	River	Zero (No)

Campsite Sanitation: Campsites use dry pit toilet tents with sawdust and shovels. Running water is unavailable at higher camps; water is fetched from natural mountain springs. Keep toilet paper, biodegradable wet wipes, and hand sanitizer inside your daypack.

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Osla and the Villages Along the Route

The Har Ki Dun trail passes through centuries-old settlements that have preserved classical Garhwali wooden architecture (Koti Banal style), designed to withstand seismic activity and heavy winter snow loads.

• Osla Village: Perched on the slope across the Supin River at 2,600m, Osla features multi-story houses built from interlocking deodar beams and slate stones. The village is famous for its elaborately carved wooden temple dedicated to the deity Someshwar (often associated in folklore with Duryodhana).
• Local Economy: Residents cultivate potato, barley, and red amaranth (chaulai), and weave thick woolen blankets (pattu) and coats (chogas) from mountain sheep wool.
• Cultural Etiquette: Ask permission before photographing residents or religious temples. Do not touch temple shrines or sacred wooden carvings without local guidance.

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Har Ki Dun Elevation Profile

📈 HAR KI DUN ELEVATION & STAGING PROFILE

• 3,566 m (Day 4): 🏔️ Har Ki Dun Alpine Basin (Summit Valley Camp)
• 2,950 m (Day 3): ⛺ Kalkatiyadhar Ridge (Acclimatization Camp)
• 2,500 m (Day 2): 🏘️ Puani Ghaat / Gangad (Riverside Camp)
• 2,180 m (Day 2): 🥾 Taluka Trailhead (Jeep Road Ends)
• 1,950 m (Day 1): 🏡 Sankri Base Village (Overnight Guesthouse)

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Water, Food, Mobile Network & Electricity

• Drinking Water: Mountain streams flow alongside the trail. Never drink untreated water directly from streams near village settlements. Use a Sawyer Squeeze filter or chlorine dioxide purification tablets.
• Food on Trail: Trekking camps and village tea stalls serve fresh, hot vegetarian meals (dal, rice, roti, sabzi, eggs, and porridge).
• Mobile Network: Beyond Sankri village, there is ZERO mobile network coverage anywhere along the trail (Taluka, Gangad, Osla, Seema, Har Ki Dun). Inform family before leaving Dehradun that you will be offline for 5 to 6 days.
• Electricity & Charging: Electricity ends at Sankri. Carry a 20,000mAh power bank to keep your phone, camera, and headlamp charged.

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Permits & Forest Regulations (2026)

• Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Entry: Forest checkpost at Netwar charges ₹150 for Indian nationals and ₹600 for foreign passport holders for the first 3 days (plus ₹50/day extension).
• Camping Fee: Forest department levies ₹50 per tent per night.
• Identity Documents: Carry original government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport) and 2 passport photos for permit verification at Netwar.

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Har Ki Dun Packing Checklist

• Clothing: 1 moisture-wicking base layer, 1 fleece jacket, 1 down insulated jacket (-5°C rated), 1 waterproof rain shell/poncho, 2 quick-dry trekking pants, 3 pairs merino wool socks, thermal innerwear, fleece gloves, and sun cap.
• Footwear: Broken-in high-ankle waterproof trekking boots with deep rubber lugs.
• Hardware: 45L–55L rucksack with rain cover, 1 pair adjustable trekking poles, 1 headlamp (with spare batteries), 2x 1L water bottles, UV400 sunglasses, and personal first-aid kit.

What You Probably Don’t Need:

• Heavy cotton jeans or multiple heavy cotton sweatshirts (slow to dry and heavy).
• Bulky grooming kits and large shampoo bottles.
• Unnecessary heavy electronics (laptops, bulky hair dryers).

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Estimated Har Ki Dun Trek Budget (2026 Breakdown)

Expense Item	Budget DIY with Local Guide	All-Inclusive Operator Package	Private Group Custom Tour
Transport (Dehradun-Sankri Return)	₹1,600 – ₹2,400 (Bus/Shared)	₹3,000 – ₹4,000 (Tempo Traveler)	₹7,000 – ₹9,000 (Private Cab)
Sankri-Taluka 4x4 Jeep Return	₹400 – ₹600 (Shared)	Included in Package	Included in Package
Guide & Porters / Mule Support	₹6,000 – ₹8,000 (Group split)	Included in Package	Included in Package
Food & Tents / Homestays	₹4,500 – ₹6,000	Included in Package (₹9,500–₹14,500)	Included in Package
Sanctuary Permits & Camping Fees	₹400 – ₹600	Included in Package	Included in Package
Gear Rental & Personal Buffer	₹1,000 – ₹1,500	₹1,000 – ₹1,500	₹1,500 – ₹2,000
Total Estimated Budget per Person	₹13,900 – ₹19,100 (~$165–$230 USD)	₹16,500 – ₹24,000 (~$195–$290 USD)	₹24,000 – ₹32,000 (~$290–$380 USD)

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Har Ki Dun vs. Kedarkantha: Quick Comparison

Feature	Har Ki Dun Trek	Kedarkantha Winter Trek
Trek Type	Expansive Valley & Cultural Trail	Pyramid Peak Summit Climb
Maximum Elevation	3,566 m (11,700 ft)	3,800 m (12,467 ft)
Total Distance	47 to 52 km (Longer endurance)	20 to 22 km (Shorter, steeper)
Trek Duration	6 to 7 Days	5 Days
Cultural Element	Historic 500-yr wooden villages (Osla, Gangad)	Forest trail; no villages past Sankri
Snow Experience	Seasonal valley snow (Jan–Feb)	Heavy summit snow (Dec–Feb)
Best Suited For	Valley walking, flora, cultural heritage	First-time summit baggers & snow seekers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Har Ki Dun suitable for first-time trekkers?

Yes. Because the elevation gain is gradual (gaining ~1,400m over 3 full trekking days), it is physically gentle on the lungs. However, you must be comfortable walking 10 to 14 kilometers per day for 5 consecutive days.

What is the maximum altitude of the Har Ki Dun trek?

The Har Ki Dun valley basin sits at 3,566 meters (11,700 feet). Trekkers taking the optional day excursion to Maninda Tal or Jaundhar Glacier viewpoint reach approximately 3,750 meters (12,300 feet).

Where do trekkers stay during Har Ki Dun?

Accommodation is a mix of alpine camping tents pitched in riverside meadows and rustic traditional homestays in Osla or Seema village.

What mountains can you see from Har Ki Dun?

You get unobstructed views of the Swargarohini massif (I, II, III), Hata Peak, Black Peak (Kalanag), and the Jaundhar Glacier.

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DATA FOR WEBSITE VISUALIZATIONS

Chart 1 — Route Profile & Coordinates Data

• Source: Survey of India Topographic Maps & Govind National Park Records
• Date Checked: August 2026

Stage Landmark	Distance (km)	Elevation (m)	Elevation (ft)	Walking Time (hrs)
Taluka Trailhead	0.0	2,180	7,152	Baseline
Puani Ghaat Campsite	10.0	2,500	8,202	4.5
Seema / Osla Village	16.0	2,600	8,530	3.0
Kalkatiyadhar Ridge	21.0	2,950	9,678	3.0
Har Ki Dun Valley	30.0	3,566	11,700	4.5
Maninda Tal (Optional)	33.5	3,750	12,303	2.0

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Chart 2 — Daily Walking Distance (km)

• Source: Uttarakhand Trekking Operators Logistical Records
• Date Checked: August 2026

Day	Trail Stage	Walking Distance (km)	Elevation Gain/Loss (m)	Walking Hours
Day 2	Taluka to Puani Ghaat	10.0	+320 m	4.5
Day 3	Puani Ghaat to Kalkatiyadhar	11.0	+450 m	5.5
Day 4	Kalkatiyadhar to Har Ki Dun	9.0	+616 m	4.5
Day 5	Har Ki Dun to Seema	15.0	-966 m	7.5
Day 6	Seema to Taluka	14.0	-420 m	5.5

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Chart 3 — Budget Breakdown Comparison (INR)

• Source: Garhwal Himalayan Trekking Cost Index
• Date Checked: August 2026

Category	Budget DIY (₹)	Organized Package (₹)	Private Custom Tour (₹)
Transport (Dehradun-Sankri-Taluka)	2,200	4,000	8,000
Guide, Permits & Camping	6,500	Included in Package	Included in Package
Food & Tents / Homestays	4,500	14,500	18,500
Gear Rental & Personal Buffer	1,500	2,500	3,500
Total Cost	₹14,700	₹21,000	₹30,000

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References & Official Sources

• Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB): Official Garhwal Trekking Routes & Sanctuary Regulations (uttarakhandtourism.gov.in)
• Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park Administration: Trek Entry Fees, Sanctuary Checkpost Permits, and Camping Protocols
• Survey of India: Western Garhwal Topographical Sheets (53 N/1, 53 J/13)
• Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN): Himalayan Rest House & Trail Accommodation Standards