Har Ki Dun Trek: 2020
Har ki Dun (हार की दून) is a cradled shaped valley at an altitude of 1165ft in the middle of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park. The valley offers the scenic view of Himalayan ranges like Swargarohini Group of Peaks, Kala Nag, Bandrapoonch, and others.
It is known as one of the beautiful trekking destinations, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, snowflake trees and a variety of wildlife that makes the place astonishingly amazing.
The place is suitable for visiting all around the year, offering you a new and different experience in every season. Har Ki Dun valley is surrounded by beautiful nearby places to have a complete and wonderful experience of the place.
How to reach Har Ki Dun
The journey to Har Ki Dun valley starts from Dehradun with an enjoyable view and beautiful sceneries. The journey becomes more pleasant when you have the opportunity to experience the culture, traditions, and livelihood of the place. You can reach Har ki Dun by various modes of transportation.
By Road: Take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun, it is well connected by roads of the major cities. Once you have reached Dehradun you can take a local bus or a cab to reach sankri, it is 186km which takes 7-8 hours to reach.
By Rail: Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway station and it is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Pathankot, Chandigarh. Take a cab/taxi to reach sankri from the Dehradun railway station.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Dehradun at a distance of 20km.Take a cab/taxi to reach Sankri.
Base Camp
Sankri is the base camp of a large number of trekking destinations. It the scenic village and perfect for camping and bonfire. The place is located 13km inside the Govind wildlife sanctuary. There are some hotels, guest houses available for trekkers and visitors. Sankri is a lovely village and a great starting point to start the journey on a good note.
The best time to visit Har Ki Dun
Har Ki Dun is accessible all around the year, it really up to you in which season you want to visit the place.
Summers – In summers (April- June) the place is greener and pleasant weather welcomes you, perfect for camping. Always carry woolen clothes irrespective of the season as the temperature falls at night. The temperature ranges from (-1℃ to -2℃).
Winters – All the snow lovers are welcomed to the place covered with snow in winters experience the beauty of snow-clad mountains. The temperature in winters ranges from (-15℃ to -10℃).
Monsoons – Rainy season is not adequate time to visit due to bad weather conditions, landslides, and other mishappenings.
About the locals
Uttrakhand is the popular and most traveled destination, the thing that makes this place even more special is the hospitality of people and friendly behavior of the locals.
You’ll experience the heartwarming treatment by the locals and new things about the place, culture, and tradition.
The local language, local food is something which adds up to an amazing experience of the place. Always remember when you travel always try to visit, eat at local places; as you are going to learn so much about the history of the place.
Permits
You need to pay the entry fees at some check up points, like to get into the wildlife sanctuary and trek. Always carry your identity card, necessary documents like license, pan card, voter ID and passport size photo always.
Things to carry
- Filterable water bottle
- Reusable plastic bags
- Trekking shoes
- Woolen cap, gloves, socks, jackets
- Head torchlight
- Trekking equipment( trekking pole)
- Medical kit
- Extra batteries, charger, and power bank
- Raincoat
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat/cap
- Mosquito repellent
- Basic toiletries (lotions, lip balm, wipes, sanitizer)
- Thermal innerwear
- Swiss knife
- Energy bars and protein bars
Advisory:
1. The trek takes place through eco-friendly zones, do not encourage litter
2. Do not wander off on your own any point during the trek.
3. Alcohol and smoking are not advisable.
4. Please ensure that you are carrying personal medications.
5. Please take care of your own baggage.
6. Carefully follow the instructions of the trek leader.
7. Please keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek and fuel yourself with some energy bars, protein bars or any kind of snacks to maintain the energy level.
8. Delays may occur due to weather conditions.
9. Carry warm clothes irrespective of the season.
Also read: Short Treks in the Himalayas
