The Har Ki Dun trek is one of the gentlest ways into the high Garhwal Himalayas, a walk that trades knife-edge passes for old wooden villages, terraced fields and a broad glacial valley under the Swargarohini peaks. It begins at Sankri in Uttarkashi district and follows the Supin river deep into Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, the reserve locals call part of the “Valley of Gods”. This guide covers the route, the best season, permits, costs and the practical detail you need to plan the trip well.
Har Ki Dun is a cradle-shaped hanging valley in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, set inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. The trek starts at the road-head of Sankri, runs roughly 47 km round trip over 6–7 days, and tops out near 3,566 m. It is best walked in spring and autumn.
About Har Ki Dun and quick facts
According to Wikipedia’s summary of the valley, Har Ki Dun sits at about 3,566 m (11,700 ft) above mean sea level and is a cradle-shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas, ringed by high-altitude meadows the hill people call bugyals (alpine grasslands) and by snow-covered peaks. The valley stays under snow from roughly October to March, and connects over the Borasu Pass to the Baspa valley in Himachal Pradesh.
The whole trek lies within Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. The Uttarakhand forest reserve was first notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and spans about 958 km², with land rising from 1,400 m to 6,323 m in the Supin range of Uttarkashi district. The Tons and Supin rivers drain it, and it shelters the Himalayan monal (the state bird, a bright mountain pheasant) and a Government of India snow leopard project, per the same national-park record.
The walk is graded moderate rather than technical, which is why it suits fit first-timers as much as it suits families with older children. The Har Ki Dun trek shares its base village with the popular Kedarkantha winter trek, so many people combine the two on separate visits.
Best time for the Har Ki Dun trek
There are two clear windows. Spring to early summer (mid-April to June) brings melting snow lines, wildflowers and green terraces. Autumn (September to mid-November) clears the post-monsoon air for the widest peak views. Winter is walkable in snow but is for prepared trekkers only; the monsoon (July–August) is best skipped for landslide and leech risk. Conditions below are the ranges commonly reported for the valley and should be reconfirmed close to your dates.
| Season | Months | Trail conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring–summer | Mid-Apr to Jun | Receding snow, flowers, mild days | Greenery, first-timers |
| Monsoon | Jul–Aug | Rain, slippery trail, landslide risk | Best avoided |
| Autumn | Sep to mid-Nov | Clear skies, crisp air, cold nights | Peak views, photography |
| Winter | Late Nov to Mar | Snow-covered trail, sub-zero nights | Experienced snow trekkers |
Days in the shoulder seasons are pleasant, but nights near the campsites drop to around freezing or below, so pack for cold whatever the month. The valley itself lies under snow through winter, per the valley record above.
How to reach Sankri, the base
Sankri is the last road-head. Wikipedia’s Sankri entry places the village at 1,950 m in Mori tehsil of Uttarkashi district, among deodar (Himalayan cedar) forest and the Supin, Tons and Kedarganga rivers, and notes it is about 200 km from Dehradun by taxi or government bus, with no motor road beyond the village into the sanctuary. The drive climbs through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori and Netwar and takes roughly 8–10 hours depending on road conditions.
| Mode | Detail | Approx. distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| By air | Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun — the nearest airport, then road | ~30 km to Dehradun; ~9–10 hr road onward |
| By rail | Dehradun is the railhead; taxis and buses run onward to Sankri | ~200 km road from Dehradun |
| By road | Shared taxi or state bus via Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, Netwar | ~200 km; ~8–10 hr |
For the train leg to Dehradun, the daytime Dehradun Shatabdi Express runs as 12017 (New Delhi–Dehradun) and 12018 in return, covering the 314 km in about six hours with only chair-car seating. Overnight options exist but change often — the former New Delhi service of the Nanda Devi AC Express was extended to Kota (12401/12402) in 2019, skipping New Delhi, so check current trains and numbers on the official IRCTC or NTES portals before booking. From Sankri, a rough jeepable road runs about 12 km to Taluka, where most people start walking; operators say this stretch is sometimes covered on foot when the road is out.
The route, day by day
Operators run the trek over 6–7 days including two travel days from Dehradun. Total walking is commonly listed at about 47 km round trip when you start from Taluka, following the Supin through Gangad, Osla and the Seema/Puani Garaat meadows to the valley and back. Treat the day distances below as an indicative plan; guides adjust camps for snow and daylight.
- Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (~200 km, 8–10 hr). Acclimatise, buy last supplies, register.
- Day 2: Drive Sankri to Taluka (~12 km), then trek to the Seema/Osla area beside the Supin (~10–12 km). First views of terraced fields and old cedar homes.
- Day 3: Climb through meadows to the Har Ki Dun valley camp (~10–12 km), with Swargarohini rising ahead.
- Day 4: Explore the upper valley and, if fit and permitted, walk toward the Jaundhar glacier snout before returning to camp.
- Day 5: Descend back toward Osla/Seema (~10–12 km).
- Day 6: Trek out to Taluka and drive to Sankri.
- Day 7: Drive Sankri to Dehradun.
A common add-on is the side trek to Ruinsara Tal, a glacial lake reached off the same trail; it adds days and is best planned with a guide. If you would rather see alpine flowers than a glacial cradle, the Valley of Flowers trek in Chamoli is a monsoon-season alternative in the same state.
What you see along the way
Har Ki Dun is as much a culture walk as a mountain one. The villages along the Supin are among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Garhwal, and their carved wooden temples and slate-roofed houses are the trek’s signature.
| Place | What it is | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Osla / Gangad villages | Old cedar-and-slate hamlets on the climb above the Supin | Osla reported around 2,590 m; the steepest section of the walk |
| Someshwar temple, Osla | Carved wooden shrine | Local belief links it to Duryodhana of the Mahabharata — this is legend, not recorded history |
| Har Ki Dun valley | The cradle-shaped valley floor and camp | ~3,566 m; base for peak views |
| Swargarohini massif | Snow peaks that head the valley | Seen from the valley camp |
| Jaundhar glacier | Glacier below Swargarohini, a source of the Tons | Reported near 4,300 m; a fit day-walk from the valley |
| Ruinsara Tal | Glacial lake on a side trail | Optional multi-day extension |
Please treat the villages as homes, not sights. Ask before photographing people or interiors, and step aside for grazing flocks and porters on narrow trail.
Where to stay
Sankri has grown a cluster of trekker lodges and homestays, and there is a Uttarakhand forest rest house in the wider Govind reserve. On the trail itself you sleep in tents at designated camps; Osla and Seema offer basic village homestays. Book Sankri beds ahead in the spring and autumn peaks, when whole trek groups fill the village. Bands below are planning estimates and should be reconfirmed.
- Budget (₹600–₹1,200 per night): shared-room lodges and homestays in Sankri; simple bedding, hot water by bucket.
- Mid-range (₹1,500–₹3,000): better-run guesthouses in Sankri with attached baths and meals included.
- On-trail: tents at Seema/Osla and the valley camp are usually part of an operator package; village homestays in Osla are basic and cash-only.
- Government option: forest/state rest houses in the region can be enquired through the Uttarakhand forest department and GMVN; availability is limited, so plan early.
Food to try
Trek meals are simple, hot and carbohydrate-heavy for the altitude. In Sankri and the villages, look out for local Garhwali cooking rather than only the standard trail dal-chawal.
- Aloo ke gutke (boiled potatoes tossed with cumin and dry chilli) — the everyday hill favourite.
- Mandua roti (flatbread of finger millet, called mandua or ragi locally) — dense, warming, and common in these villages.
- Phaanu (a slow-cooked lentil stew) and chainsoo (roasted black-gram dal), both Garhwali comfort dishes.
- Rajma-chawal — the local red kidney beans are prized; a reliable trail lunch.
- Hot lemon-ginger-honey and masala chai at every camp; carry a little cash for village tea stalls.
Budget breakdown
Costs vary widely with group size, whether you self-organise or book an operator, and how you reach Sankri. The table is a per-person planning estimate for a 6–7 day trip and is not a quote; reconfirm current rates before you commit.
| Item | Budget style | Comfort style |
|---|---|---|
| Guided trek package (Sankri to Sankri) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | ₹13,000–₹18,000 |
| Dehradun–Sankri transport (shared) | ₹800–₹1,500 | ₹2,000–₹3,500 (private cab share) |
| Forest entry / camping permit | ₹150–₹350 | ₹150–₹350 |
| Sankri stay (1–2 nights) | ₹600–₹2,400 | ₹3,000–₹6,000 |
| Buffer, gear hire, tips | ₹1,000–₹2,000 | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Approx. total | ₹10,500–₹18,000 | ₹20,000–₹32,000 |
Assumptions: travel begins and ends at Dehradun, train or flight to Dehradun is extra, and rates are shared-basis. Operator package figures are indicative and set by each company.
Permits and rules for Govind Pashu Vihar
Because the entire route sits inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, every trekker needs a forest entry and camping permit. Trekkers report buying it at the Sankri forest check post (or through the range/DFO office), with Indian and foreign nationals charged different rates; the per-person Indian fee has been reported in the ₹150–₹350 band. Fees change, so confirm the current figure and paperwork at the check post or with the Uttarakhand forest department before you set out.
- Carry a government photo ID for the permit and for check-post registration.
- Foreign nationals pay a higher park fee and should ask about any additional registration in advance.
- Single-use plastic is discouraged in the reserve; carry all waste out and use a reusable bottle.
- Camping is only at designated sites; no open fires — cook on stoves.
- Drone flying over a national park needs permission; do not assume it is allowed.
No inner-line or protected-area permit applies here for Indian trekkers — this is a national-park entry, not a border permit. Reconfirm details with the official Uttarakhand Forest Department.
Practical tips and safety
Har Ki Dun is moderate but still a high-altitude walk, so plan for cold, thin air and limited connectivity. The valley record notes Sankri is the last place with a stable mobile signal and that Purola has the last ATM before the base, so draw cash and message home before you leave the road.
- Altitude: the camps sit around 3,000–3,566 m. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and know the early signs of acute mountain sickness (headache, nausea, breathlessness at rest). Government health guidance is clear that the only reliable treatment for worsening AMS is to descend; do not push higher if symptoms build.
- Connectivity and cash: networks are patchy beyond Sankri and card machines are unreliable — carry enough cash for permits, tips and homestays.
- Health: the nearest full hospitals are down-valley toward Purola and Uttarkashi; carry a basic kit and any personal medicines.
- Packing by season: layers year-round, a warm down/fleece and gloves even in summer for the nights, waterproofs in the shoulder months, and microspikes plus gaiters for winter snow.
- Solo women: the trail is generally considered safe and group departures are common; joining a reputable operator or a group is the usual advice for a first Himalayan trek.
- Guides and porters: hiring a local guide supports village livelihoods and helps with route-finding when snow hides the trail.
Nearby places
Sankri sits at the far west of Uttarakhand’s trekking belt, so it pairs naturally with other Garhwal trails and the hill towns on the drive up.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarkantha | Same base (Sankri) | Popular winter summit trek from the same village — see our Kedarkantha trek guide |
| Mussoorie | On the Dehradun–Sankri drive | Classic hill station for a rest day; part of our Uttarakhand hill stations guide |
| Ruinsara Tal | Side trail off Har Ki Dun | Glacial lake extension for extra days |
| Purola / Mori | On the approach road | Last ATM and supply points; riverside stops |
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Har Ki Dun trek?
The Har Ki Dun trek is graded moderate. It involves 6–7 days of walking on well-defined forest and meadow trails with steady climbs, notably above Osla, but no technical mountaineering. Reasonably fit first-timers manage it with basic preparation. Winter attempts, on snow, are harder and suit experienced trekkers only.
What is the altitude of Har Ki Dun?
Har Ki Dun sits at about 3,566 m (11,700 ft) above sea level, per Wikipedia’s summary of the valley. Trail camps range from roughly 2,000 m at Sankri to the valley floor near 3,566 m, so plan for gradual acclimatisation and cold nights. The nearby Jaundhar glacier is reported higher, near 4,300 m.
Do I need a permit for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Yes. The route lies inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, so every trekker needs a forest entry and camping permit, usually bought at the Sankri check post. Indian and foreign nationals pay different rates, and fees change, so carry photo ID and reconfirm the current charge with the Uttarakhand forest department before travelling.
When is the best time to do the trek?
The two prime windows are mid-April to June and September to mid-November. Spring brings flowers and receding snow; autumn brings clear skies and sharp peak views. Avoid the July–August monsoon for landslide risk. Winter is walkable in snow but only for prepared, experienced trekkers with proper gear.
How do I reach Sankri, the base village?
Sankri is about 200 km from Dehradun, roughly 8–10 hours by shared taxi or state bus through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori and Netwar. Dehradun is the nearest railhead and Jolly Grant Airport its nearest airport. From Sankri a jeep road runs about 12 km to Taluka, where the walking begins.
Is Har Ki Dun safe for beginners and solo women?
Yes, with sensible planning. The trail is moderate and popular, and group departures are common, which makes it a good first Himalayan trek. Solo women generally report it as safe, especially with a reputable operator or group. Watch for altitude symptoms, carry cash, and expect little mobile signal beyond Sankri.
Last updated and sources
Go if you want a moderate Himalayan walk rich in old-village culture rather than high-pass drama; spring and autumn reward you most. Whatever the month, plan for cold nights, carry cash, and reconfirm permits and transport before you leave.
Last updated: 25 September 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia, “Har Ki Doon” (altitude, cradle valley, snow cover, Sankri signal, Purola ATM); Wikipedia, “Govind Pashu Vihar National Park” (area, 1955 notification, altitude range, Uttarkashi/Supin range, Tons and Supin rivers, monal, snow leopard project); Wikipedia, “Sankri” (altitude 1,950 m, Mori tehsil, ~200 km from Dehradun, base village); Wikipedia, “Dehradun Shatabdi Express” (12017/12018, New Delhi–Dehradun, ~6 hr, 314 km) and “Nanda Devi AC Express” (12401/12402, Kota–Dehradun since 2019); IRCTC (irctc.co.in) and Indian Railways NTES (enquiry.indianrail.gov.in) for current trains; Uttarakhand Forest Department (forest.uk.gov.in) for Govind Pashu Vihar entry rules. Trek distances, day stages, permit-fee band, seasonal temperatures and cost estimates are drawn from operator and travel-portal listings and are labelled indicative — reconfirm locally. Accessed September 2026.
{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@graph”:[{“@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How difficult is the Har Ki Dun trek?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”The Har Ki Dun trek is graded moderate. It involves 6-7 days of walking on well-defined forest and meadow trails with steady climbs, notably above Osla, but no technical mountaineering. Reasonably fit first-timers manage it with basic preparation. Winter attempts, on snow, are harder and suit experienced trekkers only.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the altitude of Har Ki Dun?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Har Ki Dun sits at about 3,566 m (11,700 ft) above sea level, per Wikipedia’s summary of the valley. Trail camps range from roughly 2,000 m at Sankri to the valley floor near 3,566 m, so plan for gradual acclimatisation and cold nights. The nearby Jaundhar glacier is reported higher, near 4,300 m.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Do I need a permit for the Har Ki Dun trek?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes. The route lies inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, so every trekker needs a forest entry and camping permit, usually bought at the Sankri check post. Indian and foreign nationals pay different rates, and fees change, so carry photo ID and reconfirm the current charge with the Uttarakhand forest department before travelling.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”When is the best time to do the trek?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”The two prime windows are mid-April to June and September to mid-November. Spring brings flowers and receding snow; autumn brings clear skies and sharp peak views. Avoid the July-August monsoon for landslide risk. Winter is walkable in snow but only for prepared, experienced trekkers with proper gear.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How do I reach Sankri, the base village?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Sankri is about 200 km from Dehradun, roughly 8-10 hours by shared taxi or state bus through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori and Netwar. Dehradun is the nearest railhead and Jolly Grant Airport its nearest airport. From Sankri a jeep road runs about 12 km to Taluka, where the walking begins.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Is Har Ki Dun safe for beginners and solo women?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Yes, with sensible planning. The trail is moderate and popular, and group departures are common, which makes it a good first Himalayan trek. Solo women generally report it as safe, especially with a reputable operator or group. Watch for altitude symptoms, carry cash, and expect little mobile signal beyond Sankri.”}}]},{“@type”:”TouristDestination”,”name”:”Har Ki Dun”,”address”:{“@type”:”PostalAddress”,”addressLocality”:”Sankri”,”addressRegion”:”Uttarakhand”,”addressCountry”:”IN”},”geo”:{“@type”:”GeoCoordinates”,”latitude”:31.11,”longitude”:78.41}}]}