Trekking in HImalayas - Harki Dun Trek
Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days
Destination covered: Rishieksh - Taluka - Osla - Har ki Dun - Sankr - Mori - Rishikesh
Altitude: 3566 m above sea level
Grade: Moderate Trek
Best Time: Mid - April to Mid October
Har-ki-Dun, situated at an elevation of 3566 meters is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The forests are rich in wild life and are a veritable paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers.This trek provides enjoyment for all age groups as the trek is not too tough, and valley is full of flora and fauna. One can spend tim identifying herbs & shrubs used for Ayurveda. Photography is an activity that will leave an indelible mark on the visitor's memory, as there are a large variety of birds &and mountains to be clicked. This is a holy place (as the name suggests) Hari - meaning God and Dun meaning Valley and according to the local folklore, where fairies congregate! In our religious scriptures (Granth), it is mentioned that Pandavs went to heaven (Swarg) through this mountain. Duryodhan is worshipped as a God by a few community here, and one can get to see the Duryodhan Temple. Within the valley one can find Trees of Bhojpatra, the rare Bramhakamal, and many varieties of fauna. The area also acts as a base for approaching Swargarohini (alt: 6400.8 metres) Swargarohini and Jaundar Glacier located towards the south-east of Har-ki-dun. Towards west one can see the Bandar Punch mountain.
People depend on farming Rice, Rajma, and Potatoes for their survival here! They construct very beautiful double storied houses using Cider wood rafters, stones and mud, often decorating the doorways with intricate wood carvings- depicting tales from the Mahabharata! One might find many locals sitting around the Hukka pipe usually in the early evenings, as this is a way of the local men to socialize and entertain themselves after a hard day at work! Apart from selling the local produce, tourism is fast becoming a source of livelihood for these hill folk!
Har Ki Dun Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Rishieksh - Sankari( 10hrs - 225km)
In the morning after breakfast drive towards Sankari. Upon arrival at Sankari, check in at the camps. Overnight at Camps.
Day 2 : Sankari - Taluka
In the morning after breakfast, we will start our trek towards Taluka, stopping for lunch en-route at Damta/Purola and continue till Taluka. Arrive Taluka by evening, followed by tea/snacks, Taluka is a small hamlet nestled in the laps of nature. Dinner and overnight stay at the GMVN rest house or the Forest Department's rest house at Taluka.
Day 3 : Taluka - Osla (2260 meters, 13 kms/6-7 hrs)
Today we will start our trekking towards Osla from Taluka with packed lunch. Seema (Osla 2260m) on an even surface through thick forests of chestnuts, walnuts, willows, chinars and a variety of conifer trees..with a few waterfalls on the way. You could either opt for the steep climb of Dhaatmeer village, which is a path with beautiful views, or just trek along the Karmanasha stream. Both the routes meet at Gangaar village. Bonfire, dinner Dinner and overnight stay in camps.
Day 4: Osla - Har Ki Dun (3506 meter, 12 kms/5-7 hrs )
Early breakfast in the morning, today we will trek 12 kms to Har-ki-dun with packed lunch on a gradual ascent that offers excellent views of the snow-covered mountains and vast valleys with huge waterfalls. The area is home to a number of rare species of Himalayan birds and flowers, and is full of birch and spruce. After the last steep climb of approximately 200mt, you have the grassy field of Har-ki-Dun divided by the clear and calm Karmanasha stream. The beautiful Swargarohini stands tall overlooking this Valley of God. Overnight at Camps.
Day 5: Har Ki Dun - Osla ( 5 Hours 14 Km)
In the morning after breakfast trek to Osla with packed lunch (all descending). Overnight at guest house/camps.
Day 6: Osla - Taluka (6-7 hrs 14 Km)
After breakfast start trekking back towards Taluka (14 kms). This trek will take about 4-5 hours.. Dinner and overnight stay at Camps.
Day 7: Taluka - Sankari - Mori
After early breakfast trek for about 3-4 hours to reach Sankari. From here we will drive to Mori. Upon arrival at Mori, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 : Mori - Rishikesh
Morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel. Drive to Rishikesh. Trip End.
