03
Feb
Not all journeys need planning.
Some pulls you quietly.
Har Ki Dun begun with such unexpected call.
This ancient valley famously known as “Valley of Gods” is embraced deep by the Garhwal Himalayas—not because you will see Gods here, but because something divine allures silently that cannot be described. This is my story of leaving city life behind and walking into the woods and valleys where time seems to slow down, thoughts become calmer, mind softens, and mountains becomes your companion.
Sankri: Where the Mountains Begin
ThinAirExpedition traveller picked us from Dehradun but the journey actually began in Sankri-base village. This Himalayan hamlet feels like an outpost before the rawness of nature takes over. What attracted me most were the wooden houses and their sloping roofs-you can’t get that view in city anymore, not even in small towns. We reached early in the evening and got to stroll in the area-as trek leader suggested us to get acclimatize. We could hear the sound of the Supin River from a distance; children running in the alleys, felt like the village has its own way of welcoming us. Few welcomes doesn’t feel dramatic but effortless.
Obviously, there was excitement mixed with the nervousness. Trekkers who were doing trek for the first time were in a lot of pressure. The night before the trek gave butterflies. But the briefing calmed us. Backpacks were arranged in line under the dim lights against walls. Strange faces have now become familiar. Outside, the mountain was dark and silent as if ready to test our patience for it.
Got to know your fellow trekkers while enjoying hot food and called it a day.
Day 1: Sankri to Seema– The First Step Into Green
Morning in Sankri is quiet. As we stepped out of our rooms, the view reminded us that mountains do not negotiate. The view was enough give the hint what was coming ahead.
Whereas many other trekking agencies give just Poha for breakfast, Thin Air Expedition sets the bar by giving you full nutritious meal. After breakfast, we drove toward Gangar village leaving the Supin River far below. One side of the road was hugging the cliff and another side had forest.
From Gangar, the trek began.
The trail gently winds through thick forest of pine, walnut, and chestnut. Dry leaves crunch softly under the feet as you keep walking. The trail eased us gently, winding through dense forests of pine, walnut, and chestnut. Sunlight filters through the tall trees in broken patches, meanwhile river flows along like a true companion.
The first day was all about syncing rhythm of the breath with footsteps. Occasionally, small villages came into picture with simple yet charming homes, curious faces of natives, and warm smile. People living unhurried and grounded life is something one should learn.
Mind felt lighter and legs felt fatigued as we reached the campsite. Chilly night with starry view shifted something within instantly. Light, easy conversations over dinner brought the day gently to an end.
Day 2: Seema to Boslo – Walking Into Another Tim
Little did we know that the day was about to test our patience. We were still living in the ease of last day trek. However, at the end the day felt special.
The climb was indeed tough on our knees but the charming views of lush greenery, peaceful trails, gushing waterfalls, and snow-clad mountains made it all worth.
Our trek from Seema to Boslo was quiet a conversation with the mountains. Every step on the trail echoed the stories older than memory as it rose gently from quaint hamlet into pine-scented quietness. Clouds brushed rooftops while rivers hummed like classic song beside you. Each turn opened to a slope-hugging field, wooden homes, and prayer flags stitched with skies of hope. All this and you just come to sense that Seema was left behind long ago. The calmness of Boslo welcomed and softened us. Today’s trek taught not to rush but delve into self-exploration. Trust me, as you will finish the trek, you will arrive much lighter than you started.
Day 3: Boslo–Har Ki Dun–Hata Valley / Marinda Taal loop
On the way to Har Ki Dun trek, I felt like an old legend from the mountain is leading into the cradle of “Valley of God”. Ancient pines were whispering stories, while rivers tracing shimmery lines across the valley ground. Villages were wrapped in smoke and utter silence made a brief appearance, later they quietly vanished behind ridges. As we walked beyond Har Ki Dun, the trail climbed into the sacred silence of Hata Valley, where remote highlands felt divine. We got to witness Marinda Taal too where it seemed it is mirror holding sky and snow.
Returning to Boslo with chants of glaciers, blessings of peaks, and calmer mind was something only deep valleys and you understood.
As we reached the top, there was a sense of realization that it wasn’t place to conquer but to bow to.
Yes! We spend the night in Har Ki Dun-and it was unforgettable.
Sudden drop in temperature was compensated well with star filled sky. The moment under the sky, zero noise pollution untouched by light made the conversation more profound. Covered under the layers, staring at the sky, I felt that this place definitely deserved a reverence as I felt small but strangely complete.
Day 4: Har Ki Dun to Seema – Leaving Without Leaving
Descending always feels heavy as you bidding goodbye. As wind through pine forests soaked in morning sunlight the mountains silently watch you vanish from their sight. Along the way you will realize that crossing a stream is not just another landform but a gentle blessing from the divine itself; as if you are carrying secrets of highland with you way back home. Between folds and lands villages appear with wooden homes tucked along the slopes breathing warmly. The entire setup is shaped by patience by the mighty itself.
The air softened, chirping sound of birds came from afar, and familiar human sounds confirmed that Seema was near.
Day 5: Seema to Sankri
The final descent was reflective.
Forests made their last appearance before each step brought us closer to concrete path, network, and routine. But there was something I didn’t want to undo; maybe I came back to routine but something inside resisted.
Yes! I came back with a different version of myself.
Why Har Ki Dun Stays With You?
Har Ki Dun might not be dramatic in comparison to other treks; it doesn’t overwhelm instantly but steeps in steadily until you realize that something shifted within you.
It teaches patience.
It teaches humility.
It teaches you don’t have to run behind the material to feel complete.
From Sankri to the Valley of Gods, this trek was all about an inward journey.
I am writing this all in my room thinking that I haven’t returned at all- walking beside the great Supin River under the clear skies, listening mountains breathe.
How ThinAirExpedition Made This Trek Unforgettable-Right from the Beginning?
From the day 1, ThinAirExpedition team shaped this trek with clarity and care. Mountain demands wisdom and it was taught to us right on day 1 during the briefing session. The terrain route was planned carefully, looking at the weather conditions and respecting the boundaries of local life turning uncertainty into confidence. Experienced leader Subodh Choudhary has read the mountains like a language. He guided all of us safe and sound while letting the journey breathe at its own pace. We never had to worry about the logistic that were flowing quietly in the background—balanced meals, comforting camps, high spirits. Actually, anyone can lead a trek, but when the intentions are right it truly becomes successful which can be sensed on the faces of trekkers-thin Air Expedition put safety over speed, experience over numbers, and people over profit-from the beginning.
