Har Ki Dun Trek 2026-27 -A Detailed Guide

Har Ki Dun Trek: your gateway to Himalayan Bliss - Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the best summer treks. This trek is in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (Uttarakhand). The trek is popularly recognized as the “Valley of Gods”. However, this trek is a 7-day long trek with a smooth walk. During the Har Ki Dun Trek, you will pass through Pine Forest and Deodar trees. Moreover, the trail of this trek is spellbinding. Thus, you will get a great view of snowy peaks and be mesmerized by the charm of the old routes.

The altitude of Har Ki Dun trek is around 11,811 ft and the total distance of the trek is 47 km both ways around. This trek is one of the oldest and most popular treks among trekkers.

Highlights of the har ki dun trek:

Here, some of the best parts of the Har Ki Dun treks are mentioned. You will explore more about the trek and learn about some hidden gems of the trek.

You can enjoy the eye-bird view of some peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Black Peak (Kala Nag). The view of such peaks will be mesmerizing as it will be covered with snow.
Here trekkers will experience a picturesque view of sunrise and sunset over snow-capped peaks.
According to the people of Har Ki Dun, it is believed that this path led Pandavas to heaven. This a mythological story that can be said true.
Along with a view of many peaks you will discover the path draped with a variety of flora and alpine flowers.
Moreover, in Har Ki Dun Trek you will pass through one of the last villages of Uttarakhand known as Osla village. The village follows the religion of the Bhotiya tribe. Hence while interacting with the locals, you can find out more about some different religions.
The main attractions of the Har Ki Dun trek camping are the starry nights. However, the trek becomes more beautiful when you experience such a memorable night.

The Har Ki Dun Trek is rated as easy to moderate difficulty, making it one of the most beginner-friendly treks in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Difficulty Rating

The trek is generally considered safe and suitable for beginners, offering a relatively moderate level of difficulty that can be managed by beginners who are physically fit and prepared . It's a level 4 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale, though some operators classify it as level 3 .

What Makes It Manageable

Well-Defined Trail: The trail follows a well-laid path all the way to the Har Ki Dun valley, a route that the native people of the valley have used for many years. The trail is well-marked and well-defined, making navigation easier for beginners and reducing the chances of getting lost.

Gradual Ascents: The trek involves moderate ascents and descents with gradual climbs and manageable terrains, and while there are some steep sections and rocky paths, they can be tackled with proper care and trekking techniques. Overall, the trail is gradual all the way to the valley.

Moderate Daily Distances: Beginners won't have to cover the entire 47-53 kilometer distance in one go, as they will only need to trek a maximum of 5 hours and cover a maximum distance of 9 kilometers each day, allowing enough time for acclimatization and rest.

What Adds Some Challenge

Long Trekking Duration: The long trekking duration of around 6 days adds to the level of difficulty, along with trekking through the lofty altitude from around 6,400 feet at Sankri to about 11,768 feet at Har ki Dun.

Daily Walking Hours: Trekkers must walk for 6-7 hours a day on average, with occasional steep ascents and descents . You will be trekking a minimum of 10 kms every day.

Some Difficult Sections: The ridge walk from Kalkatiyadhar to Boslo can get a bit tricky, though once you pass Boslo it is a gradual walk till Har Ki Dun and back.

Altitude: At its highest point, Har Ki Dun reaches around 11,700 feet (3,566 meters), which can cause altitude sickness for some people .

Here's how to reach the Har Ki Dun trek base camp:

Getting to Dehradun

The closest railway station to Sankri is Dehradun Railway Station, accessible by frequent trains from large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. For those preferring air travel, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun provides regular connections to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla .

Dehradun to Sankri Base Camp

Distance & Time: The base camp of Har Ki Dun trek is the quaint village of Sankri, which takes approximately 9-10 hours to reach from Dehradun, covering a distance of 198 kilometres. The drive distance is around 196-199 km which may take about 7-9 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Pick-up Point: Pick-up location is at Dehradun Railway Station in Morning, where the trek team will receive you and brief you about the trek.

The Scenic Drive: The journey begins with a 210km drive through the picturesque Yamuna and Tons valley, offering stunning views of the Yamuna bridge and dense pine forests, passing through enchanting places like Mussoorie, Nainbag, Damta, Newman, Mori, Purola, and Netwar. On your way, you will find the Yamuna River running parallel to your driving route with deep gorges and valleys with dense Himalayan forests adding greenery to the landscape .

The Base Camp - Sankri

Sankri, nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, is a charming village with a mini market and renowned wooden huts serving delicious food, surrounded by apple orchards and lush greenery . The base camp of Har Ki Dun is situated at a height of 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) in Sankri, located about 13 kilometers inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary .

At Base Camp: Upon arriving in Sankri, witness a breathtaking sunset behind the mountain ranges, offering a panoramic view of all four peaks in the Swargarohini range . Post check-in, enjoy your day at leisure or you can explore and experience the charm of villages, visit the Someshwar Mahadev Temple and enjoy a Sankri Zipline Ride.

.Here's a comprehensive packing list for the Har Ki Dun Trek:

Essential Documents & Permits

Government-issued ID (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or driver's license), medical fitness certificate, and adventure insurance

Clothing (Layer System)

Base Layer: Full-sleeve thermal tops and bottoms for insulation and moisture-wicking

For Spring/Summer/Monsoon: 1 trek pant, 1 innerwear made of nylon, 1 lightweight shirt, 1 fleece sweater, and 1 poncho

For Autumn/Early Winter: 1 trek pant, 1 pair of thermals, 1 t-shirt, 1 fleece sweater, 1 padded jacket, and 1 poncho

For Winter: 1 pair waterproof gloves, 1 trek pant, 1 pair of thermals, 1 t-shirt, 1 fleece jacket, 1 padded jacket, and 1 windproof jacket

Other Clothing:

Heavy woolen and fleece clothes, rain-proof jackets, wind-proof jackets
Track pants/cotton pants/cargos (avoid denims), full sleeves fleece t-shirts or sweater, woollen cap or balaclava that covers the ear.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes with good grip and ankle support (recommended: Quechua Forclaz 100 or similar), 2 pairs of warm socks and at least 2 pairs of normal cotton socks.

Walking/hiking sandals for use off the trek in morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, and sneakers (optional) for normal driving days or around the camp.

Backpack & Gear

Main backpack (50-60 liters) with good hip support and rain cover, daypack (20 liters) for water, snacks, and jacket, and trekking poles for stability on slopes .

Accessories

Sunglasses, wind cheater or light rain coat or poncho, light towel
Sun cap, headlamp or flashlight, lunch box, water bottle, trek route map and current weather forecast
Camera, memory cards, batteries (electricity not available at slopes or base camp, so carry extra batteries)

Personal Care & Medical

Cold cream and sunscreen lotion, personal toilet kit and toilet paper
Basic first aid kit including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any personal medications
Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, liquid soap, hand sanitizers, slippers, light towel, toilet roll (avoid wet tissues as they are not eco-friendly)

Inclusions

Transport Pickup Time: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station.
From the scheduled pick-up point to the base camp, we arrange transportation in vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dzire, or Tempo Traveller (12-seater). This is shared by trekkers at a pre-decided cost. All vehicles are non-AC for mountain travel safety.
Accommodation Base Camp Stay: 1-night accommodation in a local homestay or guesthouse, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan lifestyle. (Single-sharing available at INR 5,000 extra per person for the entire trek)
On-Trek Stay: Twin-sharing tents (Vango Halo Pro / A-Shape) built to handle extreme weather while keeping you comfortable after a long day’s trek.
Camping Equipment High-quality sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Foam mattresses for added comfort.
Safety gear including microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ice axe (where required).
Medical Support Our team carries an extensive medical kit and is trained in high-altitude first aid.
Oxygen cylinders (checked before every trek) are available at campsites and with the team at all times.
Permissions & FeesAll forest entry permits and camping fees for Indian nationals are included. (Additional charges apply for foreign nationals)
Meals Nutritious veg meals (with eggs) — Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner.
Jain and vegan meals available on prior request.
Dedicated kitchen tent and dining tent with tables and seating.
Our Team Certified Trek Leader (AMC/BMC/NIM-trained) for safety and smooth execution.
Local Guides with deep knowledge of the trail, culture, and biodiversity.
Support Crew including cook, helpers, porters, and mules for common equipment.
Cloakroom Facility You can leave extra luggage safely at our base camp free of charge.

During The Trek
Exclusion

Personal expenses like tips, medicines, and phone calls.
Travel from your hometown to the pick-up point.
Personal trekking gear (jackets, shoes, backpacks, cutlery) — available for rent at affordable rates on prior request.
Backpack offloading (optional) – INR 400 per bag/day (up to 12 kg).
Trek insurance (mandatory) — to be arranged separately.
Buffer day cost (if used) — to be paid directly to the trek leader.
Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list.