Har Ki Dun is a 7-day valley trek in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. We start from Sankri village (about 6,400 ft), inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and walk up to the Har Ki Dun valley at about 11,600 ft. The Swargarohini peaks stand above it. Swargarohini I is 6,252 m high.
Our route drives from Sankri to Dharkot, then walks through Gangar to Osla, where you spend the night in a village homestay. From Osla we climb to Boslo. On Day 4 we go up to Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake and come back to camp. We return by Devsu Thatch and Dharkot, and drive back to Dehradun on Day 7.
You walk about 39 km over five days, for 4 to 7 hours a day. The trek suits fit first-time Himalayan trekkers who have trained. The hardest parts are the climb from Osla to Boslo on Day 3 and the Maninda Lake side trip on Day 4. Please read the difficulty and fitness sections before you book.
The trek costs ₹8,799 per person plus 5% GST for 2026-27. The vehicle from Dehradun to Sankri is not in this price. It is an optional add-on at ₹2,200 per person. The dates and seats below are live.
Who this trek is for
Har Ki Dun is rated easy to moderate. Over 7 days you cover 39 km on foot and reach 12,500 ft. Plan your energy for Day 3 (Osla to Boslo): it takes about 6 to 7 hours. The biggest climb is on Day 4, where you gain about 900 ft. The steepest descent is on Day 6, a drop of about 3,800 ft, which is hard on the knees.
Trek highlights
Highlight 1 of 4
Osla and the villages of the Tons valley
On Day 2 you walk through Gangar to Osla, a traditional Garhwali village of wooden houses, and stay the night in a homestay. Osla is known for its Someshwar temple and for local worship of Duryodhana.
Highlight 2 of 4
The Har Ki Dun valley
A wide hanging valley at about 11,600 ft below Swargarohini, with open meadows and views of Hata Peak, Black Peak and the Jaundhar glacier area.
Highlight 3 of 4
Maninda Lake
On Day 4 you walk on to Maninda Lake, a glacial lake at about 12,500 ft, and return to camp for the night.
Highlight 4 of 4
Forest, village and meadow trails
One trek crosses riverside paths, forest, village fields and high meadows, so it suits fit beginners who want to see all of them.
Itinerary
Har Ki Dun trek itinerary: day by day
This is a 7-day trek from Dehradun and back. We spend six nights on the route: two in Sankri, one in a village homestay in Osla and three in dome tents. You walk about 39 km over five days. Distances and times are approximate, and the weather and your group's pace can change them.
How high you climb each dayHighest altitude reached on each day of the trek
6,400 ftDay 1
9,000 ftDay 2
10,400 ftDay 3
12,500 ftDay 4
10,200 ftDay 5
10,200 ftDay 6
6,400 ftDay 7
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
DistanceAbout 190 to 200 km (8 to 10 hrs drive)
AltitudeAbout 1,450 ft to 6,400 ft
MealsEvening snacks and dinner
StaySankri hotel, shared
Leader tip: Prone to motion sickness? Take a tablet prescribed by your doctor about 30 minutes before the drive.
Meet us at Prince Chowk, Dehradun, at 6:30 AM. The drive to Sankri is about 190 to 200 km and takes 8 to 10 hours, through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori and the Tons valley. We stop for tea and photos on the way. Please carry snacks for lunch on the road.
The road climbs out of the Doon valley and follows the Tons river through pine forest and villages of wooden houses. You reach Sankri (6,400 ft), the last big village before the trek. We serve tea, snacks and dinner, and your trek leader briefs the group on the route and the weather.
Charge your phone and power bank tonight. The network is weak at Sankri and there is no charging on the trail.
Day 2: Sankri to Dharkot, then trek to Osla via Gangar
DriveAbout 16 km, Sankri to Dharkot (about 1 hr)
TrekAbout 4 km (3 to 4 hrs)
MealsBreakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks and dinner
AltitudeOsla about 9,000 ft
StayHomestay, Osla
Leader tip: Walk slowly, drink water and keep rain gear and a warm layer in your daypack.
After breakfast we drive about 16 km from Sankri to Dharkot, where the walk begins. The trail follows forest and riverside paths through Gangar village to Osla. It is about 4 km and 3 to 4 hours of easy to moderate walking.
Osla is a traditional Garhwali village of wooden houses. It has a Someshwar temple, and local people worship Duryodhana as a local deity. You spend the night in a village homestay, which is a good way to see how people live here.
This is a short day on purpose. It starts your acclimatisation, so walk slowly and drink water.
Day 3: Osla to Boslo
TrekAbout 8 km (6 to 7 hrs)
AltitudeBoslo about 10,400 ft
MealsBreakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks and dinner
StayBoslo campsite, twin sharing tents
Leader tip: Trekking poles help on the steep and rocky sections. Carry quick-energy snacks.
This is the first long day, about 8 km and 6 to 7 hours. The trail leaves Osla and climbs through steep ascents, rocky sections and narrow paths to the high meadow at Boslo.
As you gain height you see the Swargarohini peaks and the valley below, and Hata Peak comes into view near Boslo. Camp is at Boslo, in twin sharing tents.
Keep warm layers, water and snacks in your daypack. Trekking poles help on the rocky parts.
Highest point of the trek
Day 4: Boslo to Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake, back to camp
TrekAbout 9 km (6 to 7 hrs)
AltitudeHar Ki Dun about 11,600 ft; Maninda Lake about 12,500 ft
MealsBreakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner
StayBoslo campsite, twin sharing tents
Leader tip: Start early and turn back on time if the weather changes. Follow your trek leader at all times.
This is the highlight of the trek, about 9 km and 6 to 7 hours. The trail from Boslo to Har Ki Dun is gradual and goes through alpine meadows. The valley opens up below Swargarohini, with Hata Peak and the Jaundhar glacier area in view.
From here we continue to Maninda Lake, a glacial lake at about 12,500 ft. This stretch is steeper and rockier, so watch your footing. Then we walk back to camp for the night.
Go slowly at this height. Carry only water, rain gear, sunscreen and a first aid kit in your daypack.
A short halt every 40 to 50 minutes, with water and a snack, makes the 900 ft climb easier on your body.
Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Devsu Thatch
TrekAbout 8 km (4 to 5 hrs)
MealsBreakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks and dinner
AltitudeDevsu Thatch about 10,200 ft
StayDevsu Thatch, twin sharing tents
Leader tip: Use poles on the descent to protect your knees, and keep rain gear handy.
We start the return today. We walk about 8 km and 4 to 5 hours from Har Ki Dun back through Boslo and on to Devsu Thatch. The path is mostly a gentle descent, with some rocky and uneven sections through meadow and forest.
Camp is at Devsu Thatch, in twin sharing tents.
Day 6: Devsu Thatch to Dharkot, then drive to Sankri
TrekAbout 10 km (4 to 5 hrs)
DriveAbout 16 km, Dharkot to Sankri (about 1 hr)
MealsBreakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner
AltitudeDevsu Thatch about 10,200 ft down to Sankri at 6,400 ft
StaySankri hotel, shared
Leader tip: Careful footing helps on the uneven and rocky sections before Dharkot.
The last trekking day is about 10 km and 4 to 5 hours, down through mountain trails, forest and valley to Dharkot. A vehicle then takes us about 16 km to Sankri for the night. You can wash up, rest and share a last evening meal with the group.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun
DistanceAbout 190 to 200 km (8 to 10 hrs drive)
Altitude6,400 ft to about 1,450 ft
MealsMorning tea or coffee only
Leader tip: Keep your onward travel for the next day, because mountain roads can run late.
After morning tea or coffee we drive from Sankri back to Dehradun, about 190 to 200 km, through Mori, Purola, Naugaon, Damta and Mussoorie. The scenery changes from pine and deodar forest to the greener lower hills.
We are expected back in Dehradun between 5 PM and 6 PM, and the trek ends there.
Ready for the Har Ki Dun Trek?₹8,799 per person + GST. Pick your date and reserve your spot.
The Har Ki Dun trek costs ₹8,799 per person plus 5% GST. The price covers your stay, meals, forest permits, camping, safety equipment and our trek team. The vehicle from Dehradun to Sankri and back is an optional add-on at ₹2,200 per person.
✓What is included in the Har Ki Dun Trek cost
2 nights at our Sankri stay (shared rooms), 1 night in a village homestay at Osla and 3 nights in dome tents on the trail (twin sharing)
Meals from evening snacks and dinner on Day 1 to morning tea or coffee on Day 7. All meals are pure vegetarian, and we cook Jain meals without onion and garlic on request
Forest Department camping and trekking permits. We handle the paperwork, and you give us a copy of your photo ID
Trek leader, assistant leaders, local guides and support staff
Dome tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, kitchen, dining and toilet tents, chairs, tables and utensils
Safety equipment: oxygen cylinders, first aid kit, stretchers, BP machine, oximeters, walkie-talkies, microspikes and gaiters
Porters and mules to carry the group equipment
A trek coordinator who helps you prepare before the trek and calls you after it
A completion certificate
×What is not included
5% GST on the trek price
Travel to Dehradun and back home from Dehradun
The vehicle from Dehradun to Sankri and back (optional add-on, ₹2,200 per person)
Meals and stays that are not listed under inclusions
Backpack offloading (optional add-on, up to 10 kg per bag)
Travel insurance (optional add-on)
Single tent occupancy (optional add-on)
Personal expenses, laundry, phone calls, battery charging and bottled water
Personal medicines and personal trekking gear. You can rent gear from us
Extra costs caused by things outside our control, such as landslides or road blocks
Plans change. This is how cancellations, date changes and refunds work for your booking, in short. The full policy has every detail.
Har Ki Dun Trek cancellation: what you get back
When you cancel
Deducted
You get back
21 days or more before the start
10%
90% as a Trek Voucher
15 to 20 days before
30%
70% as a Trek Voucher
7 to 14 days before
50%
50% as a Trek Voucher
1 to 6 days before
100%
No voucher
On the trek day or a no-show
100%
No voucher
If you cancel, the money comes back as a Trek Voucher valid for 12 months, not as cash. You can use it on any India trek, tour or yatra run by us.
If we cancel for a reason in our control, for example the group does not reach the minimum of 6 trekkers, you get a cash refund of the amount you paid.
The first date change is free if you ask on the website at least 10 days before the start date. Each later change costs 10% of the invoice amount.
If a route closure, severe weather, an official order or a medical problem stops your trek after it has started, you can apply for the Free Trek Completion Policy within 14 days.
Refunds go back to the original payment method in 7 to 10 working days.
Stay and food on the Har Ki Dun Trek: where you sleep and what you eat
On this trek you sleep in the stays listed below and eat vegetarian meals with Jain options on request. Tap a tab to see the details.
Where you stay
Stay on the Har Ki Dun Trek: Trekup India properties, rooms and facilities
Hotel in Sankri, a village homestay in Osla and twin sharing tents on the trail.
Our Sankri HotelYour stay on this trek is at a property we own and run.
Your Har Ki Dun trek has three kinds of stay, and each one suits its part of the route.
On Day 1 and Day 6 you sleep at our hotel in Sankri, the road head of the trek. This is where you meet your group, sort your gear and attend the briefing. On Day 2 you sleep in a village homestay at Osla, a Garhwali village of wooden houses. On Days 3 to 5 you sleep in dome tents at the Boslo and Devsu Thatch campsites.
Where you sleep on this trek
Day 1 and Day 6: Sankri hotel
Shared rooms with an individual bed, bedsheet, pillow and blanket. Washrooms, hot water and charging depend on the property and the local power supply. Single occupancy may be available at extra cost.
Day 2: homestay in Osla
You stay with a village family in Osla. Rooms and washrooms are simple and shared, and the stay is a good way to see how people live in the Tons valley.
Day 3 and Day 4: Boslo campsite
Twin sharing dome tents. We give you a sleeping bag and a mattress, and set up separate kitchen, dining and toilet tents for the group.
Day 5: Devsu Thatch campsite
Twin sharing dome tents at about 10,200 ft, with the same sleeping bag, mattress and camp set-up as Boslo.
Luggage
Leave your extra luggage at the Sankri hotel and carry only your trekking essentials. You can also offload your backpack on the trail as an optional add-on.
Single tent
Want a tent to yourself? Single tent occupancy is an optional add-on, subject to availability.
Your stays at a glance
Stay facilities for the Har Ki Dun Trek
Facility
Details
Day 1 and Day 6
Sankri hotel, shared rooms
Day 2
Homestay, Osla village
Day 3 and Day 4
Boslo campsite, twin sharing tents
Day 5
Devsu Thatch campsite, twin sharing tents
Bedding
Bed and blanket at Sankri; sleeping bag and mattress in camp
Washrooms
Hotel and homestay: attached or common. Camps: toilet tents
Electricity
Available at Sankri and Osla, subject to local supply. None on the trail
Mobile network
Weak at Sankri, poor or absent beyond it
Why this mix of stays works on Har Ki Dun
The hotel gives you a proper rest before and after the trek. The Osla homestay keeps the first walking day short and starts your acclimatisation. The tents at Boslo and Devsu Thatch put you close to the trail, so each day starts early without a long walk to camp.
Food on the trek
Food on the Har Ki Dun Trek: meals, menu and special diets
A hot meal after a long day on the trail makes a real difference. This is how meals work on Trekup India treks: what the kitchen team does, what a normal day of food looks like, what the menu can include and how to tell us about dietary needs before you travel.
Our mountain kitchen
Cooking in the mountains is not like cooking at home. Space is limited, the weather changes fast and everything has to be carried in. Our team plans meals around the route, the campsite facilities, the weather and what trekkers need to keep walking.
Our ground team arranges the ingredients, cooking equipment and supplies for each trek, so meals can be prepared at the campsites. Where practical, we buy supplies locally.
Depending on the trek, the menu and what is available, you may also get treats such as momos, pasta, pakoras and halwa.
Safe drinking water
Staying hydrated matters more at altitude. Drinking-water arrangements depend on the facilities and local conditions on each trek. Where suitable facilities are available, water is boiled, filtered or treated with an appropriate purification method.
Carry your own reusable water bottle and follow your trek leader's instructions on which water is safe to drink.
Summit day food
Summit day often starts early, sometimes before sunrise, when it is very cold and the weather can change quickly. Where it is possible, the team plans hot tea or a light snack before you start.
Weather, terrain or safety reasons can sometimes make this impossible. The safety of trekkers and the ground team always comes first.
Birthdays and special moments
Birthday or anniversary on the trail, or a summit worth celebrating? Depending on the trek and what can be arranged, a birthday cake or a small group celebration can be organised on request. Mention it when you book.
Variety in every meal
Menus mix familiar comfort food with lighter, energy-rich options that suit the physical demands of trekking.
North Indian
Dal, roti, paratha, seasonal vegetables and rice
South Indian
Idli, upma and sambhar
Continental
Pasta, noodles and sandwiches
Mountain snacks
Pakoras, momos and soup
Desserts
Halwa, kheer, gulab jamun and seasonal sweets, depending on availability
A typical day of meals on a trek
Morning tea and breakfast
The day starts with tea, coffee or another hot drink. Breakfast can include poha, paratha, upma, porridge or bread. A proper breakfast helps you get through the day's walk.
Lunch
Depending on the route, lunch is served at the campsite or packed for the trail. Typical options are roti, rice, dal, seasonal vegetables and sandwiches.
Evening tea and snacks
After you reach camp there is tea, coffee or soup with a snack such as popcorn, pakoras, noodles or momos. This is usually when the group sits together and talks about the day.
Dinner
Dinner is a warm, filling meal after a hard day: dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables, salad and sometimes a dessert.
Timings and menus change with the itinerary, altitude, weather and the day's walking schedule. The first and last day of a trek can differ, so check the inclusions on this page for exactly which meals are covered.
Special diets: Jain, vegetarian, vegan and allergies
Tell us about dietary needs before you travel, not at the trailhead, so the operations team can check what is possible for your trek.
Jain meals
Jain trekkers can ask for meals without onion and garlic. Please tell us in advance so the team can check what can be arranged on your trek.
Vegetarian and vegan meals
Share your requirements before departure and we will confirm what is possible for the specific trek.
Food allergies and intolerances
If you have a food allergy, lactose intolerance or any other restriction, tell us before you book or well before departure. Special diets depend on the trek location, the kitchen set-up and the ingredients we can get. Remote mountain kitchens cannot always guarantee against cross-contamination, so please raise a serious allergy before booking.
From these options, selected dishes are served each day. A meal usually has four dishes, and menus are rotated to add variety. The list is indicative: not every dish is served on every trek.
Food on treks for children
Children need regular meals, snacks and plenty of fluids to stay energetic. On treks that children join, meal planning may include:
Milk and hot drinks
Cornflakes and porridge
Fresh fruit
Parathas and simple Indian meals
Soup and light evening snacks
Snacks for energy during the day
We also consider portion size and spice level so that meals suit younger trekkers.
How we plan a nutritious trekking menu
Trekking needs energy, endurance and good recovery. Meals are planned to balance carbohydrates, protein, fats and vegetables.
Energy
Rice, roti, potatoes and other carbohydrates.
Protein
Pulses, lentils, paneer and other available sources.
Vegetables
Seasonal vegetables for nutrients and variety.
Hydration
Drinking-water arrangements and hot drinks.
Recovery
Warm, comforting meals after demanding days.
We also plan around the walking schedule. Heavier meals suit the times when you can rest and digest. Lighter, easy-to-eat food suits the hours when you are walking.
Hygiene and waste in the mountains
Keeping food preparation areas clean.
Washing vegetables and utensils properly.
Using clean cooking and serving equipment.
Storing food supplies properly.
Keeping wet and dry waste separate wherever facilities allow.
Collecting non-biodegradable waste and bringing it back, following trek and local waste-management rules.
Leave only footprints. Take back your waste.
Good food works together with experienced trek leaders, planned logistics and comfortable camps to make a trek enjoyable. If you have a question about meals on a particular trek, ask before you book.
Photo gallery
Har Ki Dun trek photos
Photos of the Har Ki Dun Trek trail, camps, frozen lake and summit, so you know what to expect before you book.
1 / 12
Trek videos
Watch the Har Ki Dun Trek on video
Watch the route, camps and valley before you book.
Read what trekkers wrote about the Har Ki Dun Trek
Best time
Best time to do the Har Ki Dun Trek
The best time for the Har Ki Dun trek is mid-March to June and September to mid-November. May and June are the driest and greenest months and the easiest for beginners. After the monsoon, September to November gives the clearest views of Swargarohini. We do not run this trek in deep winter snow, and we avoid July and August because of landslides and slippery trails.
Spring. Snow starts to melt on the upper trail and rhododendrons begin to bloom in the lower forest. Nights are cold, so pack winter layers. Batches in these months follow the full 7-day plan to 12,500 ft.
May and June
The driest and greenest season, with long days and open meadows. Days are warm and nights are cool. This is the easiest time for a first Himalayan trek. With the high point at 12,500 ft, the 7-day Har Ki Dun itinerary runs most smoothly in this window.
July and August
Monsoon. Rain can cause landslides and close roads, and the trail gets slippery. We do not recommend trekking in these months. At 12,500 ft the upper trail of Har Ki Dun is not safe in these months, so we do not schedule batches then.
September to mid-November
Clear skies after the rain, dry trails and sharp views of the Swargarohini peaks. Nights get colder as November comes closer. With the high point at 12,500 ft, the 7-day Har Ki Dun itinerary runs most smoothly in this window.
Late November to February
Heavy snow usually blocks the trail from late November or December, and the upper villages close for the season. Nights are very cold. We do not run the trek in deep winter. This is the window when the route from Dharkot, 16 km by road from Sankri (6,400 ft) up to 12,500 ft is most walkable.
Travel guide
Travel guide for the Har Ki Dun Trek: how to reach and local culture
How to reach Sankri, the start of the trek, from Dehradun, Delhi and other cities, and the village culture you will see on the way. Tap a button to open each guide.
How to reach
How to reach Sankri from Dehradun
Plan it in three steps: reach Dehradun, travel to Sankri, then head home from Dehradun after the trek.
Your city
DehradunPickup point
SankriTrek starts here
DehradunBack after the trek
1
Step 1: Reach Dehradun
Get to Dehradun the day before, so you are at Prince Chowk by 6:30 AM. From there the group travels to Sankri.
BY AIR
Fly to Jolly Grant Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is about 30 km from the pickup point. Flights come from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Flight timings change by season, so check before you book.
About 30 km from pickup
BY TRAIN
Train to Dehradun railway station
Dehradun railway station is 500 to 600 metres from Prince Chowk. The Dehradun Shatabdi (12017) runs daily from New Delhi in about 6 hours 10 minutes. Check IRCTC for the current timings of overnight trains.
500 to 600 m from pickup
BY BUS
Bus to ISBT Dehradun
ISBT Dehradun is about 5.7 km from Prince Chowk. Overnight buses from Delhi (Kashmiri Gate) take about 5 to 7 hours. Arrive the day before and book a room near Prince Chowk.
About 5.7 km from pickup
2
Step 2: Dehradun to Sankri with Trekup India
Our vehicle travels via Mussoorie, Purola and Mori to Sankri. The vehicle costs ₹2,200 per person extra.
Pickup point
Prince Chowk, Dehradun
Pickup time
6:30 AM
Distance
About 190 to 200 km
Drive time
8 to 10 hours
Prince Chowk, DehradunPickup point
MussoorieThe road climbs out of the Doon valley
PurolaTown on the Tons valley road
SankriBase camp. Drive on to Dharkot on Day 2.
3
Step 3: Sankri back to Dehradun
On Day 6 you walk from Devsu Thatch to Dharkot and drive to Sankri. On Day 7 you drive from Sankri to Dehradun.
Back at
Dehradun
Expected time
5 PM to 6 PM
When
Day 7
Plan your onward travel: Book your onward travel for the next day, because mountain roads can run late.
Tip: Not travelling with our vehicle? Sankri to Dharkot and back costs ₹600. Reach Dehradun a day early.
Har Ki Dun Trek from your city
Har Ki Dun Trek from Delhi
Delhi to Dehradun is about 268 km by road. Take a train or an overnight or evening bus, and arrive in Dehradun the day before the trek. Check IRCTC for current train timings, because schedules change.
Book a room near Prince Chowk so you can reach the pickup point by 6:30 AM. On Day 7 you are back in Dehradun around 5 PM to 6 PM, so book your return to Delhi for the evening at the earliest, or the next morning.
Har Ki Dun Trek from Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities
Fly into Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Flight timings change by season, so check before you book. Land the day before the trek and stay near Prince Chowk. On Day 7 book your flight for the next day.
Local culture
Local culture around Sankri and Osla
On the way you will see
The trek starts in the Tons valley of Uttarkashi district, where villages like Sankri, Gangar and Osla keep a slow, mountain way of life.
Osla is a village of traditional wooden houses.
It has a Someshwar temple, and local people worship Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince of the Mahabharata, as a local deity.
Har Ki Dun is usually translated as the Valley of Shiva or the Valley of the Gods.
Swargarohini, the peak above the valley, is linked in local belief to the Pandavas' last journey to heaven.
This valley was once a trade route towards Kinnaur and the Baspa valley over the Borasu Pass.
Please respect village homes and temples, keep your voice low near villages and carry out all your waste.
Packing list
Har Ki Dun Trek packing list: what we provide and what you carry
The Har Ki Dun Trek packing list in two parts: the camping gear and safety kit Trekup India provides, and the clothing and personal items you carry. Boots, jackets and poles can be rented.
Included in your trek cost
Provided by Trekup India
You do not need to bring or buy these. We carry them to camp and set them up.
Sleeping bags and mattresses
For every night in camp.
Dome tents
3 nights in twin sharing dome tents, plus a homestay at Osla and 2 nights in Sankri.
Kitchen, dining and toilet tents
Separate tents for cooking, dining and toilets.
Camping tables and stools
A seat and a table at meal and tea breaks.
Meals and hot drinks
Vegetarian breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner. Jain meals on request.
Safety kit
First aid, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, BP machine, oximeters and walkie-talkies.
Porters and mules for group gear
They carry the group equipment. You carry your own rucksack (backpack offloading is an optional add-on).
Swipe or tap the arrows
You pack these
Trekking essentials you carry
Pack light and pack right. Everything below goes in your rucksack.
Footwear
Waterproof, ankle-high trekking boots, well broken in
4 to 5 pairs of trekking socks
Camp shoes or sandals for the tent
Clothing layers
2 moisture-wicking t-shirts
Thermal base layer top and bottom
Fleece jacket and insulated puffer jacket
Waterproof, windproof shell jacket and rain pants
Quick-dry trekking pants
Head, hands and eyes
Woollen cap or balaclava
Sun hat or buff
2 pairs of waterproof gloves
UV-protection sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Gear and bags
2 trekking poles
50 to 60 L rucksack and a 20 to 30 L daypack for the Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake day
2 insulated 1 L water bottles
Headlamp with spare batteries
Power bank, because there is no charging on the trail
Quick-dry towel, toiletries and your personal first aid kit and medicines
Documents and cash
Original government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or driving licence; passport and visa for foreign nationals)
2 photocopies of your ID
Signed medical certificate and undertaking form
Cash, because there are no ATMs on the route. Withdraw it in Dehradun
Need boots or a jacket? You can rent gear from us. Book at least 7 days before your trek, because last-minute rentals are not confirmed. Rent gear from us
Safety
Har Ki Dun trek safety: altitude, weather and emergency plan
Har Ki Dun is a moderate-altitude trek, but the valley weather changes fast. This is how the trek is planned for safety, and what happens if someone feels unwell.
1
Climb in steps
Sankri is at 6,400 ft. The route climbs through Osla and Boslo to Har Ki Dun at about 11,600 ft, and you sleep back at Boslo after the highest day.
2
Stay warm and hydrated
Drink 3 to 4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and keep dry layers ready. Nights can fall below freezing, especially in spring and November.
3
A trained team and the right kit
Trek leaders are AMC or BMC certified and trained in first aid and search and rescue. The team carries oxygen cylinders, a first aid kit, stretchers, a BP machine, oximeters and radios.
How to read your body
Mild
Mild altitude sickness
Headache, nausea, tiredness or poor sleep.
What to do: Stop climbing, rest, drink water and tell your trek leader. Do not go higher until you feel better.
Serious
Severe altitude sickness
Loss of balance, confusion or breathlessness even at rest.
What to do: Tell your trek leader at once. The person is taken down. Descent is the main treatment.
If someone is unwell: what happens
Go downThe leader stops the group, checks the person and takes them down the trail. The team carries stretchers and oxygen. Taluka is the main evacuation point on the road.
Where the hospitals areThe nearest medical facility is the PHC at Mori (01373-234323), about an hour from Sankri. CHC Purola is 01373-223200. Advanced care is in Dehradun or Rishikesh, about 8 to 10 hours by road.
Phones and reportingMobile network is poor or absent beyond Sankri, and weak at Sankri itself, so trek leaders use radios or a satellite phone. Mori police station is 01373-242222 and the District Emergency Operations Centre, Uttarkashi, is 1077.
Helicopter evacuationIn a life-threatening case a helicopter evacuation can be arranged if the weather allows. Travel insurance that covers evacuation is strongly recommended.
The team carries
Oxygen cylindersFirst aid kitStretchersBP machineOximetersWalkie-talkiesMicrospikes and gaiters
Our safety protocols
What safety looks like at Trekup India
Safety is not an add-on at Trekup India. It is built into the way we plan, prepare and operate every trek in the Himalayas, Nepal and beyond.
Pre-trek safety
We provide complete guidance on itinerary, terrain, weather, health, fitness and essential gear to ensure trekkers are fully prepared.
Experienced trek leaders
Our trek leaders bring tons of experience and are certified with BMC, AMC and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses.
Trekker-to-staff ratio
Our trekker-to-staff ratio (1:8) is among the best in the industry so that every participant receives ample support and attention.
Medical and emergency preparedness
Every trek is supported by well-placed medical and emergency-response protocols designed for the challenges of remote mountain environments.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Our itineraries are based on scientifically backed acclimatisation schedules, allowing trekkers to gain altitude progressively.
Weather and trail monitoring
Every trek is planned with rigorous trail monitoring, weather considerations, risk evaluation and ongoing climatic patterns.
GPS and communication
Technology strengthens our presence in the mountains. We use GPS devices, satellite phones and walkie-talkies on every trek.
Quality equipment and camps
We prioritise quality gear, carefully managed camping infrastructure and field-tested equipment built to withstand difficult conditions.
Trained support team
From logistics and operations to route support and emergency response, our team works efficiently and professionally.
Difficulty
How difficult is the Har Ki Dun trek?
The Har Ki Dun Trek is rated easy to moderate. Here is how each day feels, how much you walk, and who should think twice before booking.
This trek
EasyModerateDifficultExtreme
Trekup India rating: Easy to Moderate. Our scale runs from Easy to Extreme.
We rate Har Ki Dun as easy to moderate. You do not need any climbing skills, but you do need to walk 4 to 7 hours a day for five days.
What makes it hard
Plan your energy for Day 3 (Osla to Boslo): it takes about 6 to 7 hours. The biggest climb is on Day 4, where you gain about 900 ft. The steepest descent is on Day 6, a drop of about 3,800 ft, which is hard on the knees. Day 3 (Osla to Boslo) is a climb of about 8 km in 6 to 7 hours, with steep and rocky sections. Day 4 is about 9 km in 6 to 7 hours and goes up to Maninda Lake at about 12,500 ft on rocky ground. The weather in the valley changes fast, and the descent is hard on the knees.
What makes it doable
The route climbs gradually from Dharkot. The first walking day is short, and you spend a night in Osla village. A trek leader and local guides stay with the group, and we carry oxygen and a first aid kit. Most trekkers who walk regularly and train for 8 to 12 weeks complete it.
Who it suits
Fit first-time Himalayan trekkers, and people who want a long, scenic valley walk rather than a steep summit climb.
Day-by-day effort on the Har Ki Dun Trek
Day
Route
Distance
Time
Altitude
Day 1
Dehradun to Sankri
About 190 to 200 km (8 to 10 hrs drive)
8 to 10 hrs
About 1,450 ft to 6,400 ft
Day 2
Sankri to Dharkot, then trek to Osla via Gangar
Drive 16 km · Trek 4 km
Drive 1 hr · Trek 3 to 4 hrs
Osla about 9,000 ft
Day 3
Osla to Boslo
8 km
6 to 7 hrs
Boslo about 10,400 ft
Day 4
Boslo to Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake, back to camp
9 km
6 to 7 hrs
Har Ki Dun about 11,600 ft; Maninda Lake about 12,500 ft
Day 5
Har Ki Dun to Devsu Thatch
8 km
4 to 5 hrs
Devsu Thatch about 10,200 ft
Day 6
Devsu Thatch to Dharkot, then drive to Sankri
Drive 16 km · Trek 10 km
Drive 1 hr · Trek 4 to 5 hrs
Devsu Thatch about 10,200 ft down to Sankri at 6,400 ft
Day 7
Sankri to Dehradun
About 190 to 200 km (8 to 10 hrs drive)
8 to 10 hrs
6,400 ft to about 1,450 ft
Who should avoid the Har Ki Dun Trek
A 7-day trek that reaches 12,500 ft is not right for everyone. Tell us in writing about any medical condition when you book Har Ki Dun, avoid the trek if you have breathing problems or knee pain, and speak to your doctor if any of these apply:
Breathing problems, or a lung condition such as asthma that is not well managed
Knee pain or a knee injury
A heart condition or high blood pressure that is not under control
Pregnancy
A recent surgery, fracture or serious injury
A history of severe altitude sickness
Tell your trek leader about any regular medicines on Day 1 and carry enough for 7 days. Everyone signs a waiver form before Har Ki Dun starts.
Age, children and solo travellers
Minimum age
Above 8 years, if the child is fit and has trained
Maximum age
Up to 65 years
65 years. If you are fit and your doctor agrees
Children
A parent or guardian must make the booking or sign a consent for any trekker under 18. Children aged 9 to 14 get a discount under our discount policy. The trek leader’s decision on safety is final.
Solo travellers and women
Solo trekkers join a fixed-date group. Tents are shared by two people, and a single tent occupancy add-on can be booked. A trek runs with a minimum group of six, and you should always stay with the group on the trail.
Fitness guide
Har Ki Dun trek fitness requirement and training plan
Har Ki Dun is an easy-to-moderate trek. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need steady stamina for 4 to 7 hours of walking a day at altitude. Train for 8 to 12 weeks before you go.
Fitness requirement
Easy to Moderate trek
Run or jog
5km
Or faster
35min
Walk comfortably for 5 to 7 hours a day for several days
Climb stairs without stopping to rest
Submit the medical certificate and undertaking form
Your 8 to 12 week training plan for the Har Ki Dun trek
Train 4 to 5 days a week. If you have 12 weeks, repeat weeks 3 to 5 once.
1Weeks 1 to 2
Build the base
Walk 2 to 3 km a day at an easy pace, 4 to 5 days a week. Practise deep breathing every day.
2Weeks 3 to 5
Add distance and jogging
Grow your daily walk to 60 minutes. Add jog and walk intervals and climb stairs twice a week.
3Weeks 6 to 8
Add strength and load
Do squats, lunges and planks twice a week. Walk uphill or climb stairs with a backpack, starting at 5% of your body weight and building to 10%.
4Weeks 9 to 12
Reach the target
Run 5 km in 30 to 35 minutes and do one long walk of 90 minutes with your loaded backpack. Rest well in the last week.
✓
Trek-ready check
By the end of the plan you can run 5 km in 30 to 35 minutes and walk uphill for 90 minutes with a loaded backpack.
Why Trekup India
See why trekkers choose Trekup India
Since 1993, Trekup India has run Himalayan treks from Dehradun with trained leaders, safety gear and a personal coordinator for every booking.
Answers to the most common questions about the Har Ki Dun Trek: cost, dates, fitness, packing, safety, stay and booking.
How do I book the Har Ki Dun trek?
Booking takes a few minutes: select the 7-day Har Ki Dun batch you want, pay the advance and you are in. Your trek coordinator will contact you with packing and pickup details for Prince Chowk, Dehradun, 6:30 AM.
How many days is the Har Ki Dun trek?
Har Ki Dun is a 7-day itinerary with 6 nights on the way. You cover about 39 km on foot, and the highest point is 12,500 ft. The longest day is Day 3 (Osla to Boslo), at about 6 to 7 hours.
How much does the Har Ki Dun trek cost?
The Har Ki Dun trek is ₹8,799 per person plus 5% GST for 7 days. The price covers your stay (2 nights sankri, 1 night osla homestay, 3 nights tents), meals, permits, the trek team and safety kit. Check the inclusions and exclusions on this page to see what you pay for separately.
Is the Har Ki Dun trek difficult?
Har Ki Dun is rated easy to moderate. The effort peaks on Day 4, with a climb of about 900 ft. The longest walk, on Day 3, takes about 6 to 7 hours. Training for the weeks before the trek helps a lot.
What is the best time to do the Har Ki Dun trek?
We run the Har Ki Dun trek in Mid-March to June, September to mid-November. Your trek coordinator will confirm what is open for your dates.
How high is Har Ki Dun?
The highest point on the Har Ki Dun trek is about 12,500 ft at Maninda Lake (Har Ki Dun is about 11,600 ft).
Where is the Har Ki Dun trek located?
Har Ki Dun is in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The walk starts at Dharkot, 16 km by road from Sankri (6,400 ft) and the group meets at Prince Chowk, Dehradun, 6:30 AM.
Is transport from Dehradun to Sankri included?
No. Our vehicle from Dehradun to Sankri and back is an optional add-on at ₹2,200 per person. If you reach Sankri on your own, the ride from Sankri to Dharkot and back costs about ₹600.
Can I offload my backpack on the Har Ki Dun trek?
Yes. Backpack offloading is an optional add-on on Har Ki Dun. You carry a small daypack and a porter or mule carries your bag between camps on the 7-day route.
Who can do the Har Ki Dun trek?
Fit first-time Himalayan trekkers can do it if they train beforehand. Tell us in writing about any medical condition when you book. Talk to your doctor if you have breathing problems, knee pain, a heart condition, high blood pressure or a history of severe altitude sickness.
Do I need a permit for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Yes. Har Ki Dun needs forest and trekking permits. We arrange them, and you only give us a copy of your photo ID before the 7-day trek.
Is there mobile network and an ATM on the Har Ki Dun trek?
Mobile network is patchy on Har Ki Dun: expect it near Dharkot, 16 km by road from Sankri (6,400 ft) and little or none higher up. Withdraw cash before you reach Dharkot, 16 km by road from Sankri (6,400 ft), because ATMs are rare, and share our office number and your trek leader's number with your family.
What happens if someone falls ill on the trek?
Your trek leader checks you every day on Har Ki Dun, and if symptoms worsen you are taken down. We carry oxygen, a first aid kit and stretchers, which matters on a route that rises to 12,500 ft. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers evacuation.
What is the day-by-day plan for the Har Ki Dun trek?
The Har Ki Dun trek takes 7 days: Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri. Day 2: Sankri to Dharkot, then trek to Osla via Gangar. Day 3: Osla to Boslo. Day 4: Boslo to Har Ki Dun and Maninda Lake, back to camp. Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Devsu Thatch. Day 6: Devsu Thatch to Dharkot, then drive to Sankri. Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun.
What will I see on the Har Ki Dun trek?
You walk through the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand. The lower trails run through oak, rhododendron and deodar forest, and the higher slopes open into alpine meadows with wildflowers in the monsoon and early autumn. Birdwatchers often see the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, along with koklass pheasant, Himalayan griffon and barbet. Langurs are common in the forest. Larger animals such as the Himalayan black bear and the musk deer live in these forests, but they keep away from people and are rarely seen. The highlights are Osla and the villages of the Tons valley, The Har Ki Dun valley, Maninda Lake.
How cold does it get on the Har Ki Dun trek?
On Har Ki Dun, nights are colder than days at every camp. Days are usually mild and nights are cold, and the upper camps are coldest, so layer your clothes.
Is the Har Ki Dun trek good for beginners?
Har Ki Dun is rated easy to moderate. First-timers who train for six to eight weeks can do it. Over 7 days you reach 12,500 ft, so call us on +91 80623 58605 if you are unsure and we will tell you honestly.
What if the weather is bad on the Har Ki Dun trek?
If heavy rain, snow or a landslide affects Har Ki Dun, the trek leader may delay the start, hold the group at camp, change the route or turn back. With 7 days on the trail we keep a buffer, but please keep a spare day after the trek.
How should I train for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Start six to eight weeks before Har Ki Dun. Practise walks of about 6 to 7 hours with a loaded daypack, since Day 3 is the longest. The highest point is 12,500 ft, so add steady uphill and stair work.
What is the Har Ki Dun trek distance and walking time?
Har Ki Dun covers about 39 km over 7 days. Walking days run from a short walk to about 6 to 7 hours on Day 3, and the itinerary lists the distance and time for each day.
Can I do the Har Ki Dun trek in a private or customised batch?
Yes. We run private and customised Har Ki Dun batches on your dates for families, couples and groups. Tell us your group size on +91 80623 58605 and we will share a quote.
Can I join the Har Ki Dun trek solo?
Yes. Many people join Har Ki Dun alone and become part of a group on Day 1 at Prince Chowk, Dehradun, 6:30 AM. Tents or rooms are shared with trekkers of the same gender, and the trek leader and local guides stay with the group.
Is the Har Ki Dun trek safe for women?
Yes. Women trek with us every season, including solo travellers, and the 7-day Har Ki Dun batches have a trek leader and local guides with the group throughout. Tents and rooms are shared with the same gender.
Can I trek during my periods on the Har Ki Dun trek?
Yes, many women do. On a 7-day trek like Har Ki Dun, carry enough of your own products and a few zip-lock bags and carry all used items back, because nothing can be left on the trail. Tell your trek leader if you feel unwell.
Can I rent or buy trekking gear for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Many trekkers rent or buy part of their kit. For Har Ki Dun, ask your coordinator which items (jackets, poles, gloves, sleeping gear) are available near Dharkot, 16 km by road from Sankri (6,400 ft), and bring your own broken-in trekking shoes.
How do I charge my phone and camera on the Har Ki Dun trek?
There is no electricity at the campsites on Har Ki Dun. For 7 days carry a fully charged power bank, keep your phone in airplane mode and keep batteries inside your jacket at night, because cold drains them fast.
Should I tip the guides and support team on the Har Ki Dun trek?
Tipping on Har Ki Dun is optional. If you wish to thank the guides, cooks and helpers at the end of the 7-day trek, give it as a group through your trek leader.
What is the daily routine on the Har Ki Dun trek?
A typical Har Ki Dun day starts with a hot drink and breakfast, and walking begins around 7 to 8 AM. Day 3 is the longest, so expect an earlier start then. Lunch is on the trail or at camp, then tea, a briefing and an early dinner.
How do I choose between the Har Ki Dun trek and other treks?
Compare the difficulty (easy to moderate), the highest point (12,500 ft) and the length (7 days) of Har Ki Dun with other treks, then call our advisors on +91 80623 58605 with your experience and dates and we will suggest the best match.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the Har Ki Dun trek?
Cancellation and refund terms for Har Ki Dun depend on how many days before your start date you cancel. They are in the cancellation section of this page, so please read them before you book.
Sources and further reading for the Har Ki Dun Trek
Official pages for the facts on this page that change over time, such as train timings and weather. Always confirm the current details before you travel.
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, he has summited multiple 6000–7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
How we created this guide
Written with our trek team: We write each guide with our trek leaders and local guides, using what they see on the trail every season.
Checked against our own itinerary: The route, stay, meals, cost and inclusions on this page match the itinerary we run on every batch.
Checked against official sources: At the end of the page we link the official pages for train timings, weather and forest permits, so you can check them yourself.
Reviewed and updated: We review each trek page regularly, and we show the date of the last review at the top of the Overview section.
Read more
Read more about Har Ki Dun Trek
Guides from our trek team for first-timers, snow trekkers and anyone planning the climb.
