Har Ki Dun Trek

Basic Trek details for the day: Your second day of adventure offers a wonderful combination of travel and trekking, starting with a 16 km drive that lasts about 1 hour. The next part of the journey is a trek of just 4 km that is short but quite a steady one and usually takes 3 to 4 hours to be finished at a leisurely pace. As you ascend from a starting height the altitude will vary between 1,950 m in Sankri and around 2,560 m in Seema, so the height will be slowly and gently introduced to you. The way begins with a thrilling forest drive to Dharkot Village and then the day’s trek reveals a picturesque trek up the river, which is very loud and strong, of course the Supin.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: The drive to Dharkot takes place on a narrow, unpaved forest road that is at times thrilling and bumpy. Once the trail is reached, the terrain is a classic Himalayan blend. The trek will take you along a clearly marked route of packed earth and stone, passing by small streams at times. Even though the trek is short (4 km), it has a constant elevation gain which helps the trekker get into his/her trekking rhythm. The pathway is bordered by towering mountain walls on one side and a steep slope down to the river on the other.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The Supin River is the main attraction of this day. You will trek beside its turquoise glacial waters, which crash over huge rocks, producing a mist that keeps the trekking trail cool. Along the way, you will find yourself in thick forests of Walnut, Chestnut, and Cedar. The valley begins to widen as you approach Seema, providing your first spectacular views of the towering ridges that lead to the Har Ki Dun valley.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: The village of Dharkot and the nearby one of Osla (across the river from Seema) are like living museums. The temples of Someshwar Mahadev, made with amazing wood carving, will be on your way. The local houses built with the Kath-Kuni style (interlocking wood and stone) which enables the structures to sway during earthquakes are worthy of your observation. You might spot the locals carrying huge quantities of firewood or grass in traditional woven baskets.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: In order to ensure your safety when trekking in high elevation environments, you need to maintain an even pace and awareness of your surroundings. Since this is at a height of over 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) on the mountain, your ascent will take place at a much slower pace. A good technique for trekking at this elevation is to use the Himalayan Step method where you take small steps in a rhythmic motion to save as much energy as possible while trekking. Hydration is key to preventing any symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), so be sure to drink water every 20 minutes regardless if you are thirsty or not. Always practise mule awareness when passing caravans by standing to the mountain side (inner edge) of the trail so that you will not be accidentally pushed off the trail towards the steep drop-offs of the outer edge.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The valley population is characterized by the red and grey woolen garments that they wear. You will probably have a chance to meet Gujjars (the nomadic shepherds) or the Osla local villagers.They are very hospitable; just saying a Namaste is one way to show your respect. The people’s strong feeling of community will be visible to you as their kinship leads them to trek in large groups and share tales from one mountain slope to another loudly.

Camp Information & Logistics: Seema, being the crucial point and main hub of the trek, is the last settlement before you plunge deep into the wilderness. It is very likely that during your overnight adventure, you will be placed in a tented campsite that is located on a flat area right next to the river or in a very basic and rustic forest rest house. The water that you will be using in this place comes from a very reliable source; it is extremely pure as it comes straight from the mountain springs and so very refreshing for the team. A soundscape is one of the most unforgettable things the place has to offer; the noisy and rhythmic white noise of the Supin River will accompany you the entire night, playing the role of a very strong and natural melody while you sleep.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: Keep these practical tips in mind to maximize your comfort and preparedness. When it comes to layering, the first thing to do after reaching Seema is to put on a fleece or a light jacket; this might seem strange if you are already warm from the walk but your body temperature will drop fast as soon as you stop. For camera preparation, keep your phone or camera ready-to-use during the trek and the initial walk, as this is the first day when you will see really raw and genuine himalayan architecture. And because this is just a short 4 km trek, take this chance to trek light and check how your backpack fits and feels; if necessary, make changes before the significantly longer trekking days that are coming up.

Basic Trek details for the day: The third day is an important effort increase as it is around a 10 km trek that takes 8 to 9 hours. The most remarkable part of this day is the significant altitude gain as the trekker goes up to about 10,300 ft leaving the lower heights of Seema far behind. From Seema, the route is varied both culturally and scenically, it first goes over the huge Supin River Bridge, then up through the old Osla Village, and finally, it passes through large meadows before reaching the camp in Boslo.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: The first part of the journey is a steep descent towards a huge suspension bridge spanning the Supin River. The next part of the journey is a steep ascent in a stony zigzag way to village Osla. Leaving the village, you find yourself in wide-open high-altitude meadows and pastures. The trail is mostly narrow and cliff-side, which requires a good grip especially on the loose scree or mud.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: You will be rewarded with your first clear and wide-angle views of the Swargarohini Massif (Peaks I, II, and III), which seem to be a gigantic staircase leading to God. The mountain flora also gets transformed as you ascend; at one point, you will see patches of Amaranth and high-altitude wild flowers. The place where the Supin and the stream from Ruinsara Valley meet can be seen at a great distance below.                        

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: This day is going to give you the opportunity to visit the ancient village of Osla, where you can find a group of wooden houses situated on the slope of the mountain. You will be passing by the famous Someshwar Mahadev Temple, a religious building that is a beautiful combination of wood and stone with delicate carvings. This is one of the rare places where you can witness a culture that has not changed for centuries. You might even see some of the locals doing wool weaving or taking care of their terraced fields of barley and potatoes.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Sun Protection - Most of the time in the afternoon you will be trekking above the tree line. UV rays are very strong; so to prevent high-altitude burns, wear a sun hat and apply high-SPF sunscreen. Skipping - Because of the whole 10 km distance and the steep ascent, keep a breathing-rhythm pace. Don’t hasten to the top of Osla. Step - This is a day of high-exertion. Try to consume no less than 3-4 liters of water to help your body get used to the 10,000 ft mark. 

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: Interactions in Osla are going to be the highlight of the day. The children in the narrow alleys will be the first to appear to you, and the elderly will be softly calling you near with their wooden porches. The villagers are delighted with their culture and very often delighted to make small talks. Asking for permission before clicking a photograph of an individual is a sign of respect. The local dress, the Chola (woolen robe) and Dabka (blanket), will be evident, which is still very necessary in the chilling Boslo.                        

Camp Information & Logistics: Boslo is a tranquil and serene meadow at a high altitude, which is conveniently located just before the last leg to Har Ki Dun. You will be provided with tented accommodation that is placed in a large, open meadow that gives a feeling of totally private. The climate here is much cooler than that of Seema as being in a real wilderness camp now means no nearby permanent facilities or structures. The hot soup offered by the kitchen staff is more than just a gesture; it is a necessity to help you warm up and rehydrate after the trek and cold. This is very likely to be the first thing that will be given to you by the staff upon your arrival.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: There are numerous ways to manage your physical output and thus ensure a smooth and less demanding day. Poles for trekking are the main point today; next to you will bear the hills that lead to Osla and later on through the high meadows, so the only thing left for you to do is to take their full support and lighten your knees up when ascending since the steepest parts will get you and your knees also pretty tired. Energy management throughout the day is the primary factor; have quick-energy snacks such as dates, nuts, or chocolate in order to fight off the mid-afternoon energy slump which generally comes with an 8 to 9 hour trek.

Basic Trek details for the day: It is the most fulfilling part of the expedition, as it involves a trek of about 12 km to 14 km for the round trek. The day will last for 8 to10 hours, which is a generous time for a thorough exploration of the valley and a leisurely trek back to the camp. A remarkable altitude difference will be experienced since the trek will first take you to Har Ki Dun Valley at 11,600 ft and then up to the hidden Maninda Tal at 12,500 ft. The trail offers idyllic scenery right from Boslo into the very center of the Har Ki Dun Valley, then it goes on to the ice-covered Maninda Tal, and finally, it goes back to the known camp at Boslo.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: The trek from Boslo to the valley of Har Ki Dun is a gradual, moderately steep path through alpine shrubs and rhododendrons. The valley is a vast glacial U-shaped meadow, but the detour to Maninda Tal involves a steep and rocky ascent over glacier debris and boulders. The track is likely to be slippery if snow from the night before or frost in the morning is still present.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: This is a visual treat. The huge wall of ice-like Swargarohini massif is behind you. Hata Peak is right in front of you and the Jaundhar Glacier is on your left. Maninda Tal- A little, emerald-green glacial lake that can only be seen after a steep trek. It is surrounded by the rare Brahma Kamal (only in late monsoon) and high granite peaks. The Confluence - Observe the merging of the two main streams that create the Supin River right in the center of the valley.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: Even though there are no permanent residences, you will notice Dhadias (seasonal shepherd huts) scattered across the area. The valley is recognized for its connection to the Mahabharata. It is believed that this place was where the Pandavas had to prove their worth before entering heaven. The empty space of the valley is oftentimes characterized as spiritual and entitled as the Valley of Shiva.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: At elevations of approximately 4,000m (or 12,500 ft), the atmosphere has a lower density, and it is more difficult to obtain adequate oxygen; hence, it is essential that trekkers take their time and go at a slow, calculated pace to avoid becoming overly tired or short of breath. To ensure that trekkers do not become too dehydrated while trekking, they should drink four to five litres of water during the day to maintain adequate blood flow, which is the best way to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches and dizziness. Lastly, trekkers should adhere to a 1:30 PM turnaround time when trekking at high altitudes. If they do not reach their destination they should return by this time since the weather often changes abruptly in the afternoon, which could lead to conditions that severely limit visibility or create treacherous trails.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: In the lofty valley, you might spot Gaddis or Bakarwals (the wandering shepherds) who are taking care of hundreds of sheep. The life of these shepherds is quite hard; they live in tiny stone huts. Having a cup of tea with them is a very enlightening experience that gives one insight into one of the long lasting nomadic lifestyles in the world.

Camp Information & Logistics: After a successful day, you will return to your home base at the Boslo camp where you will be able to relax and recuperate. The kitchen staff will be preparing healthy snacks and hot meals for you as soon as you arrive to aid in your energy recovery. The location may be the same, but the mood at the campsite generally turns to that of celebration since the group is often in a party mood having just successfully conquered the trek's summit points. It is very essential for your logistics that all of your gear and clothing be moisture-free and dried before nightfall; otherwise, the falling temperatures will make them freeze, as the Boslo meadow becomes a real freezer when the sun goes down.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: For the most important day of the trek, to enhance your experience, just take a small bag with water, rain gear, and a first-aid kit and leave your heavy luggage at the Boslo camp so you will not be so tired. Golden Hour is very dependent on time, so plan to be in the valley by 10:00 AM and take your photographs in the best light before noon. Lastly, check your shoes again and make sure you tie your laces well before going down from Maninda Tal since the rocky ground can give rise to ankle injuries easily if you are already tired.

Basic Trek details for the day: This day is the starting point of your descent with a total distance of about 10 to 11 km. The time is a faster 5 to 6 hours, but you have to be very careful since the trail is very slippery all the time; thus, constant braking is required. The change of altitude will be very noticeable as you move down from 10,400 ft at Boslo to 8,400 ft at Seema. The trail goes back along the same way, taking you from Boslo through the meadows and then past Osla Village again before reaching the Seema campsite.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Today’s trail is a never-ending descent. You are leaving the high meadows of Boslo and walking back along the ridges. The surface features various conditions: dusty trails, rocky stairs close to Osla village, and finally the soft trails at the forest edge leading to Seema. Going down is easy only for lungs, but knees and toes bear the brunt of the motion due to the continuous braking action on steep slopes.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: The beauty of the return trek is the clear view of the valley without any interruptions. During the ascent, the view was behind you; now you can see the Supin River snakes through the mountains miles ahead of you. You will again pass the same lively Amaranth fields and walnut groves but with the afternoon sun casting the slopes in a different way, it becomes a prime time for landscape photography.      

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: You will once again either cross paths with or be close to Osla. This opportunity is amazing if you want to buy any local handicrafts (such as hand-woven woolen socks) that you may have marked on your way up. You will get a glimpse of the village life during the afternoon—cows returning from the fields and smoke coming out of the chimney indicating that dinner is about to be served in the house.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Your physical health is a priority and should be taken care of especially during the descent. For the proper knee treatment, you might use your trekking poles to take the hit and keep your knees slightly bent instead of locking them to avoid pain in the joint. If you want to protect your toes, then it is necessary to tie your boots very tightly at the ankle; this will stop your feet from moving forward and your toes from hitting the front of the boot, which is one of the major reasons for bruised toenails. Lastly, while you are going through decompression and a sort of energy surge from the rise in oxygen levels do not let this become habitual for running as the loose gravel on the path can make you slip very easily.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The experience usually features the shepherds and muleteers who are constantly coming and going. You could easily end up sitting on a stone for a break with a local who is carrying a very heavy load. The little wooden kiosks on the trail would be the best places for a last chai where you will not only enjoy the drink but also hear the local guides' discuss the weather or trail conditions farther up along the trail.

Camp Information & Logistics: At the end of the day’s trek, your return will be to the Seema campsite or the nearby Pauni Garaat, depending upon your group's speed. You will most probably be given a choice of tented accommodation or the Forest Guest House, which you might already be familiar with, for your stay. Logistically speaking, the night at the lower altitude will be considerably warmer than in Boslo, giving you the perfect chance to air out your sleeping bag and also dry your damp socks. This so-called return also coincides with better hygiene options because the availability of more water at this lower altitude makes it the perfect place for a refreshing and well-deserved Himalayan wash.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: Descending from the mountain, it is very important to practice reverse layering, for you will be in the coldest and darkest part of the mountain at the start, but the sun will already be pretty high and you will have nowhere to go besides to get warm so make sure you have a very light base layer so that you can easily change. Now that you have done the main trek, it is the time to do a memory check; your brain is more relaxed now, so it is the best time to take pictures or to write down as the small things, such as the beautiful lichens on the rocks, the skillfulness of the wooden bridges, or the special flavor of the wild berries. 

Basic Trek details for the day: Today’s your total trek of 4kms (3 - 4 hours completion) on your last day. This day is a nice relaxing way to finish off the hard work you've put into this trek. It's mostly downhill (approximately 600m) and follows the Supin River back into Dharkot Village, where your 16 km (1hour) drive will pick you up and take you through the forest back to the base of Sankri.

Trail Description and Terrain Insights: Today's trail predominantly consists of a downward slope or what is referred to as a Himalayan flat (slight hillocks). A path well-used that is made of compacted earth and stone. Since it is a short distance, there is no hurry, and at the same time, you are able to traverse the few rocky areas by the river comfortably. The lushness takes over the terrain as the scene changes from the open valley to the cooler, shaded corridors of the pine and walnut forests.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: Once you drop to the lower altitudes close to Dharkot, the flora gets richer and greener. The forest canopy diversity—from the lofty Deodars to the wide-leaved Chestnuts—is now most visible. The Supin River is at its largest and most vigorous in this part; besides, you will be crossing a number of last wooden bridges that give midribs of the valley behind you as exit photos.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: The outskirts of the lower villages’ vibrant agricultural life will be visible, when passing by the region. Depending on the season, you may witness the villagers either harvesting potatoes or taking care of their cows. The view of Dharkot Village indicates the change; the last sight of the typical wooden architecture before the world dominated by vehicles.

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: Maintain a high level of vigilance on this last day of your trek to prevent getting into a relaxed or careless mindset which can cause slips on the saturated wet rocks of the riverbank. The temperature in the lower valley will be significantly higher than that of the mountains, therefore, your hat should remain on while you are out in the sun. Also ensure you drink an excess amount of water as you walk - maintaining hydration is crucial during this period. Although the trek is short, protect your joints by using your trekking poles which will aid you by relieving some of the pressure that is placed on your knees as you trek down the hill.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: The atmosphere today is one of gratitude and goodbyes. You will probably notice your muleteers and local staff moving a bit faster as they are more than eager to go home. It is a perfect moment to offer the team your final trail snacks or to get some new friends’ contact information. As you say goodbye to the shepherds whom you might have seen earlier in the week, you will experience a very strong Pahadi connection.

Camp Information & Logistics: On reaching Dharkot, you will be taken to Sankri by vehicle, where upon arrival, you will return to your lodge or guesthouse, thus marking the end of your wilderness journey. This evening will be spent savoring your firsts after your expedition, the most significant of which will probably be your first chance to enjoy a hot shower and sit down for a freshly prepared meal at a proper dining table instead of a tent. When you arrive and get settled, it will be likely that your cell phone will have reception, and it will probably be inundated with text messages, as you reconnect with the outside world after having spent time in the mountains.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: Traditionally, the last night of the trek in Sankri has become an opportunity for trekkers to come together and provide a collective present to the local guides, cooks, and porters who have made the trekking possible. During the afternoon, take this time to clean your gear; be sure to clean your trekking shoes and dry out all damp clothing before packing them. Take the time to pick up something special from the local stores as a final memory of your time in the region. Some of the best products produced in the valley are local honey and Rajma (kidney beans), which will make you feel more connected to the area than anything you could purchase at a mall.

Basic details for the day: The drive will be approximately 190 to 200km long and will normally take 8-10 hours, but may take longer due to mountain traffic and road conditions at the time of your drive. You will descend significantly in elevation while driving from the high mountain air, located at 1,950m in Sankri to the Dehradun valley, which has an elevation of 440m. Your route will pass by the towns of Mori, Purola, Naugaon and Damta and then reach Mussoorie, before dropping again to Dehradun.

Route Description and Terrain Insights: A very long drive through the mountains which acts as a slow-motion glimmer of your first day. The road starts from the narrow and rugged canyons of the Tons River Valley, where it is sometimes cut directly into the cliffside. The road is also passing through Purola and the terrain is getting softer with agricultural valleys. The final curve from Mussoorie consists of very steep hairpin bends that take you very quickly into the warm, humid air of the Doon Valley.

Natural and Scenic Highlights: You will leave the deep Deodar and Pine forests behind and see them gradually become the Sal and deciduous forests of the lower hills. Don’t miss the Yamuna Bridge; from there you will see the extensive riverbed. If the sky is clear, turn your eyes northward; you might get a last and faint view of the snow-covered peaks that you were trekking among just a few days ago.

Cultural and Local Touchpoints: Drive through the towns of Naugaon and Damta, and you will see the mountain trade's hustle and bustle—local markets full of fresh mountain products like apples, walnuts, and kidney beans. The quiet, ancient atmosphere of Osla and Boslo is engulfed by the lively, vibrant Garhwali foothills. What a wonderful moment to indulge in the last local roadside dhaba Pahadi Dal and Rice meal, as the dhaba serve the delicious food of the mountains. 

Safety and Acclimatization Guidelines: When traveling the long distance back to the plains, be aware that descending altitude by almost 1,500m will create an intense change in pressure on your ears. They may pop, but to relieve the pressure you can do so by swallowing and/or yawning as you descend from the mountains. The road from Mussoorie to Dehradun is known for its many curves, therefore you will want to use the same precautions for motion sickness as you did during your first day of traveling to Mussoorie. Finally, ensure that you stay properly hydrated throughout your entire trek, as switches from very cold mountain air to a much warmer climate at lower altitudes put great stress on your body. Remember to keep drinking water after finishing your trek.

Experience Notes by our trekkers who completed this trek: Reflection, and story-telling with your trekking companions and driver is what the drive is all about. You have all gone through a tough physical challenge, and the friendship that has been built over the last 7 days generally leads to a very beautiful bond. Besides, the people's experience will gradually change from the slow-paced village life of the past to the quick-paced, modern lifestyle of Dehradun.  

Camp Information & Logistics: Your trek officially ends with your arrival at Prince Chowk, Dehra Dun usually between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. You may leave behind any extra luggage at a hotel or trekking office before departing for the mountains; you can retrieve these bags once you’re back in Dehra Dun. One helpful travel suggestion is to arrange onward travel (air or train) for a late night or even next day after you come back to Dehradun because there are many variables involved with driving through the mountains and delays can occur due to landslides and heavy traffic. By ensuring you have a safety net between your ending destination and your next journey helps alleviate much of the stress you will experience.

Practical Tips for Trekkers: Although it can be tempting, resist using your cellphone to re-connect with the internet until you have a chance to spend some time soaking up the beauty of the mountains on your way to Dehradun. Instead, spend your last few hours enjoying the tranquillity of the mountains and reflecting on what you've experienced during your trek. Take some time on your way back to shop for fresh, local food. Ask your driver to stop in Purola where you can purchase organic walnuts and Rajma (kidney beans) directly from the farmers. The prices for these items are much less than in the city and the quality is superior because they are grown locally and nutritious too.