The Har Ki Dun trek, nestled in Uttarakhand's Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, is a beautiful experience for nature lovers and trekkers. It's a 50 km round trip, reachable only on foot beyond the base camp Sankri, taking 2-3 days to get there and another 2 for the way back. In 1937, Jack Gibson from Doon School, along with Tenzing Norgay and John Martyn, conquered Bandarpunch Peak, discovering the area's wonders. "Har Ki Dun" means "Valley of Gods," showing its cultural importance. The valley is also associated with the "Sound of Shiva," celebrated yearly. Legends mention a Dhaki's disappearance, and locals say they hear distant drum sounds during the festival month.
The Har Ki Dun Trek Route is a stunning journey through the Garhwal Himalayas, starting from Sankri village, a common base for treks like Bali Pass, Rupin Pass, Borasu Pass, and Kedarkantha Trek. The trek covers 50 km, with an additional 2.5 km to Marinda Lake. Traveling along the Supin River, passing Taluka, Gangad, and Osla villages, the route is forested until Osla. Camping in the valley is banned since 2018. From Har Ki Dun, the view of Swargarohini I peak is spectacular. Marinda Tal, formed by a large boulder, is a short trek away. Hata Valley exploration and Jaundhar Glacier viewpoint trek are notable. Various passes, like Rupin Pass & Borasu Pass, lead to Kinnaur, while others, like Bali Pass, go to the Gangotri valley.
Best Time to Visit Har ki Dun Valley, Uttarakhand:
The trek remains accessible in various weather conditions and all seasons, except during the monsoon month, when rain can pose significant challenges.
Har Ki Dun Trek in Spring (March to April)-
The Har Ki Dun trek usually reopens in late March, around the last week. At the beginning, the trail can be a bit tricky due to icy layers called verglas. These icy patches make the path slippery, so it's essential to use micro-spikes for safety. As March progresses into April, the brown grasslands transform into lush greenery. The flowers bloom, creating a beautiful landscape. Despite the pleasant days, the nights remain very cold. Snow persists at Har Ki Dun and Marinda Tal. Towards late April, the days become more enjoyable, but evenings still maintain a chilly atmosphere.
Har ki Dun Trek in Summer (May to June)-
The best time to trek to Har Ki Dun is during the summers. The weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer showers help melt snow in lower areas, causing flowers to bloom while keeping the mountain peaks snowy, creating a breathtaking landscape. Although afternoon showers are common during the trek in summer, the weather is generally clear until late June. By the end of June, the monsoon arrives, and the wildlife sanctuary closes. For adventure seekers, August can still be considered, despite the associated risks. The locals celebrate the vibrant Har Ki Dun festival in early August to welcome Lord Someshwara. It can be a unique time to explore the trek or the villages in the Har Ki Dun valley. The trek generally resumes in September.
Har ki Dun Trek in Autumn and Winter (September to November)-
Snow usually arrives in the Har Ki Dun valley and around Osla village by mid to late December. In recent years, even November has witnessed some occasional snowfall in the valley. While the snow turns the valley into a magical winter wonderland, excessive snowfall can lead to the closure of the trek. For those fortunate enough to complete the trek in December, the valley transforms into a fairy-tale world. The weather is extremely cold, with sub-zero temperatures at Kalkatidhar or Boslo campsites. Some stretches may have verglas, so using micro-spikes is essential.
Overall, the safer months of the Trek to Har Ki Dun Valley are from mid-April to mid-June and September. Those planning visits in other months should carefully check the weather before making plans.
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