The short version
- 17 days, about 47 km on foot, topping out at 3,566m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec.
- 3Starts from Sankri / Kotgaon, reached via Dehradun.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹13,000 to ₹15,000 per person; 4 listed, 3 verified.
The trek
Overview
Har Ki Dun — 'valley of gods' — is one of Garhwal's most beautiful cradle valleys, ringed by Swargarohini, Black Peak and the Fateh Parvat massif. The valley floor with Swargarohini I towering above is one of the finest campsite views in the Himalaya, and ancient wooden temples and the sun-worshipping Har Ki Dun village are a rare window into traditional mountain life, amid pristine forest.
Right for you if
- You can walk about 10 km a day on a gradual valley trail
- You like old villages and wooden temples: Osla and Seema are on the way
- You want a long-season trek without a high pass: it runs Mar–Jun and Sep–Dec
- Good walking fitness is enough: nothing technical
Think twice if
- You want a summit or a pass: it's a valley walk to a meadow
- Long drives make you sick: Dehradun to Sankri is 8–10 hours each way
Season
When to go
Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Dehradun
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Dehradun
By road
Dehradun to Sankri, about 200 km and 8 to 10 hours, then a short drive to Taluka
Most operators run a shared pickup from Dehradun early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 23 km with about 1,540 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 2, climbing 850 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Taluka → Osla
Drive from Sankri to Taluka, then walk up the Supin river through walnut and chestnut forest
11.8 km680 m50 msleep at 2,756 m
- Day2
Osla → Har Ki Dun
Through terraced fields above Osla, then up into the valley below Swargarohini
11.1 km850 m90 msleep at 3,500 m
- Day3
Rest day at Har Ki Dun
A day in the valley: walk towards the Jaundhar glacier or up to Maninda Tal
- Day4
Har Ki Dun → Osla
Back down the valley the way you came
11.1 km110 m860 msleep at 2,756 m
- Day5
Osla → Taluka
The last walk out along the Supin, then the drive back to Sankri
11.8 km50 m690 msleep at 2,097 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,097 m
Highest night
3,500 m
Highest point
3,514 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Har Ki Dun Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A down jacket rated to -10°C or lower, thermal bottoms, waterproof gloves, gaiters and microspikes (often provided)
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Ice on the trail in winter: put microspikes on early, not after the first slip.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
4 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹13,000 to ₹15,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trekup India4.3₹13,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹13,500
- Bikat Adventures4.8₹14,000
- Indiahikes4.8₹15,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Har Ki Dun Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,566m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Har Ki Dun Trek?
Mar–Jun, Sep–Dec. Winter: expect snow on the trail and camps well below freezing at night, often -10°C or colder near the top. Days are short and summit pushes start in the dark.
How many days does the Har Ki Dun Trek take?
7 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 4 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Har Ki Dun Trek?
Most groups meet in Dehradun. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Dehradun. Dehradun to Sankri, about 200 km and 8 to 10 hours, then a short drive to Taluka.
How much does the Har Ki Dun Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹13,000 to ₹15,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Har Ki Dun Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.