Har Ki Dun Trek

Trip Code: IN-19 Country: India Duration: 8 Days Best Time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Nov Base Price: 695 USD Level: Moderate Season: Autumn, Spring

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Overview

Har Ki Dun Trek — Overview

Har Ki Dun — the Valley of Gods in the Jaunsari language of Uttarkashi district — is one of the most complete trekking experiences in the Indian Himalaya. It offers terrain that changes completely every day, cultural depth that most Himalayan routes cannot match, and a mountain horizon anchored by Swargarohini (6,252m), the peak whose name means Stairway to Heaven — the route, according to local tradition, by which the Pandavas of the Mahabharata ascended to the afterlife. The valley sits inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarkashi district, a protected forest reserve that has kept this corner of Garhwal almost entirely uncommercialised.

The route from Sankri climbs the Tons River valley through dense Himalayan oak and rhododendron forest — an April rhododendron bloom here rivals anything in the Nepal or Sikkim Himalaya — past the medieval stone villages of Taluka and Osla, where an ancient temple dedicated to Duryodhana stands as one of the most unexpected and fascinating cultural sites in all of Garhwal. The valley then opens into the glacier-ringed meadow of Har Ki Dun at 3,566m, a broad, flat amphitheatre of glacial grassland ringed by ice on three sides. The optional extension to the Jaundhar Glacier (~4,150m) brings the route face to face with some of the most accessible glacial ice in the Western Himalaya. Summit Routes runs this trek fully guided with Garhwali mountain guides from Uttarkashi, village guesthouse and Forest Rest House accommodation throughout, and the full Govind National Park permit documentation handled before you arrive.

Why Har Ki Dun

The Valley of Gods — Har Ki Dun is one of a handful of high-altitude meadows in the Indian Himalaya that have never been touched by commercial development. No shops, no roads, no crowds — just the meadow, the glacier, and Swargarohini rising directly above camp.
The Duryodhana Temple at Osla — Osla is one of the most culturally distinctive villages in Garhwal. Its temple is dedicated to Duryodhana — the chief antagonist of the Mahabharata — a living example of how Himalayan communities developed their own independent relationship with the great epics. Your guide walks you through the temple and the local mythology that shapes it.
Swargarohini (6,252m) — The Stairway to Heaven — The Swargarohini massif dominates the valley head from Day 4 onwards alongside Bandarpunch (6,316m) and Kalanag (6,387m). The views from Har Ki Dun meadow of these three ice faces simultaneously — with the Jaundhar Glacier filling the valley between them — are freely available to anyone willing to walk here.
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park — The entire Har Ki Dun valley sits within a protected wilderness of old-growth forest, high-altitude meadows, and glacial rivers. Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and musk deer inhabit the upper reaches. The national park status has kept the trail in a condition that is increasingly rare in the more popular Himalayan trekking regions.
The Best First Himalayan Trek in Uttarakhand — At a maximum of 3,566m (4,150m with the optional glacier extension), Har Ki Dun is achievable for anyone in reasonable physical condition with no prior high-altitude experience. The gradual ascent profile, consistent guesthouse accommodation, and complete absence of technical terrain make it the most accessible high-quality trek in the Uttarakhand portfolio.

Important Notes

Best Seasons: April–May (spring) and September–October (autumn). April and May bring the rhododendron bloom in the lower forest sections and the first snow-free meadow conditions at Har Ki Dun. September offers the clearest skies, stable weather, and the sharpest mountain views. October is the last reliable month before the valley closes for winter — cold nights at Har Ki Dun but often spectacular clarity.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate — the highest point is 3,566m (4,150m with the glacier extension), there are no technical sections or high passes, and the daily distances are manageable (8–12 km on trek days). The long drive days (Days 2 and 8, ~8–9 hours each) are the most demanding non-trekking element. Suitable for first-time Himalayan trekkers with reasonable general fitness. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya before departure.
Highest Points: Har Ki Dun meadow at 3,566m (main route); Jaundhar Glacier approach at approximately 4,150m (optional Day 5 extension, strongly recommended).
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park Permit: Entry into the national park is mandatory for all trekkers and requires advance registration. Summit Routes arranges all permit documentation on your behalf. See our permits guide.
Forest Rest Houses: The GMVN Forest Rest Houses along this route must be booked well in advance through official channels — Summit Routes handles all FRH bookings once your departure is confirmed. In high-demand periods the FRH may not be available, in which case tented accommodation is provided at no change in price. At Har Ki Dun specifically, be prepared for either option.
Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is non-negotiable for the Har Ki Dun nights. Temperatures at 3,566m drop to -8°C even in May and October. This is the single most important piece of personal gear on this trek. Sleeping bag hire is available in Sankri on request.
Fitness Standard: Must be comfortable walking 8–12 km daily on forest and mountain trails with moderate elevation gain. No altitude experience, mountaineering skills, or technical equipment required. This is one of the most accessible multi-day treks in the Indian Himalaya for beginners.
Cultural Respect: The Duryodhana temple at Osla is an active place of worship for the Jaunsari community. Remove shoes, dress modestly, and follow your guide’s instructions inside and around the temple complex. Photography inside the inner shrine may be restricted — ask your guide before photographing.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive Dehradun (447m) — Transfer & Rest
Day 2	Drive Dehradun to Sankri (2,006m) via Mussoorie & Barkot \| ~190 km
Day 3	Sankri — Drive/Trek to Taluka — Trek to Osla (2,565m) \| ~8 km
Day 4	Osla to Har Ki Dun Meadow (3,566m) \| ~12 km
Day 5	Rest & Exploration — Optional Jaundhar Glacier Extension (~4,150m)
Day 6	Har Ki Dun to Osla (2,565m) \| ~12 km
Day 7	Osla to Sankri (2,006m) \| ~20 km
Day 8	Drive Sankri to Dehradun — Departure \| ~190 km

Altitude Profile

Itinerary

Har Ki Dun Trek — 8-Day Itinerary (Dehradun to Dehradun)

Route: Dehradun — Sankri — Taluka — Osla — Gangad — Har Ki Dun Meadow — (Optional: Jaundhar Glacier) — Osla — Sankri — Dehradun

Day 1: Arrive Dehradun (447m) — Transfer & Rest

Arrive at Jolly Grant Airport (DED) or Dehradun Railway Station. Private transfer to hotel in the city.
Complete rest for the remainder of the day. The long drive to Sankri (~8–9 hours) begins early tomorrow — a full night's sleep in Dehradun is the best preparation.
Trek briefing, permit documentation check, and equipment review with your Summit Routes guide in the evening. Govind National Park registration papers confirmed. Sleeping bag hire at Sankri arranged if needed.
Overnight: Hotel Pacific, Hotel Madhuban, or similar, Dehradun
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Drive Dehradun to Sankri (2,006m) via Mussoorie & Barkot

Drive: ~190 km | ~8–9 hours via Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Purola, Barkot

Depart Dehradun after an early breakfast. The drive rises quickly from the Doon Valley through Mussoorie (2,005m) — the first taste of the Garhwal hills — before descending into the Yamuna valley and then climbing the Tons River gorge toward Sankri.
The road passes through the market town of Barkot and then follows the Tons River upstream, narrowing and steepening as it enters the Govind Sanctuary buffer zone. In spring, rhododendron forest lines both banks of the Tons continuously from Barkot to Sankri.
Sankri (2,006m) is the gateway village for Har Ki Dun — a small Garhwali settlement with guesthouses, a basic market, and the Govind National Park entry checkpoint. National Park permits registered here on arrival.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Sankri
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Sankri to Osla (2,565m) via Taluka

Jeep/walk to Taluka ~12 km • Trek Taluka to Osla: ~8 km | 4–5 hours

Short jeep transfer or walk from Sankri to Taluka (where the motor road ends). The trek proper begins at Taluka, crossing the Tons River and entering Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.
The trail climbs through dense Himalayan oak, pine, and rhododendron forest along the right bank of the Supin River — a clean, fast-moving tributary of the Tons. The forest here is among the most intact in the Western Himalaya. Wildlife is common on this section: langur, barking deer, and various Himalayan pheasant species.
Osla (2,565m) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the Tons valley — a cluster of traditional stone and wood houses on a hillside above the river, surrounded by terraced fields of wheat and buckwheat. The Someshwar Mahadev temple is the most prominent structure in the upper village.
After settling in, visit the Osla Duryodhana Temple — one of the most culturally significant and least-known sites in Uttarakhand. The Jaunsari community here has worshipped Duryodhana, the antagonist of the Mahabharata, as a deity and protector for centuries. The carved wooden architecture, the temple complex, and the local mythology around the site are extraordinary. Your guide provides full context.
Overnight: Forest Rest House or village guesthouse at Osla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Osla to Har Ki Dun Meadow (3,566m)

Trek: ~12 km | 5–6 hours

Depart Osla in the morning. The trail climbs steadily through thinning forest along the Supin River, crossing the stream at several points on wooden plank bridges. Alpine meadow replaces forest above roughly 3,000m, and the valley begins to open dramatically ahead.
Pass through the small shepherd hamlet of Gangad (2,900m) — a seasonal settlement used by Gaddi herders moving their flocks to summer pasture. By late morning the tree line is behind you entirely, and the full panorama of the Har Ki Dun bowl comes into view: Swargarohini (6,252m), Bandarpunch (6,316m), Kalanag (6,387m), and the Jaundhar Glacier filling the valley head.
Har Ki Dun meadow (3,566m) is a broad, flat glacial floor rimmed by ice and rock on three sides — one of the great natural amphitheatres in the Indian Himalaya. The Supin River runs through its centre, fed directly by the glacier above. Camping here on a clear night, with the Milky Way overhead and Swargarohini lit by the moon, is one of the defining experiences of Indian Himalayan trekking.
Overnight: GMVN Forest Rest House or Summit Routes tented camp at Har Ki Dun (3,566m) — sleeping bag rated to -10°C essential
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Har Ki Dun — Rest & Exploration — Optional Jaundhar Glacier (~4,150m)

Optional glacier extension: ~5 km each way | 3–4 hours return

A full rest and exploration day in the Har Ki Dun meadow. Spend the morning at the valley floor: walk the meadow edges, watch for Himalayan blue sheep (bharal) on the upper scree slopes, and photograph the Swargarohini massif as the light moves through the day.
Optional Jaundhar Glacier hike (strongly recommended): The Jaundhar Glacier is the source of the Supin River and lies ~5 km above the meadow at approximately 4,150m. The trail follows the river upstream over moraine and boulders to the glacier snout — the closest accessible glacial ice in the Har Ki Dun region. The views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Kalanag from the glacier approach are among the finest available anywhere in this sector of the Garhwal Himalaya. No technical gear required; the trail is straightforward.
Return to Har Ki Dun meadow by mid-afternoon. Rest and prepare for the descent tomorrow.
Overnight: GMVN Forest Rest House or Summit Routes tented camp at Har Ki Dun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Har Ki Dun to Osla (2,565m)

Trek: ~12 km | 4–5 hours

Retrace the Day 4 trail in descent — a different experience on the return. The forest canopy closes back overhead as you descend below the tree line, and the terraced fields of Osla appear below Gangad. The descent brings a rapid return of warmth and appetite after two nights at 3,566m.
Arrive Osla by early afternoon. A quieter day — time to revisit the Duryodhana temple, sit with your guide in the village, or simply rest before the long return to Sankri tomorrow.
Overnight: Forest Rest House or village guesthouse at Osla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Osla to Sankri (2,006m)

Trek: ~20 km total | 6–7 hours (including Taluka–Sankri section)

The longest day of the return — the full descent from Osla down through the Govind Sanctuary forest to Taluka, and then onward to Sankri. The morning section through the forest is consistently beautiful; the rhododendron canopy in April and May is at its most intense on this lower stretch.
Cross the Tons River at Taluka and follow the jeep track or the alternative forest trail back into Sankri by late afternoon.
Mobile coverage returns at Sankri. Hot dinner, a proper guesthouse bed, and a celebration meal.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Sankri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Drive Sankri to Dehradun — Departure

Drive: ~190 km | ~8–9 hours

Depart Sankri after breakfast for the return drive to Dehradun via Barkot and Mussoorie — the reverse of Day 2, now with the entire Har Ki Dun valley behind you.
Arrive Dehradun by late afternoon. Private transfer to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) or Dehradun Railway Station for onward travel.
Overnight: N/A — departure day. Additional hotel night in Dehradun available on request.
Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

IN-19 – Har Ki Dun Trek, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (8 Days / 7 Nights)
Starting from USD 695 per person
(Based on 2 trekkers, private certified guide & full ground support)

Includes all transport, certified Garhwali guide, all accommodation, Govind National Park permits, and all meals on trek — no hidden costs.

👉 Request Custom Itinerary & Quote

INCLUDED

All private transportation throughout the programme (Dehradun–Sankri–Dehradun)
7 nights accommodation:
- 1 night hotel in Dehradun (twin sharing, attached bathroom) — Hotel Pacific, Hotel Madhuban, or similar — Day 1
- 2 nights guesthouse in Sankri (twin sharing) — Days 2 and 7
- 2 nights Forest Rest House or village guesthouse at Osla (twin sharing) — Days 3 and 6
- 2 nights GMVN Forest Rest House or expedition tents at Har Ki Dun (twin sharing, sleeping mats provided) — Days 4 and 5
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park entry permit (mandatory for all trekkers — arranged and managed entirely by Summit Routes)
Forest Rest House advance booking and fees where applicable
Certified mountain guide (Uttarakhand Tourism Department licensed, Garhwali-born) throughout all 8 days
Porter support for group luggage throughout the trek (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
All camping cooking equipment, cookware, and fuel for Har Ki Dun nights
Pulse oximeter monitoring on all days above 3,000m
All meals as specified in the day-to-day itinerary (breakfast daily; lunch and dinner on all trek days)
All government taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED

International or domestic flights or trains to/from Dehradun
Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover trekking to 4,200m and helicopter evacuation)
Personal sleeping bag rated to -10°C — non-negotiable for Har Ki Dun nights; hire available in Sankri on request
Personal trekking equipment (boots, clothing, etc.)
Personal expenses, snacks, and bottled beverages
Tips for guide and porter
Anything not mentioned under "Included"

Group Pricing (indicative per person)

Group Size	Price (USD) per Person
2 persons	695
3–4 persons	615
5–8 persons	545
9+ persons	On request

Hotel List

Accommodation

Dehradun (Day 1 — 1 Night)

The arrival night in Dehradun is at Hotel Pacific, Hotel Madhuban, or a similar well-positioned property near the ISBT bus terminal — convenient for the early morning departure to Sankri. Twin sharing with attached bathroom, hot shower, electricity, and Wi-Fi. This night is for arrival, briefing, permit verification, and sleep — the drive to Sankri begins at or before 7:00 AM the following morning.

Sankri (Days 2 & 7 — 2 Nights)

Guesthouse accommodation in Sankri village (2,006m) — the gateway hub for the Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha trekking routes. Several clean, well-run family guesthouses operate here with basic attached facilities, hot meals, and reliable BSNL/Airtel mobile coverage. Sankri has a small market for last-minute supplies. The Night 7 return to Sankri is the first proper guesthouse bed after five nights at altitude — hot dinner, a proper pillow, and mobile signal are among the more appreciated comforts at this point.

Osla (Days 3 & 6 — 2 Nights)

Forest Rest House or village guesthouse at Osla (2,565m). Osla has a small number of guesthouses run by local Jaunsari families — simple rooms, shared facilities, and home-cooked Garhwali meals (dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables). This is genuinely village India; adjust expectations accordingly and the experience is exceptional. The guesthouses look out over the terraced fields and the Supin River below the village, with the forest ridge above framing the view on both sides.

Har Ki Dun (Days 4 & 5 — 2 Nights)

GMVN Forest Rest House (pre-booked in advance by Summit Routes where available) or Summit Routes expedition tents at the meadow at 3,566m. The GMVN FRH at Har Ki Dun has limited capacity and books out months ahead during peak spring and autumn seasons — we default to high-quality tented camping with full cooking support when the FRH is unavailable, at no change in price or service.

A sleeping bag rated to -10°C is non-negotiable at Har Ki Dun. Night temperatures drop to -8°C or below even in May and October — lighter bags are genuinely insufficient. Hot water bottles are available on request on cold nights. The trade-off for the cold is the stargazing: at 3,566m with no artificial light for many kilometres, the night sky at Har Ki Dun is one of the finest available from any trek campsite in Uttarakhand.

What to Pack

What to Pack — Har Ki Dun Trek

The Har Ki Dun Trek spans 447m in Dehradun to 3,566m at the meadow (4,150m with the optional glacier extension) over 8 days. Pack for a wide range: warm valley approach conditions on the forest trail, cool autumn or spring days above Osla, and genuinely cold nights at Har Ki Dun (3,566m) where temperatures drop to -8°C even in May. Unlike the camping treks in this series, most of this route uses guesthouse accommodation — you need personal camping gear only for the two Har Ki Dun nights. A porter carries your main bag between all trail sections.

Clothing & Layers

Heavy down or synthetic jacket rated to -10°C — for Har Ki Dun nights at 3,566m and the optional glacier approach above 4,000m. A lighter puffer is insufficient for the coldest nights at the meadow.
Waterproof hardshell jacket — afternoon rain is possible on the forest approach in spring; light snow is possible at Har Ki Dun in April and October.
Fleece mid-layer × 2
Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom) × 3 — the guesthouse accommodation means you can wash clothes at Sankri and Osla, but bring enough for 3–4 days without laundry.
Trekking trousers × 2 — lightweight and fast-drying.
Thermal leggings × 1 — for Har Ki Dun nights.
Warm hat and wide-brimmed sun hat — both. UV at 3,500m on open meadow is significant; a sun hat is as important as a warm hat on the meadow days.
Buff or neck gaiter — for cold mornings at Har Ki Dun and the glacier approach.
Trekking gloves — lightweight pair for approach days; warmer pair for Har Ki Dun mornings and the glacier extension.
Trekking socks × 4–5 pairs — heavyweight wool preferred for 5 consecutive trail days.
Camp shoes or sandals — for rest time at guesthouses in Sankri and Osla.

Footwear

Waterproof trekking boots — fully broken in before arrival. The trail from Taluka to Osla involves river-edge paths and stream crossings; the approach to Har Ki Dun above Gangad includes rocky moraine terrain. Ankle support and waterproofing are both important throughout. Unbroken boots on a 5-day trail section are the most common cause of early evacuation on this route.
Trekking poles × 2 — recommended for the long descent days (Days 6–7, ~12 km and ~20 km respectively) and for the moraine sections on the Jaundhar Glacier approach.

Personal Health & Safety

Altitude medication — the route reaches 3,566m (4,150m optional) without a dedicated acclimatisation day. Consult your doctor about Diamox before departure if you have concerns. Read our guide to altitude sickness in the Himalaya.
Personal first aid kit — blister plasters, ibuprofen, paracetamol, antihistamines, rehydration sachets. A pharmacy is available in Sankri; there are none above it on the trail.
UV-protective sunglasses — Category 3 — UV above 3,000m on open meadow terrain is significant, particularly at Har Ki Dun where the glacier reflects additional UV. Standard sunglasses are inadequate.
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) — carry enough for the full 8 days.
Insect repellent — useful on the lower forest sections between Taluka and Osla, particularly in spring.
Hand sanitiser — guesthouse facilities vary; hand hygiene is important.
Personal prescription medicines — carry double your required quantity. The nearest significant pharmacy is in Barkot or Dehradun.

Gear & Equipment

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C — non-negotiable. Guesthouse blankets at Osla are basic and the nights at Har Ki Dun (3,566m) regularly drop to -8°C. This is the most critical piece of personal gear on this trek. Sleeping bag hire is available in Sankri on request — contact us in advance to arrange.
Sleeping bag liner — adds warmth and keeps your bag clean across 7 nights of varying accommodation.
Trekking daypack (20–30L) — carries personal items on trail. The porter carries your main duffel bag.
Main duffel bag (50–70L, soft-sided) — for porter loading. No hard-framed luggage on this route.
Headlamp + spare batteries — for early morning starts and navigating guesthouses and camps after dark. Cold drains batteries at Har Ki Dun — keep spares warm inside your sleeping bag overnight.
Water bottle (1L minimum) — stream water is plentiful and boiled by the cook team at camps; carry a personal bottle for the trail.
Water purification tablets — as backup for stream and guesthouse water sources.
Power bank — mobile coverage and electricity are available in Sankri and at guesthouses in Dehradun; there is no charging above Sankri on the main trail. A power bank covering 5 days of phone use is recommended.

Documents & Money

Original ID / Passport — required for Govind Pashu Vihar National Park registration at Sankri and potentially at checkpoints on trail. Carry your original document throughout.
Travel insurance documents — must cover trekking to 4,200m and helicopter evacuation. Mandatory for participation.
Cash in Indian Rupees — ATMs available in Dehradun and Mussoorie. No ATMs above Barkot on the Sankri road. Withdraw sufficient cash in Dehradun for all personal expenses through Day 7 including guesthouse extras and tips.

Optional but Useful

Camera with spare batteries — Har Ki Dun meadow photography (Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kalanag, the glacier) is one of the primary reasons people make this journey. Cold at 3,566m drains batteries; keep spares inside your jacket or sleeping bag.
High-energy trail snacks — energy bars, dry fruits, nuts. Supplement guesthouse meals on the long trail days.
Small padlock for your duffel bag at guesthouses.

For a complete Himalayan packing guide with brand recommendations and a printable checklist, see our Himalayan Trekking Gear List →

Sleeping bag hire is available in Sankri on request — contact us when booking if you need to arrange this.

Safety Protocols

Safety & Emergency Protocols — Har Ki Dun Trek

Your safety is the absolute priority on every Summit Routes trek. The Har Ki Dun Trek reaches 3,566m at the meadow (4,150m with the optional glacier extension) and involves two nights of remote accommodation at this altitude within Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, where road access does not exist above Taluka. The drive days (Days 2 and 8) are long and involve mountain roads with limited services. Below is a full account of the safety protocols, emergency procedures, and standards maintained on every departure.

First Aid & Medical Equipment

Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the lead guide at all times throughout the 8-day route
Pulse oximeter for blood-oxygen monitoring on all days above 3,000m — readings taken at Gangad, on arrival at Har Ki Dun, and each morning at the meadow camp
Basic medications including Diamox, Dexamethasone, analgesics, rehydration salts, and wound and blister care supplies
Daily health check-ins at every accommodation point from Day 3 onward

Evacuation Procedure

Osla and below (Days 3, 6, 7 — trail sections between Taluka and Osla):

Assisted descent to Taluka on foot (approximately 3–4 hours from Osla), followed by jeep transfer to Sankri (~30 minutes) and then vehicle transfer to Barkot or Dehradun. Total evacuation time from Osla to Barkot District Hospital: approximately 5–6 hours.

Har Ki Dun meadow (Days 4–5, 3,566m):

Helicopter landing is possible in the open meadow at Har Ki Dun in good weather — this is the primary evacuation route for serious cases from the valley. Helicopter access requires clearance from the Govind National Park administration and is coordinated through our Uttarkashi base.
Ground evacuation from Har Ki Dun to Osla takes 4–5 hours; from Osla to road access at Taluka a further 3–4 hours. Total ground evacuation time from Har Ki Dun to Barkot road: approximately 8–10 hours. For non-critical cases in stable condition, this is the standard route.
All evacuation decisions are made by the lead guide and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

Medical Facilities:

Barkot Community Health Centre — the nearest medical facility on the Sankri access road; accessible within approximately 4 hours from Sankri by vehicle for initial stabilisation
Government Medical College (GMC), Dehradun — the main referral hospital for Uttarkashi district trekking emergencies; approximately 8–9 hours from Sankri by vehicle

Guide Training & Certifications

All trekking guides are licensed by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB)
Wilderness first aid training and high-altitude awareness certification
All Summit Routes Har Ki Dun guides are Garhwali-born from Uttarkashi district — direct knowledge of the Govind Sanctuary trail conditions, GMVN Forest Rest House logistics, the Duryodhana temple community at Osla, and the glacier approach above Har Ki Dun is built into the team
Minimum of two prior Har Ki Dun Trek completions required for every lead guide

Travel Insurance — Mandatory Requirement

Valid travel insurance is a non-negotiable condition of participation on this trek.

Must cover trekking to at least 4,200 metres (to include the optional Jaundhar Glacier extension)
Must include emergency helicopter evacuation from Har Ki Dun meadow — helicopter rescue requires insurer pre-authorisation
Must cover medical hospitalisation and emergency repatriation
The insurance policy must be shared with Summit Routes before departure
Trekkers without valid insurance cannot join this trek — no exceptions

See our Insurance & Permits FAQ for guidance.

Emergency Contact Protocol During the Trek

For Family / Next of Kin

A dedicated emergency contact number is provided before departure. Our Dehradun/Uttarkashi base coordinator monitors every active Har Ki Dun departure and will contact your nominated next-of-kin within 2 hours of any serious incident.

On the Trail

Mobile signal is available in Dehradun (Day 1), Sankri (Days 2 and 7), and on the Day 2/8 drive route at Barkot and Mussoorie. Signal is absent above Sankri from Day 3 through Day 7 on the main trail. Our guides are aware of the specific locations near Taluka and Sankri where emergency signal can be accessed if needed during a descent.

Rescue Coordination

Summit Routes maintains coordination with the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park administration, the Uttarkashi District Magistrate emergency office, and Barkot Community Health Centre. Helicopter rescue operations are coordinated through the National Park's forest department and, where required, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Altitude Sickness (AMS) — Our Policy

AMS is a potential concern above 3,000m on this route, particularly for trekkers arriving from sea level with no prior altitude experience. The gradual ascent profile (2,006m at Sankri → 2,565m at Osla → 3,566m at Har Ki Dun over two trekking days) is among the most benign in the Indian Himalaya and provides good natural acclimatisation. Read our complete altitude sickness guide before departure.

Any trekker showing signs of HACE or HAPE will be descended immediately. This decision is non-negotiable and cannot be overridden by the trekker.

The full route acclimatisation schedule:

Day 1: Dehradun — 447m
Day 2: Sankri — 2,006m
Day 3: Osla — 2,565m
Day 4: Har Ki Dun — 3,566m
Day 5: Har Ki Dun — 3,566m (full rest day — optional glacier to 4,150m)

The Day 5 glacier extension to 4,150m uses the climb-high-sleep-low acclimatisation principle — ascending to 4,150m during the day and returning to sleep at 3,566m. Any trekker experiencing significant AMS symptoms at Har Ki Dun will rest at the meadow on Day 5 rather than attempt the glacier extension.

Have a safety question before booking?
Contact our team on WhatsApp (+91 96222 44022) or email info@summitroutes.com.

Gallery

FAQ

How difficult is Har Ki Dun Trek?

Moderate. Daily distances of 10–14km on forest and river-valley trails with a gradual gain to 3,566m. There are no technical sections or river crossings without bridges. Good fitness and comfortable trekking footwear are all that is required.

Do I need trekking experience to join Har Ki Dun Trek?

No prior trekking experience is required. If you can walk 5–6 hours a day on uneven forest trails, this trek is well within reach. It is one of the best introductory Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand.

When is the best time to do the Har Ki Dun Trek?

April–June and September–November. April and May bring rhododendron bloom and clear pre-monsoon skies. October and November offer the sharpest visibility of the season and the lightest trail traffic. The valley is inaccessible in winter (December–March) and the monsoon (July–August) makes trail conditions unreliable.

What permits are required and do you arrange them?

Yes. We arrange the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park entry permit (mandatory for all trekkers without exception) and handle all Forest Rest House advance bookings where applicable. No paperwork on your end.

What's included in the price?

All transport (Dehradun–Sankri–Dehradun), certified guide, all accommodation as listed, all meals on trek, Govind National Park entry permit, Forest Rest House bookings, and camping equipment at Har Ki Dun. See the full inclusions list above.

How do I get to the starting point?

Fly or take the train to Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (DED), 25 minutes from the city. We handle all transfers from your arrival point.

What accommodation is provided during the trip?

Hotel in Dehradun (Day 1), guesthouse in Sankri (Days 2 and 7), Forest Rest House or village guesthouse at Osla (Days 3 and 6), GMVN Forest Rest House or Summit Routes expedition tents at Har Ki Dun meadow (Days 4 and 5).

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Yes. Solo trekkers join small groups on fixed departures. Private solo departures are also available — ask on enquiry.

What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?

3,566m at Har Ki Dun meadow (Days 4 and 5). The optional Jaundhar Glacier extension reaches approximately 4,150m on Day 5. Maximum sleeping altitude: 3,566m at Har Ki Dun on Days 4 and 5.

How are meals handled on the trail?

Breakfast and dinner at guesthouses or in camp on every day of the programme. A packed lunch is carried on all trekking days. Hot chai and basic snacks available at the Gangad shepherd settlement on the Har Ki Dun trail.

What happens if I develop altitude sickness?

Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and monitors readings from Day 3 onwards. At the altitudes involved on the Har Ki Dun route, genuine AMS is uncommon but possible, particularly on the rapid gain day (Day 4, Osla to Har Ki Dun). Do not attempt the Jaundhar Glacier extension if you have any headache or breathlessness at the meadow. Helicopter evacuation is available to Sankri or Barkot.

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📅 2026 Departures — Har Ki Dun Trek (8 Days)

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Apr 18 – Apr 25 May 16 – May 23 Sep 19 – Sep 26 Oct 10 – Oct 17

Arrive & Depart: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

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Har Ki Dun Trek

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Har Ki Dun Trek — 8 Days (Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand)

Arrive & Depart: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

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