Har Ki Dun Expedition (7D/6N)

Begin your Himalayan adventure with a scenic 9-10 hour drive (197 km) from Dehradun to the charming base village of Sankri (1,950 m). The route offers continuous spectacular views, passing famous landmarks like Mussoorie and Kempty Falls, before following the Yamuna River. The final stretch takes you through the Govind National Park, winding through blue pine forests and providing the first glimpse of the beautiful Tons River valley. Upon arrival in Sankri by late afternoon, check into your guest house and admire the spectacular sunset view of Mt. Swargarohini, marking the start of your trek.

The day starts with a scenic 12 km drive from Sankri to Taluka (2,108 m), a charming hamlet nestled by the Supin River, characterized by dense Deodar and Bamboo forests. From Taluka, embark on the 9 km trek to Pauni Garaat (2,500 m).

The hike follows the rushing Supin River, starting on an uneven stone trail that soon opens up into a pleasant path. You will trek through dense conifers, crossing quaint wooden and cemented bridges, while enjoying the soothing sounds of the river. Midway, you will pass Gangar village, a perfect spot for a brief lunch. The trail, largely of an easy gradient, weaves through terraced fields until you reach the spacious riverside campsite at Pauni Garaat. Upon arrival, settle into your camps, explore the pristine surroundings, and enjoy a well-deserved hot dinner.

After an early breakfast, begin the scenic 8 km trek to Kalkattiyadhaar (3,024 m). The trail quickly leads through towering forests to Seema village, where you will cross the iconic Seema Bridge over the Supin River, offering stunning views against colossal mountain backdrops.

Prepare for a steady climb after the bridge, passing farmlands and enjoying the grand views as the trail opens up. You will soon be rewarded with continuous vistas of the snow-capped Banderpoonch and Swargarohini ranges. Reaching the Kalkattiyadhaar ridge by early afternoon, you will descend a short distance to the exquisite open meadow campsite. This vantage point provides spectacular sightings of peaks like Buyal Devsu, Mt. Black Peak, the Ruinsara Range, and the Kedarkantha Summit, providing ample time for rest and acclimatization for the next day's high-altitude push.

Today is the highly anticipated summit day! Start early at 6 AM to embark on the 14 km round-trip trek to Har Ki Dun. The trail begins with panoramic views above the confluence of the Supin and Ruinsara rivers, gradually revealing snow-clad peaks like Mt. Black Peak.

The challenging ascent involves a mix of steep sections, including a potential 45-degree incline, often covered in snow (especially in winter, where microspikes may be necessary). The final section passes through a dense forest before opening up to the breathtaking Har Ki Dun valley (3,566 m), a vast clearing cradled by prominent peaks such as Swargarohini-1, Hata Peak, and Black Peak. After exploring this stunning meadow and enjoying lunch, you will begin the descent, capturing the final grandeur of the mountains as you return to the Kalkattiyadhaar campsite for the night.

Begin your day by catching the crisp Himalayan sunrise over the peaks at the Kalkattiyadhaar campsite (remembering the sub-zero temperatures, especially in December). After breakfast, start the enjoyable downhill trek back towards Pauni Garaat. Along the route, you will divert to explore the famous, ancient village of Osla, known for its unique wooden architecture and the intricately carved Someshwar Temple. After engaging with the local culture and crossing the Har Ki Dun Bridge, you will continue the easy descent, arriving back at the Pauni Garaat campsite for dinner and a final night by the Supin River.

Enjoy your final morning in the wilderness before beginning the descent after breakfast. The trek today covers the familiar route from Pauni Garaat back to Taluka (2,108 m), winding through lush Chir Pine forests alongside the Supin River. Trekking poles are highly recommended to ease the pressure on your knees during this downhill stretch. Upon reaching Taluka, a waiting vehicle will transfer you the final 12 km back to Sankri (1,950 m). Check into your guest house, take time to relax, and savor a well-deserved hot cup of tea as you reminisce about your week in the mountains.

Enjoy a final breakfast amidst the mesmerizing landscapes of Sankri before checking out. Today, we retrace the scenic route back to Dehradun via the same roads traveled on Day 1. The drive is expected to take the majority of the day, with an anticipated arrival at Dehradun by 5 PM to 6 PM.

Note for Travelers: To safely account for any potential road delays, it is highly recommended that you arrange your onward journey (train, flight, or bus) from Dehradun or Dehradun Bus Stand with a buffer, ideally planning your departure for around 9 PM or later.