Har Ki Dun Trek 5N/6D
Walk the Mythological Valley of the Gods
About This Tour
The Har Ki Dun Trek is one of the most storied and rewarding high-altitude valley treks in Uttarakhand, nestled deep within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district. Known as the 'Valley of Gods,' Har Ki Dun sits at an elevation of 3,566 metres and is steeped in mythological significance — this is believed to be the very trail the Pandavas walked on their final journey to heaven, a route described in the Mahabharata as Swargarohini, or the 'Stairway to Heaven.'
The six-day journey begins in Haridwar, the sacred gateway city on the banks of the Ganga, before winding northward through dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Garhwali villages. The drive to Sankri, the base camp for this trek, passes through Dehradun and the charming town of Purola, offering glimpses of terraced farmlands and forested ridges that set the mood for adventure ahead.
From Sankri, the trek descends to Taluka — the last motorable point — and then follows the Supin River through magnificent forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron. The trail passes through Gangad and Seema villages before arriving at Osla, a beautifully preserved hamlet that houses the celebrated Duryodhana Temple. Uniquely, this remote village venerates Duryodhana, the Mahabharata's antagonist, as a local deity — a fascinating window into the syncretism of Himalayan folk religion.
Beyond Osla, the trail opens into the broad, glacially carved Har Ki Dun valley, with the imposing Swargarohini massif dominating the skyline. On a clear day, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and the Fateh Parbat ranges. The valley floor is carpeted with alpine wildflowers in spring, while the autumn months bring golden hues and crystal-clear skies ideal for photography.
For those seeking an extension, the optional side trail to Ruinsara Tal — a serene glacial lake set against rocky moraines — adds an extra dimension of wilderness to the journey. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot Himalayan monal, musk deer, snow leopard tracks, and the occasional Himalayan brown bear within the protected forest zones.
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary permit, required for all trekkers, is included in the package. Our expert local guides, well-versed in the ecology and folklore of the region, ensure that every step of the trail is both safe and enriching. This trek is ideal for trekkers with basic fitness and a love of history, culture, and mountain landscapes. It is best attempted between April and June and again from September to November, avoiding the monsoon season.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
✓ Included
✗ Not Included
Package Pricing
All prices in Indian Rupees (INR) · International visitors see converted price above
| Group Size | Standard | Deluxe | Super deluxe | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax | ₹14,000 | ₹17,500 | ₹21,000 | — |
| 4 Pax | ₹12,000 | ₹15,000 | ₹18,000 | — |
| 6-8 Pax | ₹10,500 | ₹13,000 | ₹15,500 | — |
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What Travelers Say
Complete Travel Guide to Har Ki Dun Trek from Haridwar
Har Ki Dun — meaning 'Valley of Gods' in the local Garhwali dialect — is one of Uttarakhand's best-kept trekking secrets. While trails like Kedarkantha and Valley of Flowers attract large crowds, Har Ki Dun remains refreshingly uncrowded, offering a rare combination of mythological heritage, cultural richness, and raw Himalayan grandeur. Here is everything you need to know before embarking on this extraordinary journey.
Geography and Location
Har Ki Dun lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, within the protected area of the Govind National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. The valley is a classic glacially carved cradle valley, enclosed on three sides by towering peaks including the Swargarohini massif (6,252m), Bandarpunch (6,316m), and Black Peak (6,387m). The Supin River, a tributary of the Yamuna, originates from glaciers near this valley and accompanies the trail for much of the route.
Mythological Significance
Few treks in the Himalayas carry the weight of mythology that Har Ki Dun does. According to the Mahabharata, this is the route the Pandavas took on their final ascent to Svarga (heaven), a path collectively known as Swargarohini. The route through Osla village, with its ancient Duryodhana temple, underscores the deep cultural layers of this region. In Osla and the nearby village of Har Ki Dun, Duryodhana is venerated as a local deity — a fascinating contrast to the mainstream retelling of the epic and a testament to the plurality of Indian religious tradition.
Flora and Fauna
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive array of Himalayan flora and fauna. The lower forested sections of the trail are dominated by oak, deodar, pine, and rhododendron, with the rhododendrons blooming vivid red and pink in spring. Higher up, alpine meadows host a carpet of Himalayan wildflowers including primulas, anemones, and potentilla. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot the resplendent Himalayan monal (Uttarakhand's state bird), musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and — for the very fortunate — signs of the elusive snow leopard. Bird watching along the Supin River is particularly rewarding.
Permits and Regulations
All trekkers are required to obtain the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary entry permit, which our team arranges as part of the package. No separate paperwork is needed from your end. The sanctuary mandates responsible trekking practices including no littering, no open fires except in designated areas, and no plucking of vegetation. Our guides strictly enforce these Leave No Trace principles.
Weather and Seasons
April to June offers stable weather, moderate temperatures (0°C to 15°C at altitude), and blooming wildflowers. September to November brings post-monsoon clarity, dramatic autumn colours, and arguably the best mountain visibility of the year. Winters (December to March) see the valley blanketed in deep snow and the route is effectively inaccessible. The monsoon months (July–August) bring heavy rainfall, leeches, and landslide risk, making trekking inadvisable.
Getting There
All our Har Ki Dun Trek packages depart from Haridwar. Haridwar is easily accessible by train from Delhi (approximately 4–5 hours on Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi) and by road (around 220 km via NH-58 or NH-334). Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest air hub, about 60 km from Haridwar. From Haridwar, the drive to Sankri takes approximately 8–9 hours through the scenic Garhwal ranges.
Physical Preparation
We recommend beginning a fitness regimen at least 4–6 weeks before the trek. Focus on cardiovascular training (running, cycling, or swimming for 30–45 minutes daily), leg-strengthening exercises (squats, lunges, stair climbing), and weekend hikes with a loaded backpack. Good acclimatisation on Day 1 in Sankri (1,920m) also helps the body adjust before the trail begins. Stay well-hydrated throughout and avoid alcohol on trek days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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