Complete solo Treckking guide to Har Ki dun Valley
Har Ki Dun, a small cradled shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is located at an elevation of 3566m (11,600ft) above sea level based on Fateh Parvat. This valley also known by the name ‘’ The Valley of God”. If you are planning to do a thrilling and adventurous trek in snow-covered mountains, alpine meadows, deodar forests then Har Ki DunTrek is best for you. This Trek is counted as one of the best treks in India.
Har ki Dun trek is one of the most beautiful trekking destinations that showcase the mesmerizing beauty of Uttarakhand. This valley is located in the heart of the Govind Ballabh National Park and gives spectacular views of snowy mountains and untouched valleys of the Himalayas. A walk in the Himalayas will take us into a new universe where we will be away from the hustle-bustle of the big cities.
Har ki Dun valley has an ancient history as it is known as the Valley of Gods, Har means (Lord Shiva) and Dun means (valley). According to the Hindu Vedas, Pandavas went to heaven through this mountain. Duryodhana temple is very famous there and still, people living in Osla (a small village near Har ki Dun) worships Lord Duryodhan. As a solo trekker, you must explore the ancient culture, history of the place and a lot of magical stories of the old era.
This area is all surrounded by snow-capped mountains the temperature in Winters goes 2 degree to -2 and -5 to -10 in the night. In summers( May / June) the weather remains warm in the day time and pleasant cold at night. The valley turns green, colorful and bright. In Winters, (September/October/November) temperature drops down and you will witness rains and heavy snowfall.
The best time to visit is September, October, November, March, April, May, June.
Highlights of Har ki Dun Trek:
- Amazing views of gushing rivers, colorful valleys, mystic mountains
- A 47 km trek in the Himalayas
- Exploration of places at the top
Your solo trek starts from Dehradun to Sankri village and from Sankri to Har ki Dun by covering Taluka, Osla, Jaudhar glaciers. These places are amazingly beautiful and one can have a chance to explore the lifestyle, culture, languages, food, architecture, and nature at its best.
It is all an 8-9 days trek. And differs according to the seasons. Solo trekking is a great idea but following the instructions of experienced trekkers will help you so much during the trek.
A short glimpse about the places you will cover during the Har Ki Dun Trek -
Dehradun, Start your Trek from the capital of Uttarakhand.
The first destination you will reach from Dehradun by taking a direct bus or cab is Sankri village it is a 7-hour long journey of 200km that will take you from in between the majestic views of the mountains. Sankri is also known for the best Basecamp site for popular treks in Uttarakhand like Har ki Dun Trek,Kedarkantha Trek and so on. This place is famous for sunrise and sunsets.
Taluka
Taluka village is a 12 km drive away from Sankri. Solo travelers or trekkers reach Taluka by doing a trek of 15 km through the mountains with a view of a cluster of beautiful wooden houses. One can also do activities like hiking, camping, bird watching, trekking on the Sides of the Supin river. And explore the old & unique culture.
Osla
The next and last destination left to conquer Har ki Dun trek is Osla. You have to trek 15km from Taluka. A small village located at the slopped mountain and surrounded by apple trees. This village is untouched by civilization. Wooden houses and different designs will attract you. Osla is also famous for the Duryodhan Temple. People here are friendly and you will experience great hospitality.
The Final Destination- Har Ki Dun
From Osla to Har Ki Dun is a 12 km Trek which will give you goosebumps as it is one of the most beautiful and adventurous treks of all time. View of mystic mountains, landscapes of Himalayas, pine forests, snowy wonderland, and lush green valleys all around.
Here are some quick tips for people who are planning to do this trek, Solo.
- The first thing which is very important is Physical fitness.
If you are planning to do this trek alone then you should be physically fit & fine because there will be no people around you who will help you out in some mishappening.
- Plan a proper itinerary and tell your plan at least to one person. So that he/she should be informed in case of any emergency.
- If you are undergoing some Medical treatment then, we highly advise you to not to do this trek.
- Har Ki Dun is one of the Heavier trekking courses in India. It is important to take proper safety measures and plan your trip accordingly and keeping in mind the weather conditions.
Things to carry :
- A medical kit - a small medical kit including all the common medicines, band-aids, pain relief sprays.
- Eatables - Dryfruits, glucose biscuits, energy bars, packed food, chocolates.
- Clothes- Carry minimum weight in your Backpack, pack according to the days. It will be good to carry 4-5 pairs of clothes. And thermal wear, scarfs, mufflers, caps, gloves, 2-3 pairs of socks and other essential daily clothes.
- Other things to carry - Trekking pole or walking stick, lip balm, sunscreen, moisturizers, necessary toiletries, book (if you like reading), Camera (if you want to carry), flashlight, power bank, Binoculars.
- Mandatory ID proofs
- Trekking Shoes
Pack your Backpack with all the necessary stuff and plan your solo adventure trip.
Take a break from a busy life and plan to spend some days in the Himalayas. Experience the unseen beauty of nature and explore different cultures. Travel. Explore. Live.