Har Ki Dun Valley

Assemble at the Dehradun Railway station by 6.30 AM.Our journey begins as soon as we hit the road from Dehradhun. A long, yet enjoyable drive, whereby, we proceed to Kempty Falls, near Mussoorie, to enjoy a hearty breakfast. While our journey recommences, you will appreciate the company and the lovely views of the serpentine river Tons. Smell the fresh air whilst appreciating the leaves of the numerous pine trees swaying in the breeze as we pass by Purola. Driving by a place called Mori, nearing closer to Sankri, you will get a glimpse of the river Tons joining a glacial stream to become the river Supin. Before we reach Sankri, the last 22kms passes through the Govind National Park where one may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife. So keep your eyes peeled! As we approach Sankri at approximately 6 pm, you will be able to glimpse this quaint and quiet village which is now a hive of activity due to the trekking season.

After an early breakfast, a thrilling drive awaits you that will take us to the village of Taluka from where we begin our trek. For the most part, the river Supin is our constant comrade as we traverse through thick vegetation consisting of Oaks, Rhododendrons, Elms, & Deodhars, amongst umpteen flora. We navigate through routes that alter between level ground, to gentle & sharp gradients. Winding tributaries & rivulets cut across our path. Inhale the delightfully fresh alpine air, while absorbing the magnificence of the Himalayas that surrounds you. The trek is taxing today, but amidst the endless forest, crossing bridges and passing by villages, we can admire how man & nature have blended in perfectly to create a harmonious balance, that is sight for sore eyes...and feet! Relish a lovely meal & recoup before we continue towards Paurani Goraat. Once you reach the campsite, not only will you sigh in relief, but also in admiration at nature's beauty that engulfs you. If curiosity gets the better of you, why not do a quick recce before settling in for a hearty dinner?

Wake up to sensational views & gorge on a nutritious breakfast while listening to the birds chirping at the crack of dawn. Levelled as well as steep trails greet you today. We pass through the cheerful village of Osla. Perceive the modest way of life of the folk in the mountains which makes them a contented lot! Rosy-cheeked children may waylay you for a brief chat, which you would enjoy thoroughly. Admire graceful waterfalls that can be seen plunging regally from the precipices of the mountains. Slowly, grass & weeds such as the Alpine Cat's Tail, Meadow grass & Horseweed (to name a few) appear in patches & then more frequently, & before you know it, you have reached a meadow: a truly serene setting! Catch your breath before you ascend farther to reach the campsite. You may use this opportunity to explore your immediate surroundings, where you could discover interesting sights & sounds near Kalkatiyadhar.

Pearly snow dots the landscape in the otherwise grassy terrain, or during the winter months, you will find a solid mantle of snow. The distance to Har ki Dun may seem shorter but the trail is mostly a steep acclivity. More lucid streams are strewn across the region & white tufts of cloud hover over the towering snow-laden peaks, creating a spectacle that will keep you rooted to the spot...but we need to move ahead till we reach the resplendent valley. This ethereal vale has a beautiful stream flowing through it & one feels as if they have entered 'swarg' or heaven, with the imposing Swargarohini peak in the background. Why not sit around a campfire & listen to the legends surrounding this region from your camp leader? With such invaluable vistas around you, this adventure is sure to make others see green!

A new dawn of discoveries awaits you today. Many tempting options lie before you. If you are here in the winters, then why not floric in the snow & explore the flora of the surrounding area? Here & there, you may spot the Kashmiri Lousewort which has lovely purple coloured flowers, or Wild roses, Kulem which has pinkish flowers, and Geum Elatum which has bright yellow flowers. Red Sorrell, Thistles and Himalayan Knotweed may also be espied. If beautiful, placid waters is what you crave to behold, then you could relax by the bubbling brook near the camp, or head to the small but scenic Maninda Lake, which is barely a few hours away. Perhaps the distant snowy summits winking at you in the sunlight piques your interest, then you could attempt the trek to the Jaundhar Glacier & the Jaundhar Basin. You would have to leave early in order to reach the basin through a gradual climb, which would take close to 6 hours. Enclosed in shimmering snow, the Swargarohini gazes unruffled at all duirnal occurrences. Whichever way in which you decide to spend your day, rest assured it will be one of the most fruitful days ever spent in your life, & that's not even an exaggeration!

"Focus on how far you have come, not how far you have to go”

This famous quote sums up the last stages of our journey. Cast your eyes around you to draw inspiration from the opulent panoramas as we have a lengthy trek before us. There are two routes that will take us to Paurani Goraat, both of which offer equally stunning views. We thread our way back through Chestnut, Himalayan Maples, Alders, Elms, Ash & Pine trees amongst many others; the noble & silent sentinels of the forest. Once at the campsite, gorge on lip-smacking refreshments. View the last rays of the setting sun orchestrating a dazzling array of gold, orange, fire, salmon, & pink hues across the sky.

The 12km trek may seem daunting at first but is a thoroughly gratifying adventure because for most part of the way, we venture through the terrain which is declivitous in nature. This would be a good time for some last minute bird-watching, since it wil be your last day in this wonderfully obscure region of western Uttarakhand. Birds of stupendous beauty such as Rosefinchs, Warblers, Buntings, Bulbuls, Wagtails, Flycatchers & Bush Robins may be spotted on your way. As you unwind in the evening in Sankri, we will conduct a small ceremony where we will hand over your certificate for having concluded the trek successfully!

As we prepare to leave this wonderfully tranquil and divine region, we pack our bags with a heavy heart & say our final goodbyes over a healthy breakfast. Proceed to check out of the hotel by 8am, where your transport, a Tata Sumo, or similar, awaits you. As we travel back to Dehradhun, treasure the unending vistas that lie all around you, while taking last minute photos. The journey of roughly 10 hours will keep you occupied with countless memories to take back and share with your loved ones. We have ensured that the trek has been paced in such a way that you have been provided with ample rest in order to make it an enjoyable experience. Once in Dehradhun, part ways with your fellow trekkers, with the promise of experiencing yet another thrilling adventure with us.