Har-ki-Dun Trek: The Ascent to the Heaven

Description: The motor route offers some breathtaking views of verdant pine forests on the way. The journey is marked by the meandering rivers on the left – first the Yamuna and later the Tons. On the route to Yamunotri, you take a detour via Naugaon to reach Purola, a small town bustling with activity. Later on the route, you come across Naitwar, which is a confluence of the Rupin and the Supin. We move towards Sankari (1,950 m) - a quaint, small hamlet. It houses approximately 250 families and is also the basecamp for other treks including Kedarkantha, Bali Pass and Borasu Pass. The place offers a breathtaking view of Swargarohini.

Description: : The route can be divided into motorable (Sankari-Taluka) and trek (Taluka – Puani Garaat). The motorable route offers a bumpy ride to Taluka, which offers an exquisite view through the rugged forest. It offers three big streams on the way, which pass through the road. The trail to Taluka is almost level, going through 10-11 mountain bends. Situated at an altitude of 2,424 m, Taluka is a small village and houses 10-12 shops. Henceforth you can catch a glimpse of other trekkers on the way too.Taluka marks the beginning of the trek. The trek trail is flanked by the Tamsa river on one side and the beautiful series of forest on the another. The fragrance of musk roses fills the soul with a fresh energy. You may also walk past irises, bamboo, chestnut and cedars. Look for an old village across the river on your left. This is Gangaad, which is the first village on the Har Ki Dun trail, provided you haven’t taken a wrong turn and landed at Datmir. During this spell, you finally reach a place where hydropower is used to run a mechanical turbine that grinds cereal into flour or garaat. This is Puani Garaat - the campsite where you can pitch your tent here for the night.

Description: A few steep sections but generally leisurely level-walks take you to Seema, a breaking point for the Ruinsara Trek. The place has an ancient, picturesque wooden bridge. As you cross it and go to your left, the steep climb to Kalkatidhaar begins. The end of the climb offers a beautiful landscape worth every drop of sweat. The combination of lush green meadows on the left and the meandering river on the right offer a unique natural spectacle.

The trail crosses multiple stream as you trek forward. The verdant pine forest has a sizeable number of rhododendrons too. This is followed by a small waterfall called Green Waterfall as you leave the meadows behind. Ultimately, it offers a breathtaking view of the sublime mountain peaks – Swargarohini –I, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch. This is an indication that we have reached our halt for the day – Seematra Thatch.

Description: One has to negotiate a steep climb as one begins the trek from Seematra Thatch. The view passes over boulders. The final forest stretch lies in front of you. After half an hour over a gradual incline, you traverse the forest ridge from the left side of the valley. The narrow stream called Karmanasha flows parallel to the trail. Do look for green-top Forest Guest House huts above a small ridge. It is further divided into two parts: the upper valley and the lower valley. The valley towards your left leads to the glacial lake Maninda Lake and Borasu Pass and the other, to Jaundar Glacier. Depending upon the season, you may also be fortunate enough to see the rare Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) in abundance here.The sheer beauty of Har-ki-Dun is simply captivating. The very view of the vale fills you with a heightened exhilaration on having managed to unveil this beauty. After enjoying the resplendent beauty that leaves you wanting for more, the return trail begins from the valley to Seematra Thatch for a night halt at Seematra Thatch.

Description: This return trek passes through the village named Osla, which is perched at an altitude of 8,500 ft above sea level. It has the Someshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Someshwar, who is considered to be an incarnate of Lord Shiva. The word ‘Someshwar’ means “the god of the moon”.

Description: The route entails a trek of 13 km till Taluka, from where the motorable route to Sankari begins. It is a non-metalled (kuccha) road and offers a bumpy ride to Sankari. Sankari is the night halt for the day as we reach here by the evening.

Description: The return passes through ascent and descent over the West Himalayas. It marks a descent till Mori, where you can view the ferious Tons river on the right. The route till Jarmola is of ascent and passes through pine forest and marks a sharp decline in temperature. Purola is a small town which houses a Government Degree College too, the only one in the region. Lunch is provided at Damta and finally the drop back to Dehradun Railway Station marks the end of the trek.