Introduction
The Himalayan regions are full of hiking trails that make us realize the importance of nature in our lives and what we are without nature. Trekking is the most enjoyable and memorable thing in a person’s life, which they do for themselves and the essence always remains in your life. Adventure lovers come to Uttarakhand to explore the soothing and untouched beauty of the mountains, which is hard to find in cities.
About Harki Dun Trek
Har Ki Dun Trek is a cradle-shaped valley and one of the most famous and best tourist spots in Uttarakhand. Har Ki Dun Trek is so beautiful that people call it the stairway to heaven. The trek starts from Dehradun city so you have to reach there reaching Dehradun is relatively easy as this city is well connected with major cities by major railways and airports. Many buses will take you to Dehradun from Delhi in 6-8 hours.
Har Ki Dun Trek is on the bucket list of almost every trekking and adventure lover. During this trek, you can see some of the most picturesque views of the Himalayas. You will see the beautiful ranges of a Black peak, Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini-I, II & III (all three at the same time). Imagine the feeling you will experience at that moment.
If you are a beginner then it is advised not to attempt this trek as this trek requires enough knowledge to handle the situations while trekking. But keep it on your bucket list, prepare for it and then you can do trekking.
On your route, you will explore ancient villages, moraine ridges, glaciers, meadows, mountain peaks and forests.
If you Love Trekking then you can also see Valley of flowers Trek Located in the Lap of himalaya.
Location of the trek
Har Ki Dun Trek is based in Uttarakhand. The trek route starts from Dehradun and is well connected to other major cities through railways and air routes. You can go to Dehradun by train or plane, or you can reach Delhi and take a bus from there. The bus journey from Delhi to Dehradun takes 7-8 hours. After you reach Dehradun city you have to go to Sankri. Sankri is the place from where the trek will start.
Trek level
This trek is of easy to moderate difficulty. However, the routes are not basic and therefore beginners or non-professional trekkers are not chosen for this trek. This is a challenging trek so you need to be a professional or a regular hiker to do this trek. The route is difficult, demanding and yet. The highest altitude of the trek is about 12,000 feet which is quite a high altitude.
Best time to visit
The weather for this trek is suitable throughout the year except for the monsoon. People coming in different seasons will experience the different beauty of mountains and trails. In the winter season from December to April, you will witness the white beauty of the mountains thanks to the snow. In the spring season, you will see majestic views of valleys blooming with flowers, lush green forests and scattered snow. The average temperature in the range is low (1°C to 5°C). So according to your convenience and choice, you can choose the month of the year in which you want to undertake this trek.
Things to wear
You will need the following items for your hike;
- A backpack that will have all the essentials.
- A raincoat as the temperature is unpredictable at this altitude.
- Quality trekking shoes that must be durable.
- Snacks: Energy bars and protein bars are the best way to give you instant energy.
- Medical Kit: A personal medical kit is a must for this trip, containing basic first aid items and some medications. It is recommended to take medicines for stomach upsets, headaches, colds and coughs, dizziness and vomiting.
- Appropriate clothing: At this altitude, where the temperature is low and you will experience cold, you need to wear clothes that are windproof and waterproof. No other cloth will help you except these and winter clothes. We recommend bringing insulated inner clothing, a winter jacket, a waterproof coat, woollen socks and gloves, T-shirts, sweatpants and Heavy fleece clothing.
- A bag with all your toiletries.
- Don’t pack sports shoes, shorts and jeans, you are going to the Himalayas and these things will only add weight to your bag. Trekking pants and joggers will help you.
What to do during the Har Ki Dun Trek
- Camping: Camping is undoubtedly the best thing to do on any trek. After a gruelling day of hiking, camping will refuel your body. Camping under the stars in the snowy mountains is one of the best experiences in life. You will enjoy tea, coffee and food at your camps.
- Born fire: Camping will not be complete without some Born fire activities. You can enjoy Born fire in a beautiful place.
- Exploring Ancient Villages: As you trek through the Har Ki Dun valley, you will see the beautiful architecture of old huts and ancient villages. You can visit these villages and explore their beauty.
- Iceberg Walks: If you visit the valley in the winter season, you can simply walk around the snow after setting up camp.
Tips and tricks
Double your hydration: At high altitudes, you can suffer from altitude sickness. The best way to deal with altitude sickness is to keep your body hydrated. Double your water intake 2 days before your trip.
Choose a larger shoe: Choose a shoe half larger than your normal size.
Wear a double layer of socks: to avoid sore toes and blisters at the end of the trek, wear a double layer of socks.
Carry plastic waterproof bags: To keep your gadgets like cameras and mobile phones safe, you must carry plastic waterproof bags.
Maintain a walking rhythm: Don’t walk too slowly or too fast. It will help you maintain a natural walking rhythm.