Uttarakhand also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods is a Himalayan state in the northern part of culturally diverse India. Devbhoomi – as divine as it can be to hear so figuratively, rightly this land is called so. For ages, Uttarakhand has been a destination for many pilgrims due to the presence of revered Char Dhaams of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri but more recently the Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand has emerged as a hub of tourists, yoga practitioners, adventure seekers, trekkers, and mountaineers; making Uttarakhand a perfect starting point for all kinds of Himalayan treks. Trekking here is indeed one of the most cherished adventure activities and one of the many such treks is an exhilarating Har Ki Dun Trek – “The Valley of Gods” .
Trekkers call Har Ki Dun magical, mystical and divine for a reason. The drama which this valley unfolds is tough to be described in words, but easy to be experienced. The High Himalayan peaks are embellished by this vast valley and proudly proclaim its unique exquisiteness with glittering feather-light snowfall and sometimes striking out like an exceptional flower and occasionally like sounds of rare birds which chirp to the tunes of this magnificent valley. The Valley of Gods beholds so much beauty that while you trek you will be enchanted by its charisma that the definition of beauty will change for life.
Situated at the approx. a height of 12,000 ft above sea level in the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi District, Har Ki Dun is not only a sacred pilgrimage for villagers in the valley but also one of the most rewarding treks for the beginners. The Valley of Gods is deeply intertwined with the legends, myths, and beliefs. According to Hindu mythology, it is the same path that was taken by the Pandavas to their ascent to heaven via Swargarohini peaks after the epic war of Mahabharat. Swargarohini is another prominent peak that dominates the landscape of the valley and the mythical stairway to heaven.
It is a hanging valley known for its mesmerizing beauty. Trek route of Har Ki Dun offers a mix of impenetrable forests with splendid flora and fauna, 3000 years old charming villages situated on the cliffs, the delightful experience of trekking by a vivacious mountain river, and the grand vista of snow covered Himalayan peaks. Graded as easy to moderate, the trek route passes through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which is one of the major highlights of this trek.
ABOUT THE TREK ITINERARY
Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand is the origin point for the journey to Sankri. A small village of Sankri, is the base camp and starting point of this trek. Dehradun is easily approachable and well connected with the rest of India by all mediums of transport. The Jolly Grant is the nearest airport to Dehradun and is very well connected with all the major Indian
cities. Similarly, the railway station of Dehradun has connectivity with every corner of the country. For people who prefer to travel by road, they can either opt for state owned public transport buses that are available round the clock or use their private vehicles. Any of these modes of transport is convenient to reach the city. From Dehradun to Sankri you have to take a drive by bus or taxi.
After beginning the drive from Sankri village, the route continues to a village of Taluka accompanied by the Twin Rivers – Rupin and Supin, from this point onwards the enchanting views of the snow-covered Himalayan peak gets more prominent and simply stunning. From the village of Taluka, the trek path now moves towards Osla village and it is extremely difficult to not get amazed by the awe-inspiring views of a thick forest of oak and walnut trees. Furthermore, from the village of Osla, the ascent leads to the cradle shaped valley of Har ki Dun. The overwhelming natural beauty of this valley immediately captures the attention of every trekker. The Valley of Gods offers the breath-taking views of the divine Himalayan peaks like Kalanag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini among others. After reaching Har Ki Dun valley, one can also explore the other attractions places like Jaundhar glacier, Ruinsara tal, Marinda Lake, Borasu Pass and many other treks using the valley as a base camp.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time or the best season for Har ki Dun trek is during the months of April to October, which is during the monsoon to winters. The average temperature of the valley and villages, during this period, remains comfortable ranging from 8 Degree to 15 Degree centigrade during the day, while during the night the average temperature drops sharply to sub-zero, ranging from -5 degrees centigrade to -3 degree centigrade.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The difficulty level of Har Ki Dun is easy to moderate. The trek begins with an easy gradient and gradually gets moderate with strenuous trek gradients. Because of its strenuous gradient, the trail of the trek gets slightly difficult for beginners or first-time trekkers. Whereas a fit beginner can complete this trek without much difficulty. The normal and the regular trekkers find this trek to be an exhilarating one and most of them have this trek on their trekking bucket list.
EXPECTATION AND ADVICE
The Har ki Dun trek is the perfect adventure to experience the thrill of the Himalayas. It is advisable to prepare extensively with regard to clothing and other protective gear to endure the high unpredictable Himalayan weather. Always keep trekking gear safe and keep essentials such as windcheaters, jacket, Warmers, poncho, dry socks and woolen caps handy at the time.
BREATH TAKING LANDSCAPE
Where in life was I busy? This is the awakening one gets after reaching the grand and serene Har Ki Dun – The Valley of Gods, the views are tough to be explained in words, beyond belief and beyond complication and chaos of routine life. The vast landscape of cradle-shaped valley leaves you awe-struck and if you are one of those lucky trekkers who experience the first snow of this trek, you will be lost in the charm of its ever-flourishing beauty. Amidst the exploration of the valley, you can head towards Jaundhar glacier, the splendid panorama which this glacier display is incredibly divine, serene and mythical.
When you return after completing the trek, back to your routine life, you comprehend that some part of you is left in the valley and it’s calling you back to the divine place. As someone has rightly said – “Travel is considered as the preferred leisure activity, so why not, it be the leisure for our soul” . Plan a trek to the valley of gods and experience how one can get hypnotized by the charismatic beauty of snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and sparkling clear rivers.
