Dates full? Check the new Ranthan Kharak Trek
This new discovery in Kumaon with terrific mountain views makes for a great alternative to Har Ki Dun.View details here
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
7 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,600 ft
A 500 Year Old Culture Trek
Har Ki Dun is a trek that needs no introduction. Trekkers have always trod upon these trails to witness the beautiful Swargarohini massif from Har Ki Dun.
Yet we wanted to veer slightly off the beaten path. We wanted to show trekkers a side of the Har-Ki-Dun trek they rarely see. So we chose a route different from the regular trail, which includes terrific scenic beauty on the new route while retaining the ancient charm of the old route, at the heart of which still lies a journey towards the beautiful Swargarohini peaks.
Allow us to take you through the new route, where some sections are among the best-kept secrets of this region.
Take, for example, the enchanting woods of Boslow. The new route through Boslo winds through dense conifers and oaks in the shadow of the mountains before emerging into daylight. Snow patches glide into the forest from high above, sometimes cutting through the forest floor (though you must be early in the season to see this). It is a sight to behold.
Another hidden area is just after the Boslow Forest; we cross the Ruinsara Gad and climb to the Devsu Thatch. Little is written about Devsu Thatch in the trekking world, yet it is among the most beautiful trek scenes. We’d go as far as to say that if you trek to Har Ki Dun but miss Devsu Thatch, the trek is incomplete.
Devsu Thatch is a large clearing high above the Thamsa River. It is so large that it is technically a meadow in the middle of the forest. Beautifully landscaped grassy mounds, like islands within dense forests, create a mesmerising multi-tiered effect. You can walk barefoot, feeling the soft, moist grass under your feet as you explore Devsu Thatch. It is so beautifully landscaped that we had to include a day’s camping here just to take it all in.
As you trek on this new route, you still weave in and out of the old Har Ki Dun route, trekking through ancient villages.
These villages never fail to charm trekkers. The houses, all wooden, have unique designs. The temples' culture, deities, and rituals are from a civilisation we do not know. The temples are the heart of the villages, the focal point around which daily life revolves. Villagers wear traditional attire and headgear. It’s as if time has stood still.
Peering into their homes, we see a lifestyle worth learning from. A sense of harmony exudes from their lives, where humans, animals, and the natural world coexist in beautiful harmony.
The fact that we witness this firsthand is a big reason to do the trek. But because this is among the biggest takeaways for trekkers, we have included two days of village stays—at Gangaad and Datmir. In between, we also pass through the last village, Osla, where traditions are the richest.
We could go on talking about the Har Ki Dun trek -- the delight of constantly trekking beside the Thamsa river, the allure of the Swargarohini peaks in the distance, and the amphitheatre-like views of the valley. But we could write several scrolls about this and not be done. It's best experienced firsthand.
Har Ki Dun is a trek that needs no introduction. Trekkers have always trod upon these trails to witness the beautiful Swargarohini massif from Har Ki Dun.
Yet we wanted to veer slightly off the beaten path. We wanted to show trekkers a side of the Har-Ki-Dun trek they rarely see. So we chose a route different from the regular trail, which includes terrific scenic beauty on the new route while retaining the ancient charm of the old route, at the heart of which still lies a journey towards the beautiful Swargarohini peaks.
Har ki Dun Trek Videos
Watch these videos to prepare for your Har ki Dun trek
Har Ki Dun - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Har Ki Dun trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
The day-wise section of Har Ki Dun has been documented in detail by our trekker Shakti Nirmal.
Photo Gallery
What I Like About the Har Ki Dun Trek
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Har Ki Dun
A rare temple dedicated to Someshwar Mahadev
All along the trek route, in the villages as well as on the trail, you will come across many temples dedicated to the local gods and goddesses.
While trekking to Osla, you come across a shrine dedicated entirely to Someshwar Mahadev (a manifestation of Lord Shiva) —The Someshwar Mahadev temple is an amazing example of the rich history, culture and traditions of the place.
Ancient architecture and carvings
The beauty begins right at Kotgaon, Indiahikes’ base camp for the Har Ki Dun trek. Kotgaon has ancient wooden houses, some dating back to even 300 years. The houses are built of wood and stone. You’ll notice smooth carvings of flowers, leaves, and sometimes tigers on the façade and the pillars. Run your hand over them. It’s an ancient art. Smell it and you will inhale the sweet woody fragrance of Deodar. It is a strong-hardy specimen, perfect for building sturdy homes.
Silver Oak
The silver oak, as the name suggests, assumes a subtle hue of silver at the touch of the sunbeams. Several leaves will be strewn on the ground. When observed closely, one face of the leaf will be coloured a lush green while the other a pale white that shines under sun and water.
Gangaad
Gangaad is an ancient hamlet with a primary school and a temple of Someshwar Maharaj. The temple only remains open in a certain season since the residents believe that the Gods move from one temple to another through different seasons. One of the practices they perform has to do with the sacrificial goat. Every time an individual is leaving the village in pursuit of better prospects and opportunities or when a special occasion arises, a goat is sacrificed and cooked, which is then shared among all the villagers.
5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
When we brought out new trails in Indian trekking, safety came with us. Back in 2012, we were the first to introduce microspikes, and two years later, pulse oximeters became standard thanks to us. Nobody does safe treks like Indiahikes. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with – everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.
More than 25,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow.
We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
Since 2012, we have pioneered sustainable practices that have become standard in trekking. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.
Indiahikes Features
You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy
If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.
Get expert guidance even before you start the trek
Get personalised support from our expert Experience Coordinators. From registration to departure, they'll prepare you every step of the way.
Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups
With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.
Meet like-minded trekkers
Indiahikes carries with it a strong spirit of trekking, one that comes with fitness, minimalism, mindfulness and a deep love for nature.
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