Har Ki Doon Trek is a popular trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its scenic beauty, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The trek takes you through dense forests, gushing streams, and quaint villages, providing a glimpse of the local culture and way of life. The highlight of the trek is the Har Ki Doon valley, a picturesque hanging valley at an altitude of 3,566 meters, surrounded by towering peaks. The trek is moderate in difficulty and can be done by beginners with some level of fitness. It is best done from March to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.
Day 1: Arrive at the base camp You’ll arrive at the base camp and meet your trekking guide and fellow trekkers. You’ll receive a briefing on the trek, a gear check, and an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 2: Trek to the first campsite After breakfast, you’ll start your trek towards the first campsite. You’ll trek through forests, streams, and hills, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, and you’ll set up camp at the designated campsite.
Day 3: Trek to the second campsite After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek towards the second campsite. You’ll pass through meadows, river crossings, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, and you’ll set up camp at the designated campsite.
Day 4: Trek to the third campsite After breakfast, you’ll start your trek towards the third campsite. You’ll trek through rocky terrain, mountain passes, and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you’ll set up camp at the designated campsite.
Day 5: Trek to the fourth campsite After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek towards the fourth campsite. You’ll trek through a high altitude landscape, taking in views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and towering peaks. The trek will take about 5-6 hours, and you’ll set up camp at the designated campsite.
Day 6: Trek to the final destination and back to base camp After an early breakfast, you’ll trek towards the final destination, which could be a summit or a landmark. You’ll reach the destination after a few hours of trekking and then start your descent back to the base camp. You’ll reach the base camp in the evening and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers and guides.
Day 7: Departure After breakfast, you’ll pack up your gear and say goodbye to your trekking guide and fellow trekkers. You’ll depart from the base camp with memories of a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors.
*Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors that may affect the safety and comfort of the trekkers.
The cost of the trek can vary depending on the trekking agency, the number of trekkers, and the inclusions/exclusions in the package. However, here’s an estimate of the cost for a 7-day Har Ki Doon Trek for one person:
- Trekking Permit Fee: INR 2,500
- Guide Fee: INR 1,000 per day x 7 days = INR 7,000
- Porter Fee: INR 800 per day x 7 days = INR 5,600
- Camping Equipment Rental (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, etc.): INR 2,500
- Food and Accommodation: INR 1,200 per day x 7 days = INR 8,400
- Transportation (Dehradun to Sankri and back): INR 6,000
- Miscellaneous Expenses: INR 2,000
Total Cost: INR 34,200
Note that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the trekking agency and the package you choose. It’s always a good idea to check with the trekking agency for a detailed breakdown of the costs and inclusions/exclusions.