Har Ki Dun
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India • 31.15°N, 78.40°E
📖 About Har Ki Dun
- ✦At 4,251m (13,947 ft), one of Uttarakhand's highest accessible valleys for trekkers
- ✦47 km trek from Sankri via Taluka, Osla, and Kalkatiyadhaar camps over 6-7 days
- ✦Swargarohini peak (6,252m) dominates the valley head at the snow line boundary
- ✦Trek closed mid-November to April due to heavy snowfall blocking high-altitude passes
The 47 km trek from Sankri village (1,920m) to Har Ki Dun valley floor takes you through oak and pine forests, crossing the Supin river multiple times, passing through Taluka (2,100m), Osla (2,560m), and Kalkatiyadhaar (3,150m) before reaching the valley at 4,251m (13,947 ft). Temperatures drop significantly with altitude - even in May, valley mornings start at 5.1°C (41.2°F) while July nights at 4,251m stay around 12.3°C (54.1°F). The trail is well-marked but steep in sections, with altitude gain spread over multiple days to reduce acclimatization risk.
Local legend calls Har Ki Dun the 'Valley of Gods' because the Pandavas supposedly ascended to heaven via Swargarohini peak (6,252m) visible from the valley head. Osla village at the halfway point still practices polyandry and houses a 400-year-old wooden temple dedicated to Duryodhana, unusual since he is rarely worshipped elsewhere in India. The valley opens into a wide meadow surrounded by peaks above 6,000m, with glacial streams feeding the Tons river system, the largest tributary of the Yamuna.
The trek suits moderately fit trekkers comfortable with 6-7 hours of daily walking and basic camping. Connectivity drops after Sankri - no mobile signals work reliably past Taluka, and the last ATM is in Mori, 40 km before Sankri. Porters and mules carry gear for most trekking groups, but you still walk the entire distance with a daypack.
🎯 Things to Do in Har Ki Dun
The main valley floor at 4,251m sits 8 km beyond Kalkatiyadhaar camp, taking 4-5 hours with full trekking gear and an early 6 AM start. Most groups spend one full day here acclimatizing, exploring side valleys, and photographing Swargarohini peak before descending the same route. Weather changes rapidly above 4,000m - carry waterproof layers even in May when mornings start at 5.1°C (41.2°F) but afternoons can reach 15°C (59°F).
Kalkatiyadhaar at 3,150m is the last camping spot before the valley, 14 km from Osla village through dense forest and stream crossings. Tents get pitched on open meadows with clear views of Bandarpoonch massif - sunrise photos work best between 6-7 AM from April to June. Temperatures here drop to 1°C (33.8°F) on April nights, so carry a sleeping bag rated for sub-zero conditions.
Osla at 2,560m, midway on the trek 19 km from Sankri, has a 400-year-old wooden Duryodhana temple built entirely without nails. The temple is open to visitors during daylight hours with no entry fee, and the priest explains the local polyandry tradition still practiced here. The village has one small shop selling basic supplies like biscuits and noodles - stock up for higher camps.
Jaundhar Glacier lies 6 km from Har Ki Dun valley floor on the eastern side, accessible as a day trek for acclimatized trekkers staying overnight in the valley. The route crosses boulder fields and moraine with no marked trail - hire a local guide from Osla for Rs 1,500-2,000 per day (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Ice and snow persist even in June near the glacier snout at 4,600m.
Swargarohini peak (6,252m) stands at the valley head, best photographed from the meadows near the valley base between 7-9 AM when morning light hits the snow face. The peak is visible from Kalkatiyadhaar camp as well, 8 km away, offering distant shots without the hike to 4,251m. Cloud cover increases after 10 AM, especially during monsoon months when 350 mm rain falls in July alone.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -7.5 | 13.8 | 56 | 55% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -8.2 | 15.9 | 56 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -4.4 | 19.7 | 68 | 58% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 23.0 | 54 | 54% |
| May | 🌤️ | 5.1 | 26.6 | 71 | 54% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 8.7 | 27.5 | 138 | 63% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 12.3 | 25.0 | 350 | 86% |
| Aug | 🌧️ | 12.0 | 22.4 | 332 | 89% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 9.1 | 21.8 | 165 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | 3.1 | 19.8 | 22 | 64% |
| Nov | 🌤️ | -0.4 | 17.2 | 12 | 52% |
| Dec | 🌤️ | -5.6 | 15.8 | 16 | 45% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Uttarkashi region, not exclusively Har Ki Dun. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Har Ki Dun
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for sub-zero nights even in May - temperatures at 4,251m drop to 5.1°C (41.2°F) in early mornings, and wind chill reduces it further. Carry thermal layers, a down jacket rated for -5°C (23°F), waterproof trekking pants, and gloves.
Book through registered trekking operators like Indiahikes or YHAI 30-45 days ahead during May-June peak season - permits for Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (which includes Har Ki Dun) get processed through these groups. Solo trekking without a guide is technically restricted inside the sanctuary boundary after Osla.
The road from Dehradun to Sankri deteriorates after Mori with narrow sections prone to landslides during monsoon - avoid July-August drives. An SUV handles the route better than a sedan, and locals recommend starting from Dehradun by 7 AM to reach Sankri before dark.
The last ATM is in Mori, 40 km before Sankri trailhead - withdraw enough cash for porter tips, village homestay payments, and emergency expenses. Mobile networks (BSNL and Jio) work intermittently in Sankri but fail completely after Taluka village. UPI does not work anywhere on the trail.
Sankri village has 15-20 guesthouses and homestays charging Rs 500-1,000 per night for basic rooms with shared toilets (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Most trekking packages include camping gear and meals, but check whether sleeping bags and trekking poles are provided or need separate rental.
📍 More Places in Uttarkashi
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Har Ki Dun covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Har Ki Dun is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4251 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.