About the Trek
Har Ki Dun, meaning 'Valley of the Gods', is a stunning cradle-shaped valley in the Govind National Park of Uttarakhand. Steeped in Mahabharata legend, this valley is believed to be the route the Pandavas took on their ascent to heaven, with Swargarohini peak marking the 'Gateway to Heaven'.
The trail passes through some of the most charming and ancient timber villages in the Garhwal Himalayas — Osla, Seema, and Gangad, where traditional pahadi architecture and culture remain beautifully preserved. The locals still follow centuries-old traditions and welcome trekkers warmly.
The valley itself is a breathtaking amphitheatre surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with the Tons river flowing through it. In autumn, the forests of oak, maple, and walnut turn golden, creating a landscape straight out of a painting.
Trek Highlights
- Trek into the legendary Valley of the Gods from the Mahabharata
- Visit ancient timber villages of Osla and Seema
- Views of Swargarohini — the 'Gateway to Heaven'
- Walk through Govind National Park with rich birdlife
- Gentle, easy trail suitable for beginners and families
- Autumn foliage of golden oak and maple forests
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 7-day journey from Dehradun through ancient villages and along the Tons river to the legendary Valley of the Gods.
- Drive from Dehradun via Mussoorie and Purola
- Scenic route through the Tons valley
- Arrive at Sankri village
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Drive to Taluka, begin trek
- Walk along the Supin river through forest
- Pass Gangad village
- Reach Seema campsite
- Overnight in tents
- Pass through Osla village — ancient timber houses
- Visit the Someshwar temple
- Enter the Har Ki Dun valley
- Views of Swargarohini peak
- Overnight in tents
- Explore the valley and nearby ridges
- Walk towards the Jaundhar Glacier
- Photography and wildlife spotting
- Overnight in tents
- Retrace steps through Osla village
- Descend along the river
- Reach Seema campsite
- Overnight in tents
- Trek back to Taluka
- Drive to Sankri
- Farewell dinner
- Overnight at guesthouse
- Drive back to Dehradun
- Trek concludes — departure
What's Included
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodation — Hotel / Homestay / Tents on triple sharing
- All necessary entry fees and permits
- Professional trek leader, guide, cook and support staff
- Camping equipment — sleeping bags, blankets, mats, toilet tents
- Safety equipment — medical kit, oximeter, crampons & gaiters
What's Not Included
- Meals during the road journey
- Any kind of insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Medical / evacuation expenses (assistance provided in emergencies)
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essentials
- Backpack (50-60 L) with rain cover
- Day pack (20 L)
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Headlamp / torch with spare batteries
- Water bottles (2 L)
- Personal medication
Clothing
- Thermal innerwear (top + bottom)
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof outer shell / rain jacket
- Woollen cap, gloves, neck gaiter
- Trekking pants x 2
- Quick-dry t-shirts x 3
Documents
- Government photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / DL)
- Two passport-sized photos
- Medical fitness certificate
Optional
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Power bank
- Energy bars / dry fruits
How to Prepare
This is an Easy grade trek. If you can walk 5 km comfortably and have a basic level of fitness, you're good to go. A little preparation will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Fitness — Start 2–3 Weeks Before
- Walk daily: 3–4 km brisk walk, gradually increasing to 5 km
- Jog: Aim to jog 2–3 km without stopping by departure week
- Stairs: Climb 5–6 floors daily — builds the legs you'll need on inclines
- Stretching: 10 minutes post-walk — calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors
Strength (3x per week)
- Bodyweight squats — 3 sets of 15
- Lunges — 3 sets of 12 each leg
- Planks — hold 45 seconds, 3 sets
- Calf raises — 3 sets of 20
Diet & Hydration
- Drink 3–4 litres of water daily starting 2 weeks before the trek
- Increase carbs and protein in the final week — your body needs fuel reserves
- Avoid alcohol for at least 3 days before departure
- Carry electrolyte sachets (ORS) for the trail
Good to Know
- Most easy treks stay below 3,500 m — altitude sickness is rare but stay hydrated
- Rental trekking shoes and jackets are usually available — but own shoes are always better
- Break in your shoes at least a week before the trek if they're new
- Your trek leader will brief you on Day 1 — ask every question you have
Photo Gallery
Photos from the trail. More coming soon — follow us on Instagram for daily updates.
Gallery photos will be added soon. Binoy is preparing the best shots from the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is one of the gentlest treks in Uttarakhand. The trail is well-marked and the altitude is manageable for first-timers.
October-November for stunning autumn colours and clear skies. April-June for pleasant weather and wildflowers. Winter brings heavy snow.
Osla and Seema villages are inhabited year-round, though some residents move to lower elevations in peak winter.
Yes, experienced trekkers combine Har Ki Dun with the Borasu Pass crossing or Ruinsara Lake extension.