Har ki Doon is a cradle shaped valley set at an elevation of 3,566 mts above sea level. Being one of the remotest places to visit in Uttarakhand, Har ki Doon offers virgin beauty and is one of the most beautiful places of India offering numerous trekking excursions. Morinda Tal / Maninda Tal is a popular spot in the region overlooking the majestic valley.
Har ki Doon valley lies in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state, very close to the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Kuari Pass Trek from Har ki Doon takes the travelers from Uttaranchal to Himachal Pradesh and Borasu Pass trek ends up at Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh.
The trek from Taluka to Har Ki Doon is graded easy. This trek goes through some of the most isolated villages of India which are still unaffected by the civilization. The people of this region are very simple and friendly.
The trekking path steadily ascends the side of the ridge across the river offering enchanting views of the majestic Himalayas. Shepherds come to this region for moths to graze their animals on the rolling grass. GMVN Tourist Rest House and Forest Rest House provide accommodation facilities in Har-ki-Doon.
Har ki Doon General Information
Distance from Delhi: 482kms + 28km (trek)
Best season: April to November
History of Har ki Doon
Har ki Doon lies in the valley of the majestic Swargarohini Peak. It is believed that Yudhisthir of the Mahabharata was sent to heaven with the dog from this peak. The ancestors of the people of this region have great influence of the characters of the Mahabharata.
The ancestors of this area and its surroundings were said to be under the reign of the Kauravas and Pandavas, the mythological royal warriors and kings in the epic Mahabharatha. The people in the Mori are followers of Kauravas, considered as anti-heroes in epic Mahabharatha.
Activities in Har ki Doon
As Har Ki Doon is more of a trek route for the adventurous souls than your tourist folks, there is not much sightseeing available apart from the abundant natural beauty. However, one could trek further 4 kms from Har Ki Doon to reach Jamdhar Glacier and Morinda Tal. One also comes across temples dedicated to Duryodhana at Osla village.
Trekking: Har Ki Doon is one of the most rewarding trek in the Garhwal Himalayas which bestows trekkers with picture-postcard natural beauty in the form of cascading waterfalls, snow clad mountains, forests covered with pine and oak trees, gushing rivulets and rivers.
Camping: Camping is one of the most amazing experiences one could have in the lap of nature. Setting up tents with friends under the clear night sky helps one relax and rejuvenate after a tiring day.
Village Tourism: Along the way, one comes across hamlets that are inhabited by the indigenous communities of the region. One can explore the beautiful villages situated in the lap of nature and learn about their rustic way of life, customs and culture.
Staying in Har ki Doon
Forest Rest House and GMVN Guest House provide accommodation facilities in Har ki Doon. GMVN Guest House provides accommodation in dormitories and rooms. The best option is to carry camping tents because there are numerous amazing camping locations at Har ki Doon. Before Har ki Doon, accommodation options are also available at Seema, Osla, Taluka and Sankri.
How to reach Har ki Doon?
Buses to Purola are easily available from DehraDoon. Taxis and Buses are available from Purola to Sankri. You can hire jeep from Sankri to Taluka, in order to avoid the 12kms trek. The real trekking route to Har ki Doon starts from Taluka. 14kms uphill climb and descends ends up at Seema. From Seema to Har ki Doon the route is steep and it descends for just couple of kilometers before reaching Har ki Doon.
Road Route from Delhi:
Delhi – Meerut – Roorkee – DehraDoon – Mussoorie – Naugaon – Purola – Mori – Sankri – Taluka – Trekking (28kms) – Har ki Doon
Nearby Tourist Places from Har Ki Doon
The nearby tourist places that you can visit while trekking to Har ki Doon are Jamdhar Glacier and Morinda Tal. The Jamdhar glacier is visible by 4 kms trek from Har ki Doon towards the Swargarohini Peak, down the valley. But to reach the main Jamdhar Glacier one must travel 10 kms.
The beautiful Morinda Tal is situated 3kms from Har ki Doon. While trekking back you can also visit the temple dedicated to Duryodhana of Mahabharata at Osla Village. Ruinsara Tal is a high altitude lake and it serves as an important tourist excursion from Har ki Doon.
Krishna Mourya
backpack traveler, nature lover, still learning..
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