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We start early from Dehradun and reach the village Sankri by evening. The final stretch is through the Govind Pashu National Park after we cross a check post at Netwar. We rest at night in a guest house or in camps.
Since, the journey is long, we start as early as we can in the morning. After breakfast we board an SUV and drive through a forest road. The drive is quite bumpy. The vehicle crosses one or two streams on the way. We reach Taluka in about an hour. It is a small village with a few shops and two Government guest houses. The trek commences from here on a stony path. The fragrance of cedar trees can be felt around Taluka. Sometimes during winters, or especially during periods with rather heavy spells of rain, the road to Taluka may be too dangerous for vehicles, as streams run across the road and thus one may be required to walk a stretch of around 8 km up to Taluka, albeit it is only occasional. We walk close to the river Supin gushing through rapids. Under the shade of walnut, pine and cedar trees, the walk is quite pleasant. In autumn we can often find walnuts lying around. One must avoid touching the vegetation on the sides for there are Stinging Nettle plants here locally known as 'Bichhu ghas' which literally translates to 'scorpion grass'. A slight touch can give us stinging sensation which lasts for about twenty to thirty minutes. This herb is also cooked as a vegetable and eaten. Often the passing villagers greet us on the way. High up above on the true left, we get to see the village of Datmer. It is lined by series of step farms. The farms have the bright red colored Cholai growing from late monsoon to early autumn. The path crosses over a few streams which merge with Supin. After a few hours of walk the village of Gangad can be seen towards the left, across the river. It is possible to come across a yellow throated marten in the forests of this area. Soon we reach a campsite beside a small hydroelectric power station. This newly constructed station supplies power to the villages of Gangaad, Puoni and Osla.
We again have a good distance to cover and hence start early on this day. Beside the initial part of the trail, we can also find edible fruits of sea buckthorn. They are orange in color and grow in bunches, during autumn. Also, known as 'leh berries', the juicy and sour fruits are a rich source of vitamin C. We continue our trek and high up above on the opposite side of the river, the quaint village of Osla unfolds itself. One comes across a small hut with a water mill our right side of the trail. Water mills use the power of streams to grind grains and are locally called 'gharaats'. In about half an hour, we reach Seema which is a tiny settlement opposite to the river from Osla. We cross a bridge and after a short but steep ascend, the trail from Osla merges with our route. From here a huge and beautiful waterfall is visible on the opposite side of the river. The trail now gradually rises higher and passes through bushes of flowers like orchids, fleece flowers and sunflowers, most of which are in full bloom during monsoons. The ascending path climbs high above the confluence of Supin river and the river from Ruinsara valley. In winters, when there are very few people in the valley, one may catch a glimpse of elusive Monal bird near Kalkatidhar. Further ahead, a hidden and roaring waterfall is encountered with a small tea shop beside it. We reach our campsite of Boslo after a short uphill and downhill walk from here.
After traversing higher up along the true right of the river, we enter the final stretch before Har ki Dun, which is inside a forest. The forest opens up into the old camping area of Har ki Dun, right beside the gurgling stream. This is a very panoramic spot in Har ki Dun located at the junction of two valleys, one originating from Jaundhar glacier and the other from beyond Hata glacier. Higher up towards the North we can spot the Forest Rest House, while the wood crafted GMVN guest house lies further up in the distance. The Har ki Dun peak stands tall right in front of us behind the Forest Rest House. Towards its left, Hata peak which is usually snow covered can be seen. The minor ridge to our right, lined with a few scattered Himalayan birch trees Bhojpatra separates us from the massive Har Ki Dun valley that goes up all the way to the base of Swargarohini Peak. The paper like bark of these trees was used in ancient times to write religious scriptures. The vast open meadows following the course of the Supin river can be explored. Further ahead of the meadows one can walk among the forests of Bhojpatra trees (Himalayan birch) or get a closer glimpse of the Jaundhar glacier and Swargarohini peak. After exploring the valley, we return to near the guesthouse, cross the bridge again and take a right. The ascending trail leads us to Marinda Tal after 2 km. It is a small lake formation due to the obstructing boulder across the river stream. The stream comes down from the glaciers near Borasu pass. This area is frequented by shepherds during summer and monsoon.
The trek this day is short so that we get more time to explore and soak in the natural landscapes. We can initially explore the valley ahead of Marinda Tal, towards Borasu pass. We return back to Marinda Tal and have fresh lunch. After meal, the trail opposite to the lake is followed which leads us to Hata valley. This valley lies between the imposing Hata peak and Har ki Dun peak. We explore the valley and camp here.
The journey back to Osla is easier as it is mostly downhill. On the route we come across a good view of the trail all the way to Osla and see the valley descend towards Taluka, around the curve of the ridge where the two streams coming from Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara respectively, converge. A little short of this intersection we can get a glimpse of a trail to our left marked by a sight of a bridge down over the stream. This trail goes to join the trail to Ruinsara lake and is rarely taken. After reaching Osla, one can roam about in the village, talk to locals and soak in the Garhwali culture. Here we can either set camp or stay with a local family.
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to the villagers of Osla and hike till Taluka. A vehicle from Taluka takes us back to Sankri, where we retire for the day in camps or a guest house.
The trek to Har ki Dun concludes today as we leave Sankri and reach Dehradun by late afternoon on this day.
When humans set their feet and eyes on the Himalaya, it is a romantic meeting between the Earth´s youngest species and the earth´s youngest mountain. As the Himalayan mountains have developed on Earth, the evolution of humans has also been accompanied by the making of an inner Himalaya. Every human has a Himalaya within himself or herself. It is the peak of human potential and challenge as well as a place of silence and peace. Our Journey started in the humble roots & persistent efforts of an authentic mountain trek leader, Bachan Rana, who founded Himalaya Shelter, after he had to forego his long journey as a Trek Leader at one of the finest Outdoor Activities organizer in India, in 2013, following Kedarnath Disaster which led to dwindling tourist influx, crippling the tourism sector in Uttarakhand.
A. Booking Terms
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3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
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2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
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C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Valley of Lord Shiva is a sacred region steeped in culture and folklore. Nestled within the remote Garhwal Himalayas, the trail from Dehradun to Sankri weaves through lush forests, flower-strewn meadows, and rural villages, taking in some of the most spectacular mountain views in the country.
Although the trail is open year-round, April to June and September to December are the best times to visit, as these are just before and after the monsoon season, respectively. You should avoid trekking during monsoon season, as the path becomes slippery and harder to climb.
While this is generally considered a beginner-friendly trek, it advisable to start training 3-5 months before you leave. This will help you achieve a good base level of fitness, which will help you to cope with the many hours of walking.
As well as the normal trekking essentials (hiking boots, warm clothes, snacks) many people appreciate bringing along a trekking pole to assist them with balance on the steeper portions.
If you face any emergency during any adventures in Uttarakhand and the northern parts of the country, you should contact the following-
- Uttarakhand Glacier burst helpline- 1070/9557444486
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 108/102
- Fire: 101
- Child helpline: 1098
- Women helpline: 1090
- NDMA (Disaster management): 1070/1078/9711077372
- Anti poison helpline- 011-1066 (Delhi)
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