Har Ki Dun – A Trek Initiated by Pandavas (Review)
April 23, 2025
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HAR KI DUN HOMESTAY TREK
- Duration : 7D/6N
Adult
From
₹21,500.00
Per Adult
Description
Discover the Hidden Himalayan Charms: Private Har Ki Dun Trek with Gangar and Osla Homestay
Embark on a Personalized Himalayan Adventure!
Delve into the beauty of the Western Himalayas with our Private Har Ki Dun Trek, designed to offer you an intimate and enriching experience. Choose your preferred start date, and we’ll customize your trek to match your personal preferences, ensuring an unforgettable journey in the majestic mountains.
Har Ki Dun Homestay Trek
Why Har Ki Dun with Gangar and Osla Homestay?
For trekkers who are seeking a truly authentic Himalayan experience, the Har Ki Dun trek with Gangar and Osla Homestay offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and nature. Unlike regular treks that rely on campsites, this trek allows you to stay in local village homestays—Gangar and Osla. The homestays provide a deeper connection with the community, offering a unique window into the traditions and lifestyle of the region.
What Makes This Trek Special?
Authentic Cultural Immersion: Live with local families, learn about their customs, and experience village life in the Himalayas. The homestays offer an experience that typical trek camps cannot provide.
Customizable Dates: There’s no need to wait for a fixed departure. With this trek, you can select any date that suits your schedule. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a small group, you can enjoy flexibility in planning.
Seamless Logistics: Perfect for small groups (2-4 persons), ensuring you won’t have to wait for others to join.
A Unique Experience: Trek through lush green landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and charming villages while staying in cozy, traditional homes. This trek offers a surprise element that sets it apart from typical Himalayan adventures.
Who Can Opt for Har Ki Dun Osla Homestay Trek?
This trek is classified as a Moderate grade trek, which is suitable for those who are physically fit and ready for a challenge. If you aim to reach Har Ki Dun and return to Osla within one day, expect to walk around 22 kilometers and gain an altitude of ~750 meters (2460 feet). However, don’t worry—acclimatization is easy, with ample time for your body to adjust. The trek is designed to be comfortable and gradual, especially as you stay two nights at Sankri and Gangar before reaching Osla at 2750 m (9020 ft).
How to Reach Sankri (Trek Base)
Sankri is the starting point of the Har Ki Dun trek, located 200 km from Dehradun. You can reach Sankri via several transport options:
Bus:
Private Buses: Operate from Gandhi Road, Dehradun, between 5:30 am to 7 am daily.
State Bus: A government-operated bus departs from Mussoorie bus depot at 8 am.
Private Car:
You can arrange for a private car pickup from Dehradun railway station to Sankri, and we can assist with the arrangements.
Why Choose This Trek?
Personalized Itinerary: Tailored specifically for you, based on your preferences and timeline.
Cultural Immersion: Stay with local families and immerse yourself in authentic Himalayan village life.
Flexibility: No need to wait for a fixed group or departure. Start your adventure when it suits you.
Exclusive Experience: A rare opportunity to stay in local homestays and witness the beauty of the Himalayas from a unique perspective.
Embark on Your Journey with Great Himalayan Vacations
At Great Himalayan Vacations, we offer you an exclusive and personalized trekking experience that not only takes you through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Himalayas but also allows you to connect deeply with the people and culture of the region. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a serene retreat, our Har Ki Dun Trek with Gangar and Osla Homestay is the perfect way to experience the true essence of the Western Himalayas.
Start your journey now and create lasting memories as you trek through breathtaking landscapes and embrace the tranquility of the Himalayan villages.
Best Time for Har Ki Dun Homestay Trek
The Har Ki Dun trek is accessible year-round with some seasonal variations that highlight different aspects of the trek:
Spring (March/April): Perfect for those who want to experience snow and cooler weather.
Summer (May/June): Experience lush greenery, warm days, and cool nights—ideal for trekking.
Fall/Autumn (Oct/Nov): The landscape transforms into a vibrant spectrum of autumn colors, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Winter (Dec/Feb): A winter wonderland for those who crave sub-zero temperatures and snowy peaks.
Temperature & Clothing Recommendations
Summer (May/June): Daytime temperatures range from 25/30°C, with nights in Osla averaging 15°C to 10°C.
Fall/Autumn (Oct/Nov) & Spring (Mar/Apr): Expect freezing temperatures at Har Ki Dun during the night and early mornings.
Winter (Dec/Feb): Nighttime temperatures can range from 0°C to -10°C, so pack accordingly with multiple layers for warmth.
Essential Gear:
Three layers of clothing: Base layer, warm jacket (double layer or fleece), and a windproof outer layer with a hood to protect you from cold winds and snow.
Duration: 4 days of the trek; Walking to Har Ki Dun, exploration, and return. Dehradun to Dehradun in 6 days.
Prerequisite: Ideal first Himalayan trek with basic physical fitness.
Grade: Moderate
Physicality: 6/10 to 6.5/10 with the given itinerary. Osla to Har Ki Dun and back is a good 10-hour walk, including a couple of hours of staying in the valley itself.
Trail Length: 50 Km
Highest Point: Har Ki Dun valley ~ 3500 m/11500 ft.
Seasons: March to June (snow) and September to November.
Further Option: You may extend your travel and stay in different villages, like Datmir, Jakhol, and so on.
Access: Trek’s starting point and end point is Sankri.
Railway station: Dehradun (Station Code: DDN)
Airport: Dehradun, Jolly Grant in Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)
Dates for Har Ki Dun in Osla Homestay Trek:
- This trek is not offered as a Fixed Departure. It is designed for small groups as a customized private tour.
- Trekkers are required to arrive in Dehradun on Day 1 morning (no later than 6 am) or the previous evening. Return to Dehradun on Day 6 evening by 7 pm. Please arrange your tickets for the inbound and return journeys accordingly.
How to Reach Sankri (The Trek Base)?
- Nearest Rail Station: Dehradun (Station Code: DDN)
- Nearest Airport: Delhi, Jolly Grant in Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)
Based on your request, we can arrange a pick-up and drop from Dehradun to Sankri and back. The cost will be shared equally among the team members on an actual basis, with payment made directly to the driver/transporter. The fare is ₹5500 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Maxx one way, accommodating 6 to 8 people. A Tempo Traveller charges ₹9000 (12-14 seats) one way. This cost is not included in the trek fee and should be paid directly to the driver/owner.
If you prefer to reach our trek base Sankri on your own via public transportation:
- There are 2/3 privately operated buses from Dehradun (near DDN railway station on Gandhi road) to Sankri. The 200 km journey will take around 10/12 hours. The buses start at 5:30/6/7 am.
- While returning from Sankri, take the morning bus to Dehradun/Vikasnagar and reach by 7 pm.
How to Reach Dehradun:
For treks in the Uttarkashi district of Garhwal, reaching the capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, is usually necessary, especially for treks starting from Sankri, Yamunotri, etc. Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are three nearby cities, and one can travel between them using public vehicles like buses or shared jeeps.
- For more options to reach Haridwar, you can check here.
- Haridwar to Dehradun: 55 km and may take one and a half to 2 hours.
- Dehradun to Rishikesh: 45 km and may take around one and a half hours.
You can fly or take a train to New Delhi from any part of India.
- There are direct trains from Kolkata to Dehradun.
- Kumbha Express: Train No. 12369 (Arrives in Haridwar by 5 pm; You can take a bus from the terminus just opposite the railway station referred to as Roadways bus stand/ISBT and reach Dehradun in one and a half hours. Spend the night in Dehradun and start your onward journey by car the next morning.)
- Upasana Express: Train No. 12327 (Arrives in Dehradun directly by 5 pm; Spend the night in Haridwar and start your onward journey by car the next morning.)
- Doon Express: Train No. 13009 (Do not book this train if you plan a long onward journey immediately in the morning)
- Avoid booking waitlisted (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets, which generally have more seats/berths and a better chance of confirmation.
- You can easily reach Dehradun from New Delhi by train or bus (approximately 6/7 hours), covering around 260 km.
By Train: Several trains are suitable for reaching Dehradun and operate daily.
- DDN Janshatabdi: Train No. 12055 (Arrives in Dehradun @ 9:10 pm; a good choice for spending the night in Dehradun and having a long drive the next day)
- Nanda Devi Express: Train No. 12205 (Arrives in Dehradun early morning @ 5:40 am)
By Bus: Government road transport buses from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, etc., are frequently available during the day and night from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. Tickets are available onboard for these regular buses.
- For privately operated buses, you can book online from various portals. Choose a boarding point according to your convenience. Overnight Volvo/AC/Push-back buses are available. These buses normally take up to 7 hours to reach Dehradun ISBT. You can book an auto rickshaw for the Railway Station (5 km away)/Hotel Drona (GMVN) or take a shared auto (Route No. 5) from ISBT.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport is 25 km away from Dehradun. Book a private taxi to reach Dehradun city. This airport is accessible from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Flights are mostly via Delhi.
Night Stay in Dehradun: Trekkers arriving the day before their trek journey need to spend the night in Dehradun. Several options are available for accommodations, ranging from premium to budget options. These include privately operated hotels/lodges and state-run tourist rest houses.
- State-run GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates the Hotel Drona complex, which is a 10-minute walk from the railway station. From ISBT, it is around 5 km. This is a reliable and decent choice for standard accommodation. The hotel has a restaurant and room service.
Return from Dehradun: Usually, you reach Dehradun from any trek base by 6/7 pm in the evening. You can take any train after 9 pm or utilize the regular bus services mentioned above to reach Delhi or your homeward journey directly on the same night.
Har Ki Dun Trek Itinerary: A Journey Through the Majestic Himalayas
Day 1: Drive to Sankri
Departure: Start your journey from Dehradun in the morning.
Distance & Time: A scenic 200 km drive, approximately 10-11 hours.
En Route Highlights: Pass through Mussoorie, the Yamuna River, and charming hillside villages.
Arrival: Reach Sankri, the starting point of the trek. Check into your lodge or homestay for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Drive to Taluka | Trek to Seema
Morning: Early departure to Taluka (1-hour drive from Sankri).
Trek Start: Begin your trek from Taluka, following the Tamosa River with snow patches and coniferous forests.
Villages Along the Way: Pass through the villages of Datmir, Gangar, Powani, and Osla, experiencing local life.
Destination: Reach Seema, located at an altitude of 2500 m, after a 14 km trek (6-7 hours).
Overnight: Set up camp at Seema for a restful night.
Day 3: Trek to Har Ki Dun
Trail Details: Trek along the Tamosa River, gradually ascending through green clearings.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Banderpunch and Swargarohini Peaks.
Crossing Kalkatti Dhar: After crossing Kalkatti Dhar, descend into the Har Ki Dun Valley.
Arrival: After approximately 11 km (5-6 hours), reach an altitude of 3500 m in the beautiful Har Ki Dun valley.
Overnight: Camp in the serene Har Ki Dun Valley.
Day 4: Exploration Day towards Marinda Tal or Jamdhar Glacier
Early Morning: Rise early for a stunning sunrise over the Swargarohini Peaks.
Explore: Spend the day exploring the Jaundar Glacier or Maninda Tal.
Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for Blue Sheep and Snow Leopards.
Return to Camp: Head back to Har Ki Dun by midday and relax at your campsite.
Evening: Collect firewood and enjoy a cozy evening around the campfire. Overnight at the camp.
Day 5: Trek to Osla/Seema
Return Trek: After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Seema.
Key Stops: Pass by the frozen waterfall, ascend Kalkatti Dhar, and descend to the vast crop fields.
Village Visit: Stop at the charming village of Osla for an interaction with the locals.
Cross Suspension Bridge: Cross the suspension bridge and reach Seema for an overnight stay at camp.
Day 6: Trek to Taluka | Drive Back to Sankri
Morning Trek: Trek back to Taluka, covering 14 km in 6-7 hours.
Drive to Sankri: From Taluka, take a drive back to Sankri for your overnight stay in a lodge or homestay.
Day 7: Drive Back to Dehradun | Departure Day
Departure: After breakfast, drive from Sankri to Dehradun.
Distance & Time: A 200 km drive, approximately 10 hours.
Arrival: Reach Dehradun by 7 pm, marking the end of your Har Ki Dun Trek adventure.
TREK FEE: ₹ 21,500 (Sankri to Sankri) + 5% GST
Note: This tour is designed as a customizable private tour. We don’t publish a fixed departure for this variant of the Har Ki Dun trek.
- The above trek fee is based on a minimum of 2 trekking members, Sankri to Sankri.
- If you are a minimum of 4 members, the TREK FEE will be ₹ 18,500 + 5% GST per person, Sankri to Sankri.
- If you are a solo person, the TREK FEE will be ₹ 32,000 + 5% GST per person, Sankri to Sankri.
Note: Sometimes it is possible to stay at Har Ki Dun Forest Rest House as well. This is a basic arrangement (4 beds and an attached toilet) and depends on availability.
Additional ₹ 5,000 per person for a group of 4
- ₹ 6,000 per person for a group of 2 and
- ₹ 8,000 for a solo traveler.
Inclusions:
5 nights’ accommodation (Day 1 to Day 5) in a homestay on a twin or double sharing basis as per availability. For solo travelers, we provide one room.
All meals during the trek (B, L, D; Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner) Simple Indian vegetarian food during the trek along with morning and evening tea.
An experienced local trekking guide (who will be able to communicate in very basic English, if need be).
Any permit fees for the trek (for Indians only).
Taxi drop from trek base camp Sankri to trek starting point Taluka and return.
Basic Medical and First Aid Kit.
Travel and medical insurance for Indian nationals up to 60 years of age for 7 days.
Exclusions:
Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and return ₹ 6,000 for a private taxi (Tata Sumo, similar), one way. You may also avail one of the direct buses from Dehradun to Sankri early in the morning (6 a.m.). The fare is approx. ₹ 500 one way.
We assume that you will carry your backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your backpack and be carried by a porter, you need to pay separately. A porter charge is ₹ 1,500 per day, which covers his wage along with food and any stay expenses.
Additional ₹ 2000 + 5% GST per person service charge for foreigners towards permits and levies.
Any tip or gratuity to the GVH support staff.
Anything that is not mentioned in the “Inclusions” or is personal.
📌 Booking Policy
Before booking, please make sure you’ve read and understood our Terms & Conditions here:
🔗 https://greenvalleyhimalayas.com/terms-and-conditions
To reserve your spot on a Fixed Departure or Customized/Private Trek, pay 35% of the Trek/Tour Fee as a Booking Deposit.
You can pay via Net Banking, Draft, Cheque, Credit/Debit/AMEX cards.
This deposit confirms your booking and we will reserve your seat for the selected trek/tour date.
The remaining amount must be paid at least 15 days before the trek/tour start date.
If you’re booking less than 14 days before the start, you need to pay 100% of the Trek/Tour Fee upfront.
❌ Cancellation & Postponement Policy
The Booking Amount (35%) is Non-Refundable under any circumstances.
If you’re unable to join the trek due to unavoidable reasons, we offer a flexible rescheduling option:
You can shift to another trek within the next 1 year (counted from your original trek start date).
You must inform us at least 15 days in advance to be eligible to shift.
Early notice is always appreciated!
✅ If you postpone/cancel 15+ days before trek start:
You can shift to another group of the same trek or choose another route.
Must take our written approval via your registered email.
⚠️ If you cancel/postpone 14 to 8 days before:
Booking amount is non-refundable.
50% of the total fee will be charged as cancellation fee.
50% will be refunded.
OR, you can shift your booking to another group within the year.
In that case, 25% will be treated as cancellation charge and the rest will be adjusted.
🚫 If you cancel 7 days or less before the trek:
No refund will be processed.
⚠️ In Case of Natural/Unforeseen Events:
If the trek is cancelled due to natural calamities (flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire) or political unrest:
You can redeem the full amount for the same or similar trek within the next 1 year.
📧 For any queries or clarifications, feel free to write to us at:
info@greenvalleyhimalayas.com
Included
- 5 nights’ accommodation (Day 1 to Day 5) in a homestay on a twin or double sharing basis as per availability. For solo travelers, we provide one room.
- All meals during the trek (B, L, D; Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 dinner) Simple Indian vegetarian food during the trek along with morning and evening tea.
- An experienced local trekking guide (who will be able to communicate in very basic English, if need be).
- Taxi drop from trek base camp Sankri to trek starting point Taluka and return.
- Any permit fees for the trek (for Indians only).
- Travel and medical insurance for Indian nationals up to 60 years of age for 7 days.
Excluded
- Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and return ₹ 6,000 for a private taxi (Tata Sumo, similar), one way. You may also avail one of the direct buses from Dehradun to Sankri early in the morning (6 a.m.). The fare is approx. ₹ 500 one way.
- We assume that you will carry your backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your backpack and be carried by a porter, you need to pay separately. A porter charge is ₹ 1,500 per day, which covers his wage along with food and any stay expenses.
- Additional ₹ 2000 + 5% GST per person service charge for foreigners towards permits and levies.
- Any tip or gratuity to the GVH support staff.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the “Inclusions” or is personal.
HAR KI DUN HOMESTAY TREK – Quick Itinerary Overview
Day 1 - Dehradun to Sankri (~1950 m/6400 ft) – 200 Km by private car or bus at 6 am– 9 to 10 hours. Homestay or lodge accommodation.
Day 2 - Sankri to Taluka & gangar village (~2630m)– 17 Km by car – 3 hour – Gangar village (~2350 m) – Homestay. Explore the village in the afternoon.
Day 3 - Trek to Osla village (~2750 m/9000 ft) – 5 Km – 2 to 3 hours via Powani village. Homestay. Explore Osla village and temple in the afternoon.
Day 4 - Early morning day hike to Har Ki Dun valley (~3500 m/11500 ft) – 11 Km – 5 hours – packed lunch – Explore the valley and return to Osla – Total 10 to 12 hours, approximately 22 Km, a moderate day. Homestay at Osla. Carry a light daypack.
Day 5 - Trek to Taluka – 5 hours – drive to Sankri – 1 hour. Twin-sharing homestay or lodge.
Day 6 - Drive to Dehradun – 200 Km – 9 to 10 hours.
Day 7 - Additional/Optional. Possibility to stay at Har Ki Dun Forest rest house and explore any of the three valleys forking out from the cradle-shaped Har Ki Dun valley.
- Important Note
-
- Reach Dehradun on your own on Day 1 morning (by 6 am) or the previous night. Return to Dehradun on Day 6 evening (by 7 pm). Arrange your tickets for the inward journey and return from Dehradun accordingly. We can arrange a pickup from Dehradun to Sankri if you wish.
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