About This Trek
Har Ki Dun is one of Uttarakhand's finest valley treks — a hanging valley shaped by ancient glaciation, surrounded by peaks of the Swargarohini massif and home to traditional villages that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The name translates loosely to "Valley of Gods," and the landscape earns it.
This itinerary combines the classic Har Ki Dun valley with an extension to Ruinsara Tal — a quieter, less-visited glacial lake above the main valley that rewards the extra effort with solitude and exceptional mountain views. It's a trek Karan has led, knowing the route, the villages, and the best campsites.
The Supin river valley that leads to Har Ki Dun is one of the most scenic approaches in the Garhwal — forested trails, stone villages with flat rooftops, and the gradual opening into alpine meadows as you gain altitude.
Who Is This For
- Trekkers with moderate fitness and some prior hiking experience
- Those wanting a longer valley experience with cultural depth, not just altitude
- Groups wanting something less crowded than Kedarkantha or Dayara Bugyal
- Anyone who wants to combine a classic Himalayan valley with a remote lake extension
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive through Mussoorie, Purola, and the Tons valley to Sankri — a well-known trekking base village for multiple Garhwal routes. ~9 hrs drive. Overnight Sankri.
Short drive from Sankri to Taluka (the trailhead), then trek through oak and pine forests along the Supin river. Pass through Seema or Osla — traditional stone villages with flat roofs, carved wooden temples, and a way of life unchanged for generations. Walk: ~6 hrs.
Gradual climb out of the forest into alpine meadows. The valley widens dramatically as you approach Har Ki Dun — surrounded by the Swargarohini peaks, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Camp in the meadow. Walk: ~5 hrs.
A day for the valley itself — short hikes toward the glacier viewpoints above Har Ki Dun, exploration of the meadows, and time to simply be in one of the most peaceful places in the Garhwal Himalaya.
Traverse into a quieter, less-trekked side valley to reach Ruinsara Tal — a pristine glacial lake with exceptional reflections of the surrounding peaks. Far fewer visitors than Har Ki Dun; a genuinely remote feel. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Descend through meadows and forest back toward the valley. The descent is long but the terrain is beautiful. Overnight at Seema or Osla. Walk: ~7 hrs.
Final trail day back to Taluka through the Supin valley. Short drive to Sankri. Last night in the mountains. Walk: ~4 hrs.
Drive back to Dehradun. Trek ends. ~9 hrs drive.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Trek leadership by Karan throughout
- Support staff & porters
- All camping accommodation & meals
- Govind Wildlife Sanctuary permits
- First aid kit
- Dehradun–Sankri–Dehradun transport
Excluded
- Transport to Dehradun
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal trekking gear
- Personal snacks, tips