Har Ki Dun Trek

Sankri (1950 m) to Pauni Garaat (2500 m) via Taluka (2108 m)Start Point: Sankri (1950 m)Mode of Transport: Road journey to TalukaDistance: 12 km by roadDuration: 1 hourHighlights:Drive through Deodar and Bamboo forestSpot Himalayan birds: Himalayan Raven, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan BulbulClear water streams alongside the roadArrival at Taluka (2108 m)Description: Small hamlet with concrete houses and government guest housesLandmark: Supin River flowing through the villageBreak: Short refreshment stopTrek from Taluka to Pauni Garaat (2500 m)Distance: 9 km trekDuration: 5-6 hoursTrail: Uneven, stony trail at the beginningOpens to a level walk along the banks of the Supin RiverWalk through lush coniferous forests (Walnut, Pine, Cedar trees)Easy gradient with gradual ascentsScenic mule-traffic and local villagersBridges: Cemented and wooden bridges over streams (ideal for water refills)Midpoint: Gangar VillageLocation: Other side of the Supin RiverStop for Lunch: Packed lunch with tea and snacks available at wooden shopsFinal Stretch to Pauni GaraatRoute: Follow the trail running alongside potato and maize fieldsCampsite: Pauni Garaat (vast clearing; village located on the other side of the river)At the Campsite:Set up camps, explore the area, and enjoy a hot dinnerRest early in preparation for the next day’s journey

Pauni Garaat (2500 m) to Simatra (3024 m):Distance Covered: 8 km from Pauni Garaat to KalkattiyadhaarDuration: 3-4 hours to reach SimatraStart the Day: Begin with a short yoga and stretching session.Enjoy breakfast before starting the trek.Trek Begins:The 8 km trek starts through a forested trail.Pass through Seema village, marked by concrete structures and a forest department guest house near the Supin River.View Osla village on the opposite side of the Supin River, 100 meters higher in elevation.Seema Bridge:Cross the iconic Seema Bridge, a hanging bridge over the Supin River with a backdrop of mountain ranges.Spot the jewel-blue Supin River flowing between boulders.Steep Climb:After crossing the bridge, prepare for a steep ascent.Pass expansive Amaranth fields where villagers work. During the monsoon, the fields turn a deep reddish colour.Enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Banderpoonch and Swargarohini ranges after about half an hour.Trail to Simatra:Gradually climb higher past fields, with the Supin River fading from view.Trek through stretches with beautiful views of the Dhauladhar ranges.Pass flowers like fleece and sunflowers along the trail.Arrive at Simatra:The trail culminates at a ridge known locally as Simatra.A short descent leads to the Simatra campsite.Expect to reach the campsite by 1 PM.Simatra Campsite:The campsite is a stunning open meadow with views of peaks like Buyal Devsu and Mt. Black Peak.Spot the Ruinsara Range on the left and Kedarkantha Summit on the right.Enjoy the afternoon basking in the sun, taking in the valley views.Use the extra time to acclimatize to the altitude and prepare for the upcoming summit.

Simatra (3024 M) to Har Ki Dun (3566 M) and back to SimatraDistance Covered: 14 km (7 km each way)Duration: 7-8 hours round tripEarly Start: Start Time: 6 AM (post-breakfast).Begin your trek as the sun rises.Snow Gear:In December, you may encounter snow-covered trails.Trek Leader: May provide microspikes and gaiters for easy navigation.Initial Trail:The trail runs high above the convergence of the Supin River and the river from Ruinsara Valley.Views: Sprawling views of snow-clad peaks, including Black Peak in the Ruinsara Valley.Trek Gradient:Gradient: Moderate with a mixture of steep and gradual ascends.Includes a stretch with an incline of about 45 degrees, possibly covered in knee-deep snow.Final Ascent to the Summit:Climb alongside a river through a dense forest.Har Ki Dun Summit: Opening up to breathtaking views of Swaragrohini-1 Peak, Hata Peak, and Black Peak.Explore Har Ki Dun:Meadows with alpine flowers, glacier moraines, coniferous forests, and mountain ranges.Exploration Time: 1-2 hours.Lunch and Return:After exploring, enjoy lunch and head back to Simatra.

Simatra (3024m) to Pauni Garaat (2500m)Distance Covered: 7 kmDuration: 3-4 hours to reach Pauni GaraatMorning at Simatra:Wake up early to catch a stunning sunrise from the Simatra campsite.Morning temperatures can drop to subzero levels in December, so dress warmly.Start of Trek:Have breakfast before starting the trek.Begin the descent by crossing the Har Ki Dun Bridge.Trek Details:The trail is mostly downhill, making the trek easier.Gentle descent downstream after crossing the bridge.Ascend slightly to Simatra, followed by a gradual descent toward Pauni Garaat.Exploring Osla Village:On the way, visit Osla Village, a quaint mountain village.Observe double-storied wooden houses with slanting roofs.Visit the Someshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring intricate carvings.Interaction with Locals:If time permits, interact with the locals, known for their friendliness towards trekkers.Arrival at Pauni Garaat:After exploring, descend to Pauni Garaat.Spend the night at Pauni Garaat campsite.

Day 1: Trek from Pauni Garaat (2500 m) to Taluka (2108 m); Taluka to Sankri (1950 m) by roadDistance Covered:12 km trek from Pauni Garaat to Taluka12 km from Taluka to Sankri by roadDuration:5-6 hours to reach Taluka1 hour to reach SankriHighlights:After breakfast, begin the descent from Pauni Garaat to Taluka.Trek through thick forests of Chir Pine, ferns, and flowering trees.Caution: "Bichu ghaas" (nettles) along the trail; avoid contact to prevent a stinging sensation.Descending throughout the day; trekking poles are recommended to reduce strain on knees.Walk alongside the Supin River for a portion of the trek.The final stretch is a cemented trail leading to Taluka.The vehicle will be waiting at Taluka for the road journey to Sankri.Arrive in Sankri in time to relax and enjoy tea while reflecting on the trek.Day 2: Sankri (1950 m) to Dehradun (640 m)Distance Covered: 197 km by road from Sankri to Dehradun.Duration: 9-10 hours to reach Dehradun.Highlights:After breakfast, enjoy the scenic views around Sankri.Begin the drive back to Dehradun, retracing the roads from the first day.Expected arrival in Dehradun by 7-8 PM.