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 Taluka

• Distance: 12 km by road

• Duration: 1 hour

Highlights:

• Drive through Deodar and Bamboo forest

• Spot Himalayan birds: Himalayan Raven, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul

• Clear water streams alongside the road

Arrival at Taluka (2108 m)

• Description: Small hamlet with concrete houses and government guest houses

• Landmark: Supin River flowing through the village

• Break: Short refreshment stop

Trek from Taluka to Pauni Garaat (2500 m)

• Distance: 9 km trek

• Duration: 5-6 hours

Trail:

• Uneven, stony trail at the beginning

• Opens to a level walk along the banks of the Supin River

• Walk through lush coniferous forests (Walnut, Pine, Cedar trees)

• Easy gradient with gradual ascents

• Scenic mule-traffic and local villagers

• Bridges: Cemented and wooden bridges over streams (ideal for water refills)

Midpoint: Gangar Village

• Location: Other side of the Supin River

• Stop for Lunch: Packed lunch with tea and snacks available at wooden shops

Final Stretch to Pauni Garaat

• Route: Follow the trail running alongside potato and maize fields

• Campsite: 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 dinner

• Rest 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 Kalkattiyadhaar

• Duration: 3-4 hours to reach Simatra

Start 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 Simatra

• Distance Covered: 14 km (7 km each way)

• Duration: 7-8 hours round trip

Early 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 km

• Duration: 3-4 hours to reach Pauni Garaat

Morning 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 road

Distance Covered:

• 12 km trek from Pauni Garaat to Taluka

• 12 km from Taluka to Sankri by road

Duration:

• 5-6 hours to reach Taluka

• 1 hour to reach Sankri

Highlights:

• 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.