If you’ve ever trekked you’ll agree, trekking is the refresh button for our mind and body. Lives in crowded cities make us appreciate the peace and natural beauty of the mountains even more. Just try to imagine yourself walking on a path between the mountains, trekking bags on your shoulders, cool winds blowing on your face, the sound of the river water splashing on the rocks, chirping of the birds, and a view of snow-covered mountains in front of you. No matter how creative you are, you can never explain the beauty of nature the way you see it.

One of the most amazing treks to suggest someone who loves adventure and peace is Har ki Doon trek. Even if it is your first time, you won’t regret it at all. This trek will take you to heaven while you’re still breathing. Just keep reading and you’ll get to know-how.

Day 1(Reaching Sankri)

The trek starts from Sankri and to reach there, you’ll need to get on a bus from Dehradun Bus station to Sankri. The distance between Dehradun and Sankri is approximately 187 km and trust me; you won’t like to skip any part of this trip if it was a movie. Buses from Dehradun to Sankri leave early morning at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30. If anyhow you miss these buses you don’t need to worry. There is another option of Hanol bus which will take you to Mori via Mussoorie. From Mori, you can get on a shared or private taxi to reach Sankri. Either way, it’s a beautiful journey you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to get your camera with you to capture some beautiful shots in Mussoorie and also don’t forget to show them to people who didn’t join you on this trip to make them regret it.

 

By the time you’ll reach Sankri, the Sun would have started to dive in behind the green mountains if not disappeared completely. Sankri is the base camp of numerous Himalayan Treks and obviously for so many reasons. Apart from being convenient, this village is indescribably beautiful. Not just the scenes but the people living here too. Most probably you won’t get a chance to explore the beauty of this place on the day of your arrival because it’d be dark already and you’ll be tired too but don’t worry, this adventure is not going to compromise on anything at all. Just like I said before, keep reading and you’ll get to know-how.

 

You’ll be spending your night in a comfortable hotel in Sankari care of which will be taken completely by us. Our trek guides will join you from there and will be with you till your trek ends.

DAY 2: Sankri to Chilurgad

Your morning in Sankri will most probably become your “one of the most beautiful mornings”. The view from the terrace is just awe-inspiring. The enthralling sight of golden sun rays falling just at the top of the mountains is one you’ll never forget.

 

After freshening up and having your breakfast, your trek leader will book a taxi to Taluka from where your trek will start.

It’s never enough to tell that the scenic beauty will literally make you want to cry with happiness. As you can see in the images, the landscapes look like a palette with all the colours of nature mixed together. Get ready to dive in these colours and experience the gift nature has to offer.

 

The first day usually is the easiest one as everyone is filled with excitement and enthusiasm. However, the panorama will never get you out of thrill for sure. Keep your bag as light as possible so it doesn’t make you tire easily. The paths aren’t smooth and easy obviously. Adventure is a synonym of Challenges.

You will experience the lifestyle of the people living in such places. They walk up and down on these paths multiple times a day and most of the time with heavier things to carry than your trek bags. Although it depends on which time of the year you visit this place, most probably it will rain while you’ll be trekking to Har Ki Doon, adding more thrill to your journey. Don’t forget to carry your raincoats with you.

On your way to the halt camps, you’ll find a couple of small tea and Maggie shops to help you keep going. These aren’t luxurious restaurants but they’ll look like one to you for sure at that time. Sitting under the shade, watching the raindrops trickling on the greenery, petrichor mixing up with the smell of tea boiling beside you, the scenario is extremely tranquil. The moment you’ll see your campsite will be the moment you’ll realise what happiness is. Before you will reach there, the team will make sure that your camping tents are all ready and set. You’ll experience so many new things on this journey; naming one will be spending your night in the woods, beside a river, under the stars.

You will be reaching your campsite before sunset with some hot delicious snack waiting for you. You’ll be surprised to see your food menus every day. I won’t spoil the surprise for you but just know that food is going to be one of the most memorable parts of your entire trekking experience.

Day 3: Chilurgad to Simantra

The third day of the trek is usually the toughest, mainly because of the tired muscles and longer trek but obviously, it’s worth it. The morning is the most beautiful part of the day in the mountains. You unzip your tent and welcome to heaven! Usually getting out of the bed is the toughest part of our day but not when you are trekking. The tea will be ready to reinvigorate you and so will be the mouth-watering breakfast. All you have to do is enjoy the view, the weather, the sounds, and obviously, the food!

 

Day 3 will be just as beautiful as Day 2 if not more. You will be amazed infinite times throughout your trek and every time it will be even more surprising. Flower valleys, river, fountains, rain, Maggie breaks, and so many unforgettable memories will accompany you at every step of the journey.

 

Day 4: Simantra to Har ki Dun and Return

Day 4 will be the last day of ascent and you’ll reach Har Ki Doon. In front of you will be The Swargrohini, the snow-covered mountain which in the legends has been described as “the only way to reach heaven without dying”. The view will dumbfound you without a doubt. Snow-covered mountains will be surrounding you with a river that has been flowing beside you throughout, cows grazing on the greenery, and you awestruck. But remember, trekking is not just about the destination, it’s about the entire journey. Enjoy every moment of it.

Day 5: Simantra to Chilurgad

This part of the trek is comparatively easier. People usually enjoy this part even more because it’s easier on their legs. You’ll get to visit the Osla village which is a beautiful place. The Someshwara temple is a shrine beautifully built by the inhabitants of Saur dedicating it to Duryodhana.

If you are lucky enough to get the Prasad, which is interestingly “tea”, you’ll never forget the taste of it. It’s amazing!

The people living in Osla village are hardworking and simple. You will get a glimpse of their lifestyle while walking through Osla. The kids usually expect the tourists to bring candies for them, so do carry something for them, it will make both of you happy.

Also, this day will be your last day of camping under the stars, so enjoy it to the fullest!

 

The next day, i.e. Day 6, will be the last day of your trek. You will be retracing the path of Day 2 and the idea of this trek coming to an end will surely take over you, but the memories will never fade away.

Day 6: Back to Sankri

You’ll be back in Sankri just after noon and your stay at the hotel will be taken care of by the trek organizers. Now you have almost the whole day to enjoy and discover Sankri. You can enjoy the food in local restaurants, shop for your friends and family, and enjoy your day as you want. Try to buy something from this place if possible, it would help the people living here and will also make you happy.

The next morning, you’ll be heading back to Dehradun with tonnes of beautiful memories, stories, adventurous experiences to tell everyone who didn’t join you, that’s the most important part remember that. So if you are done reading and picturing it in your head, book your trip, pack your bags, grab your camera and join us to the next adventure to Har Ki Doon!