Har Ki Dun Valley

Har Ki Dun lies at about 3,550 metres in the Govind Pashu Vihar sanctuary, a broad hanging valley enclosed by ridges with Swargarohini rising at its head, the peak that local tradition associates with the Pandavas' final ascent. The trek in from Sankri runs about twenty-five kilometres through pine and deodar forest, along the Supin river and past villages including Osla and Gangad, where houses are built in the traditional Himachali and Garhwali timber-and-stone style with carved balconies. The valley floor is meadow in summer, thick with flowers, and snowbound from late autumn.

What you actually see

• The cradle valley - a broad meadow bowl below Swargarohini.
• The old villages - Osla and Gangad with carved timber and stone houses.
• The forest walk - deodar and pine along the Supin river.
• The summer flowers - meadow bloom on the valley floor.

When to go

April to June and September to November; snow lies into spring and returns in late autumn, and the monsoon brings leeches and landslide risk. Winter treks are possible with equipment.

Honest expectations

This is a multi-day trek with camping or basic village stays, not a day walk. Permits are required. The road to Sankri is long and rough. Weather changes fast at altitude.

Nearby

Sankri is the road head; Yamunotri lies east.