Himalayan Expedition: Discovering Har Ki Dun

Hello, everyone! I'm Prashanth, and I hail from the vibrant city of Bangalore. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to call both Pune and Hyderabad my home, but there's something truly special about the Garden City. I'm proud to be a Kannadiga, and my life here revolves around my loving family – my wife and our adorable son.

I'm an avid trekker and adventure enthusiast, and it's my eighth time setting out on an exhilarating journey with Indiahikes. It's become a yearly ritual that I eagerly anticipate – the thrill of scaling new heights and conquering the mountains. The camaraderie, the breathtaking landscapes, and the sheer joy of being amidst nature are truly unparalleled.

My journey kicked off on November 5th, traveling from Bangalore to Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun, I took a well-deserved rest day, watching the victorious Ind vs SA World Cup cricket match. On the morning of the 6th, I visited the Tapkeshwar Mandir in Dehradun before embarking on a journey to the holy city of Haridwar.

In Haridwar, I immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the ghats and markets, witnessing the coveted Ganga Aarti at the Har Ki Pauri in the evening. To secure a good view amidst the anticipated crowd, I positioned myself early, savoring the divine proceedings. After the soulful Ganga Aarti, I made my way back to Dehradun, recognizing the importance of a restful night's sleep as the trek awaited me the next morning.

A quick overview of the HAR KI DUN trek :

Har Ki Dun, a renowned trek, offers a unique perspective by veering off the traditional path. The new route unveils hidden gems, such as the enchanting Boslow woods and the lesser-known Devsu Thatch, a large meadow in the forest with mesmerizing landscapes. The trek seamlessly blends the allure of the new route with the charm of the old, passing through ancient villages with wooden houses and unique temples. Villagers showcase a timeless lifestyle, exuding harmony among humans, animals, and nature. The trek's highlight is the firsthand experience of village life, emphasized by two days of stays in Gangaad and Datmir, and a visit to the rich traditions of Osla. Beyond the villages, the trek offers constant delights, from the Thamsa River to the distant Swargarohini peaks and amphitheater-like valley views. Describing Har Ki Dun in words is insufficient—it's an adventure best appreciated through firsthand experience.

Throughout my trek from November 7th to 13th, 2023, each day presented a distinct and unique experience. Here's a brief glimpse.

Day 1: Embarking on the Journey (November 7th, 2023)

Today, on November 7th, 2023, the adventure begins. The day kicks off with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Kotgaon. The journey covers 196 km, promising approximately 9-10 hours of breathtaking landscapes. If you're an Indiahikes trekker, the journey begins with a pickup at either Grand Legacy Hotel near Laal Pul, Dehradun (6:30 am) or Library Chowk, Mussourie (7:30 am). The basecamp awaits in Kotgaon, where anticipation for the upcoming trek builds.

Day 2: From Kotgaon to Gangaad(November 8th, 2023)

After a restful night in Kotgaon, the adventure continues on November 8th with a drive to Dhatmeer, followed by a 6 km trek to Gangaad. The drive spans 1.5 to 2 hours, setting the stage for a 5-hour trek that unfolds diverse landscapes. The day culminates with an altitude gain from 6,455 ft to 7,667 ft, providing a taste of the elevation changes to come.

Day 3: Trekking Through Gangaad to Kalkatiyadhar via Osla (November 9th, 2023)

Today's journey on November 9th involves a trek of 8 km from Gangaad to Kalkatiyadhar via Osla. The 6-hour trek offers a gradual ascent, with an altitude gain from 7,667 ft to 10,032 ft. As you traverse through Osla, soak in the cultural richness of the region, enhancing the trek with unique experiences.

Day 4: Unveiling Har Ki Dun and Boslo (November 10th, 2023)

Embark on a 9 km trek from Kalkatiyadhar to Boslo via Har Ki Dun on November 10th. The day promises 5-6 hours of trekking, featuring an altitude change from 10,032 ft to 10,760 ft via 11,600 ft. The awe-inspiring beauty of Har Ki Dun unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.

Day 5: Boslo to Devsu Thatch (November 11th, 2023)

Today's adventure on November 11th takes you from Boslo to Devsu Thatch, covering 5.5 km over 5 hours. Experience an altitude gain from 10,760 ft to 9,930 ft as you traverse this lesser-known yet captivating part of the trek.

Day 6: Returning from Devsu Thatch to Dhatmeer (November 12th, 2023)

The return journey begins on November 12th with a 14 km trek from Devsu Thatch to Dhatmeer. Expect 6-7 hours of trekking with an altitude change from 9,930 ft to 7,825 ft. As you bid farewell to Devsu Thatch, the trek retraces its steps, allowing you to appreciate the landscape from a different perspective.

Day 7: Completing the Circle (November 13th, 2023)

The final day on November 13th involves a drive from Dhatmeer to Kotgaon and, subsequently, back to Dehradun. The 196 km drive spans 9-10 hours and marks the end of this transformative journey. Descending from 7,825 ft to 6,455 ft, reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made throughout this Himalayan trek.

With an abundance of exhilarating memories, I find myself back in Bangalore, still relishing the enchantment of the mountains. The allure of the next trek beckons, akin to the anticipation and planning required to return to the mountains—a detox for the senses in every conceivable way. Until the next adventure unfolds, may the mountain gods watch over you, guiding you through the peaks and valleys of life. Happy trekking! :)

Picture Courtesy : My fantastic trek mates - Somanath Chakrobarthy, Ankur Parasor, Michael Snook