A Trek in the Har Ki Dun Valley of Índia's Uttarakhan State

[Moustache Escapes]

Har Ki Dun Valley is in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, on the far western flank of Garhwal. Har ki Dun, known as the 'Valley of Gods', is one of the oldest treks in the Himalayas. With ancient villages over 3,000 years old, the Har Ki Dun trail brings travelers back in time. Alpine meadows, moraine ridges, glacier basins, pine forests and ancient villages are seen at Har ki Dun.

It is assumed that the Pandavas marched through Har Ki Dun on their way to heaven.
The spectacular snow-crowned collection of Swargarohini carries the legacy of a mystical way to heaven.
The Har Ki Dun Trek route is a fine combination of leisure walks and steep climbs.

Har ki Dun is located at the base of the majestic peak of Fateh Parvat in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3556 meters. An impressive amalgamation of glades, solidified streams, coniferous forest lands, ice sheet moraines, the setting of enormous pinnacles is this cradle-shaped hanging valley. In the mesmerizing wilderness, the moving spectacle of the Swargarohini and Bandarpunch massifs following the trek-way merges the senses of the beholders.

The Himalayan ghats, picturesque views of hills, valleys, gorges, and forests, will cut through the entire trail. The walk through this Magical River Valley Trail culminates at Har ki Dun in a stunning glacier carved valley. This region refers to Uttarakhand's westernmost section, bordering Himachal, and receives more snowfall than other similar routes. There was frequent snowfall as late as the beginning of March.

In all the permitted seasons, Har ki Dun trekking is a traveller's option. As of 2019, from December to February, the Forest Department has not issued permits on this trail. This is enforced by taking into account the winter migration corridor for wildlife that overlaps the trail.

Spring (March/April) is best if you are hunting for snow. The valley of Har Ki Dun becomes bright green and luminous from May onwards through the summer days. The lush and glossy green grows in Blue Pine, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar), Kharsu (Oak), Spruce, Silver Fir and Birch trees. The valley stays fresh green during September after the monsoon is over by the end of August. The palette of nature turns into dazzling yellow, orange and bronze hues with the coming fall.

With the Oak, Chestnut, Walnut and other deciduous tree species transforming in the autumn leaf foliage, the grass-bed transforms into light yellow.

This valley of God & Goddesses helps travelers to get close to the local lifestyle. An example of how beautifully they take care of nature is the indigenous roots of the Har ki dun trek in the Himalayas. Here, the indigenous farmers' community grow rajma, potato and red rice, plentiful amaranth, make houses out of wood planks, mud with stone tiled roof, weave their own wool and make jackets and coats, spontaneously participate in local tunes and movements of dance.