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Har-ki-Dun, situated at an elevation of 3566 metres is
surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The forests are rich in
wild life and are a veritable paradise for bird-watchers and nature
lovers.
The
people of this region worship Duryodhan of the Mahabharata fame and not
the victors, the Pandavas. The trek from Netwar to Osla is through very
dense forests of chestnut, walnut, willow and chinar. The trek from Osla
to Har-ki-Dun is through terraced mountain fields, lush green grasslands
and coniferous forests.
THE TREK
The route to Har Ki Dun follows the established village trail to the
highest settlement at Osla. The trail to Har Ki Dun is well defined and
should not pose any problems for trekking. A stay at Har Ki Dun for one or
two days affords one, the sight of two of the most spectacular places,
namely, Yamduar Glacier and Marinda Lake, which are in opposite
directions.
Sankri to Taluka:
From Sankri, there is a jeep road to Taluka, but it is better to walk the
distance and appreciate the wild roses, irises, chestnuts, sycamore and
deodar trees that line the trail.
Average Walking Time: 3 hours.
Taluka to Seema:
From Taluka, the trail descends the river valley through the forest, on
true left side of the valley, passing through numerous villages, Datmir
being one of them. Moving along, the village of Osla appears on the left
side of the valley. The main trail doesnot turn to Osla and instead, leads
to the Forest Rest House called Seema.
Average walking time: 5/6 hours.
Seema to Har Ki Dun:
From Seema, there is a gradual ascent through the fields. Moving higher
on the bridge, the trail winds high above the confluence of of the rivers,
Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara. On moving further, the vantagepoint of Har Ki Dun
is reached.
Average walking time: 4/5 hours.
When To Trek
A trek into Har Ki Dun can be undertaken fom mid-April to mid-November.
The post - monsoon season is ideal for trekking. However, the local
trekkers continue to to trek up the valley as far as Osla, in the heart of
winter too.
There are regular bus services from Mussorie and Dehra Dun to Sankri. There are buses to Sankri from Shimla and Uttar Kashi too. Beyond Sankri, there is a jeep road to Taluka.
There are Forest Rest Houses in Sankri, Taluka and Osla.
GMVN Hotels also offer good accommodation.
There is a Forest Rest House up at Har Ki Dun.
| Place | Altitude (M) | Distance (km) | Accommodation |
| Rishikesh | 340 | -- | TB*, PWD*, F*, H* |
| Dehra Dun | 701 | 36 motor | H*, TB*, F*, PWD* |
| Mussoorie | 2004 | 36 motor | H*, TB* |
| Purola | 1524 | 97 motor | F*, PWD*, H* |
| Jarmola | 1800 | 22 trek | F* |
| Mori | - | 16 trek | V*, TB* |
| Netwar | 1380 | 12 trek | F* |
| Saur | - | 12 trek | PWD* |
| Taluka* | 1900 | 11 trek | F* |
| Osla | 2559 | 11 trek | F* |
| Har-ki-Dun | 3556 | 8 trek | F* |
| *Jeepable | |||
* TB = Tourist Bunglow, H = Hotel, F = Forest Lodge, V = Villlage, PWD = Public Works Department Rest House |
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