Har Ki Dun Valley (Garhwal Trekking)
Duration: 15 nights / 16 days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Dehardun - Mussoorie - Sankari - Taluka - Osla
- Har Ki Dun - Borasu Pass - Dev Sach - Ruinsara Lake - Foot of Bali pass -
Bali pass - Yamunotri - Hanuman chatti - Rishikesh - Delhi
Day 01: Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi, reception upon at Indira Gandhi International airport
New Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight: Hotel
Day 02: Delhi - Dehardun - Mussoorie
Today, after breakfast an early departure to railway station to catch the
Shatabdi
train to Dehradun (capital of Uttranchal state). Arrive dehradun
& 34 kms drive to Mussourie. Mussourie is situated in between Shiwalik
ranges in the Himalayan foothills. Which presents a spectacular and snow-clad
peaks of Western- Garhwal Himalaya also Doon valley below. Overnight stay
at Hotel.
Day 03: Mussoorie
Free day in Mussoorie, visit Mall road: A long promenade, visit Gun Hill by
ropeway to have a panoramic view of Himalayan massif of Western Garhwal regions
and walk along the ridge. There is also a Tibetan settlement in Mussoorie
with Tibetan Market. Overnight at Hotel
Day 04: Mussoorie - Sankari - Taluka
Today, we drive from Mussourie to Sankari, which is our starting point of
trek. The route from Mussourie goes down to the bridge at Yamuna River and
further to Natwar at Ton valley. Natwar which is an entrance of The Govind
Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Purola tehsil of Uttarakashi district
of Garhwal. Natwar, the entrance and starting point of the sanctuary, at a
distance of 200 kms from Dehradun. This wildlife sanctuary has a large number
of mammal species. Although there is a jeep road completed to the village
of Taluka (elevation 1900 m), we drive to a point just past Sankri and spend
the late afternoon walking the last 8-10 kms. We camp near Taluka amid the
wild roses and the deodar trees. Overnight stay in the Tent.
Day 05: Taluka - Osla
Today we cross the Siyan Gad by bridge, further trail climbs to Dhatmir village.
Later we cross the river towards right side of Ton river. The route is dotted
with tea - shops and local Dhabas. Osla has very dense forests of Walnut,
Chestnut, Willows and Chinars. Enroute visit the Ghangore Vilalge & local
temple. There are fairly 42 well-populated village in the area of sanctuary,
some are at height of 2900 mtrs. Overnight at tent.
Day 06: Osla - Har Ki Dun
Today after Osla, we continue trek to Har Ki Dun. The trail and surroundings
is extremely picturesque. Which is 5/6 hrs walk. Little steams crosses our
path. As the trail climbs gradually through lush green terraced mountains,
fields and spotted with varied wild flowers. Har Ki Dun has a backdrop of
snowy mountain peaks. Enroute, we will have a wonderful view towards East
of Ruinsara Gad: Kalanag peak (6387 mtrs), (Bandar Punch (6316 mtrs), Swargarohini
(6252 mtrs), Juandar glacier towards North and dense forests. It is one of
the most picturesque spot in the Garhwal Hills. That's why it's called DEV
BHOOMI (valley of Gods). Stay in the tent for the night.
Day 07: Har Ki Dun - Borasu Pass - Har Ki Dun
An ideal base for exploring the valley. Morning after breakfast trek ascend
gradually towards Borasu Pass, which divides Har Ki dun with Sangla Valley
in Himachal Pradesh. We wind our way high above the valley to pass and enjoy
the beautiful surroundings. Later afternoon, we retrace down to campsite.
At night, stay in the tent.
Day 08: Hari-ki-Dun - Dev Sach
From Hari-ki-dun, we go back down the trail but then take the route to Dev
Sach (elevation 3000m), a large meadow where local Gujar shepherds graze their
buffalo. Overnight: Tent
Day 09: Dev Sach - Ruinsara Lake
From Dev Sach we walk towards to Ruinsara Lake. The trail takes us through
mixed
forest and meadows of flowers as well as some beautiful waterfalls.
It is a delightful walk through the pine, fir, and juniper to the Lake, considered
sacred by the local villagers. Surrounded by rhododendrons and shadowed by
the impressive Swargarohini range, it is a perfect picnic spot. Overnight
at Tent.
Day 10: Ruinsara Lake - Foot of Bali pass
Today we steadly climb to foot or base of Bali pass. A majestic trio of Kalanag,
Bander Punch and Swargarohini peaks stands in front of base camp. Overnight
stay at Tent.
Day 11: Foot of Bali Pass - Bali Pass - Yamunotri
An early morning start trek for an exciting day for crossing the pass. Bali
pass is about 4800 m, and it is not a glaciated pass. However, it is rocky.
A pass between the Tons valley and the Yamunotri valleys. From pass a magnificient
view of Swargarohini peak and below Ruinsara Gad. The route descends through
open meadows and later through forests to lead near Yamunotri shrine. After
crossing pass the trail is generally downhill to Yamunotri. The source of
the river Yamuna. One of the four Dhams Shrines of Hindu pilgrims is dominated
by Bander punch (6361 mtrs.). Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya, the Sun.
Overnight at Tent.
Day 12: Yamunotri - Janki Chatti - Hanuman Chatti
Today, after Yamunotri trek along Yamuna river, we move downhill to Janki
Chatti then further to Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is the last motor point
before heading to Rishikesh. It's also a confluence of two holy river Yamuna
and Hanuman Ganga. Overnight stay at the Tent.
Day 13: Hanuman Chatti - Rishikesh
Today, we drive to Rishikesh. Evening free. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14: Rishikesh - Delhi
Morning free to visit Temples and Ashrams. Late afternoon transfer to haridwar
railway station to catch the Shatabdi train to Delhi. On arrival to Delhi,
you will be transferred to Hotel.
Day 15: Delhi
A full day city tour of old & New Delhi including the Raj Ghat - the memorial
site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in
India and the Red Fort - once the most opulent fort and palace of the Moghul
Empire. Afternoon, continue with the sight-seeing tour of New Delhi visiting
the Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, drive past India Gate, Parliament House,
the President's Residence. At night, stay in the Hotel.
Day 16: Departure from Delhi
Transfer to International Airport.