Har Ki Doon Trek: Alpine Meadows & Himalayan Peaks — 7 Days
A 7-day trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, climbing from Sankri to the valley floor at 3,550m with views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks
The Har Ki Doon valley, situated in the western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand near the Himachal Pradesh border, is among India's oldest trekking routes. The trail climbs through coniferous forests and alpine meadows across seven days, beginning and ending in Sankri at 1,920m and reaching the valley floor at 3,550m. Graded as easy to moderate, it accommodates both experienced trekkers and those new to high-altitude walking. The route passes through Taluka, Pauni Garaat, and Boslo, with a day excursion to the valley proper offering views of the Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. Wildlife sightings are possible — blue sheep, barking deer, and occasionally leopard — along with dense forest sections and open ridge crossings. The trek operates year-round except during monsoon season; September through November offers the most stable weather and clearest views.
Best time to go: February to June, September to November
Highlights
- Drive from Dehradun to Sankri through the Tons River valley (185km, 9-10 hours)
- Trek from Taluka to Pauni Garaat (12km, 5-6 hours) with suspension bridges and coniferous forest
- Ascent to Har Ki Doon valley at 3,550m with views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks
- Ridge crossing and alpine meadow terrain from Boslo to the valley floor
- Descent through Osla and return to Sankri via the same route (11km, 5 hours)
Day by day
1Dehradun to Sankri — Tons River Valley DriveDehradun to Sankri · Sankri · Dehradun ISBT
Arrival at Dehradun ISBT in the early morning (around 6:30am) marks the start of the journey. A vehicle carries trekkers 185km northwest to Sankri over nine to ten hours. The route follows the Tons River through a series of valleys, passing the towns of Mussoorie, Purola, Mora, and Netwar. The scenery alternates between steep hillsides and cultivated agricultural land. Sankri sits at 1,920m in a small settlement that serves as the base for the trek. On arrival, trekkers check into their accommodation (homestay, guest house, or hotel on a triple-sharing basis) and attend a brief orientation session covering trek logistics and safety protocols. Dinner is provided at the accommodation.
2Taluka to Pauni Garaat — Suspension Bridges & Coniferous ForestTaluka to Pauni Garaat · Pauni Garaat · Sankri to Taluka
After breakfast, the group drives one hour northeast from Sankri to Taluka (12km), the official trekking trailhead. Here the trek leader provides final instructions before the group begins the 12km ascent to Pauni Garaat, which takes five to six hours. The path climbs steeply at times through mixed forest, crossing suspension bridges over mountain streams and passing through clearings. Blue sheep graze on upper slopes, and barking deer move through the forest. The trail terminates at Pauni Garaat, a small camping settlement at 2,700m surrounded by steep forested valleys. Tents are pitched and dinner is served at the campsite.
3Pauni Garaat to Boslo — Ascent Through Ridge CountryPauni Garaat to Boslo · Dhauladhar range · Boslo campsite
The day begins with breakfast at the campsite before an 11km trek to Boslo (3,000m), requiring approximately six hours. Although the distance is less than the previous day, the gradient is steeper and the altitude gain more pronounced. Early in the ascent, views open across the Dhauladhar range to the north. The trail passes through dense coniferous forest—primarily deodar and spruce—that provides shelter on exposed sections. After crossing a ridge with views into multiple valleys, the path reaches the Boslo campsite, a staging point for the final push to the Har Ki Doon valley. The afternoon and evening allow time for rest or a short walk. Dinner is served at the campsite.
4Boslo to Har Ki Doon — Ascent to the Valley at 3,550mHar Ki Doon valley · Kalkatidhar campsite · Boslo to Har Ki Doon valley · coniferous forest to alpine meadow on Boslo to Har Ki Doon route
An early departure from Boslo is necessary to cover the steep 11km route to Har Ki Doon valley (3,550m) in approximately six hours. The ascent includes several stretches of sustained climbing through coniferous forest that gradually opens into alpine meadow. After roughly five kilometers of trekking, the valley floor comes into view, framed by the peaks of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. The landscape shifts noticeably—dense trees give way to open grass slopes with views extending across the western Garhwal range. The trail is well-defined and well-used, winding through lush meadows interspersed with rocky sections. Upon reaching the valley, trekkers have time to rest and photograph the surrounding terrain before settling at the Kalkatidhar campsite (also referred to as Har Ki Doon base camp) for the night.
5Descent to Pauni Garaat — Return via Same RoutePauni Garaat · high campsite · high campsite to Pauni Garaat · Pauni Garaat campsite
After breakfast at the high campsite, the group retraces the route downward over approximately five hours, covering 11km back to Pauni Garaat (2,700m). The descent is faster than the ascent, though caution is necessary on sections where moisture makes the trail slippery. Throughout the descent, the same forest and meadow sections are traversed in reverse. Arrival at Pauni Garaat in the afternoon allows time for rest. Dinner is provided at the campsite.
6Pauni Garaat to Sankri — Final Descent to BasePauni Garaat to Sankri · Sankri
After breakfast at the campsite, trekkers begin the descent from Pauni Garaat (2,700m) back to Sankri (1,920m). The route retraces the trekking path from Day 2, covering 12km over approximately five hours. The group moves at a steady pace to maximize daylight hours. The route descends through the same coniferous forest and stream crossings used on the ascent. Upon arrival in Sankri, there is time to rest and visit the surrounding area. Dinner is provided.
7Sankri to Dehradun — Return DriveSankri to Dehradun
An early breakfast precedes the return drive to Dehradun. The vehicle retraces the same 185km route along the Tons River valley, traveling through Netwar, Mora, Purola, and Mussoorie before arriving at Dehradun ISBT in the evening.
Included
- 02 Night Homestay / Guest House / Hotel accommodation in Sankri on triple sharing basis (Double Sharing for Couples).
- 04 Nights tent accommodation on triple sharing basis (Double Sharing for Couples).
- All Veg Meals starting from Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast.
- Morning – Evening Tea/Coffee with light snacks.
- All fees and Permit (for Indians).
- Basic First Aid Medical kit with Oxygen cylinder and Oximeter.
- Qualified and experienced Trek Leader with support staff.
Not included
- GST 5%
- Insurance
- Transport to reach Dehradun for hometown.
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
- Accommodation in Dehradun.
- Personal luggage with mass not exceeding 12 kg per bag per person can be carried byporters/mules @ Rs 300 per day per bag. This amounts to a total of Rs 1,500/- per bag for all the trekking days.
- For a nominal charge of Rs 300 per person per night, we can arrange for Homestay in the village of Osla on request. The amount goes directly to the local family hosting us.
- Cost escalation due to change in itinerary Natural reason of unforeseen conditions like Landslides, Road Blockage, Bad Weather, Social or Political Unrest, Strikes, sudden shut down of any govt office etc .
Activities: Trekking