A journey to the “Valley of Gods”—that is exactly what Har Ki Dun is.
Uttarakhand boasts numerous treks, and among them is the Har Ki Dun trek, an extraordinary expedition that presents a remarkable opportunity to capture glimpses of the Himalayas.
Translated as the “Valley of Gods” Har Ki Dun showcases a captivating cradle-shaped formation nestled at an elevation of 3566 meters within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. This valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of prominent peaks, including Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Swargarohini.
To experience this Har Ki Dun valley trek firsthand, you first need to reach the base camp at Sankri. Our team will rendezvous with you in Dehradun for pickup, and from there, we will transport you to Sankri, where we will check in at a comfortable guesthouse.
The following day marks the beginning of the Har Ki Dun trek as we embark on a journey from Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka. Along this path, you may come across enchanting wild orchids, and if fortune smiles upon you, you might even catch a glimpse of elusive creatures like barking deer, leopards, and bores.
The Har Ki Dun trek also presents an opportunity to spot the Himalayan Monal, Uttarakhand's state bird, nestled within the forests.
During the trek, we will cross the mighty Tons River, and from Pauni Garaat, we will venture towards Kalkattiyadhar, passing through the charming village of Osla.
Most of the Har Ki Dun trek takes you through dense coniferous forests, where you will encounter the majestic Supin River. Osla awaits on the other side of the river, and once you have crossed, you will continue your journey towards Kalkatiyadhar.
The subsequent day will witness our ascent towards the pinnacle of Har Ki Dun, followed by a return to Kalkatiyadhar, covering a distance of 14 kilometers.
Descending to Pauni Garaat the following day, we will rest for the night before heading towards Sankri via Taluka, concluding our unforgettable days of trekking in Uttarakhand.
Spend the night in Sankri, explore the village and its local market, and on the next day, return to Dehradun, bringing an end to the remarkable Har Ki Dun Trek.
Travel Guide to Reach for Har Ki Dun from Major Cities
How to Reach Har Ki Dun from Delhi
Delhi is the primary starting point for most trekkers heading to the Garhwal Himalayas. Since the distance is manageable, you have multiple comfortable options to reach the Himalayan valley expedition base camp. And before you set off, it’s wise to check the complete itinerary of Har Ki Dun to understand your day-to-day stops.
- By Bus (Delhi to Dehradun): This is the most popular mode. You can board an overnight Volvo or Deluxe bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun. The journey takes about 5–6 hours. For a more direct route, some local buses also ply from Dehradun to Purola or Sankri early in the morning (around 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM).
- By Train (Delhi to Dehradun): Several high-speed trains connect New Delhi to Dehradun. The Dehradun Shatabdi Express and the Nanda Devi Express are the best options, taking around 6 hours. From the Dehradun Railway Station, you can easily find shared or private taxis for the 220 km drive to Sankri.
- By Road (Delhi to Dehradun): With the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway fully operational in 2026, the drive to Dehradun has become much faster. You can drive your own vehicle or hire a cab, covering the 450 km total distance to Sankri in about 14–16 hours. We suggest an early morning start from Delhi to reach Dehradun by noon and then proceed further.
- By Air (Delhi to Dehradun): While the flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) is very short (about 45–60 minutes), it is often more practical to take a train or bus due to the airport processing time. However, it remains an option if you prefer flying.
Pro Traveler’s Tip for Delhi Trekkers:
Since the journey from Delhi is quite long—especially the winding mountain stretch beyond Dehradun—it is highly recommended that you check the best months to visit before finalizing your travel dates. This helps you avoid seasonal delays caused by landslides or heavy snow along the route.
Additionally, to ensure your physical preparedness matches the trail’s requirements, be sure to read our guide on the Har Ki Dun trek challenge grade to assess your stamina before heading out.
How to Reach Har Ki Dun from Mumbai
- By Air (Mumbai to Dehradun): Catch a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Jolly Grant Airport (DED). While most flights involve a short layover in Delhi, the total travel time is usually 4–6 hours. Once you land, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab from the airport to reach the Sankri base camp. This 10-hour scenic drive is the final step before you begin your guided Har Ki Dun expedition.
- By Train (Mumbai to Dehradun): Several trains connect Mumbai to Dehradun, with the Dehradun Express being a direct option. However, a faster and more comfortable alternative is to take a high-speed train like the Rajdhani or Duronto Express from Mumbai to New Delhi. From Delhi, you can easily switch to a connecting train like the Shatabdi or Nanda Devi Express to reach the Dehradun Railway Station. Once you arrive in Dehradun, the final leg of your journey to the Sankri base camp involves a scenic 10-hour drive.
- By Road (Mumbai to Sankri): For a cross-country road trip, the drive from Mumbai to Sankri covers approximately 1,900 km via the NH48 corridor, passing through major cities like Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Delhi. This journey typically takes 38-42 driving hours, making it essential to plan your travel over 3 to 4 days with overnight halts to stay fresh for your Har Ki Doon valley adventure. The final leg from Dehradun to Sankri involves navigating winding mountain roads through Purola and Mori, so ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the high-altitude climb to the base camp.
How to Reach Har Ki Dun from Hyderabad
If you are traveling from the “City of Pearls,” here are the most efficient ways to reach the Sankri base camp:
- By Air (Hyderabad to Dehradun): The fastest way is to fly from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) to Dehradun (DED). Most flights have a layover in Delhi, with a total travel time of 5–7 hours. From Dehradun airport, you can hire a cab for the final 10-hour drive to the Har Ki Dun trekking base.
- By Train (Hyderabad to Dehradun): There are no direct trains from Hyderabad to Dehradun. The best option is to take a train like the Telangana Express to New Delhi, and then switch to the Shatabdi or Nanda Devi Express to reach Dehradun Railway Station.
- By Road (Hyderabad to Sankri): A road trip from Hyderabad covers approximately 1,850 km via the NH44. The most efficient route passes through Nagpur, Jhansi, and Gwalior to reach Delhi, then onward to Dehradun and Sankri. This drive takes about 36–40 hours, so we recommend at least 3 overnight halts to ensure your body is well-rested for the trek challenge grade.
Overall, these are the various ways you can reach Sankri for the Har Ki Dun Trek from Hyderabad. Choose the option that suits you best and embark on your memorable trekking adventure.
How to Reach Har Ki Dun from Banglore
Traveling from the “Silicon Valley of India” to the Garhwal Himalayas is a long journey, so choosing the right mode of transport is key to starting your Har Ki Dun trekking journey on a fresh note.
- By Air (Bangalore to Dehradun): This is undoubtedly the fastest and most convenient option. IndiGo operates direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Dehradun (DED), taking approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. Once you land at Jolly Grant Airport, you are just a 10-hour drive away from the Sankri base camp.
- By Train (Bangalore to Dehradun): Since there are no direct trains from Bangalore to Dehradun, the best route is to take a high-speed train like the Rajdhani or Duronto to New Delhi. From Delhi, you can board the Shatabdi or Jan Shatabdi Express for a comfortable 6-hour journey to Dehradun Station.
- By Road (Bangalore to Sankri): A road trip from Bangalore is a massive undertaking, covering approximately 2,371 km via the NH44. This drive takes about 42–45 hours and passes through cities like Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Delhi. Due to the extreme distance and time involved, we strongly recommend flying to save your energy for the trek’s physical demands.
FAQs
The trek typically starts from Sankri, which serves as the base camp for the journey into the Har Ki Dun valley.
Sankri can be reached by a 220 km drive from Dehradun. This drive takes you through picturesque landscapes before you begin your trek.
The Har Ki Dun Trek covers a distance of approximately 53 km, offering trekkers a diverse and scenic route through the Garhwal Himalayas.
Yes, the Har Ki Dun Trek is considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Typically, it takes about 7 days complete the Har Ki Dun Trek, covering around 6 to 7 kilometers per day.
It is recommended to focus on cardio and strength training exercises, especially for the legs, to prepare for the trek. Additionally, spending a day or two acclimatizing at Sankri before starting the trek is advised due to the high altitudes involved.