Most of the trekking spots of Uttarakhand are located in the Garhwal region. One such wonderful spot is Har Ki Doon. Har Ki Doon is blessed with the essence of divinity. What makes it unique is its shape which is in the form of a cradle. The region is surrounded by high-altitude meadows called ‘Bugyals’.
Where is Har Ki Doon located?
Basically, Har Ki Doon is a valley situated at the height of 11700 feet surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan mountains in Garhwal. It also gets connected to Baspa valley through the Borasu Pass.
Journey
The route taken from Dehradun to Sankri will be via Chakrata. So, trekkers will also get an exciting road trip. They will get to see the majestic Tigers Falls located in the interiors of Chaktra. The massive waterfall is a hidden gem. An ancient temple Lakhmandal is also situated on the way to Sankri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of hilly terrains. The journey to this wonderland starts from Sankri village. Sankri is also the starting point of many treks. This village is approximately 210 Km away from Dehradun. This small village in the Uttarkashi district is abundant with greenery all around. The beauty that trekkers basically are in search of during their journey, they get to see right from this place. As the trekkers head towards the other points, they get to see beautiful Himalayan forests, with rich vegetation (if trekking during summers). The forested area with lots of Maple and Pine trees forming the avenue, making a path that seems to be designed by nature. The next stoppage is a place called Taluka. This small hamlet Taluka flaunts its uniformly constructed stoned houses. The locals are very welcoming and informative. The ‘kutcha’ trails from Taluka lead to another place called Cheludgar and from there to Simatra and finally the path unfolding to the destination, Har Ki Doon. Once you reach Har Ki Doon is the spot where you can see as well as, feel the beauty of the Himalayas. Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black peak are the peaks that can be seen from Har Ki Doon. The valley blooms with verdant vegetation during summers and is completely covered in snow in winters. During this adventurous trek, trekkers will not only get to view natural beauty but also some animals like Himalayan Langoors jumping from one branch to another. There are chances to get a glimpse of wild boars, martens, and hares. While returning the Osla village on the way will offer ethereal Himalayan skyline that often trekkers crave for. The trek is moderate and can be easily completed in 7 days with a lifetime experience.
Mythological tale
Uttarakhand is also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or ‘Land of God’, and it is said that Gods and Goddesses liked to live on mountains. Hence, there is a mythological fable behind Har Ki Doon, particularly related to the period of Mahabharata. It is said that Har Ki Doon is the path adopted by the eldest Pandava-Yudhishtira on his way to ‘Swarga’ or heaven. With spiritual eyes, one can surely see that Har Ki Doon is indeed a staircase to heaven.