The Har Ki Dun trek, located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, provides an exciting journey with cultural importance and beautiful scenery. The round trip covers 50 km, taking about 2-3 days to reach the valley and another 2 days to return. The trek has a long history since 1937 when Jack Gibson and Tenzing Norgay explored the area, discovering its plants, animals, and the Garhwali culture.
Har Ki Dun means "Valley of Gods" or "The Sound of Shiva." The valley celebrates an annual festival to welcome Lord Someshwara with drumbeats. According to legend, a Dhaki disappeared in the valley, and during the festival, people sometimes hear distant drum sounds.
The trek starts from Sankri village, passing through Taluka, Gangad, and Osla villages. Camping in meadows was banned in 2018, but the trek offers beautiful views of snowy peaks and green meadows. From Har Ki Dun Valley, you can see the North Face of Swargarohini I peak, although it remains unclimbed. Marinda Tal, created by a big boulder, is an hour's trek from Har Ki Dun. The trek also gives insights into the Hata Valley and nearby passes like Bali Pass, Fachu Kandi, Dhumdhar Kandi, Rupin Pass, and Borasu Pass. Har Ki Dun showcases the beauty of nature, cultural heritage, and the charm of the Himalayas.