Har Ki Dun Trek Distance – A Complete Guide for Trekkers

The Har Ki Dun trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich treks in the Indian Himalayas. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, moderate difficulty, and remote mountain village life. If you’re planning to visit this heavenly valley, understanding the Har Ki Dun trek distance and trail layout is essential for good preparation and a safe, enjoyable journey.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the distance of the Har Ki Dun trek, including route breakdown, terrain, elevation, travel time, and what to expect on each part of the journey.

Where Is Har Ki Dun Located?

Har Ki Dun, often referred to as the “Valley of Gods,” is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It lies within the Govind Ballabh Pant National Park, an area rich in flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

The valley opens up to breathtaking views of mountain peaks like Swargarohini, Hata Peak, and Black Peak (Kala Nag). The region is also home to charming Himalayan villages, ancient temples, and lush alpine meadows.

The Har Ki Dun trek takes you deep into this scenic valley, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Total Trekking Distance of Har Ki Dun

The total trekking distance of the Har Ki Dun trek is approximately 34 kilometers round trip, which means you will be covering 17 kilometers one way from Taluka (starting point of the trek) to Har Ki Dun Valley.

This distance is spread over 4 to 5 trekking days, making it suitable even for beginners with basic fitness.

Distance Overview (Trek Portion Only)

Segment Distance

Taluka to Seema/Osla 10 km

Seema/Osla to Har Ki Dun 7 km

Har Ki Dun to Seema 7 km

Seema to Taluka 10 km

Total (Round Trip) 34 km

Note: The distance from Sankri to Taluka (12 km) is usually done by jeep ride, as it's a bumpy motorable road.

Day-Wise Itinerary and Distance Breakdown

Let’s now look at a standard itinerary and how the total distance of 34 km is covered day by day.

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Drive)

• Distance: 200 km (by road)
• Duration: 9–10 hours

This scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri passes through Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori. You’ll follow the Yamuna and Tons Rivers as you ascend toward Sankri, a small village and base camp for several treks in Uttarakhand.

This day doesn’t involve trekking, but it’s a long journey and a good day to rest and acclimatize.

Day 2: Sankri to Taluka (Drive), Trek to Seema or Osla

• Drive Distance: 12 km (Sankri to Taluka)
• Trek Distance: 10 km

From Sankri, a rough jeep road takes you to Taluka. From here, the real trek begins. You’ll walk through beautiful forests of pine and deodar, with the Supin River flowing beside you. Wooden bridges and small waterfalls dot the trail. After around 10 km, you’ll reach either Seema or the nearby village of Osla, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3: Seema/Osla to Har Ki Dun

• Trek Distance: 7 km

This part of the trail is absolutely stunning. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens up to reveal terraced fields, wildflowers, and distant snow-capped peaks. You will cross ridges, walk alongside glaciers, and pass shepherd huts before reaching the Har Ki Dun valley.

The final few kilometers can be a bit tiring due to the gradual climb and thinner air, but the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

Day 4: Explore Har Ki Dun Valley (Optional Hike)

• Optional Distance: 3–5 km (depends on your route)

This day is for rest and exploration. You can walk further towards Maninda Tal, visit nearby viewpoints, or trek partway toward Jaundhar Glacier. While optional, many trekkers take a short hike to enjoy the high-altitude scenery.

Day 5: Har Ki Dun to Seema/Osla

• Trek Distance: 7 km

You’ll retrace your steps, walking downhill through the same beautiful trail. Going down is easier, but you still need to be careful on rocky or slippery parts.

Day 6: Seema/Osla to Taluka, Drive to Sankri

• Trek Distance: 10 km
• Drive Distance: 12 km

This marks the final leg of the trek. After reaching Taluka, a jeep will take you back to Sankri. You can either stay here overnight or continue your journey the next morning.

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun (Drive)

• Distance: 200 km

This ends your Har Ki Dun journey. Most trekkers reach Dehradun by late evening.

Altitude Profile

Location Altitude

Sankri 1,950 m

Taluka 2,100 m

Seema/Osla~ 2,600 m

Har Ki Dun 3,566 m

The trail has a gradual altitude gain, making it safer and easier to acclimatize.

How Difficult Is the Har Ki Dun Trek?

The Har Ki Dun trek is considered easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. The 34 km distance is well distributed over multiple days, and the gradual incline makes it suitable even for first-time trekkers.

That said, good preparation always helps. Practice walking long distances, stay active, and carry a light backpack. Mental endurance is just as important as physical fitness.

Why Choose Har Ki Dun?

Here’s why this 34 km trek is worth every step:

• Diverse scenery – Forests, rivers, snow peaks, and meadows
• Cultural immersion – Ancient villages like Osla still follow traditional customs
• Peaceful route – Less crowded than popular treks like Kedarkantha
• Wildlife spotting – You may see Himalayan monals, langurs, and deer
• Historical legends – Linked to the Mahabharata; Pandavas are said to have passed through here

Best Time to Visit Har Ki Dun

Summer (April to June):

• Clear trails, blooming flowers, and pleasant temperatures.

Autumn (September to November):

• Clear skies, vibrant landscapes, and stunning post-monsoon greenery.

Winter (December to March):

• Snow-covered trails and frozen rivers. Requires snow trekking gear and experience.

Avoid the monsoon season (July–August) due to high rainfall, leeches, and landslides.

What to Pack for the Trek

Since you’ll walk 34 km across multiple days, packing right is key:

• Trekking shoes with good grip
• Layered clothing (thermal, fleece, waterproof jacket)
• Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Water bottle and purification tablets
• First-aid kit with basic medicines
• Snacks (dry fruits, energy bars)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Lightweight backpack (40–50L)

Final Thoughts

To summarize:

• Total Har Ki Dun Trek Distance: ~34 km (round trip)
• Ideal for: Beginners and nature lovers
• Duration: 6–8 days (including travel)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Highlights: Mountains, meadows, rivers, villages, and legends

The Har Ki Dun trek is not just about the distance it’s about the experience. With every step along the 34 km trail, you’ll find peace, beauty, and a connection with the mountains that’s hard to put into words.