Uttarkashi District, Uttrakhand - Trekking

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Its end of December and planned to celebrate X-Mas in Har Ki Dun Valley, which is situated in the western part of Uttarkashi District at the base of Fateh Parvat of Uttarakhand. Temprature of valley is (-10)°C to (-15)°C in X-Mas. The region is blessed with snowfall during winters, also known as "The hanging Valley of Gods", is a paradise for nature lovers. Overall trek from Taluka is covered in span of 7 days. It is connected to Baspa Valley by Borasu Pass. At Netwar is confluence of Rupin and Supin rivers, the river is baptized, called Tons River. It flows down through the deep gorge that separates Himachal and Uttarakhand. Not a tough trek but has long walks, suitable for seasoned trekkers as well as fit beginners. Impossible to describe the immense beauty of majestic place in words. Trek provides opportunity for good experience of remote village's life. A ravishing panoramic views that cannot matched with other destinations within country. Trek takes you through beautiful meadows, pine forests, rich wild life and views of glittering mountain peaks. Huts and meadows used by shepherds during the summer. Snow clad high mountains, calmly flowing rivers, deep valleys and walking on the narrow path between mountain is the best part of trek. It gives you the magnificent views of famous peaks of Swargarohini, Bandar Poonch, Kala Nag and Har Ki Dun peak itself.

The trek easily accessible at anytime and high altitude terrain are quite interesting here. Trek provides enthusiasm to youngsters to makes trek exciting and easy to climb. The surrounding snow covered peaks, gives an opportunity to meet villagers and appreciate the way of their life as move up the trail. June to October best season. During rest of years, region remains either very cold or wet. Trek offer the glory of majestic landscape, flowing rivers and rising peaks. One of the most enchanting valleys for trekkers. Its mentioned, Pandavs went to heaven through this mountain. Duryodhan is worshipped as a God by a few communities here, and one can get to see the Duryodhan Temple. Villagers constructed beautiful houses with a combo of wooden beams, rafters, stones and mud. Glimpse of valley, surrounded by quiet peaks, which offers spectacular view. Better to avoid the monsoon time for trekking.

“A lone peak of high point is a natural focal point in the landscape, something by which both travelers and local orient themselves. In the continuum of landscape, mountains are discontinuity – culminating in high points, natural barriers, unearthly earth.” –-- Rebecca Solnit

DAY 1: DELHI, DEHRADUN TO TALUKA

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Before Leave should carry minimal asset in bag with sleeping back and tent for trek. Bag tightly packed with woolen clothes, sunglass, Trek shoe, sun screen and water bottle. Take Public Transport from Delhi ISBT at 8 pm. We reach Dehradun Bus stand early morning and collect tick from Ticket Counter for Purola. Initially the twisting road going into the Yamuna valley via Mussoorie, after we continue along the river to Barkot, Nainbagh, Nowgaon, than at noon reached Purola market. We take Shared Jeep from Purola and continue to Mori, Netwar, Sankri to Taluka. Its takes 10 hours for 240 Km on the National Highway 123 long drive from Dehradun to Taluka and last 40 km stretch time can be a little longer because some areas of the roads are very bumpy and rough. Drive to Taluka is most picturesque drives. You can find many people using Hukka for smoking. We arrange accommodation in Forest guest House at Taluka and enjoy the first view of the gigantic mountain ranges of Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana standing out proudly showcasing their beauty. Sankri is the last village connected to the Public Transport Bus road. Further you can go by Jeep/taxi by bumpy road to Taluka Village. Taluka is the first destination of your eight day trek, lies at the foothills of Himalaya.

DAY 2 – TALUKA TO SEEMA

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First day trek start from Taluka and cover a distance of 14 kms to reach Seema. We will follow the same routine of morning stretching, morning tea and breakfast. The trail from Taluka village initially descends and then continues gradually on the true left of the valley adjoining the river Rupin and it's a delightful walk beside it. You could either opt for the steep climb of Dhaatmeer village, or just trek along the Karmanasha stream. Both the routes meet at Gangaar village and spend some time to explore the nearby area. Ample amount of water and food are required to be consumed else it may dehydration. Later trail winds upwards through beautiful forest and continues to the Gangar village. Seema has guest houses built by GMVN as well as Forest Guest House available, while Osla is a beautiful village where you can easily find a homestay. However the camping sites also better in OSLA, across the river. There is a unique temple of Duryodhan of Mahabharatha in Osla village.

DAY 3 - SEEMA TO HAR KI DOON

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The trail from Seema initially continues on the true left of the valley, goes past fields followed by crossing a hanging bridge over Rupin river, to the true right of the valley. The day starts with the steep ascending climb trail towards Osla via Datmeer from Seema Guest House. The trek passes through terraced mountain fields, brown grassland. The attractions of Har Ki Dun Trek is beautiful scenery with the glistening snow clad Swargarohini Peak, which is famous in Hindu legend, being 'the gateway to heaven'. The ambiance gives pleasant combination to enjoy your journey. After reaching, you enjoy the exotic book reading session can relax in the camp and rest can trek up to Jaundhar Glacier which is around 4 Kms. Camping in Valley for stay, The huge and picturesque valley is flanked by massive mountains peaks, and the valley floor covered in fresh snow. After completing this part, move towards the most prominent scenic view upside to reach Har Ki Doon. After reached destination, enjoying atmosphere with amazing experience will make you happy.

DAY 4: HAR KI DOON TO SEEMA

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After breakfast and some cherishing moment, you will be travel back. Uttarakhand treks always please the eyes. Offer excitement and challenges during winter trek, view of majestic valley, peaceful mountains and breathtaking view. Today will be the easy part but going downhill is always a tricky one, we’ll trek back by the same landscape route. The trek back to Osla is an easy walk which gives a opportunity to admire the beauty of the valley and the villages. Trek make you happy while enjoying the pleasant trek and view of sunset, birds chirping and snowy mountains. If you are lucky in this trek, you may encounter with the rich wild life of Himalayas like barking deer, Blue Sheep, Bear or Leopard too. It is very gigantic to describe feeling of this trek an experience which is unforgettable and best part of lovely memories. The trail is a bit steep along the way, and many brown fields with some rare and unique flowers which offer pleasing ambiance.

DAY 5: SEEMA, TALUKA TO SANKRI

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From Seema get ready and mentally prepared to reach Sankri which is going to be the final destination for the day. Along trek, you can feel lucky to view one of the most beautiful sunset. After breakfast we will start trek to Taluka. A view of lush, brown landscape and you will spot horses/cows grazing in meadows. Be ready to trek down from Seema Village to Sankri in one go, though it will be a long but not that tiring as the entire route is downhill. The trek is rewarding through open meadows and views of snowcapped peaks. The trail takes you back in time. The cradle shaped valley is populated with ancient villages over 3,000 years and get intimate look into lives of villagers as they pass you. We will board our booked Jeep from Taluka for Sankri. This is the end of your trek as tomorrow you will be heading to Sankri, Dehradun to Delhi by public transport.

DAY 6: SANKRI, DEHRADUN TO DELHI

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Today, last day of the trip is the departure day, we need to travel back to Dehradun. In the morning after breakfast Board the Bus and start driving towards Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Time to say goodbye to the fellow trekkers when reached Dehradun Bus Stand take Bus for overnight journey, and reach Delhi early morning at 5 am and head towards your destinations to lead the normal life back again.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Sankri, which is situated at a distance of 230kms. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Purola and Mori. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun

BY TRAIN : The nearest railway station to Sankri is at Dehradun, Take the overnight train, which is situated 215kms away. Sankri is well connected with major destinations of Garhwal like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Purola and Mori.

BY ROAD : Take the overnight Bus, Dehradun easily connected from all parts of the country. Sankri is well connected with major destinations of Garhwal like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Purola and Mori.

WHAT ARE THE RISK INVOLVED ?

Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS): Shortness breath, Mild headache & Tiredness are some common in high altitude trek. Risk of being hit by AMS is considerably low but you are advised to be on a course of Diamox. In case of any medical emergencies, there are easy exit points on this trek, means evacuation will generally not take more than 24 hours.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TREK

Prepration: Fight again sub-zero temperatures, carry multi layers throughout winter trek and practice carrying packed backpack to comfortable with it. Carrying dry fruits will help on trek since they provide instant energy. The ascent-descent during the trek demands level of fitness. Begin your fitness preparation, jogging 5 Km in 30 minute before One month or two before start the trek, stretching exercises for flexibility are important so you don’t get cramps in trek.