Winter Trek
HAR-KI-DOON:

This trek visits some remote mountain villages Harkidoon trek is one of the good-looking trek in Garhwal region Alpine forests of bhojpatra, (the famous “paper tree”), juniper, and the stately deodar. The famous Kyarkoti and Harkidoon bugyals (Alpine meadows). Spectacular views of the famous snow capped high Himalalayas - Black peak, Bandar Punchh and Swargrohini etc. Runsiyara Tal mountain lake. Hardy bakriwale (mountain headers) with their flocks of sheep & goats, frequent sightings of families of lithe & lively langoor (like a black-faced monkey) swinging through the tree canopy high above. Chances to see ibex, snow fox, mountain crow & eagles. Seasonal meetings with Gujars (generally Muslim tribal mountain people) famous for their high speed mountain walking & their herds of buffalo. Visits to local picturesque mountain villages.

Area : Uttarakhnad
Duration : 8 Days
Altitude : 3566 mts/11697 ft
Grade : Easy - Moderate
Season : March - June & Sept - Mid Nov


Har-ki-Dun situated at an elevation of 3566 meters is surrounded by glittering peaks and dense forests. The forests are rich in wild life and are a veritable paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers.
This trek provides enjoyment for all age groups as the trek is not too tough, and valley is full of flora and fauna. One can spend tim identifying herbs & shrubs used for Ayurveda. Photography is an activity that will leave an indelible mark on the visitor’s memory, as there are a large variety of birds &and mountains to be clicked. This is a holy place (as the name suggests) Hari – meaning God and Dun meaning Valley and according to the local folklore, where fairies congregate! In our religious scriptures (Granth), it is mentioned that Pandavs went to heaven (Swarg) through this mountain. Duryodhan is worshipped as a God by a few community here, and one can get to see the Duryodhan Temple. Within the valley one can find Trees of Bhojpatra, the rare Bramhakamal, and many varieties of fauna. The area also acts as a base for approaching Swargarohini (alt: 6400.8 metres) Swargarohini and Jaundar Glacier located towards the south-east of Har-ki-dun. Towards west one can see the Bandar Punch mountain.
People depend on farming Rice, Rajma, and Potatoes for their survival here! They construct very beautiful double storied houses using Cider wood rafters, stones and mud, often decorating the doorways with intricate wood carvings- depicting tales from the Mahabharata! One might find many locals sitting around the Hukka pipe usually in the early evenings, as this is a way of the local men to socialize and entertain themselves after a hard day at work! Apart from selling the local produce, tourism is fast becoming a source of livelihood for these hill folk!