Har Ki Dun – Ruinsara Trek – UTTARAKHAND

The Har Ki Dun – Ruinsara Valley Trek combines ancient Himalayan villages, riverside trails, alpine meadows, and the glacial lake of Ruinsara. Known as the “Valley of the Gods”

UTTARAKHAND TREKS

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Har Ki Dun Trek Guide | Himtrip
Har Ki Dun Trek Guide | Himtrip

🌄 HAR KI DUN – RUINSARA TREK – UTTARAKHAND

Region: Sankri → Osla → Har Ki Dun → Ruinsara Tal → Devsu Thatch → Taluka

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Max Altitude: ~3,650m

Price From: ₹12,500

Short Overview

The Har Ki Dun – Ruinsara Valley Trek combines ancient Himalayan villages, riverside trails, alpine meadows, and the glacial lake of Ruinsara. Known as the “Valley of the Gods”, Har Ki Dun offers majestic views of Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Hata Peak. This extended version via Ruinsara is more scenic and significantly more rewarding than the classic Har Ki Dun route.

Perfect for trekkers who want a moderately challenging, culturally rich Himalayan trek without technical difficulty.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate

Ideal for trekkers with basic fitness.

Trail Type

  • Forest trails

  • Riverside walk along the Supin River

  • Meadows & alpine valleys

  • Ancient wooden villages

  • Gentle but long walking days

Daily Distance

  • 6–12 km per day

Fitness Needed

  • Comfortable walking 5–7 hours/day

  • Basic endurance

  • Good for fit beginners

Who Should Avoid

  • People with knee issues

  • Those expecting an easy, very short trek

2. Day-Wise Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun → Sankri (Drive)

  • 7–8 hr scenic mountain drive via Mussoorie & Purola

  • Stay in guesthouse/homestay

  • Trek briefing + rest

Day 2: Sankri → Taluka (Drive) → Cheludgad / Osla (Trek)

  • 1-hour jeep ride to Taluka

  • Trek along the Supin River

  • Cross wooden bridges, walk through thick forests

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

  • Stay near Osla village (famous for its ancient wooden temple)

Day 3: Osla → Har Ki Dun Valley

  • Gradual ascent through scenic meadows

  • Valley opens with grand views of Swargarohini

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

  • Campsite surrounded by snow peaks

Day 4: Har Ki Dun Exploration Day

Options:
1. Maninda Tal – Alpine lake with meadows

2. Jaundar Glacier Viewpoint – Closer view of Swargarohini glacier

This is your acclimatization day.

Day 5: Har Ki Dun → Ruinsara Tal

  • Descend to valley forests

  • Gradually ascend to Ruinsara Tal, a stunning alpine lake

  • Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs

Day 6: Ruinsara → Devsu Thatch → Gangad

  • Devsu Thatch offers the best panoramic valley views

  • Easy descent to Gangad

  • Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs

Day 7: Gangad → Taluka → Sankri → Dehradun

  • Final forest walk to Taluka

  • Drive back to Sankri

  • Continue onward to Dehradun

  • Trek ends

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Tents, sleeping bags, mats

  • All meals during trek

  • Certified trek leader + support crew

  • Forest permits & entry fees

  • First-aid + safety equipment

Exclusions

  • Transport to/from Sankri

  • Gear rental

  • Porter/mule charges

  • Any personal expenses

4. How to Reach

Base Hub: Dehradun

Route:

Dehradun → Sankri → Taluka → Osla → Har Ki Dun → Ruinsara → Devsu Thatch → Taluka → Dehradun

Transport Options

  • Private taxi

  • Shared cabs from Dehradun (seasonal)

  • Overnight buses to Sankri (limited)

5. Stay & Food

Stay

  • Sankri: Guesthouse

  • Trek Nights: Tented accommodation

Food

  • Hot veg meals

  • Soups, snacks, tea

  • Packed lunches for long days

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

  • No technical terrain

  • Snow present in early season

  • Guides monitor AMS symptoms

  • River crossings are manageable

Weather

  • Apr–Jun: Spring meadows, moderate temperature

  • Sep–Nov: Crystal-clear views, colder nights

7. Best Time to Visit

  • April–June

  • September–November

Avoid monsoon for safety reasons.

8. Packing List

Mandatory

  • Trekking shoes

  • Warm layers + down/padded jacket

  • Rain protection

  • Trekking pole

  • Headlamp

  • Water bottles

Optional

  • Power bank

  • Gaiters

  • Camera

9. FAQs

Q. Is this trek beginner friendly?
Yes — for fit beginners with some walking experience.

Q. What makes this version better than classic Har Ki Dun?
Addition of Ruinsara Tal + Devsu Thatch makes it far more scenic.

Q. Are there network signals?
No network after Sankri.

Q. Can children join?
Yes, if they can walk long distances.

Experience a mix of Himalayan culture, forests, and alpine beauty.