How to Reach Har Ki Dun Valley – Complete Travel Guide 2025

Published on November 08, 2025

Har Ki Dun Valley, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most stunning trekking destinations in the Indian Himalayas. Known for its snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, and ancient villages, it attracts trekkers from across India and abroad. If you’re planning a Har Ki Dun trek from Delhi, this travel guide will help you understand the best routes, transportation options, and travel tips for 2025.

The journey to Har Ki Dun begins with a drive from Delhi to Sankri, which is the base village for the trek. The total distance is around 430 km and takes about 10–11 hours by road. You can either book a seat in a shared cab, take a private taxi, or use a Har Ki Dun package that includes transportation. Most trekkers prefer to travel overnight to Dehradun and continue the next morning toward Sankri.

For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located about 200 km from Sankri. Regular flights connect Dehradun to Delhi, making it easy for travelers to plan a weekend trek. By train, Dehradun and Haridwar are the closest railway stations with good connectivity from major Indian cities.

Once you reach Sankri, your Har Ki Dun trekking tour officially begins. From there, a scenic 6-day route takes you through villages like Taluka, Osla, and Seema before reaching the beautiful Har Ki Dun Valley.

Whether you choose a guided Har Ki Dun Trek From Delhi or a custom travel deal, make sure to plan your route according to weather conditions and season. This ensures a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey through one of Uttarakhand’s most enchanting valleys.

Getting to Har Ki Dun: Overview

Har Ki Dun, known as the Valley of Gods, is one of Uttarakhand’s most scenic trekking destinations. Tucked in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, this ancient valley lies at an altitude of around 11,500 feet (3,500 meters). The journey to reach Har Ki Dun is as memorable as the trek itself — winding roads, pine forests, and mountain villages make the travel part of the adventure.

For trekkers starting their journey from Delhi or Dehradun, Har Ki Dun can be reached through a combination of road travel, short treks, and sometimes rail or flight connections. This detailed guide covers every possible way to get there — by air, rail, and road — along with itinerary ideas, cost tips, and practical advice for smooth travel.

Whether you’re planning a Har Ki Dun trek rom Delhi, booking a Har Ki Dun package, or simply comparing Uttarakhand trekking routes, this blog will help you plan your journey step by step.

By Air: Nearest Airports and Connectivity

The nearest airport to Har Ki Dun is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 200 km from Sankri, the trek’s base village.

Flight Options:

• Daily flights operate between Delhi and Dehradun by IndiGo, Vistara, and Alliance Air.

• Flight duration is approximately 50 minutes.

• On arrival, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to Sankri, which takes about 8–10 hours depending on road conditions.

Approximate Travel Plan:

• Morning Flight: Delhi → Dehradun (50 minutes)

• Afternoon Drive: Dehradun → Sankri (8–9 hours)

• Overnight Stay: Sankri village

• Next Day: Begin your Har Ki Dun trekking tour

Travel Tip:
Book morning flights to Dehradun so you can reach Sankri before evening. If your flight lands after 2 PM, plan to stay overnight in Dehradun and continue the next morning.

 

By Train: Rail Stations Near Har Ki Dun

For those who prefer train journeys, Dehradun Railway Station and Haridwar Railway Station are the two main railheads connecting travelers to Har Ki Dun.

1. From Delhi to Dehradun

• Trains: Nanda Devi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express

• Duration: 6 to 7 hours overnight journey

• Class Options: Sleeper (budget), 3A (comfortable), or 2A for privacy

2. From Delhi to Haridwar

• Trains: Shatabdi Express, Dehradun Express, and others

• Duration: 5–6 hours
  From Haridwar, you can easily get a taxi or local bus to Dehradun (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

Next Step:
From Dehradun, take a shared cab or bus to Sankri — the base for Har Ki Dun.

Travel Tip:
Train journeys are budget-friendly and reliable. If you plan to book Har Ki Dun trek during summer or autumn, secure your train tickets at least two weeks in advance, as seats fill fast during trekking season.

By Road: Routes from Major Cities

Road travel gives you the flexibility to stop, explore, and enjoy the beauty of Uttarakhand. You can reach Sankri, the trek’s starting point, through well-connected highways.

Delhi to Har Ki Dun Route

• Route: Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Sankri

• Total Distance: Approx. 450 km

• Travel Time: 11–12 hours (including meal stops)

Alternative Routes

• Delhi → Rishikesh → Barkot → Purola → Sankri

  • Slightly longer but very scenic

  • Suitable if you plan a short stay at Rishikesh or Mussoorie

Road Conditions:
The roads are mostly in good shape up to Purola. After that, expect narrow mountain roads with occasional sharp bends. During monsoon (July–August), landslides may occur — check weather conditions before travel.

Best Vehicle Options:

• Private Taxi: Comfortable, takes 10–11 hours.

• Self-Drive: Ideal for adventure seekers (SUV recommended).

• Shared Jeep: Available from Dehradun, affordable and reliable.

 

Dehradun to Sankri – Base Camp for Har Ki Dun Trek

Sankri is the base camp for the Har Ki Dun trek, located around 200 km from Dehradun. This small yet vibrant village sits at an altitude of 6,400 feet and serves as the starting point for several treks, including Kedarkantha, Ruinsara Tal, and Bali Pass.

Distance: 200 km
Time: 8–9 hours by road

Common Route:
Dehradun → Mussoorie → Naugaon → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri

Transport Options:

1. Private Cab: ₹5,000–₹6,000 (for full vehicle)

2. Shared Jeep/Taxi: ₹700–₹900 per person (budget-friendly)

3. Bus: Early morning government buses leave from Dehradun ISBT (around 5:30 AM) and reach Sankri by evening.

Where to Stay:
Sankri has several guesthouses, local homestays, and small lodges ideal for trekkers. Most Har Ki Dun packages include one-night accommodation at Sankri before the trek begins.

Local Transport Options from Sankri to Trek Start

From Sankri, your trek begins towards Taluka, which is about 12 km ahead.

• Jeep Ride: You can hire a local jeep from Sankri to Taluka (₹100–₹200 per person).

• Trek Start: The Har Ki Dun trek officially begins from Taluka.

Some trekkers prefer to walk from Sankri to Taluka for acclimatization and to enjoy the riverside scenery. The road passes through deodar forests and small streams — a great way to warm up before the actual climb.

Travel Tip:
Jeep service may not operate during heavy rains or snow, so confirm availability before your travel date.

 

Tips for Booking Transport and Travel Deals

Getting the best Har Ki Dun travel deal requires a little planning. Here are some ways to save money and avoid last-minute hassles:

1. Combine Your Trek and Travel Package:

   • Many companies offer Delhi to Har Ki Dun packages including transport, accommodation, and meals.

   • Booking everything together can save 10–20%.

2. Group Travel:

   • Traveling with friends or joining a group trek reduces shared cab or jeep costs.

3. Book Early:

   • Summer and autumn months (April–June, September–November) are peak seasons.

   • Early booking ensures better seats and lower fares.

4. Flexible Dates:

   • Traveling on weekdays instead of weekends can save on train or bus tickets.

5. Compare Options:

   • Check multiple operators before confirming your Har Ki Dun Package.

   • Read reviews about safety and service quality.

6. Local Travel Agents in Sankri:

   • Some travelers prefer arranging jeeps or guides after reaching Dehradun or Sankri.

   • This can be cheaper, but availability varies during peak season.

Seasonal Travel Considerations for Access

Summer (April–June):

Roads remain open and conditions are excellent. The best time to travel for comfort and sightseeing.

Monsoon (July–August):

Heavy rain may cause landslides, especially near Mori and Netwar. Travel cautiously or postpone plans if weather warnings are issued.

Autumn (September–November):

Perfect for scenic drives and clear mountain views. The roads are dry, making this the safest and most beautiful time for road trips.

Winter (December–March):

Expect snow beyond Purola and Mori. Shared jeeps continue operating, but weather delays are common. If you love winter treks, travel in a guided Har Ki Dun trek group with proper equipment.

 

 Packing and Preparation Before You Leave

A well-planned packing list ensures comfort and safety during the journey and trek.

Clothing

• 2–3 T-shirts (quick-dry)

• 2 full-sleeve shirts

• 2 pairs of trek pants

• 1 fleece or pullover

• 1 down or heavy jacket

• Thermal innerwear (for night temperatures)

Footwear

• Trekking shoes with ankle support

• 2 pairs of wool socks

• 1 pair of lightweight sandals or slippers

Accessories

• Sunglasses, cap, and gloves

• Trekking pole

• Headlamp or torch

• Personal medicine kit

• Power bank and extra batteries

Documents

• Aadhar card or photo ID

• Medical certificate (if required by trek operator)

• Trek permits (organized by most Har Ki Dun packages)

Food and Hydration

• Energy bars, nuts, dry fruits

• Reusable water bottle

• Rehydration salts

Travel Tip:
Avoid overpacking. Keep your bag light but well-equipped for changing mountain conditions.

Practical Advice Before You Travel

1. Check Road Updates: Especially in monsoon and winter months.

2. Carry Cash: ATMs are available only till Purola; Sankri and Osla have limited access.

3. Mobile Network: Works till Sankri, weak beyond that.

4. Book Homestays Early: Sankri gets crowded during trekking season.

5. Respect Local Culture: The valley is home to communities that value tradition and nature deeply.

Conclusion

Reaching Har Ki Dun is a journey that reveals the beauty of Uttarakhand one mile at a time. From Delhi’s urban place to Dehradun’s calm valleys and Sankri’s mountain charm, each step prepares you for the adventure ahead.

Choose your route wisely — fly for comfort, take the train for charm, or drive for freedom. No matter how you arrive, once you set foot on the Har Ki Dun trail, every moment feels worth the effort.

When you’re ready to travel, book your Har Ki Dun trek with a trusted organizer, plan your itinerary carefully, and let the road lead you to one of India’s most timeless Himalayan valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ What’s the nearest airport to Har Ki Dun?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — about 200 km from Sankri (base village).

2️⃣ Can I reach Har Ki Dun directly by car?
You can drive till Sankri; from there, it’s a 6–7 day trek.

3️⃣ What’s the best way to travel from Delhi?
Fly or take a train to Dehradun, then travel by road to Sankri.

4️⃣ Are buses available from Dehradun to Sankri?
Yes, daily government and private buses leave early morning (around 5:30–6 AM).

5️⃣ Is self-driving safe?
Yes, but avoid night drives in hilly sections; roads are narrow after Purola.

6️⃣ How long is the trek from Taluka to Har Ki Dun?
Around 25 km one way, spread across 2–3 days.

7️⃣ Can I find local guides in Sankri?
Yes, many licensed guides and porters are available in Sankri.

8️⃣ What’s the ideal time to visit?
April–June and September–November offer the best conditions.

9️⃣ Are shared taxis available from Dehradun?
Yes, they operate from Dehradun Railway Station and Mussoorie Bus Stand.

???? Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Har Ki Dun trekking tour is moderate and suitable for beginners with basic fitness.