Day 1 - Dehradun to Sanskri
The first day begins with a 10-hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You are expected to reach
Dehradun railway station by 6:30 in the morning. To reach on time, you can book an overnight
Bus/Train from Delhi to Dehradun ISBT.
Passing through Mussoorie- the “Queen of the Hills” on to Uttarkashi district, we will cross
Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and Netwar before finally reaching village Sankri- the first stop on the
trek. The road is through picturesque with pine tree forests starting on both sides of a road that
catches up on a parallel to the course of the river Tons. Stopping at a favourable hour, we will
have lunch somewhere by the road at an inn. Reaching Purola, you should get done with
important calls and internet usage because hereafter, the connection will get fuzzy. BSNL is the
only efficient service available in this zone with limited providers.
A short way before Sankri, we will cross the Govind National Park checkpoint and at about 6 in
the evening, the drive will end at Sankri. After freshening up at the guest house, you will get
sufficient time to explore the market close by. Trekking essentials, garments, and equipment are
available at the bazaar in Sankri, in case you need last minute shopping for the venture ahead.
Day 2 - Sankri to Pauni Garaat via Taluka
On day 2, we start on our drive from Sankri to Taluka at 7 in the morning. This short drive through
gradually thickening forests and streams cutting through the path over boulders will introduce us
to the terrain of our trek closely.
Reaching Taluka, another village of the same lineage found on this trek, trekkers will be invited to
collect refreshments before getting started on the hike. The first lapse is a descent to the banks of
the beautiful Tons and keeping the river on the right, the trail enters a level walk through forests
of conifers until reaching the first cemented bridge.
Crossing the stream, the trail leads up to a wooden bridge where a gentle slope goes down to the
waters. Here you can fill your bottle and move ahead. The whole way along the river is ideal for
photo compositions and provides shade too. We approach the rest point for lunch by the Supin
tributary that we crossed before at around 1 in the noon. At a rocky height from the banks of the
rivulet is a food shack, one of the many that we are going to find on our trek to the valley. These
stores are with packaged food and beverage along with delightful hot snacks. In addition to our
packed lunch, this will add a different twang of delight to outdoor meals on the move.
Progressing ahead, harvest fields of potato, millet, and maize will fall on the way giving the whole
stretch a ranch house feel. Pauni Garaat, a green clearing on the banks of Supin at its sprightly
best is arrived at late in the afternoon as the Sun begins to dip—welcome to the first camp!
Day 3 - Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhaar via Osla
Pauni Garaat to Kalkattiyadhar is a distance of 7 km over 6 hours which we start the early
morning at 6. The trail crosses 3 “garaat” or hydroelectricity run chaffing units which are used by
the villagers for separating husks of millet and maize followed by grounding to flour. The idyllic
vibe retained in the surrounding, the trek proceeds through harvest lands, cattle grazing, and
slant-roofed huts used as granary and storages. Right between the forests of cashew nuts and
walnuts lies the serene village Oslo. This village is said to be a preacher of Duryodhana of
Mahabharata. Well, apart from the stories, the village is blissful having 2000 years old Temple
and a few houses. The villagers are welcoming here. After a small chit-chat proceed further on
the ascend.
On this incline, you will get fabulous viewpoints to steal glimpses of the Dhauladhar Range out
front. Snaky trails to Borasu Pass and Baspa Valley can also be made out from here. The high trail
winds further down reaching a tabletop green stretch—Kalkattiyadhar. This is the campsite for
day 2.
Day 4 - Kalkattiyadhar to Har Ki Doon & back to Kalkattiyadhar
Today you will start early as compared to other days. However, mesmerizing the views were until
today, get ready to encounter something more. The trail will go into the glacier basin having
moraines and alpine meadows. Tall pine trees will be greeting you at every step.
The trail is mixed of steep and moderate ascend until the Har Ki Dun valley. Just as you rise high
you can see snow patches and frozen waterfalls. In winter these sections are covered with thick
snow. A valley is a heavenly place displaying immense beauty in one sight. The huge peaks of
Swargarohini, Hata Peak, and Black Peak etc show their marvelling glimpses. The valley is an
amazing amalgamation of meadows, frozen streams, coniferous forests, glacier moraines, and the
backdrop of huge peaks.
Try to engulf everything. After exploring the valley creating memories for a lifetime we return
back to our last campsite at Kalkattiyadhar.
Day 5 - Kalkattiyadhar to Pauni Garaat via Osla
From today the trek is actually the return journey. Today we shall retrace the steps through the
Oslo village to Pauni Garaat. Here's another chance to relive the moments with the peaceful
villagers. Say goodbye to them and the stunning sights around you.
Follow the same trail as of earlier and reach the campsite of Pauni Garaat. Enjoy your last few
moments of nightlife in the mountains.
Day 6 - Pauni Garaat to Sankri via Taluka
A 5-hour trek to Taluka sets off this morning, climbing down by the familiar trail, stopping at
familiar rest points. The car waits at the end of the dirt road to drive back base camp-wards. Pay
special attention to descending tactic. Though climbing down accounts for lesser exhaustion,
stressing out your soles with big steps is inadvisable. Sankri will arrive at the time for tea.
Day 7 - Sankri to Dehradun
The journey concludes with the 10-hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun.
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
