Har Ki Dun is one of the most popular treks in Uttrakhand and I first did this trek in 2014. The trek starts from Taluka village (located in Supin Valley, at an altitude 2091 m), across lush green forests, and through the remote Himalayan villages of Gangaad, Seema and Osla. As the trail weaves through the beautiful countryside, one gets great glimpses of typical life in the Himalayan villages.

In May 2018, I returned to Har Ki Dun after a span of 4 years – a long duration for any place to change. Time however, has stood still in this valley.

Most of the Himalayan villages which are now connected by road have undergone change, switching from traditional houses to concrete structures. In the Supin Valley, the only connecting road is the trail itself, which has preserved the traditional way of life of the villages in this area for good, and one can still enjoy the sights of traditional Himalayan wooden houses. The only change which has hit this valley has been the commercialisation of the Har Ki Dun trek, due to which one can see far more people visiting the area.

The beauty of this valley is that it is accessible in all seasons. In 2014, the entire valley was covered in a white sheet of snow due to late snowfall, while in May 2018, these snow fields had turned to green meadows, portraying a totally contrasting view.

Here are few images from my treks in 2014 and 2018:

Start of Har ki Dun trek from Taluka village; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Wooden bridge ahead of Taluka used by shepherds to cross Supin River; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Gangaad village (2340 m) located above the Supin River; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Kalkatti Dhar, the highest point in Har ki Dun, as seen from Seema village; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Bridge over Supin River, connecting Seema to Osla; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Villagers busy in their daily chores enroute Seema to Osla; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Wild blossoms at Osla village; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Wheat fields at Osla village; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

The Bandarpunch Massif consiting of Kalanag or Black Peak (6387 m), Bandarpunch I (6316 m) and Bandarpunch II (6102 m) seen above Osla village enroute Har ki Dun; Peak Finder app used on photo by Swarjit Samajpati

A high waterfall joining Supin River near the trail to Ruinsara Lake (Base Camp for Black Peak); Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Waterfall at Charota enroute to Har ki Dun; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

View of Juandhar glacier from Har ki Dun Forest Rest House; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Snow-clad peaks seen from Har ki Dun Forest Rest House; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

View of Har Ki Dun from Kalkatti Dhar in 2014; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Fresh snow fall on the peaks in 2014; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Snow covered Har Ki Dun in 2014; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati

Meadows turned into snow fields in 2014; Photo: Swarjit Samajpati