Day 1- 2: Trek from Taluka to Gangaad |Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Tal Trek April 2022 | Indiahikes

Day 2: Kotgaon to Gangaad via Taluka
Altitude: 6,455 ft (1,967 m) to 8,160 ft (2,487 m) via 6,916 ft (2,108 m)
Time took: 5-6 hours. 12 km drive to Taluka + 10 km trek to Gangaad
Trek gradient: Flat gradient for first 3 km. After Beeda ka Thatch is a gradual ascent and Descent all through the trail.
Water sources: You can refill your water bottles in the river along the trail.
There is a four-wheel-drive road that connects Kotgaon with Taluka.
If you’re trekking on your own, you can either hire a jeep (locally) for this, subject to the condition of the road, or walk taluka. This is a landslide-prone route and is often closed during the monsoons. The trail to Taluka is almost level, going through 10-11 mountain bends. On the way, there are three big streams, almost submerging sections of the road in water. The hike is scenic, going past a series of wild roses and irises and bamboo, chestnut, and cedar (deodar) trees. Just 2 km before Taluka, there is a campsite beside a stream. You can camp here if there isn’t enough time to go to Puani Garaat i.e if you’re hiking from Kotgaon. There is also a GMVN Guesthouse at Taluka for accommodation. The Dhaba food is very basic.
Trekkers with Indiahikes drive from Kotgaon to Taluka (12 km, 1 hour). Taluka is a small village with concrete houses. This is quite a contrast to the architecture in neighboring villages like Kotgaon, Osla, and Gangaad, which are close to 300 years old. We start the trek towards Bhida Ka Thach from Taluka.
Next to the forest guest house, the trail descends to the river valley of Thamsa and continues through a series of forests, while the river remains on your right. This shepherds’ trail goes along the river on a level walk. Around 10 minutes into the hike, spot the first cemented bridge over a small stream. Another 15 minutes of level walk will have you reach another bridge, this time, a wooden one. These two spots are conducive to fill up drinking water.
From here, walk uphill for 15 minutes till you see a small clearing next to the river. You can set up an emergency camp here if need be.
Another 10-15 minutes later, you’ll come across a spot where you can climb down to a tributary of River Thamsa. Look for a wooden bridge to cross this river, which is just below Datmir village. After crossing the tributary, you’ll reach a camping ground in a couple of minutes. From here, facing the inner part of the valley, locate two trails, one moving upwards and another going straight ahead. Take the second route straight ahead.

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Very good memories with Dk and sahil while doing HKD