Itinerary
We begin at Sankri a few kilometers inside the Govind National Park. Through the coniferous forests of the National Park we will reach the village of Seema. On Day 3, we will camp right in front of a waterfall at Roiltia. From Roiltia, we will trek to the sacred Ruinsara Lake where we will spend 2 nights. On Day 6, we ascend to Godari and the next day we scale the Bali Pass and descend to the village of Upper Dhamni. On Day 8, we reach Yamunotri and trek further onwards to Hanuman Chatti. The next day we drive back to Dehradun.
Altitude gain is mentioned in metres (m).
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (210 km)*
A 7 hr drive through Mussoorie and picture-perfect villages cradled in the mountainside will bring us to the lovely village of Sankri. After crossing Netwar, we enter the Govind National Park and the final 20 km of the drive is through one of the most scenic parts of the region. Dense forests of pine and deodar lend the route a touch of mystery. Overnight in guest houses at Sankri.
*Drive to Sankri is not included in the cost. Can be arranged at additional costs.
Day 2: Trek to Seema via Taluka
Trekking Distance: 26 km; Altitude Gain: 640 m
A delightful walk through mixed forests bring us to the village of Taluka, from where we take the trail along the left bank of the river and continue through old forests, apple orchards and fields at Seema. You can stop at any of the tiny tea stalls along the way for some refreshments. Overnight in tents at Seema.
Day 3: Trek to Roiltia/Waterfall Camp (4 km)
Trekking Distance: 4 km; Altitude Gain: 340 m
We start walking along the right bank of the Tons River. A gradual ascent through fields brings us high above the confluence of the Tons and Ruinsara. The views along the way are gorgeous. We walk over the lush Devsu Bugyal to reach Roiltia, a charming village sandwiched between Osla & Puoni and a beautiful waterfall. We camp close to this waterfall tonight.
Day 4: Trek to Ruinsara Lake (9 km)
Trekking Distance: 9 km; Altitude Gain: 450 m
Today we will ascend further up in the mountains to the Ruinsara Valley. The pine and fir forests become thinner as you go higher and birch and rhododendrons take their place. Our destination is the Ruinsara Lake, a clear lake laced by lovely flowering rhododendrons. The locals consider it sacred. Straight ahead in the valley, you can see the majestic Kalanag Peak (6387 m) sparkling in the afternoon sun. Overnight in tents by the lake.
Day 5: Exploring Ruinsara
This is mostly an acclimatization and rest day. We will take short hikes around the lake and explore nearby glaciers and valleys. We will also trek to Kyarkoti, the base camp for Kalanag and the Dumdar Kandi pass and return by evening. Overnight in tents.
Day 6: Trek to Godari (4 km), 750 m
Trekking Distance: 4 km; Altitude Gain: 750 m
We will ascend to 4100 m today and camp below the pass along a glacial moraine. The location offers spectacular views- below you is the valley, and behind you the mighty pass. Overnight in tents.
Day 7: Bali Pass & onwards to Upper Dhamni (15 km)
Trekking Distance: 15 km; Altitude Gain: 700 m
We start very early and take the steep incline along the southern ridge to Bali Pass (4800 m). Enroute you will come across a lot of glacial screes. We'll aim to be atop the pass by 8 am. In the soft light of the sun, the surrounding peaks attain a shimmering, magical glow. Clear views of the Pangarchulla Peak can be had from here. The descent brings us in to the alpine zone again, and we camp in the village of Upper Dhamni. Overnight in tents.
Day 8: Trek to Hanuman Chatti via Yamunotri (15 km)
Trekking Distance: 15 km
A gradual descent through forests brings us to the temple town of Yamunotri today. After a quick visit to the shrine, we continue down along the pilgrim trail to Hanuman Chatti (13 km). A number of spectacular waterfalls dot the way. Overnight in guest houses at Hanuman Chatti.
Day 9: Departure
Today is the last day of the trek. We will drive onwards to Dehradun.
*Drive to Dehradun is not included in the cost.
