5 Highlights Of Uttarakhand's Baraadsar Lake Trek
While the entire world is focused on popular but crowded treks like Roopkund, Har ki Dun, and Kedarkantha in Uttarakhand, there is a silent yet ethereal trek waiting to be explored.
This, ladies and gentleman, is the divine Baraadsar Lake Trek.
Nestled between the scenic Rupin and Supin Valleys of Uttarakhand’s Western Garhwal region, the Baraadsar Lake lies in the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Being an extremely offbeat and pristine trek, Baraadsar Lake at an altitude of 4400M emerges with high ridges converging from all sides.
A sight to behold, the Baraadsar Lake is unlike any other trek you have done in your life with the ultimate reward gained through acres of picturesque meadows, endless ridge walk, panoramic views of Sankri and Kinnaur ranges, spellbinding campsites, a thrilling summit push and the mystical lake itself.
Here we emphasize on what this unbeatable trek has to offer.
1. CAMPSITES
The Baraadsar Lake trek has some of the most epic campsites ever. Right from the start to the finish, the campsites are not only diversely gifted but they also evolve in terms of views and beauty.
Vast meadows of Barthatra Thatch
The campsite of Barthatch is a sudden surge of meadows as you leave the forest section to enter this mesmerizing wavy expanse. The campsite has multiple levels of meadows stacked at different heights which is one better than the other providing the perfect solace to retire to for the night. With spectacular views of surrounding mountains playing hide and seek as the clouds hover and the Supin river meandering from distant passes makes you want to embrace everything this campsite so quaintly offers.
Glorious views of Swargarohini and Kalanag Peaks from Dhaldhar Campsite
The Dhaldhar Bugyal campsite, following Barthatch is one of kind. Reason being, this grassy pasture is located right at the edge of a ridge separating the Rupin and Supin valley. With imposing mountain views of Swargarohini, Bandarponch, and Kalanag to the East and the Kinnaur range of Himachal to the West, the Dhaldhar campsite marks the beginning on what is going to be a spectacular ridge walk for the next three days. This, most certainly, will get you pumped up.
The flower-laden campsite of Devbasa with the Baraadsar Summit in sight
Devbasa, simply put the campsite with the ultimate experience. Located at the bottom of one ridge which is also where another ridge originates, the Devbasa campsite gives you front seat views of the Baraadsar Summit and other peaks next to it with tiny glaciers hanging down from these cliffs. Having several vantage points with unmatched views of the surrounding vistas, this flower laden rocky pasture is awe-inspiring, to say the least.
2. THE EXPERIENCE OF TREKKING OVER A RIDGE
Majority of Himalayan treks are valley treks where the idea of not knowing what the views are from the top is a bother even though you spend time walking through forests, rivers, and meadows.
This is where the Baraadsar Lake Trek steals the crown. From day two itself, one will have the unique pleasure and experience to walk on a ridge separating two valleys thus taking you to the lake over the next three days. The ridge walk is sensational and at times feels never-ending, but this is good. Why?
A thrilling ridge walk right till the end
Because, you will be presented with the timeless beauty of staggering peaks, passes, winding rivers, forests, meadows that extend as far as possible. And the best part being, these views are on either side. So, there are panoramic views of unparalleled vistas throughout the trek.
Stop. Wait. Look. Process. Smile.
When one ridge ends, another one starts, so on so forth, the campsites are located along or at the bottom of a ridge as well, eventually leading you to the summit known as the Baraadsar summit to take you to the Baraadsar Lake, which once again is a lake where multiple ridges converge.
Jaw-dropping views throughout the trek
How often do you get a chance to experience an inexhaustible ridge walk with constant change in scenery and landscapes that surpass the beauty and essence of any other trek while making the Baraadsar Lake Trek eccentric and distinctive?
3. BARAADSAR SUMMIT
The Baraadsar Lake proceeds over the Baraadsar summit which is another unique feature of this summit. At an altitude of about 15,100 ft, the Baraadsar top from afar looks like a pass or a gully or like a summit. It shares the characteristics of all the above mentioned topographical forms so the chance of traversing this special trait will be extremely rewarding, challenging as well but also thrilling. The Baraadsar Summit has what resembles to be a bit of a Col and a Shoulder, typical to summits. So these attributes require significant physical preparation from the trekkers and the chance of traversing what seems to be an amazing experience.
Crossing the Glacier to reach the Baraadsar Summit
The summit push takes you through a winding trail with a steep ascent over a ridge along with several snow slides and small glaciers. The summit point gives you magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarponch, Kalanag, Kedarkantha, Hata Peak, and several other prominent peaks of the Sankri and Kinnaur ranges.
The trail leading to the Baraadsar Summit from the Devbasa campsite
4. THE LAKE THAT SHARES THE BORDERS OF UTTARAKHAND AND HIMACHAL
At an altitude of 14,450 ft, the Baraadsar Lake is one of the lesser known Himalayan Lakes that has kept itself hidden from the radar of trekkers and adventurists. This high altitude alpine lake is sacred to the local communities of Sankri because of its supposed healing powers.
Set right at the border of the two states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the lake is accessible only by crossing over the Baraadsar Summit. The lake is cauldron shaped which is formed by the snow melting from the surrounding peaks forming a settlement on the surface with several high ridges intersecting at the lake.
The Baraadsar Lake completely frozen in the pre-monsoon months
However, the river stays completely frozen in the pre-monsoon months of May and June. But, in the post-monsoon season, the lake is aquamarine blue with a perfect setting to make it look out-worldly.
5. FOOT TRAFFIC
Imagine while on the trek you see another group of trekkers walking past you or setting up tents in the campsite along with you. It is understandable to be greedy by wanting to have the entire trail and the campsites all for yourself and wouldn’t want to share with any other group. Such is the charm of any trek since it makes you feel special. And rightly so, you deserve to feel this way on treks. Be the only one or the only group on the trail and having it all for yourself.
This is where the Baraadsar Lake trek wins over you. A trail, so pristine and offbeat that you will not stumble into any other group. With zero foot traffic, the charm of this trek increases by a thousandfold and makes you have the whole world to yourself. This attribute also helps preserve the bio-diversity and the purity of the trail making it significantly extravagant.
The Baraadsar Lake Trek is Yours Only
The Baraadsar Lake Trek has two distinct seasons depending on the type of landscape you prefer to trek on. The pre-monsoon months of May and June will have significant snow at higher altitudes especially at the later section of the trail making the traverse to the lake across the summit a tough one with ample amount of challenges which requires technical procedures like roping-up and rock climbing. However, the post-monsoon months of September and October give a completely different setting with luxuriant meadows and flowers coming to life. As the snow melts there are plenty of streams and rivers meandering down the various ridges and cliffs we see on the trail. This season makes the trek less technical with negligible snow presence even at the highest point.
Lately, due to the increase in demand and popularity of the usual Himalayan treks, people have been opting for offbeat and rarely frequented treks such as the Baraadsar Lake Trek to get a glimpse of the hidden Himalayan world per se. This trek is perfect for those looking for something different that hasn’t been tainted by the growing public clamor.
The Baraadsar Lake Trek is a whole new world altogether, letting you realize that there are treasures in this world waiting to be explored and rejoiced.
The Baraadsar Lake of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh is perfected perfection. Period.
