Best Treks From Sankri
One of the major highlights of any Himalayan Trek is its base camp. The tranquility of a base camp is what sets the mood and gets your adrenaline pumping for the trek that you are looking forward to. These base camps are tucked between towering mountains and valleys with the sound of the nearby gushing river that uplifts your mood and creates the perfect setting.
Such is the beauty of one particular hamlet in the Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, Sankri.
Sankri is tucked in the high hills of Uttarakhand and is the gateway to the sensational Govind Pashu National Park, one of India’s many biodiversity hotspots. Often rendered as one of the most beautiful villages in India, Sankri serves as a base camp to some of the best Himalayan treks ranging from easy to difficult.
Sankri is at a distance of 200 km from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand and it takes around 7-10 hours to reach Sankri from Dehradun by road depending on the mode of transportation.
With no cellphone reception and the fact that the village was electrified only during 2007, Sankri is as raw as it can get. Thousands of avid trekkers and nature admirers flock to Sankri every year to explore the charm and repose of what this pretty hamlet has to offer.
From day hikes to nearby forests, villages, lakes, and waterfalls to some of India’s most pristine treks and challenging mountain expeditions, Sankri has a wide range of treks to choose from.
1) Baraadsar Lake Trek
Baraadsar Lake Trek is one of the most offbeat trails in the Sankri Range of Uttarakhand. The trek involves a continuous ridge walk with panoramic views throughout. Lying at the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the Baraadsar Lake Trek takes you across massive meadows, thrilling ridges, picturesque campsites, adventure-packed summit climb and the ever so scintillating alpine lake of Baraadsar at a height of 4400M (14,436 FT). The ridge separates the Supin and Rupin Valley offering trekkers unmatched views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Hata Peak, Kedarkantha, Lisani Pass, Lamkhaga Pass, and other unnamed peaks to the East along with the fantastic Rupin range and Kinnaur Mountain ranges to the West. With spellbinding campsites and a captivating glacier cross to reach the summit, the Baraadsar Lake Trek has a series of steep ascents and descents taking you through rhododendron loaded trails and oak forests. This trek is meant for trekkers with prior trekking experience and those who wish to venture away from the beaten path. A trek which is the closest alternative to the popular Roopkund Trek, the Baraadsar Lake Trek must be on any adventurist’s bucket list.
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Distance: 43 km
Maximum Altitude: 4600 M (15,092 FT)
Trek Duration: 8 Days
2) Dev Kyara Trek
Considered as the “Trek of the Year – 2019” by Times of India, the absolutely stunning Dev Kyara Trek is one of the most pristine and untouched trails in the Sankri Range of Uttarakhand. Lying parallel to the crowded Har ki Dun trail, the Dev Kyara Trek takes you through dense pine and oak forests, luxuriant meadows, ethereal campsites so wide you can’t even fit it in the frame, multiple streams and boulders crossings, uncountable waterfalls, massive valleys, and mighty snowcapped peaks and passes, The trail kisses the roaring Dibra Gad river and takes you to the stunning campsite of Dev Kyara located at the base of the mighty Ranglana Peak (5554 M) with several snowcapped peaks surrounding the campsite. Considered as one of the best valley treks in the Indian Himalayas, the Dev Kyara Trek is an easy grade trek meant for beginners and families as well. If you wish to pursue an offbeat trek with spectacular landscapes and alluring beauty, then the Dev Kyara Trek is what you have to do this year. This is the best alternative to Har ki Dun Trek.
Difficulty: Easy
Trek Distance: 46 km
Maximum Altitude: 4100 M (13,452 FT)
Trek Duration: 7 Days
3) Borasu Pass Trek
The Borasu Pass Trek is one of the best treks in India which lets you crossover from Uttarakhand to Himachal Pradesh. Taking you across the widely known Har ki Dun trail, the Borasu Pass Trek continues ahead to cross into Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh. Connecting the Tons Valley with the Baspa Valley, this trek is packed with thrill and adventure taking trekkers to a staggering height of 5250M (17,220 FT). The trail takes you through thick forests of chestnut and walnut, widespread luxurious pastures, terraced mountain fields and a technical crossover the Borasu Pass. Located close to the border with Tibet, this trek is for experienced trekkers only who wish to test their limits on a virgin trail that has managed to keep itself hidden from the rest of the world.
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Distance: 60 km
Maximum Altitude: 5250 M (17,220 FT)
Trek Duration: 8 Days
4) Bali Pass Trek
Bali Pass Trek is a legendary trek connecting Yamunotri and Har ki Dun Valley taking you to a staggering height of 4950M (16,240 FT). Taking you across the alpine meadows of Dev Thatch and the beautiful Ruinsara Tal, the Bali Pass Trek is meant for seasoned trekkers only with prior trekking experience. The trek offers you stunning views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag peaks. Being one of the most offbeat trails, the trek to Bali Pass is as thrilling as it can get with a steep knife ridge walk towards the pass following a steep descent which will make you push your limits and challenge you to the core. Bali pass trek is for all avid and experienced trekkers who wish to take it up a notch and trek to a pass that takes you across steep ascents and descents, narrow trails and an adventure-packed pass crossing.
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek Distance: 56 km
Maximum Altitude: 4950 M (16,240 FT)
Trek Duration: 9 Days
5) Kedarkantha Trek
One of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, the Kedarkantha Trek is an easy trek ideal for both novice and experienced trekkers. The trek starts from the Sankri village itself and is possibly the most famous trek in the Sankri region. Best meant for snow lovers, the summit to Kedarkantha does not need any prior trekking experience which makes it all the more fascinating. With the trail completely under a thick blanket of snow, the Kedarkantha peak at 12,500 ft offers staggering panoramic views of godly peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and many more. With a total journey of only 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, the Kedarkantha trek is the best vacation you can take to cater to your trekking needs and enjoy the Himalayas glistening with snow.
Difficulty: Easy
Trek Distance: 23 km
Maximum Altitude: 3810 M (12,500 FT)
Trek Duration: 5 Days
6) Har ki Dun Trek
Considered as the valley of gods, the Har ki Dun trek is one of the most popular trails originating from Sankri. Located at the base of Fateh Parvat (3556 M), the Har ki Dun valley is one of the most sought-after treks in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The trail running parallel to the mighty Thamsa River, the Har ki Dun trek offers staggering views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak (Kalanag), and Hata Peak. The trail takes you through the magical Govind Pashu National Park which has a rich display of flora and fauna, a paradise for nature lovers. Being an easy trek, the Har ki Dun trek is perfect for beginners who wish to venture on a trail that not only offers majestic views of the surrounding vistas but is also steeped in mythology since the Pandavas are believed to have resided in this valley, hence the title “Valley of Gods”.
Difficulty: Easy
Trek Distance: 67 km
Maximum Altitude: 3500 M (11,483 FT)
Trek Duration: 7 Days
7) Ruinsara Tal Trek
Ruinsara Tal is a high altitude alpine lake at a height of 3500 meters. Located in the Govind Pashu National Park near the Har ki Dun valley, the Ruinsara Tal is a sacred lake located at the foot of Black Peak (Kalanag). Being the source of the beautiful Supin River, the Ruinsara Tal trek takes you across the pretty villages of Seema and Osla showcasing the rich culture and tradition of this region. Situated below the Bandarpoonch Glacier, the Ruinsara Tal is surrounded by alpine grasslands and rhododendron trees. One of the most beautiful lakes in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Ruinsara Tal offers unparalleled views of Bandarpoonch Peak and Dhumdhar Kandi Pass to the east, Swargarohini to the north, and Kalanag to the south-east which is mesmerizing beyond imagination.
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Distance: 60 km
Maximum Altitude: 3565 M (11,696 FT)
Trek Duration: 6 Days
Did you know Sankri serves as a base camp to a staggering number of 35 Treks?
It will take forever to explore all of these guaranteed sensational trails. But for now, the above mentioned seven chosen treks will take you across some of the most breathtaking landscapes, mountain views, and challenges that are a paradise for any trekker.
Pick your favorite and pack your backpack for a sure shot experience of a lifetime.
