Ruinsara Lake

TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

7 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

11,800 feet

GROUP SIZE

TREK DISTANCE

45 Km

BASECAMP

Uttarakhand

BEST TIME

April to June | September to November

PICKUP POINT

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Ruinsara Lake Trek Overview:

In Uttarakhand, a lake is called 'tal'; such as Saru Tal, Maldaru Tal, Baradsar Tal, etc. Hence, Ruinsara Lake is called Ruinsara Tal by the local villagers. If you have ever gone on the Har ki dun trek, you must have heard about Ruinsara Lake. Some trekkers like to walk long distances during the trek; they include exploring Ruinsara Lake along with the Har ki Dun Trek. However, not everyone is fit enough to complete that trek in 6/7 days. We have designed this trek considering the requirements of those enthusiastic trekkers who want to explore the beauty of Mother Nature but are not willing to walk long distances every day. Ruinsara is an alpine lake lying in the Har ki Dun valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. Ruinsara Tal remains surrounded by beautiful vast meadows. This lake is special as it is almost in the middle of the Har ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri Valley. By embarking on this trek, you will pass through some remote Himalayan villages, spectacular meadows like Devasu Bugyal, and lush green forests of pine, maple, rhododendrons, and Bhojpatra. Have you heard about Bhojpatra? It's a very sacred and interesting tree for spiritually inclined trekkers. When paper was not invented, our great ancestors and scholars used to write scriptures like Ramayan and Mahabharat on the bark of the Bhojpatra tree.

Some ancient Hindu scriptures still remain intact. Let's get back to the trek. If you start walking further to your right, the trail will lead you to the Bali Pass Trek. There are other offbeat and adventurous treks that you can embark on from the Ruinsara Lake like Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini Base Camp, Dhumdhar Kandi and many others. This trek offers you a great opportunity to explore ancient Himalayan villages of Uttarakhand like Osla and Gangaad. You will be touched by the simplicity and humility of the villagers. Despite leading challenging and tough lives with limited resources, they always wear smiles on their faces and take delight in welcoming strangers. Their beautiful homes, constructed of wood and stone in ancient Himalayan architecture, always remain filled with the beautiful aroma of deodar trees. If you ever get the opportunity to stay in a homestay with such pure-hearted humans, don't miss it. You will not feel like going back home. Once you return from the trek to your city life and think about the divine mountains of the Himalayas and this trek, you will realize that "There is so much beauty to look after." Overall, this trek is truly diverse and beautiful. Come... Join us on this adventurous Ruinsara Lake Trek.

History Of Ruinsara Lake Trek

Ruinsara Lake is a sacred lake and has some roots in the Mahabharata. The Pandavas walked their final journey to Swaragrohini. It is known as the “Pathway To Heaven,” and Ruinsara Lake was the resting spot for them. Locals believe that the waters of the lake are divine. Ruinsara Lake is a trekking destination for people. But this lake has a spiritual significance for the locals and devotees. When you are only on the trek, you will see the old wooden houses and centuries old temples. The nearby villages like Osla and Seema are very beautiful.

The locals have been visiting Ruinsara Lake for centuries. In the summer season, the nearby meadows become the grazing fields for their cattle. You can still witness the large flocks of cattle in the Bugyals.

The trekkers and mountaineers gained interest in the Garhwal Himalayas in the mid-20s. The Ruinsara Lake became the acclimatization point for many expeditions. They camp near the lake for 1-2 nights before ascending to the summit. Today, Ruinsara Lake is emerging as a good destination for trek-beginners.

Highlights Of The Ruinsara Lake Trek

Pristine Ruinsara Lake

The Ruinsara Lake is itself the main highlight of the whole trek. The lake is resting in the high altitude where everything seems serene. You can sit near the lake and have a small meditation session. The calm waters of the lake will bring peace to your heart and mind.

Landscape and Forest Trails

Walking on the trek will feel like walking on a beautiful story book. Every scene in the trial is captivating. You will start the trek from Sankri, and you will enter the dense forest. The big trees will make a way for you to enter the green meadows. The riverside camps and small bridges can attract everyone.

Rich Himalayan Culture

The traditions and lifestyle of the Himalayan region is quite different. You can explore the nearby villages like Taluka and Osla. These beautiful villages are still holding the centuries old traditions.

Rich Biodiversity

The Ruinsara Lake is located inside the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Trekkers often visit these locations to spot various rare birds and animals. You can even witness black bears and leopards. The trail is covered with wildflowers in the summer. You can also spot the rare Brahma Kamal flowers.

Difficulty Level Of Ruinsara Lake Trek

The Ruinsara Lake is an easy-to-moderate type of Himalayan trek. The trek is not very difficult, but you will need good physical fitness to complete the trek without any worry. If you have a good physique, then you can easily complete this trek even if you are a trek beginner.

Altitude Challenges

The Ruinsara Tal is a high-altitude lake, but the altitude is not very challenging. The oxygen level will decrease slightly, but most people can easily adapt with good acclimatization. The AMS risk is low in the Ruinsara Lake Trek.

Trek Distance

The trek distance is about 50 km in total, and you will cover it in 5-6 days. You have to walk about 10 km every day. Walking for about 6-7 hours daily is not easy. The ascents are manageable, but you will need good physical endurance.

Terrain and Trail Conditions

The trail to the Ruinsara Lake Trek is not difficult. You will walk through dense forests and huge meadows. But there are some difficult sections, like rocky paths and river crossings. The last climb near the lake is a bit tricky. But you can easily manage it under good guidance.

Best Time To Visit The Ruinsara Lake Trek

Ruisara Lake Trek seems best in the summer season. You can enjoy the fresh blooms of Rhodos and wildflowers. Autumn is also a good time to plan your Ruinsara Lake Trek. You can also trek to Ruinsara Lake in the monsoon, but it can be risky.

Ruinsara Lake Trek From April To June

This is the best time to plan your Ruinsara Lake Trek. The winter snow melts, and the trail becomes accessible. You will see Rhodo blooming, and the meadows start turning green. The temperature also becomes nice, and the weather becomes pleasant.

Ruinsara Lake Trek From July To Early-September

You should avoid trekking to Ruinsara Lake in the monsoon. The trail became very muddy and slippery. The river crossing becomes dangerous, and you may also see landslides in various regions.

Ruinsara Lake Trek From Mid-September To November

You can also plan the Ruinsara Lake Trek in the Autumn season. The trail becomes safe and the air becomes crisp. You can see the beautiful views with a slight drop in the temperature. The meadows will start turning golden with fewer crowds.

Ruinsara Lake Trek From December To March

You can trek to Ruinsara Lake in the winter. But trekking in winter is not for beginners. The trail will be fully covered with snow, and the lake will be completely frozen. Plan the Ruinsara Lake Trek in winter only if you are a seasoned trekker.

How To Reach The Ruinsara Lake Trek

You will start your Ruinsara Lake journey from Sankri. You can reach Sankri by bus. Reach Sankri a day ahead and take proper rest before starting the trek. If you reach Sankri in the afternoon, then you can also explore the village. Spend your day on good acclimatization.

Sankri Via Road

You can reach Sankri only by road. This is the only means of transportation for Sankri. This is a small village, but it has good road connectivity. Sankri is a basecamp for many popular treks, hence you can easily find direct buses from Dehradun to Sankri.

Sankri Via Railways

If you are looking for a railway connection, then check for direct trains to Dehradun or Rishikesh. You can find direct trains to these locations from major cities. Now, from Dehradun, look for the buses to Sankri. You can also find shared taxis from Rishikesh to Sankri.

Sankri Via Air

Check for direct flights to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). You have to take a taxi from the airport to the bus station. Now, look for the buses to Sankri. Some shared taxi services are also available.

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Inclusions

Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided
Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
CLOAKROOM - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions
Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱

Sankri is the basecamp for the Ruinsara Trek. There are several options to reach Sankri, as mentioned below. Sankri, a quaint Uttarakhand village, serves as a base camp for various treks in the region. Public buses shared jeeps, and shared taxis run between Dehradun and Sankri. How to Reach Dehradun from Delhi– By Road:- Overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos, ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 900, operate from ISBT Delhi to ISBT Dehradun By Train:- Trains from Delhi to Dehradun- It’s recommended to opt for the overnight Kota Express, also known as Nanda Devi Express, departing at 11:50 PM, and arriving in Dehradun at 5:45 AM, aligning with our morning pickup schedule. By Air:- IndiGo – 6E-2582, 6E-2071, 6E-5175, 6E-2134, and Vistara UK-617, are some regular flights from Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The schedules for these flights can be easily checked online. The Dehradun railway station, a hub for private and shared cabs heading to Sankri, is situated 30 km from the airport. Private taxis are easily accessible within the airport premises, with booking charges of Rs 1200 – 1500 for a Dzire or similar and Rs 1800 – 2200 for an Innova or similar vehicles. How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun:- Every morning, a limited number of shared cabs and buses depart for Sankri from the vicinity of Dehradun Railway Station. Govt. Buses and Private Buses- Only one government bus departs from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri at 8:00 am. Additionally, two private buses leave around 7:00 am from just outside the Dehradun Railway Station heading to Sankri town. The fare for this journey is approximately Rs. 400 per person, which is roughly the same for both the government and private buses. Private Cab or Taxies- You can easily locate shared taxis near Hotel Milan or Hotel Grand, merely a 2-3 minute walk from Dehradun Railway Station. These taxis operate up to Purola, which is 54 kilometers away from Sankri. The journey lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a fare of Rs. 400. From Purola, you’ll find shared cabs to take you directly to Sankri. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that these cabs typically depart before noon. Hence, plan to reach Purola in the morning if you choose this route. The cab fare from Purola to Sankri ranges from 200 to 300 rupees. (This fare is applicable only when the taxi is full of passengers; otherwise, the cost may vary based on the number of participants.) In case you miss the buses or taxis from Dehradun for any reason, or due to personal preference, you also have the option to book a private taxi from the same location or near Prince Chowk, approximately 100 meters away from the Railway Station. This would amount to approximately Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for booking a Maxx or Bolero. Shared or Private Vehicle arranged by Himalaya Shelter- Himalaya Shelter offers both shared and private transport services directly to Sankri for trekkers. Please note that for shared vehicles, we have fixed departure dates, and it is advisable to book your seats at least a week in advance of the departure from Dehradun. We also offer pickup and drop facilities for your hotel stay in Dehradun.