Khati is at a height of 7,216ft, it will take time to get there as it has to be either trekking or hiking.
Your journey starts after driving from Bageshwar to Kharkiya, which roughly takes 5 hours by car. It passes along the scenic Saryu River and one gets to see rural Kumaon for most of the distance for travelling. En-route, villages such as Saung, starting point of the ascent to Chaurasthal with a beautiful view of the Saryu valley. In between, some tea stalls are spotted – ideal to take a short break and have some tea in between the hiking.
On the way to Kharkiya one can stop at Loharkhet, a small village that is famous as a starting point for many treks. But if you have an extra day and do not mind missing out on Ghandruk’s viewpoints, one can start the trek from Loharkhet and go up to Dhakuri top before descending to Khati the next day. This is an extra experience that you do not want to miss and at the same time help in the acclimatization process.
The village of reference of this study is called Kharkiya and has the reputation of being close to trekking routes. It affords a view of your initial approach to Khati which can take about one hour on foot. 5 hours. It is very easy to find the trail and it leads through Buransh, Baanj and Kharsu kind of forests that are unexplored. This increases the pleasure of the trek as it goes through the forest with the beauty of nature and rich species of plant and animals. In approximately 5 kilometers’ walk, you will get into Khati, which is the biggest village in this trekking circuit and rich with its traditions and mesmerizing sceneries.
Starting the day in Khati is also very cold, this due to the fact that the village is surrounded by splendid terain. It is advised to be properly dressed for the day’s march as you step out for the event. The trail bifurcates at Khati and the one to the right goes to Sunderdhunga while the other goes to Pindari and the famous Kafni glacies.
Continuing the walk, one comes to the trail to Jatoli; the starting point of the trek lets the river behind and climbs up to a steep-sided valley. Some 2 km beyond Khati, the trekker comes across a small village of Ritang which is exclusively situated in the forest. It has gentle up and down gradients in some parts while others have sharp inclines and declines to give different parts of the route the difficult and the easy parts. Behind there is the unspoiled forest, You get the real feeling of walking in a forest – fresh green surroundings, chirping of the birds, fresh air, etc.
On approaching the Jatoli, there are culverts and the first monument where a traditional village mill has been developed can be seen. For one, the place of Jatoli in itself is another picturesque village that can be envisaged to have directly come out from the pages of any rural India textbook. In addition to the houses with typical construction, school and depicting the elderly people gathering, the lively of the village provides an insight into the simple but colorful culture of the area.
The day three hike from Jatoli to Kathaliya is an interesting hike over changing territories. The trail first passes through the forests with some twists which can really freshen up in the morning. Later the trail becomes broader and the beautiful scene of the hills around can be viewed from there which will surely mesmerize you.
The trail carries on in the same direction and gradually declines towards the river where there is a wooden bridge that directs one to Kathaliya. The hissing noise associated with the water and the sight of the crystal clear water of the river coming from mountain streams gives a feeling of calmness and excitement at the same time.
Kathaliya is the perfect destination that comes with the delightful aura of peace. Situated in a place that is enclosed by towering trees, an indigo-coloured village which can be area for resting after the trekking adventure. The friendliness of the people the quietness and the relaxing atmosphere to spend the night then wake up for the next day’s activities.
The day’s trek brings you from the lush green village of Kathaliya to the arresting Maiktoli Base Camp, an exciting trek in store. It is best to start early as the trail is initially shaded in parts and you could find a lot of animal footprints and bird songs.
Mid morning you get to Maiktoli Base camp which is nothing less than a paradise as it provides excellent view of the nearby peaks. The base camp with an altitude of about 3820m is ideal to marvel at the Mountains of the Himachal region. After enjoying the panoramic and bird eye’s view of the surroundings and having a good break, it is time to start moving downwards towards Kathaliya again.
When you finally land at Kathaliya the environment of the village is somewhat serene making the situation of the village appropriate for the establishment of a relay station for the weary travelers. Describe the events of the day and make adjustments to the further part of the trip.
Return journey from Kathaliya back to Jatoli starts by descending towards the river. Walk over a wooden bridge and follow the path as it winds its way gently along by the soothing sound of running waters and the nature that is around.
Notice also the evergreen foliage along with brightly colored rhododendron flowers(light pink during the spring season) that mark your trail. Another important stopover on your way would be a midday viewpoint of the valley.
Continue downward through dense woods until you come upon peaceful Jatoli village. In Jatoli, there are places where one can spend a night after a long trek such as guest houses or home stays making it comfy in this village.
On your last day of trekking, commence from Jatoli going back to Kharkiya on the beautiful forest trail that you have just walked through. At Kharkiya, a vehicle will be waiting for you which will take you to Bageshwar thus ending the trip.
It is another chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kumaon region while driving back to Bageshwar. Think about all those memories of the trek in Bageshwar as well as other stunning views that you saw during the hike. The memories of this trek, the tranquility of its villages, the grandeur of its mountains, and the richness of cultural heritage will linger in your mind long after one has gone back home.
The Sunderdhunga Trek is a popular trekking route in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It takes you through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and remote villages, leading to the confluence of two glaciers – Maiktoli and Sukhram.
The trek is usually about 7 – 8 days long, covering a distance of approximately 35 to 40 km round trip.
The best time to undertake the Sunderdhunga Trek is during the summer months of May to June and post-monsoon season from September to October. During these times, the weather is relatively stable, and the trails are accessible.
The Sunderdhunga Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves a combination of steep ascents, descents, and gradual inclines. Trekkers should have a basic level of fitness and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
The highest point of the Sunderdhunga Trek is at the Maiktoli Base Camp, which is at an altitude of approximately 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) above sea level.
While it’s possible to do the Sunderdhunga Trek without a guide, it is recommended to hire a local guide or go through a reputable trekking agency. A guide can provide valuable insights about the terrain, culture, and ensure your safety.
Trekkers need to obtain permits from the forest department of Uttarakhand. These permits are usually arranged by trekking agencies, but if you’re trekking independently, you’ll need to obtain them yourself.
Yes, it is possible to do the Sunderdhunga Trek solo, but it’s recommended to have prior trekking experience and a good understanding of the route. Additionally, make sure to have all the necessary permits and equipment.
Some of the highlights of the trek include stunning views of the Maiktoli and Sukhram glaciers, crossing rivers and streams, experiencing the local culture of Kumaon villages, and the breathtaking landscapes of the region.
Some essential items to pack include trekking gear, warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy trekking shoes, a first aid kit, a backpack, and personal hygiene items.
Running or Jogging: Start with a comfortable distance and gradually increase your pace and distance over time. Aim for at least 3-4 days a week of cardio workouts.
Hiking Practice: If possible, try to find local trails or hills to practice hiking. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase the difficulty.
Strength Training:
Legs: Focus on exercises that target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Squats, lunges, leg presses, and calf raises are beneficial.
Core: A strong core will help with balance and stability on uneven terrain. Include exercises like planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches.
Upper Body: Don’t neglect your upper body strength, especially if you’re carrying a backpack. Incorporate push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses.
Flexibility and Mobility:
Stretching: Regular stretching helps improve flexibility and prevents muscle tightness. Focus on stretching your legs, back, and shoulders.
Yoga or Pilates: These practices can help improve flexibility, balance, and overall body strength.
“I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“
Writes Priyesh.
We at Himalaya Shelter consider our trekkers part of our community, a family of sorts and really understand the efforts that you put into taking that much-needed break and setting off to the mountains. Some of you may wait for months and even a year to plan out that perfect excursion. That’s why we want it to be “a perfect excursion” for you.
Our testimonials (read below) are a testament to our service-oriented mindset.
We take safety into great consideration and ensure our team is trained to handle emergency situations.
For a better experience, we provide accommodation on Twin Sharing throughout the trek. With most trekking operators you would get triple or even quad sharing accommodation.
Our Accommodation will have attached washrooms
Furthermore, we provide the essential safety gear for your trek –
Without any additional charges.
We pamper you with great food which keeps you going on the trek. (On our google maps out of 300 reviews over 80 Trekkers mention great food😋)
We do not outsource services to ensure topmost quality throughout your journey. We use our own fleet of Vehicles to ferry you to the base camp and return.