Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude Gain: 2,100 ft – 6,500 ft
Today is going to be the first day of the adventurous Maldaru Trek. Early in the morning, you will depart for Sankri; a small village in Uttarakhand. Dehradun to Sankri is a beautiful road trip passing through curvy Himalayan mountain roads. Sankri village is considered to be the base camp for many famous and offbeat treks like the Kedarkantha Trek, Har ki Dun Trek, Barradsar Lake Trek and Bali Pass Trek
Let’s know some interesting facts about today’s road trip to Sankri. You will witness spectacular views and some ancient heritage sights on the way that represents our country’s rich culture. One such place is Lakhamandal. We will talk about it later though.
Kempty…You must have heard this word right? On the way to Sankri when you leave Mussoorie, you will pass through beautiful Kempty waterfalls also known as Kempty Falls. You will get a chance to witness the beauty of this famous Himalayan waterfall.
When you start riding on the Mussoorie – Yamunotri road, you will come across another beautiful place named Lakhamandal. It is not exactly on our way but If the time allows, you can pay a visit to this temple. While passing the town you will realize why Uttarakhand is called Devbhumi. Lakhamandal is mentioned in the ancient Indian scripture, the epic Mahabharata. This temple is famous not only because it is mentioned in Mahabharat, but also because of its significant architecture. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva.
Let’s move a little further, and you will reach Ganganani, famous for its natural hot springs. Ganganani is a small village in Uttarakhand near Harshil Village. Here, you will take a break by the riverbank. All Indian rivers are considered sacred as they sustain countless lives. Sit down, dip your legs in the water, and listen to the soothing music of the river. You will reach Sankri by the evening and check into the beautiful cosy guest house.
Drive: 20 km, 1 hr
Trek: 5.5 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude Gain: 6,500 ft – 8,380 ft – 10,722 ft
After enjoying a healthy and wholesome breakfast at the Sankri Guest House, we will board a local vehicle and drive to Dharkot. Previously, the trek had to commence from Taluka, but thanks to the newly constructed road, the initial walking distance has been significantly reduced. After a short hike from Dharkot, just before entering the forest trails, turn around to behold the panoramic view of Dharkot village. Entering the dense pine forests, you’ll have the chance to embrace Mother Nature for the first time. Take a moment to hug a pine tree and feel the serenity it holds within its heart.
Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter many shepherd huts used as shelter while grazing their flocks of sheep and goats. Today’s trek will involve crossing several streams, often barefoot. However, there is a wooden bridge constructed over one of the mountain streams. After trekking for 4-5 hours, we will reach Batgoera, where we will pitch our camps and spend the night.
Trek: 6 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude Gain: 10,722 ft – 12,250 ft
Today, try to wake up early in the morning to witness the spectacular beauty of the sun rising from behind the Hata Peak. We will start our trek from the meadows and enter into the forest line. The Batgoera meadow gets covered with a variety of wild alpine flowers after the monsoons. From these alpine meadows, you will enter into the treeline. The forest here is so dense that there are chances that an inexperienced trekker or guide may lose his way, but you don’t have to worry about it. Our experienced and certified trek leaders will guide your way and safely bring you to the Rashi Campsite.
During the end phase of today’s trek, you will have to cross a river, which you will easily be able to do. However, the climb after the river crossing is steep. At the end of this climb lies your today’s campsite, which is Rashi. From the Rashi campsite, you can see Manju Kanta Pass, Bhitri Gadi, and the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Get a good rest today since tomorrow is going to be a long walk.
Trek: 12-14 km, 8-9 hrs
Altitude Gain: 12,250 ft – 14,350 ft
Today’s trek will begin with a walk through the tree line, and subsequently, we’ll need to cross a moraine to reach our destination. It’s important to note that today’s trek is going to be challenging, but the first sight of Maldaru Lake will make the effort worthwhile, alleviating any exhaustion.
Every glacial lake trek demands crossing moraines, and all moraines are challenging. While walking through boulders, you have to take utmost care with every step. Many times, during today’s trek, you will ascend and descend through boulders. Some ascents are as steep as 60-70 degrees. If the Himalayan trek doesn’t make you push your limits, what is the use of trekking? The last ascent offers a great view of mountain peaks and valleys like Swargarohini Peaks I, II, and III, Bandarpooch, and Blackpeak, Har Ki Dun, Hata, Kedarkantha Peak, along with views of Chanshal and Rupin ranges of Himachal Pradesh. 1 km before the lake, the challenging climb will turn into a flat trail. Relieving, isn’t it?
The divine Maldaru lake keeps its magnificent beauty hidden until you get really close to it. On getting the first glance of this lake, you will realize that whoever said that “The best views come after the hardest climb” was absolutely right. You will find plenty of Brahma Kamal plants surrounding the lake, and if you are lucky enough, you may spot a blue poppy flower.
Sit there with the Brahmakamal flowers and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of Mother Nature. Those moments will undoubtedly be serene and revitalizing. Simply be present and feel the divine essence within you, surrounding you!
Night camping at the campsite of Maldaru Tal is going to be a lifetime memory for you.
Trek: 7 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude Loss: 13,188 ft – 8,500 ft
Today, in the morning, we will greet the rising sun and have breakfast sitting on the bank of the lake. We will bid goodbye to the lake and alpine flowers and start descending to Seema. On the way, we will take a halt at Devsu Bugyal. Devsu Bugyal is considered to be one of the best meadows of Uttarakhand . Walking through lush green pine forests, you will come across beautiful Rhododendron, Silver Birches, Maple, and Oak trees.
If you want to see the rhododendron flowers blooming, you should embark on this trek in spring, and if you want to enjoy the beautiful hues, you should go in autumn.
Moreover, on the way from Devsu Bugyal to Seema, you will come across a bridge from where you will be able to see the beautiful Osla Village. Seema village lies beneath the Osla village. Upon reaching there, get ample rest and rejuvenate yourself.
Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude Loss: 8,500 ft – 8,380 ft – 6,500 ft
Drive: 20 km, 1 hr
After so many days of knee-tearing ascent, it feels good to have a day with a gradual descent. You can afford to wake up a little later today. After a short trek, you will reach Dharkot Village, from where we began our trek. We will board the vehicle and reach Sankri, then check into the guest house.
Drive: 190 km, 8-9 hr
Altitude Loss: 6,500 ft – 2,100 ft
The Maldaru tal trek concludes today as we depart from Sankri. We anticipate reaching Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening. En route, our journey will take us through lesser-explored and exceptionally scenic areas, particularly as we drive up to Mori, which stands out as one of the most picturesque stretches along the entire route.
Going back home is always a bittersweet moment, but the journey is made easier by taking the picturesque road to your next destination. As we leave behind the dense pine forests and descend towards the city, the landscape slowly changes and opens up into wider roads. Hold onto as many beautiful memories as you can in your heart and bid farewell to the Himalayan trails with gratitude and fondness.
