Marinda Tal : A Hidden Gem Just Off the Har Ki Dun Trail

Marinda tal also known locally as Morinda tal or Maninda tal is a relatively unexplored high-altitude lake located in the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary nearly 3 Kms from the famous Har ki dun valley in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This rather untouched lake is located at an altitude of 4000 meters or approximately 13000 feet above sea level an absolute heaven for trekkers providing them with the much-needed peace and tranquility.
Marinda Tal is overlooked by the stunning mountains peaks of Swargarohini, Black Peak (kalanag) and Bandarpoonch. An alpine meadow surrounds the lake and during peak season the lake is full of Brahma Kamal flowers offering a beautiful and peaceful view will camping.

The best time to visit Marinda tal is from March to June and from September to November as the temperatures range from 10-20 degree C making trekking very comfortable. It is best avoided in monsoon and winter months due to excessing rain and snowfall received in the region.

Marinda tal can be reached after a short trek of 3kms following the Har ki dun valley trek which starts from Sankri village and can take anywhere between 5-7 days to complete. While trekking one will pass through lush green forests of pine, oak and rhododendron changing as the ascend continues with the backdrop of the majestic snow-clad mountain peaks.

The entire trek gives a beautiful and exhilarating experience due to the wide variety of flora and fauna that can be observed. Apart from Deodar, pine and oak trees a special indigenous plant of rhododendron is found in plenty. It blossoms in red, pink or white and provides a striking note of aberration to the green background. It is conspicuous in the various altitudes modified to suit the Himalayan region.

As Marinda tal is situated in the Govind Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary a variety of animals like Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan Monal and Wild Boar can be spotted. Its home to a lot of local and migratory birds thus becoming a favourite for bird watchers.

Mythological Significance: According to some legends it is believed that Pandavas after renouncing their kingdom and its people in order to reach Swargarohini mountain peak from where they ascended to heaven passed Marinda Tal. 
Marinda Tal offers trekkers a spiritual spot owing to the calm serene lake overlooked by mountain peaks, the abundance of natural beauty of the region and the mythological significance of the region.
Marinda Tal thus becomes a must visit place while doing the Har ki dun trek making it an unforgettable experience.