Baraadsar Lake Trek

Trek: 7 km, 4-5 hrs

Altitude Gain: 7,700 ft – 9,700 ft

As the sun casts its golden rays over Saru Taal, a new day beckons for another exhilarating trek towards Badaang. Bid farewell to the tranquil lake and lace up your boots, ready to embark on a moderate journey to higher altitudes. The path ahead promises a rewarding trek along the same mountain slope, ascending slightly higher with each step. Covering 7 kilometres and gaining over 2200 feet in elevation, this trek offers breathtaking views and memorable encounters along the way.

Within the first hour, a challenging climb leads you to a babbling stream, marking your entry into a serene deodar and pine forest. Amidst the lush foliage, keep watch for the playful Himalayan langurs and the colourful array of birdlife that grace the canopy above. As you trek along the rugged trail, surrounded by nature’s splendour, the landscape gradually transitions, offering moments of respite before the final push towards Badaang. The last two kilometres present a renewed sense of determination, with each step bringing you closer to your destination. Arriving at Badaang, be greeted by a picturesque meadow embraced by the towering deodar forest, a tranquil oasis for weary trekkers. Settle into the campsite, serenaded by the gentle melody of the nearby stream, and reflect on the journey thus far. Get ample rest since tomorrow’s trek is going to be a challenging one.

Trek: 10 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude Gain: 9700 ft – 11,300 ft

Embarking on the challenging trek from Badang to Dhal Dhar in the Himalayas unfolds as a test of endurance amidst breathtaking landscapes. Each step forward in the Himalayas becomes a testament to human endurance and the spirit of exploration amidst nature’s grandeur. The journey begins with a three-hour ascent through dense oak forests, marked by steep climbs that gradually lead to the ridge where the forest thins out. Vijay Top, standing a thousand feet higher than Badang, offers a stunning viewpoint, with Masundha Dhar lying ahead. The trail transforms into a mesmerizing ridge walk, revealing panoramic vistas of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Ralgan peaks amidst abundant of rhododendron plants. Over the next four hours, the ridge walk unveils a vast expanse of the Himalayas, captivating trekkers with its timeless beauty. Amidst this rugged terrain, the village of Liwadi emerges as a testament to human resilience. As trekkers approach the Dhal Dhar campsite nestled in a narrow valley, the sight of white rhododendrons adorning the hillside offers a moment of tranquillity.

At night spend some time in star gazing and fall asleep in the lap of Mother Nature.

Trek: 4-5 km, 2-3 hrs

Altitude Gain: 11,300 ft – 11, 900 ft

The trek to Dev Basa is a quick yet exhilarating two-hour journey. Starting with a 500-foot climb over half a kilometre, followed by a gentle descent, trekkers reach the campsite nestled between two mountains on a rocky plain. Despite the rugged terrain, the camp offers a tranquil retreat. Surrounded by rocky peaks and swept by strong winds, the campsite provides a thrilling adventure. From Dev Basa’s viewpoint, at an altitude of 11,800-11,900 feet, breathtaking views of the Gangotri range unfold. Though short, extending the journey slightly would ease the strenuous ascent to Bhardsaar Lake.

Trek: 10-12 km, 6-7 hrs

Altitude Gain: 11,900 ft – 13,120 ft

The trek from Dev Basa to Bharadsar camp presents the ultimate challenge of the six-day journey amidst the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Two routes offer different experiences: a longer, winding path around the mountain, or a shorter, steep ascent crossing a pass directly to the campsite. As trekkers navigate through bouldery terrain and occasional snow patches, they face a gruelling 4.5-hour climb to reach the cross-over point or ridge, with the campsite still 3 hours away.

Beyond the ridge, the trail becomes treacherous, with rocky paths and snow gaps making for a risky journey. From a vantage point above the camp, Bharadsar Lake emerges, its partly frozen, darkened surface reflecting the imposing rocky peaks of the Himalayas. A challenging 4-hour trek leads to this breathtaking sight. Yet, beyond the ridge, the environment turns hostile, with bone-chilling weather and rugged terrain testing the resolve of every trekker.

At the Bharadsar meadow campsite, necessities such as water and firewood are scarce, forcing trekkers to rely on melting snow for survival.

Trek: 10-12 km, 4-5 hrs

Altitude Loss: 13,120 ft – 11,900 ft

The Bharadsar lake is not visible from the Bharadsar meadow campsite. You get a distant view of the lake from the ridge you came from.

The lake is a couple of hours away from the Bharadsar meadow camp. It’s a trek over rocks and moraines which requires you to step carefully.

From the Bharadsar lake, retrace your steps to the Baraadsar meadow campsite. From the camp, take the straight path to the ridge top. If there is snow, it will be an easy climb up to the ridge which takes an hour.

The descent on the Dev Basa side is steep and slippery. The direct ridge route is much shorter than the roundabout route. Take the direct route to the ridge even on the way up. A 3-hour trek from Bharadsar base camp brings you back to Dev Basa where we will pitch up our camp and stay for the night. Get ample rest and rejuvenate yourself.

Trek: 7-8 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude Loss: 11,900 ft – 8,840 ft

Descending from Dev Bhasa to Upper Rehala proves a demanding descent, requiring careful navigation over loose stones and rocks. Retracing your path to Dhal Dhar, you then veer onto a new trail, where the initial stretch tests the endurance of every trekker. About an hour into the descent, streams offer a welcome opportunity to replenish water supplies, providing a refreshing break. As the trail unfolds, it transitions from rugged terrain to verdant meadows before leading into a captivating pine forest. Emerging from the forest, the path winds through terraced farms adorned with crops like Rajma and wheat. Amidst these picturesque surroundings, we will find a tranquil spot amidst green patches to set up camp for the night.

Trek: 3 km, 2 hrs

Drive: 39 km, 2 hrs

Altitude Loss: 8,840 ft – 6,500 ft

The day begins with a leisurely downhill stroll, accompanied by the soothing sounds of flowing streams. After about an hour, you’ll pass through the villages of Rehala and Karla, followed closely by Bitri. As you continue your descent, the terrain becomes steeper, eventually leading you to the banks of the Supin River, where it converges with the Obra River. Here, a quaint tea shop awaits, offering a welcome respite. From this point, it’s a couple of hours of uphill trekking to reach Jakhol, where a vehicle awaits to transport you to Sankri; a small village in Uttarakhand. At Sankri, we will check in to the cosy Guest house of Himalaya Shelter.

During the trekking season, Sankri bustles with activity, serving as the base for popular treks such as Kedarkantha Trek, Har ki Dun Trek, Bali Pass Trek, Borasu Pass Trek and Offbeat Treks and Rupin Supin Traverse, Maldaru Tal Trek, Devkyara Trek and many others. The vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings make Sankri a hub of adventure and exploration in the Himalayas.

Spend the night in the comfort of the guest house and feel yourself grateful that you could complete this challenging yet spectacular offbeat trek.

Drive: 190 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude Loss: 6,500 ft – 2,100 ft

The Baraadsar Lake 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 the 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. Mori is a lesser-known destination for a wonderful water rafting adventure.

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 on to as many beautiful memories as you can in your heart and bid farewell to the Himalayan trails with gratitude and fondness.