Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Trek Fee

₹ 65000

$ 744

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

View Dates & Register
Trek Difficulty Image
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
Trek Difficulty Image
TREK DURATION
12 Days
Trek Difficulty Image
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
18,000 Feet
Trek Difficulty Image
GROUP SIZE
12 People
Trek Difficulty Image
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
78 km
Trek Difficulty Image
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
Trek Difficulty Image
BEST TIME
May | June | September | October
Trek Difficulty Image
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
TREK DURATION
12 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE 18,000 Feet GROUP SIZE 12 People
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 78 km BASECAMP Uttarakhand
BEST TIME May | June | September | October PICKUP POINT Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
 

Dhumdhar Kandi Trek Overview

All journeys and treks contribute positively to the growth of human consciousness. There are Himalayan treks that offer a gentle embrace of Mother Nature, where you can walk for a short distance, camp, and enjoy the blissful beauty that surrounds you. At the same time, there are a few treks that push your limits and challenge you to step out of the comfort zone of your body and mind.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is one among these challenging treks. Nestled in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the spectacular views of high mountain peaks like Swargarohini Peak, Kala Nag (Black Peak), Bandarpoonch, Garuda Peak, and many others up close. So close that you feel you can touch them. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass connects the sacred temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed that in ancient times, this high mountain pass was used as a shortcut to the Tons valley. Local villagers may pronounce the name of the pass differently. Some call it Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, some call it Dhumdar Kandi Pass, and some call it "Dhamdhar Kandi Pass". One pass; many names! Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is designed only for experienced trekkers who have completed at least 2-3 Himalayan treks before and have good physical and mental stamina and endurance. Starting from the beautiful ancient villages of the Himalayas, this trek will lead you through lush green forests, beautiful alpine meadows, the mesmerizing Ruinsara Lake, and through challenging steep climbs and descents through moraines and snow. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass always remains covered in snow and is only approachable by experienced trekkers and adventure lovers. Join us on this thrilling adventure... 

Trekkers Gazing At The View On Dhumdhar Kandi Trek
Trekkers Gazing At The View On Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

History Of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Today, Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is a prominent trekking location. But this pass has deep roots in the culture and traditions of the locals. This pass has been a part of their cervical practices. It is a high-altitude pass, and the locals have been using it for centuries for trade. Many shepherds and traders used this pass to walk between the Bhagirathi and the Yamunotri valley. The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass was a lifeline between two valleys.

This beautiful route also has a religious significance. As you know, the Gangotri and Yamunotri are parts of the Char Dhar Yatra. Today, the pilgrims follow the easy route to visit the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. But earlier, many sages used the Dhaumdhar Kandi Pass, as it is a quieter and better space for meditation. The name Dhumdhar Kandi means misty terrain. The shepherds named this place because the areas near the pass are mostly covered with mist. The mountaineers gained interest in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in the late 20th century. The remoteness and untouched beauty of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek can captivate everyone. 

Highlights Of The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

  • Scenic Trail

The trail to Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is beautiful as you walk to heaven. You start the trek from dense forests where you can see big Oak and Pine trees. Your trail will be covered with red flowers. The forests lead to big meadows, and the meadows will lead to snowfields. Every part of this trek feels magical.

  • ​Altitude And Challenges

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is magnificent but difficult. You need a good Himalayan trekking experience for this trek. The pass lies at an altitude of 5600 m. This much height with technical difficulty is not easy. You should make yourself physically and mentally prepare for this trek.

  • ​Unique Experience

You will find the raw Himalayan beauty in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. This trial has very little human interference, and you can still feel the pureness in nature. The campsites of the trek are usually in pristine locations. You may also witness local shepherds with their flocks in the summer.

  • ​Crossing Major Glaciers

You will cross two major glaciers in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. You will cross the Swargarohini Glacier and Jalandhari Gad Glacier to reach the Pass. People often associate Swargarohini Glacier with the Pandavas. The Jalandhari Gad Glacier flows towards the Yamunotri.

​Difficulty Level Of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Many trekkers refer to the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek as one of the most challenging treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. This is not a simple trek but a summit. You will need good technical climbing experience.

  • ​High Altitude Challenges

The major difficulty for the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is the altitude. The pass lies at a height of 5600 m, and this much height can cause AMS. You can get symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue while ascending. You should do proper rest and acclimation before starting the trek.

  • Trail Conditions

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is a very remote trek, and the trail is not paved. There is no fixed route, as the routes can change with snow and glacial shifts. You may find different routes in each season. You will walk in rocky ridges and steep ascents. The river crossing and icy patches can be very difficult.

  • ​Trek Distance And Physical Demands

You will walk about 80 km in about 2 weeks on this trek. Walking daily for about 7-8 hours is not easy. You need good physical strength for uphill ascending. The high-altitude areas can be very cold and harsh. You should have good physical and mental endurance to complete the trek.

​Best Time To Visit The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Summer is the best season to plan your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. This is a time when the snow begins to melt in the high altitude areas, and the route becomes accessible. You can also plan the trek in Autumn. But you should avoid planning your trek during the monsoon and winter.

  • ​Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in May And June

This is the best time to trek to Dhumdhar Kandi Pass. The route will be more accessible, but you will still see a good amount of snow in the high-altitude areas. The weather is also nice and the sky will be clear.

  • Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in July And August

Avoid the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in the monsoon. This season can be very risky for trekking. You can see landslides and washed-out trails. The trekking became very difficult due to slippery trails and minimal visibility.

  • ​Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in September And October

You can also plan your trek after the monsoon. The air will become crisp with clear views. You can trek in this season as the trail becomes better. The landscape will start turning golden, and the temperature will start decreasing.

​How To Reach The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

You will start your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek from Taluka. This is a small town near Sankri. You should reach Sankri a day ahead of starting your trek to Dhumdhar Kandi. Stay at the guesthouse in Sankri and have proper rest.

  • Sankri Via Road

You can only reach Sankri by road. You can find buses from various locations to Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun, you can look for direct buses to Sankri. Now from Sankri, you can take a shared taxi to Taluka.

  • Sankri Via Railways

You can take a train to Dehradun as it is the nearest railway station to Sankri. You can find direct trains to Dehradun from many big cities. Now, from Dehradun, you can take a direct bus to Sankri. You can also find some shared taxi services.

  • ​Sankri Via Air

If you are looking for airways, then look for flights to Dehradun. This city has direct flights from all major cities. Now, from the Jolly Grant Airport, take a taxi to the bus station. Look for direct buses or shared taxis to Sankri.

Trek Fee

$744

₹65000

+ 5% GST
+ ₹1000 Trek Insurance
Optional Addition
+ ₹500 Backpack offloading

Cancellation policy


 

Dhumdhar Kandi Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri drive
Day 2: Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m)via Taluka (2,050 m)
Day 3: Seema (2,560 m) to Roiltia or Waterfall camp (3,350 m)
Day 4: Waterfall to Ruinsara lake (3,600 m)
Day 5: Ruinsara lake - rest and explore
Day 6: Ruinsara lake to Black Peak/Swargarohini basecamp (3,800 m)
Day 7: Black Peak basecamp to Dharali Odari (4,750 m)
Day 8: Dharali Odari to Black peak camp 1
Day 9: Black peak camp 1 to Dhumdhar Kandi pass (5,490 m) and descend to Gantrara
Day 10: Gantrara to Doranggatt
Day 11: Dorangatt to Jhala; drive to Gangnani (3,310 m)
Day 12: Gangnani to Dehradun drive


Things To Carry In The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

You should pack your bag wisely for the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. This is a high-altitude trek, and you will need good preparation. You can make a list and then organize the items into categories.

Clothing and Backpack

You need a good backpack for high-altitude trekking. Get a 60L backpack with good back support. You have to carry your backpack on the whole trek. Look for the backpack with a rain cover. Now pack a small 20L backpack for summit day or for a small day hike. For clothing, start with the base layer and pack 3 pairs of thermals (top and bottom). Now pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 3 trekking pants. Pack a fleece jacket and a heavy insulated jacket. Now for the rain gear, pack a rain jacket or poncho. Pack a sun cap for day trekking and a woolen cap for morning and evening. Now pack a pair of woolen gloves and a pair of waterproof insulated gloves. Pack 4 pairs of woolen socks and 4 pairs of cotton socks. You will also need gaiters for snow walks.

Footwear

Buy a good pair of high-ankle trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and have sturdy soles. You will also need crampons for walking on glaciers. Pack a pair of lightweight sandals for the campsites.

Personal Care

Pack the personal care and hygiene items. Get a small pouch and pack all your toiletries. You will also need sunscreen to protect the skin from direct sun. Pack a good moisturizer to prevent dryness and lip balm for chapped lips. Make a small medical kit for yourself, including some basic medicines. You should also carry a government ID with you.


Customize Your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek With Himalaya Shelter (HS)

Plan your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek with us. We are a team of experienced guides and mountaineers. This trek requires good guidance and preparation. Our team will take care of everything. Your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek will be a lifetime experience. Let us make your experience great and comfortable. Our team has expertise in handling all situations and will make your trek a great success. From logistics to permits, we will take care of everything.

Himalaya Shelter (HS) is a team of experts who ensure the safety of every person on the trek. We offer customized trekking services to you. You can plan your trek on your preferred dates. We can also customize the stays and meals for you. From comfort to safety, our team will take care of everything. Focus on your beautiful journey and let our experts be the best guides for you.


How Does Each Day Look

- Complete day-wise Itinerary


Inclusions & Exclusions

- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!

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.

Inclusion

  • 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.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
    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.

Exclusion

  • 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 500 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. 🌱


Frequently Asked Questions

- Get your questions answered here

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.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is a popular trekking route located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and takes you through lush forests, meadows, and small villages.

The trek is approximately 15-20 kilometers long, depending on the specific route taken and any additional side trips.

The best time to embark on the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is during the post-monsoon season, which typically falls between September and November. The weather is generally pleasant, and the trails are lush and green.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents and descents, so participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.

The trek is usually done in a single day, so there are no overnight accommodations along the trail. However, there may be options for homestays or guesthouses in nearby villages before or after the trek.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, no special permits were required for the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. However, it’s essential to check with local authorities or guides for any updates or changes in permit requirements.

Some essential items to pack include appropriate trekking clothing, a good pair of trekking shoes, a backpack, water bottles, snacks, a first aid kit, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, a headlamp or flashlight, and any personal medications.

Mobile network coverage can be unreliable in some parts of the trek, particularly in remote areas. It’s advisable to inform someone about your itinerary and carry a power bank for your phone.

“I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“ 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.

The minimum requirement to join our team, Trek Leaders should have done the Basic Mountaineer Course Trek leaders in Himalaya Shelter have extensive experience in trekking and mountaineering. They are familiar with the specific terrain, weather conditions, and challenges of the region where the trek is taking place.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek does not require the use of technical equipment and technical skills. But, given the level of stamina required and its high altitude, this trek is only for experienced mountaineers.

The nearest ATMs are located in Sankari town, which is the base camp for the trek.

The Pick up point will be Prince Chowk in Dehradun

Indrahar Pass (4,342 meters): This is one of the most iconic peaks in the Dhauladhar range and is visible from various points along the trek. Mon Peak (4,800 meters): Mon Peak is another majestic peak in the Dhauladhar range. It may be visible from certain vantage points during the trek. Slab Peak (4,300 meters): This is another prominent peak in the Dhauladhar range that you may have the chance to see during the trek. Dhauladhar Range Summits: While not individual peaks, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the entire Dhauladhar mountain range, with various summits and peaks forming an impressive backdrop.

 

Dhumdhar Kandi Trek Videos


Photo Gallery


Trek Fee

$ 744

₹ 65000 /Per serson

+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance

Inclusions and Exclusions, Scholarships & waivers, Cancellation policy