Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, our Experts are here to help you plan the perfect journey. Speak to us today and take the first step toward your next adventure!
TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate
TREK DURATION 8 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE 14,290 Feet
GROUP SIZE 12 People
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 41 Km
BASECAMP Uttarakhand
BEST TIME May to June and September to November
PICKUP POINT Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
8 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14,290 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12 People
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
41 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June and September to November
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Fachu Kandi Pass Trek Overview
Fachu Kandi pass is a mountain pass that connects Sankri, a base for many treks in Uttarkashi, to the Yamunotri Valley, concluding at Hanuman Chatti. The pass compares to the likes of Hampta Pass or Sar Pass in terms of altitude, which is relatively low at 4,275 meters, but make no mistake, for this is both a scarcely trekked route, with virgin meadows along the way and unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas in its full glory. The trek starts from Sankri village, following the route of Kedarkantha almost upto Juda ka Talab, The trek takes us to the rare ridge section of Phulara ridge, which in itself is a beloved trek within the trekkers community. We get to camp on the peripheries of Pushtara Meadows and even visit a glacial lake, Saru Tal before we finally crossover the pass into the Yamunotri valley. The fachu kandi pass trek combines the thrill of these 3 treks, namely - Phulara ridge trek, Saru Tal trek and finally the pass, rising just above 14,000 feet. Furthermore, if one has enough time, the Kedarkantha summit can be added to the itinerary as well, making this very unique as you have the possibility of having been through 4 unique trekking routes in under 7-8 trekking days.
We start the journey early from the city of Dehradun and drive initially to the queen of the hills – Mussoorie. Consecutively we cross Kempty Falls, known for its waterfall. After Kempty we rarely encounter any tourists and either the locals or trekkers or those headed to Yamunotri are our only companions.
After just over 100 km, we pass close to the temple of Lakhamandal. According to locals, Duryodhana of the epic Mahabharata conspired to burn the Lakshagriha house of the Pandavas around this area. We continue on the banks of river Yamuna, until Naugaon, from where the roads forks into two, with the right headed to Yamunotri & the right towards Sankri. Purola is the last big settlement on the route with a large market. So, it is recommended that the trekkers can buy anything they might have missed out by Purola itself. It also is the last village where most of the mobile networks work.
The arrival of Mori, where you will find the last ATM, is preceded by a beautiful drive along the river Tons, through a straight strecth of road running parallel to the river. The river Tons flows beside us till about Netwar. We enter the wildlife sanctuary (Govind Pashu Vihar) at Netwar. Tiuni, located not far from here, habors the confluence of the rivers of Rupin and Supin to form Tons. The peak of Kedarkantha can be seen from various points along the way from here.
We reach Sankri by early evening. It is a small village with a central market lined with a few shops. The village has numerous apple orchards which are harvested starting from late summer. The market area is new compared to the old village area, a part of which is known as ‘Saud’. We drive a KM towards Kotgaon by taking a road headed uphill, right to the village of Sankri. The views from Kotgaon are panoramic.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab
Juda ka Talab; A small yet magnificent alpine lake near Sankri
Trek Distance: 5 KM
Duration: 4 hrs
Altitude Gain: 6,750 ft – 9,100 ft
Our trekking journey starts from Kotgaon after a walk to Sankri from where we continue heading inwards towards the Saud (Saur) village and after a walk of approximately 1 km from Sankri, take a right turn towards the trail headed to Kedarkantha. The trail is steep from here, all the way up to Juda ka Talab. We come across tea stalls halfway through the journey and cross a stream which can be used to fill your water bottles.
The trek is through dense forests of pine and the trail is well marked. We camp either at Juda or slightly ahead of Juda Talab. The path diverges into two from the Lake, with the left heading towards Phulara and the straight one heading towards Kedarkantha. We take the trail to the left.
Day 3: Juda talab to Bhoj Gadi
A trail leading from lush forest to the beautiful meadows
Trek Distance: 6 Km
Duration: 4 hrs
Altitude: 9,100 ft – 11,000 ft
We continue on this eastward trail to Bhoj Gadi, through the dense pines. After almost 2 KM we cross a stream where a broken bridge can be seen. We can use this stream to fill water bottles and take a short break here. After another 20-30 min of walking we come across a small clearing, before loosing the sight of the trail again in the forest.
The ridge that can be seen to our right, connects Pushtara meadows all the way to the Kedarkantha peak, and is knowns as Phulara Ridge. One can even summit Kedarkantha and follow this ridge to Bhoj Gadi, which is slightly below the ridge. We trek one section of this ridge on our way to Pushtar Meadows. The ascent from Juda to Bhoj Gadi is more gradual than day 1.
Day 4: Bhoj Gadi to Pushtar Meadows via Phulara Ridge
Pushtarara Meadows. During the Phulara Ridge Trek, we pitch up our campsite on this beautiful camping grounds
Trek Distance: 7 KM
Duration: 5 hrs
Altitude: 11,000 ft – 12,150 ft – 12,470 ft
After a climb of 20-30 mins from Bhoj Gadi campsite, we reach the ridge top, from where we simply follow the astounding trail to the east, all the way to Pushtara Meadows. It is an easy day with very little ascent. The day can be well utilised to enjoy the beauty of the ridge with panoramic views on its either sides. We can even see Kedarkantha from here.
Day 5: Pushtara Meadows to Rateri
All the campsite offer mesmerising views of Divine Himalayan mountains
Trek Distance: 4 KM
Duration: 3 hrs
Altitude: 12,470 ft – 13,000 ft
The trek today is short and we split the journey to the Fachu Kandi pass in order to acclimatize to high altitude. The trek can be covered in 3 hours at a comfortable pace.
Day 6: Rateri to Sarutal (4,150 meters)
On the way, you will come accross the beautiful Saru tal which is consideded to be a sacred lake by local villagers
Trek Distance: 3 KM
Duration: 2 hrs
Altitude: 13,000 ft – 13,779 ft
Saru Tal is an alpine Tarn, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters. It is a small lake with a ridge surrounding it on one side, similar to Roopkund, although not in as grandeur setting. Yet the beauty and solitude that this lake provides, is bound to leave you speechless. Wild grass and flowers bloom alongside this lake in summers.
The trek can be challenging for some, as the high altitude leads to lack of oxygen in the atmosphere, and each steps becomes slightly more difficult. It is important to find a steady but comfortable pace. The journey is not very long, so it isn’t required to rush through any stretch. We can camp near the lake, but with caution, so as to not damage these fragile environs in any way.
Day 7: Saru Tal to Leka Dogri via Fachu Kandi Pass (4,356 meters)
Trek Distance: 11 KM
Duration: 8 hrs
Altitude: 13,779 ft – 14,290 ft – 8,530 ft
The ascent to the pass from Saru Tal is short but steep. We are required to gain an altitude only around 140 meters vertically, before we start the descend and the trek henceforth becomes easy, as we no longer struggle with the altitude. The pass takes under an our to reach even at a slow pace. The views from the top are magnificent. The long walk down to Leka Dogri is at places gradual, while at other times it is a steep descent. We rest midway to eat our packed lunch. Arriving at the camp in this secluded forest, by late afternoon, we can spend rest of the day exploring the floral surroundings.
Day 8: Leka Dogri to Hanuman Chati trek, drive to Dehradun
Endings can be beautiful, too. Journey from Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun
Trek Distance: 5 KM
Duration: 2 hrs
Altitude: 8,530 ft – 7,874 ft
The trek to Fachu Kandi pass concludes today as we leave for Hanuman Chati, which is downhill. After covering the stretch in under two hours, we take the vehicle back to Sankri.
Mobile Network is available at Sankri, inclduing BSNL and JIO. JIO works much better.
During the Fachu Kandi trek partial connectivity may be available at the Phulara Ridge for a short while on Day 4.
Network will be available from Hanuman Chatti after that on the 8th Day
Electricity is available in Sankri. After Sankri there will be no electricity for the next 6 Days and thus you need to carry powerbanks to charge, phone or camera batteries.
ATM’s are available at various towns on the way to Sankri with the last being at Mori. Often the ATM’s do not have cash ahead of Dehradun, thus withdraw cash preferably from Dehradun.
Trek Inclusions
Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and personal luggage
Accommodation for a total of 7 nights.
Accommodation in Sankri homestay for the night stay of first day of the itinerary | Triple Sharing in one room.
Alpine tent accommodation for the night stay of Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 and Day 7 of the itinerary | Twin Sharing in one tent.
Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
All applicable taxes
Exclusions
Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc.
Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
Accommodation in Dehradun
Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks, etc
Trek Insurance
Porter/Mule charges to carry personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (Weighing up to 12kg)
Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
Fachu Kandi Pass Trek Videos
Read More on Fachu Kandi Pass Trek
Best winter treks in Uttarakhand: Winter Treks
Top 25 Treks in Uttarakhand Starting from Dehradun: