Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet Trek

Start Point: Jhariwala (Near Garhi Cantt, Dehradun) – Altitude: 800 m

• Walk along Nun River through forests
• Halduwala Village – Small forest clearing
• Nunes – First meadow & resting point – Altitude: 1,200 m
• Bakarna – Ridge walk with views – Altitude: 1,500 m
• Chhaskhet Village – Final destination – Altitude: 1,800 m
• Total Distance: 6 km one way
• Time: 4–5 hours ascent, 3 hours descent
• Trail Type: Well-defined forest trail, moderate incline
• Terrain: Mixed forest, meadows, local footpaths
• Return via the same route to Jhariwala.

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trekking experience. Whether you're a beginner, solo traveller or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. 

This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. 

Starting from the Jhariwala near Dehradun, the Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek's trail passes through dense forests, small village settlements and offers scenic views. 

Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience.

Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet region holds deep history and several mythological stories within. According to locals and oral traditions, the name 'Bakarna' is linked to a demon named Bakasur who once lived in the region. Villages were so oppressed by his tyranny and he prayed to the local deity to help them. Then a deity in the disguised form of Lord Shiva took on the demon and restored the peace of the region. Even today villagers avoid going into Bakarna alone at night due to mythological beliefs.

Behind the naming of the word 'Chhaskhet' has its own stories. 'Chha' means six (6) and 'Khet' means fields or farms. Locals believe that six fields are given by God to a sage who performed intense penance in the region. God was pleased with his penance and devotion and blessed him with the rewards of six fields. Still, the meadows of Chhaskhet are believed to hold the spiritual aura and meditating here is said to bring peace and clarity of mind.

It is also said that during medieval times, when invaders attacked the region, locals hid in the dense forests of this region to protect them from Rohillas and Gorkhas. However, the Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet region was not predominantly ruled by any dynasty due to its difficult and remote terrain but it fell under the Panwar Kingdom.

In recent decades, the Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet has gained attention for its offbeat charm and authentic Garhwali culture. The region has still limited human interference but trekkers come here to experience the raw nature and pastoral peace.

• Ancient Oak & Rhododendron Forests:

Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek passes through the dense and beautiful forests of oak and rhododendron. Some of them are very ancient. In the summer season, the bright red flowers of rhododendron make trails very scenic and refreshing. The fresh mountain air and chirping birds on trees turn your journey into an engaging and enjoyable one.

• River Walk along River Nun: 

The trek follows the Nun River whom the trek is named after. It provides a beautiful backdrop. You can rest by the river, see its gushing streams and even dip your feet in its cool water. It feels so therapeutic. The sound of water heals you and stays with you for hours. 

• Wild Animals and Birds: 

The trek provides a good opportunity to wildlife enthusiasts. In Shivalik forests, you can spot Himalayan langurs and barking deer. In the early mornings you can hear the singing of birds. Lucky trekkers can spot Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. Many colorful butterflies can be found hovering around the flowers and trees.

• Panoramic Views of Dehradun & Mussoorie:

Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek offers you wide views of Dehradun Valley and Mussoorie Hills. As you climb higher, you can get the panoramic views of them. Near Chhaskhet Village, the distant towns look stunning, especially on sunny and clear days. Many trekkers capture the views in their cameras to cherish these moments forever. 

• Authentic Garhwali Village Life:

The Chhaskhet Village is known for its authentic Garhwali architecture and culture. It's a quaint village which follows a simple and cute lifestyle. You can talk to villagers here, enjoy home-cooked meals and learn about their culture; they are very warm and welcoming. The people who want to take a break from the busy city life, can find peace and positivity here.

Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The trek has a maximum altitude around 3,200 m and falls under the category of moderately difficult trek. The trek is suitable for beginners, families and kids (over 10 years). Elderly people with good fitness can attempt it with proper preparation and guidance.

The duration of the trek is 2 to 3 days, including travel days. Trekkers have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily on average. The trail passes through forests, quaint villages, ridgelines, rivers, water streams, meadows and steepy ascents. There are gradual climbs and short rocky sections but they don't require technical climbing skills.

For safety and navigation, it's advisable to go with a certified guide or join a team, especially for beginners. It's an offbeat and less-known trek so trails are not well-marked. Acclimatization is important due to altitude gain. 

On high-altitude, sudden weather change is common so be prepared for it. Rainfall and hailstorms can happen, especially in monsoon and winter. Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons to undertake this trek. 

For night stays, you can camp in tents or opt for village homestays. Warm clothing and rain protection are essential to carry. This is a less-commercial trek so emergency services are limited. However, villagers and locals are helpful and welcoming. 

Though the Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek is an all-season trek, the best time to visit it is from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather and comfortable trekking experiences.

• March to June (Spring & Summer):

During this time, the weather is good and trails are dry. Lush green forests and blooming rhododendrons make trails scenic. The daytime temperature goes between 15°C to 22°C and nights are cooler around 5°C to 10°C. Sudden rainfall can happen, especially after mid noon but sky remains often clear and allows you to spot panoramic Himalayan ranges from the hilltop.

• July to August (Monsoon):

Heavy rainfall makes trails slippery and prone to landslides. Trails can be leech-infested. Due to clouds, the sky is not clear and hinders visibility. Temperature is similar to summer time but generally the monsoon window is not recommended for trekking.

• September to November (Autumn):

This window is also ideal to undertake your Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet journey as after monsoon, landscapes look more fresh. The sky is clear but the air can be felt crisp and cold. Autumn brings a golden hue to forests and landscapes turn in a red-brown-golden theme. Daytime temperature ranges go between 12°C to 18°C while at night time it can drop to 5°C. 

• December to February (Winter):

The region receives snowfall in winter. Trails are often covered with snow. Daytime temperature range can be around 0°C to 10° and at night time it can drop below 0°C. Experienced trekkers and snow lovers can do this trek during this time but it is not recommended for beginners, families and kids.

Nunes Bakarna Chhaskhet trek is located just outside Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The starting point of the trek is Jhariwala Village which is roughly 6 km from Dehradun’s Cantonment (Garhi Cantt) area. 

You can reach Dehradun via air, road and train as it's well-connected with the major cities of India.

Upon reaching Dehradun, you can either self-drive, hire a cab or use a pre-booked transfer from Dehradun to reach Jhariwala.

Cabs or taxis are easily available from Dehradun city or Dehradun Railway Station/Airport to either Jhariwala or Jantanwala (Clouds End area). The trek starts with a short road walk from here.

You may find shared jeeps heading toward Mussoorie or Clouds End and from there portion off via local drop‑offs. Negotiate drop near Jhariwala.

The trail begins from Jhariwala by the Nun River, crossing through dense forest and small settlements like Halduwala.

The route passes through Nunes → Bakarna → Chhaskhet village and offers views of Doon Valley and Mussoorie hills.

Clothing and Backpack

Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.

Footwear

You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.

Personal Care

For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.

Inclusions

• All accommodations on twin sharing tents as per the itinerary.
• All meals during the trek (vegetarian with occasional serving of eggs) including breakfast, hot/packed lunch, and dinner with morning and evening tea
• Certified Trek Leader, Cook and Support Staff
• Medical Kit
• Forest Permits
• Camping Equipment including tents, kitchen & dining tents, toilet tents etc
• Gaiters, Microspikes, when needed

Exclusions

• Anything i.e. NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal expenses.