Saptarishi Kund Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
TREK DURATION
6 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
13,779 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
13.5 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June and September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Saptarishi Kund Trek Overview
Saptarishi Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake lying in the Bandarpunch mountain range. Saptarishi Kund Trek lies in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This trek starts from the divine Yatra Dham Yamunotri. Saptarishi Kund is considered to be the real source of the holy river Yamuna. Located at the high altitude of 4421 meters, Saptarishi Kund offers many challenges for those who want to reach there. Because of the continuous steep climbs through ridges, glaciers, and moraines, this trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand. However, for adventure and nature lovers, this trek is a must-do. This trek starts from the small town of Yamunotri and takes you to the forest line, then enters into vast meadows which later take you to the ocean of stones and boulders (moraines) and glaciers. Traversing through moraines and glaciers can be really tricky and dangerous. Therefore, all the trekkers who are willing to embark on this trek must be very cautious and should get the help of local guides and porters. On one side of the trek, there is a steep mountain wall which touches the Champasar Glacier. This Champasar Glacier is considered to be the water source of the Saptarishi Kund. Getting permission from the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is required for embarking on this trek. Overall, Saptarishi is one of the challenging and difficult treks in Uttarakhand which can be done by professional mountaineers and experienced trekkers.
Who doesn't like to go to the mountains? Who doesn't like to enjoy some peaceful moments of solitude in the lap of Mother Nature? The divine vibes of the Himalayas draw many nature lovers, trekkers, mountaineers, and bird watchers to them. For most Indians, the Himalayas are a living entity. Those who are receptive enough have experienced that the Himalayas, especially the Indian Himalayas, are an abode of divine peace. Ancient Indian scriptures give validation to this fact. The Himalayan mountain range is not merely a piece of land that consists of one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, but it is also an abode of divine peace and the home of innumerable spiritual seekers and great sages. Moreover, Uttarakhand is a state of India blessed by the Himalayas. All the Char Dhams (Great Spiritual destinations) are located in Uttarakhand. Hence, there is no doubt why Uttarakhand is called Dev Bhumi (Land of Gods). It has innumerable treks which are more or less associated with ancient Hindu scriptures. One such spiritual trek is the Saptrishi Kund Trek.
The best time to do the Saptarishi Kund Trek is in the months of April and May when the weather remains pleasant and there is no fear of rainfall or landslides. The Char Dham Yatra starts from May/June and Janki Chatti and Yamunotri Dham get filled with Yatris and tourists. This time may not be ideal to embark on this trek since it will be really crowded at that time and you may also find it difficult to find porters for carrying your luggage or offloading bags. The months of July and August are considered to be the months of heavy rainfall and possible huge landslides in the mountains. The trails, especially the moraine part, may become really slippery, making the Saptarishi Kund trek really difficult and dangerous to complete. Therefore, we would suggest you not to visit this trek in peak monsoons. Post-monsoon, in the months of September and October, you can plan to visit this Saptarishi Kund trek. In September, you may see spectacular flower blooming, and in the month of October, you will observe the colors of autumn. Please note that if you are planning to do the Saptarishi Kund Trek in late October, it may be really cold and windy.
The Saptarishi Kund trek passes through lush green forests of Deodar, Cedar, Chir, and Oak, and alpine meadows. You may get a chance to spot divine flowers of Brahma Kamal and Phen Kamal. The Himalayas are full of medicinal plants which only an expert in the field can identify. On the trail of the Saptarishi Kund, you may spot many rare Himalayan medicinal plants. The bird watchers may be able to spot Monal pheasant, Bearded vulture, Golden eagle, Western tragopan, Steppe eagle, and Black eagle.
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, 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. 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. Content Credits: Dhruv Upadhyaya
Day 1: Dehradun to Janki Chatti
Drive: 180 km, 6-7 hrs
Altitude gain: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 8,675 ft (2,650 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay
Meals: Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner
On Day One, you will travel from Dehradun to Janki Chatti. Your stay will be in a Hotel or Homestay. Janki Chatti is the place where you can reach by your vehicle. Yamunotri Temple is the starting point of the Saptarishi Kund trek. It is a quaint village surrounded by magnificent Himalayan mountains.
Tomorrow we will have to go to the Yamunotri Temple situated 5 km from Janki Chatti from where the Saptarishi Kund Trek starts. Conclude the day with an organic dinner and lovely talks together with other travelers to be remembered in a quiet setting.
Day 2: Janki Chatti to Yamunotri
Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude gain: 8,675 ft (2,650 m) – 10,803 ft (3,293 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner
Today’s trek is a trek for non-believers and Yatra for spiritual seekers. Today in the morning after having a healthy breakfast, we will depart for the Sacred Temple of Yamunotri. Yamunotri is one of the Char Dhams and one of the holiest places for the Hindus.
We will reach Yamunotri Temple after completing an easy trek of 3-4 hours. Upon reaching there you can pay homage to the temple or choose to explore the region and interact with the team. Our team will guide you regarding tomorrow’s trek and make the necessary preparations for the challenging Saptarishi Kund Trek. Get ample rest tonight since tomorrow is going to be an exhausting day.
Day 3: Yamunotri to Saptarishi Kund
Trek: 12 km, 7-8 hrs
Altitude gain: 10,803 ft (3,293 m) – 14,504 ft (4,421 m)
Accommodation: Alpine / Dome Tents
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner
We will start early in the morning with the intention of reaching the Saptarishi Kund when there is still some time left for the Sunset. The trek from the very beginning consists of steep climbs.
Initially, you will climb through beautiful stony trails made by local villagers through the lush green forests of Deodar and Chir. After trekking for 6-7 km, which is a continuous steep climb, you will reach open meadows. This place is called Damini bugyal by local villagers. From Damini Bugyal the real challenge begins.
After crossing Damini Bugyal you will enter into the moraines. Take very good care while walking through the meadows. It can be really tricky and rainfall can make it really slippery and hence, very dangerous.
After crossing the moraines, you will have to cross a glacier. That particular part of the trek demands great attention. Eventually, the trail will lead you to the divine Saptarishi Kund, the first sight of which will take away all your exhaustion.
Saptarishi Kund is a glacial lake that mostly remains frozen. Camping on the bank of Saptarishi Kund under the clear night sky full of twinkling stars will indeed be a divine and serene experience. If you are lucky enough, you may spot the Saptarishi constellation (Ursa major/minor) there in the wilderness.
Day 4: Saptarishi Kund to Yamunotri
Trek: 12 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude loss: 14,504 ft (4,421 m) – 10,803 ft (3,293 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner
Try to wake up early in the morning to welcome the rising sun from this divine place. After having a healthy breakfast, we will start descending back to Yamunotri, from where we had begun our trek. We will follow the same trail. In the mountains, descending is considered more challenging and tricky than ascending and demands great attentiveness.
On the way, you may find many rare and beautiful wildflowers. Most of them contain medicinal properties. Please don’t try to touch any unknown plant since it may be poisonous. Only an expert of Ayurveda or some local villagers can identify these plants. You will see the divine Brahma Kamal Flower and also Phen Kamal.
Following the same trail, we will descend back to Yamunotri and Check into the Ashram / Hotel.
Day 5: Yamunotri to Janki Chatti
Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude loss: 10,803 ft (3,293 m) – 8,675 ft (2,650 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner
We must be grateful that we could successfully complete this difficult high-altitude trek. After paying the homage and expressing our gratitude to the deity in the Yamunotri temple we will start our return trek to Janki Chatti. Indeed, it will be an easy walk. You are expected to reach to your accommodation in 2-3 hours where you will get sufficient time for freshen up and shopping.
Day 6: Janki Chatti to Dehradun
Drive: 180 km, 6-7 hrs
Altitude loss: 8,675 ft (2,650 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay
Meals: Breakfast
Say goodbye to the fascinating scenery of Janki Chatti, leaving Dehradun with a lovely memory of the Saptarishi Kund Trek. Our devoted staff provides a pleasant trip, leaving you at the railway station or airport for your onward journey. Consider the marvelous scenery, instances of cultural diversity, and empowering experiences throughout this trek.
As you return, take with you the splendor of the divine Himalayan mountains and friendships that are new. The trip may conclude, but the recollections will stay as a reminder that you have gone through an incredible expedition. We hope that Saptarishi Kund Trek has forever sealed a place in your heart, and beckons you to visit us again for more Himalayan expeditions. Safe journey, and may the mountains’ reverberation guide you back to your home.
Inclusions
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.
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.
Exclusions
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. 🌱
Read More on Saptarishi Kund Trek
Photo Gallery
Treks by Categories
Treks By Month
Treks By Region
Treks By Experience
