Bisurital Trek

‘Tal’ meaning ‘lake’ is an integral part of the Mountains. Many such hidden Lake jewels can be found tucked into the lap of these Majestic Garhwal mountains. One such destination is the Bisurital lake. This lake can be accessed via Chopta which is a drivable road and a basecamp for some popular treks in this region like the Tungnath and Chandrashila. 

The lake is approximately 30 km from Chopta and falls under the category of moderate to difficult treks as it passes through some challenging terrain amongst the alpine forests and Himalayan wildlife. The forests are dense and green and the weather in Bisurital remains pleasant most of the year except the Winters from December to February where it snows in Chopta making it a bit difficult to access. 

The altitude is 4100 m at the highest point near the lake called Bisuri Dhar. The last drivable road to start this fascinating trek is Chopta. Chopta, a small hill station located in Rudraprayag in Garhwal Himalayas offers some spectacular views and camping locations. The starry skies drenched in sunset golden hues is a site to behold. Chopta lies within some evergreen forest area that falls under the boundaries of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is a treat for Wildlife Photographers and nature enthusiasts.

History of Bisurital Trek

Bisurital is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Locals connect its history with the epic Mahabharata. They believe that Pandavas once walked through this path during their exile and their final journey (Mahaprasthan) towards heaven. It is also said that they meditated near the Bisurital lake and thus the water of Bisurital received blessings from God. This is the reason that Bisurital lake is often regarded as 'Tapasya Sthal' (a place of penance).

The name 'Bisuri' is also considered to be derived from 'Vishuddh Hriday Taal' which means lake of pure heart. Shepherds in this region tell the mystical stories of how a strange light appears in this lake during the full moon nights. 

The Bisurital lake area fell under the Garhwal Kingdom but it remained isolated due to its difficult terrain. Only shepherds and few pilgrims used this route. This route connected Kedarnath valley with remote alpine meadows.

In the early 2000s, the Uttarakhand Forest Department and independent trekkers started documenting this region. Due to the rise of tourism, many places in the Indian Himalayas were explored by trekkers and mountaineers. This is how this offbeat region of Bisurital lake gained attention, but still Bisurital retains its sanctity. Very few trekkers come here and only eco-tourism is allowed in this region.

Highlights of the Bisurital Trek

• Sacred Glacial Lake: Bisurital is considered a highly sacred and spiritual lake. It is considered the place where Pandavas meditated nearby. The lake received its spiritual aura from their deep meditation and penance. It has turquoise-colored water which increases its beauty further. Lake water remains frozen in the early season. The reflection of the moon on full moon days gives it a mystical effect.
• Rarely Explored Trail: Unlike popular treks in Uttarakhand, Bisurital is still less crowded and less explored. The people who love solitude, this place is heaven. Its raw Himalayan wilderness is ideal for trekkers seeking offbeat natural beauty. This place gives an opportunity to those trekkers and mountaineers who love to explore new places in the lap of Indian Himalayas.
• Panoramic Views of Snow Peaks: The best part of every Himalayan trek is to view the snow-capped peaks of the great Indian Himalayas. From the various points of Bisurital trek, you can get the breathtaking views of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Mandani and other famous peaks, especially near the lake and Kuari Khal. 
• Diverse Landscapes: Bisurital trek offers a variety of terrains. The trail passes through the dense forests of oak and rhododendron, serene alpine meadows, high ridges and finally the Bisurital lake. You will experience the changing of terrains and rich ecological variety throughout your journey. Every landscape waits for you with its unique charm.
• Himalayan Wildlife and Vegetation: Bisurital lies within Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary so the chances of spotting Himalayan wildlife like musk deer, monal, jungle cats, silver fox, wild boar, porcupine, jackal, flying squirrel are good.  Himalayan vegetation is also an attraction for tourists as it offers a rich variety of plants like rhododendron, birch, oak, silver fir, cypress, deodar, blue pine and many medicinal herbs as well.

Difficulty Level of Bisurital Trek

The Bisurital trek, located in Uttarakhand reaches the maximum elevation of approx 4,100 m. It is considered a moderately difficult trek which is suitable for fit trekkers with some prior high-altitude trekking experience. Though trek doesn't require advanced mountaineering skills, its high-altitude, long walking hours and trek duration can test your endurance level.

The trail takes 6 to 7 days to complete, depending on the chosen route. Daily walking hours range from 6 to 9 hours. 

The terrain of Bisurital trek is full of variety. Landscapes keep changing from dense forests of oak and rhododendron to alpine meadows, rocky paths, steep climbs and glacial moraines, especially near the lake. The trail is remote and isolated, very few trekkers come here and you can feel the lack of emergency facilities and network connectivity unlike other popular treks of Uttarakhand.

Due to its high-altitude and cold temperatures (0°C to 15°C), Bisurital trek is not recommended for families and kids. Beginners can attempt it with proper acclimatization and guidance but they must be physically fit and mentally strong.

Key challenges of this trek are: long trekking days, unpredictable weather, cold temperatures, windy zones and glacial sections. The last stretch towards Bisurital is steep and can be physically challenging. Though technical help isn't required, a professional guide and support team are highly advisable. Solo trekking must be avoided in this zone due to remoteness and lack of emergency services.

Overall, Bisurital trek is best suited for those who have good stamina and adventurous spirit. Trekking through a well-organized agency is recommended for a safe and enjoyable journey.

Best Time to Visit the Bisurital Trek

The best time to trek Bisurital lake is from mid-June to mid-October. During this window weather is relatively stable and trails are accessible. Outside this window, the weather conditions are very harsh and heavy snowfall blocks the way.

• June

By June, the snow starts melting and trails become accessible and safe. However, the snow relics are still present on the trail and at higher altitudes. Daytime temperature is around 12°C to 18°C while at nighttime it can drop to below 6°C to 2°C. The air is crisp and sky is mostly clear. Must carry a warm jacket and raincoat. 

• July-August

By this time, the monsoon takes over and heavy rainfall can add difficulty. Trails are leech-infested and prone to landslides. Temperature is bearable but unpredictable weather conditions can make this trek harder. Better avoid this window.

• September-October 

By this time rain goes away and the sky remains clearer. Also, during this window few trekkers attempt Bisurital lake, so for the solitude seekers, it's an ideal time. Temperature remains similar to June-July, from 10°C to 16°C in daytime and at nighttime around 0°C to 5°C. By mid-September, the arrival of autumn makes terrain dry and barren. After mid-September, snowfall chances increase.

• November to April 

The winter season is not advisable due to harsh weather and unfavourable trekking conditions. Temperature is extremely cold and heavy snowfall can block the trails.

How to Reach the Bisurital Trek

Bisurital is a high-altitude lake located in Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Trekking here involves journey through road travel and trekking in Himalayan terrain. The pick-up point is usually Dehradun, Rishikesh or Haridwar. All are well-connected by road and train to major cities of India. 

You can also travel by flight to Dehradun. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport from Rishikesh and Haridwar. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or bus to Ghat via Chamoli. Ghat village in Chamoli district is the starting point of this trek.

The road journey from Rishikesh to Ghat is around 230 km and takes about 9–10 hours by vehicle. It passes through scenic towns like Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Nandaprayag.

From Ghat (approx 1,300 m), the actual trek to Bisurital begins. The total trekking distance is around 60–65 km (both ways) and usually takes 5–6 days to complete. 

The trail passes through dense forests, alpine meadows and remote shepherd settlements before finally reaching Bisurital Lake. Due to its remote setting and absence of well-marked trails, it is highly recommended to go with a certified trekking agency or experienced guide. 

There are no proper accommodation facilities en route, so tents and camping gear are essential. Mobile network is mostly unavailable beyond Ghat.

Route: Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar → travel by road to Ghat via Chamoli → start trek from Ghat to Bisurital.

Things to Carry in the Bisurital Trek

Clothing

• 3 quick-dry T-shirts (full sleeves preferred)
• 2 trek pants (water-resistant if possible)
• 1 fleece jacket or woollen sweater
• 1 down jacket or heavy padded jacket
• 1 thermal inner set (top + bottom)
• Waterproof & windproof jacket
• Poncho or raincoat
• Woolen cap + Sun cap
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• 2–3 pairs of synthetic/woolen socks + 1 pair of woolen gloves
• Innerwear (quick-dry), towel

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (ankle-high, good grip)
• Floaters/sandals (for campsites)
• Gaiters (recommended due to snow/rock)

Bags

• 50–60 litre backpack (with rain cover)
• Daypack (10–20 litre) for summit day or acclimatization walks
• Dry bags or ziplocks (to keep items dry)

Personal Gear

• Trekking pole(s)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Water bottles (2L total capacity) or hydration pack
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (SPF)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper, sanitary pads/tampons (carry back used items)
• Small quick-dry towel

Personal Medical Kit

• Diamox (for altitude)
• Crocin/Dolo, Combiflam, Digene
• ORS sachets, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, gauze, crepe bandage
• Personal meds (if any)
• Betadine/Savlon

Documents

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Medical certificate (fitness)
• Disclaimer form (from your trek operator)

Others

• Power bank
• Extra camera batteries (cold drains battery fast)
• Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose
• Notebook + pen (optional for journaling)