Darma Valley Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Dharchula
Day 2: Drive from Dharchula to Sobla Village. Trek from Sobla Village to Dar Village
Day 3: Trek from Dar Village to Sela Village
Day 4: Trek from Sela Village to Baling Village
Day 5: Trek from Baling Village to Duktu/Nagling Village
Day 6: Trek to Panchachuli Base Camp and back to Duktu/Nagling Village
Day 7: Trek from Duktu Village to Baling Village
Day 8: Trek from Baling Village to Sobla Village. Drive from Sobla Village to Dharchula
Day 9: Drive from Dharchula to Kathgodam

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. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

The route to the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek in the Darma Valley is very appealing. You start the trek from Dugtu or Dantu village. The trail is simple, and you will see the Panchachuli peaks in front of you.

Remote Kumaoni Villages

Darma Valley is situated near the Indo-Nepal-Tibet border and boasts a unique culture. You will see villages like Sela, Duktu, Nagling, etc on the trek. The Rung community is local to Darma Valley. You will see wooden and stone houses in these villages. The attire of the Rang community is very different and beautiful.

Beautiful Dharchula Town

The main journey to Darma Valley starts from Dharchula town. You can witness the mixture of the Indo-Nepali language and cultures. Indian citizens can also visit Nepal just by crossing the bridge over the Kali River.

Alpine Meadows and Dense Forests

The trail to the zero point at Panchachuli Base Camp is beautiful. You will walk through dense Oak and Pine forest. The Rhododendron bloom is also very bewitching. The big alpine meadows are covered with wildflowers during spring and early summer.

Location: Dharma Valley is located in the Dharchula town of Pithoragarh district.

Altitude: The altitude of Darma Valley is 3000-3600 m.

Best Season: May-June (Summer) and September-October (Autumn)

Villages: There are a total of 12 villages in Darma Valley, such as Duntu, Dugtu, Sela, Nagling, etc.

Culture: The local community in Darma Valley is Rung. The culture of Darma Valley is a mixture of Kumaoni and Tibetan traditions.

The Darma valley trek difficulty level is easy to moderate. The trails are easy and beautiful. The altitude of the valley is also average for any Himalayan trek.

Trail condition

The trail to Darma valley passes through villages and forests. The ascents to the zero point are very gradual, and people can reach there easily. There are some steep sections near the Panchachuli base camp. You can cross these sections at a steady pace.

Altitude

The altitude near Panchachuli Base Camp is 3600 m. You start the trek from villages that are at 3000 m. The altitude is high but not extremely high to get AMS. The chances of getting acute altitude sickness are low.

Fitness Requirement

The Darma Valley trek is beginner-friendly. But the trekkers should be fit to walk for hours in the Himalayan region. If you are starting the trek from Dantu or Dugtu village, then you can easily complete it. But if you are starting the Darma Valley Trek from Dharchula, then you should have good strength. The trek will take about 8-10 days, and you have to walk for 6-7 hours daily.

Darma Valley Trek In Summer

The best season for the Darma Valley Trek is summer. You can plan your trek in May and June. The sky remains clear, and the weather becomes pleasant. The trails become clear, and you can easily trek to Panchachuli Base Camp.

Darma Valley Trek In Monsoon

Trekking to Darma Valley in the monsoon is difficult. The road conditions can be very bad. The visibility is also very poor. The trails can become muddy and slippery. You can also see leeches in the forest area. Landslides are also very common in the monsoon.

Darma Valley Trek In Autumn

Autumn is also a good time for the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek in Darma Valley. The trails become dry, and the visibility is also good. You can also witness buckwheat flowers till mid-September. The whole valley becomes pink and stunning. The temperature starts droppin', and nights can be very chilly.

Darma Valley Trek In Winter

Trekking to Darma Valley in winter is difficult. The heavy snow blocks the trails. You can reach Darma Valley, but you can’t trek to Panchachuli Base Camp. The temperature can drop to -10℃. The winter trek to Darma Valley is only suitable for experienced trekkers.

Delhi to Dharchula: You can reach Delhi to Dharchula by bus. There is only one direct bus from Delhi to Dharchula. It is an ordinary bus and takes about 24 hours. You can also book a train ticket from Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam. Now you can search for direct buses and shared taxis from Haldwani to Dharchula.

Dehradun to Dharchula: Reach Dehradun and take a bus or train to Haldwani. Now take a bus or shared taxi to Dharchula.

Dharchula to Darma Valley: You can start your trek from Dharchula. The total trek distance is about 60-70 km (round-trip). Or, you can take a shared taxi to Dantu/Dugtu. The trek distance from Dantu to Panchachuli Base Camp is just 5 km.

Mandatory Backpacking List for Har ki Dun Trek — **Backpacking List for Har ki Dun Trek**

Before going on the Har ki dun trek you need to have the best knowledge on how to prepare for a Himalayan Trek with a perfect backpacking of gear and equipment required, so that you can enjoy the trek without worrying about the common requirements otherwise lack of proper backpacking preparation can lead to the worst experience of your beautiful trek. Follow the instructions below to pack your backpack for hiking-

Mandatory Documents:

Ensure you carry essential documents such as a valid ID proof (driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport), medical fittness certificate and an adventure insurance.

Accessories:

Bring along a sturdy Backpack with rain cover, Waterproof Shoes, trekking poles, sun cap, sunglasses, headlamp or flashlight, lunch box, water bottle, a trek route map & current weather forecast of the the trail' region. Don't forget to carry a camera to capture the scenic beauty of Har ki dun Trek, and a power bank for charging electronic devices.

Toiletries:

It's essential to bring basic toiletries to ensure personal hygiene and comfort during the trek. Pack biodegradable soap a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, tissues or wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, a small towel, and a comb.

Clothings:

Wear multiple layers of clothing to suit different temperatures. The best Packing of essential clothing for a Himalayan Trek is key point to fully enjoy your trek without much affacted by the harsh weather. Always Try to pack as many items as possible that are moisture-wicking, warm, waterproof and comfortable.

For trekking in spring, summer, and monsoon: 1 Trek Pant, 1 innerwear (made of nylon), 1 lightweight shirt, 1 fleece Sweater, and 1 poncho
For Trekking in Autumn, and starting of Winters: 1 Trek Pant, 1 pair of thermals, 1 t-shirt, 1 fleece Sweater, 1 padded jacket, and 1 poncho
For Trekking in Winters: 1 pair waterproof gloves, 1 Trek Pant, 1 pair of thermals, 1 t-shirt, 1 fleece Jacket, 1 padded jacket, and 1 windproof jacket

Extra cloths as per the duration of Har ki dun Trek

3 T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
2 pair thermals (Wear one, carry one)
2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
3 pair socks (Wear one, carry two)
2 pair gloves (Wear one, carry one)
1 padded Jacket (Always carry it in your bag, whether you are wearing it or keep it with you in case there is a sudden drop in temperature during evening and morning hours)

Medical Kit:

Carry a basic First Aid Kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any personal medications. It's also helpful to have altitude sickness tablets and a blister care kit.

Permit Required

The Darma Valley is situated near the Indo-Nepal border. You will need an Inner Line Permit to visit the valley. The Inner Line Permit can be obtained from Dharchula. You must carry a government ID and a few passport size photos for this permit.

Fitness Preparation

The trail to Darma Valley is simple and beautiful. But it is a long trek and you should work on your fitness. Start running or light cardio about a month before the trek. Start eating healthy food and work on your stamina.

Trekking etiquettes

All Darma Valley Trek Villages are located in remote areas. These villages are very peaceful. Do not play loud music or cause any disturbance. Trek peacefully and respect the local culture.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of Bali pass 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.