Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

All journeys and treks contribute positively to the growth of human consciousness. There are Himalayan treks that offer a gentle embrace of Mother Nature, where you can walk for a short distance, camp, and enjoy the blissful beauty that surrounds you. At the same time, there are a few treks that push your limits and challenge you to step out of the comfort zone of your body and mind.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is one among these challenging treks. Nestled in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the spectacular views of high mountain peaks like Swargarohini Peak, Kala Nag (Black Peak), Bandarpoonch, Garuda Peak, and many others up close. So close that you feel you can touch them. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass connects the sacred temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed that in ancient times, this high mountain pass was used as a shortcut to the Tons valley. Local villagers may pronounce the name of the pass differently. Some call it Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, some call it Dhumdar Kandi Pass, and some call it "Dhamdhar Kandi Pass". One pass; many names! Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is designed only for experienced trekkers who have completed at least 2-3 Himalayan treks before and have good physical and mental stamina and endurance. Starting from the beautiful ancient villages of the Himalayas, this trek will lead you through lush green forests, beautiful alpine meadows, the mesmerizing Ruinsara Lake, and through challenging steep climbs and descents through moraines and snow. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass always remains covered in snow and is only approachable by experienced trekkers and adventure lovers. Join us on this thrilling adventure... 

History Of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Today, Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is a prominent trekking location. But this pass has deep roots in the culture and traditions of the locals. This pass has been a part of their cervical practices. It is a high-altitude pass, and the locals have been using it for centuries for trade. Many shepherds and traders used this pass to walk between the Bhagirathi and the Yamunotri valley. The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass was a lifeline between two valleys.

This beautiful route also has a religious significance. As you know, the Gangotri and Yamunotri are parts of the Char Dhar Yatra. Today, the pilgrims follow the easy route to visit the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. But earlier, many sages used the Dhaumdhar Kandi Pass, as it is a quieter and better space for meditation. The name Dhumdhar Kandi means misty terrain. The shepherds named this place because the areas near the pass are mostly covered with mist. The mountaineers gained interest in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in the late 20th century. The remoteness and untouched beauty of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek can captivate everyone. 

​Highlights Of The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

• Scenic Trail

The trail to Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is beautiful as you walk to heaven. You start the trek from dense forests where you can see big Oak and Pine trees. Your trail will be covered with red flowers. The forests lead to big meadows, and the meadows will lead to snowfields. Every part of this trek feels magical.

• ​Altitude And Challenges

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is magnificent but difficult. You need a good Himalayan trekking experience for this trek. The pass lies at an altitude of 5600 m. This much height with technical difficulty is not easy. You should make yourself physically and mentally prepare for this trek.

• ​Unique Experience

You will find the raw Himalayan beauty in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. This trial has very little human interference, and you can still feel the pureness in nature. The campsites of the trek are usually in pristine locations. You may also witness local shepherds with their flocks in the summer.

• ​Crossing Major Glaciers

You will cross two major glaciers in the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. You will cross the Swargarohini Glacier and Jalandhari Gad Glacier to reach the Pass. People often associate Swargarohini Glacier with the Pandavas. The Jalandhari Gad Glacier flows towards the Yamunotri.

​Difficulty Level Of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Many trekkers refer to the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek as one of the most challenging treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. This is not a simple trek but a summit. You will need good technical climbing experience.

• ​High Altitude Challenges

The major difficulty for the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is the altitude. The pass lies at a height of 5600 m, and this much height can cause AMS. You can get symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue while ascending. You should do proper rest and acclimation before starting the trek.

• Trail Conditions

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is a very remote trek, and the trail is not paved. There is no fixed route, as the routes can change with snow and glacial shifts. You may find different routes in each season. You will walk in rocky ridges and steep ascents. The river crossing and icy patches can be very difficult.

• ​Trek Distance And Physical Demands

You will walk about 80 km in about 2 weeks on this trek. Walking daily for about 7-8 hours is not easy. You need good physical strength for uphill ascending. The high-altitude areas can be very cold and harsh. You should have good physical and mental endurance to complete the trek.

​Best Time To Visit The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Summer is the best season to plan your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. This is a time when the snow begins to melt in the high altitude areas, and the route becomes accessible. You can also plan the trek in Autumn. But you should avoid planning your trek during the monsoon and winter.

• ​Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in May And June

This is the best time to trek to Dhumdhar Kandi Pass. The route will be more accessible, but you will still see a good amount of snow in the high-altitude areas. The weather is also nice and the sky will be clear.

• Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in July And August

Avoid the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in the monsoon. This season can be very risky for trekking. You can see landslides and washed-out trails. The trekking became very difficult due to slippery trails and minimal visibility.

• ​Dhumdhar Kandi Trek in September And October

You can also plan your trek after the monsoon. The air will become crisp with clear views. You can trek in this season as the trail becomes better. The landscape will start turning golden, and the temperature will start decreasing.

​How To Reach The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

You will start your Dhumdhar Kandi Trek from Taluka. This is a small town near Sankri. You should reach Sankri a day ahead of starting your trek to Dhumdhar Kandi. Stay at the guesthouse in Sankri and have proper rest.

• ​Sankri Via Road

You can only reach Sankri by road. You can find buses from various locations to Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun, you can look for direct buses to Sankri. Now from Sankri, you can take a shared taxi to Taluka.

• ​Sankri Via Railways

You can take a train to Dehradun as it is the nearest railway station to Sankri. You can find direct trains to Dehradun from many big cities. Now, from Dehradun, you can take a direct bus to Sankri. You can also find some shared taxi services.

• ​Sankri Via Air

If you are looking for airways, then look for flights to Dehradun. This city has direct flights from all major cities. Now, from the Jolly Grant Airport, take a taxi to the bus station. Look for direct buses or shared taxis to Sankri.