Post breakfast we are transported from Sankri to Taluka. The drive is a bit bumpy. The trek commences from Taluka on a stony path. With the river Supin gushing through rapids beside us, under the shade of walnut, pine and other trees, the walk is quite pleasant. Often the passing villagers greet us on the way.

The path crosses over a few streams which merge with Supin. After a few hours of walk the village of Gangad can be seen towards the left, across the river. We continue our hike and after about an hour’s walk, the quaint village of Osla unfolds itself. Seema is a tiny settlement opposite to the river from Osla. We set camp here or stay in a hut with a local family in the village.

On this day, we continue along the true right of the valley along the Tons river. The trail ascends through the fields and climbs high above the confluence of the Tons and Ruinsara gad. The walk through the forest is beautiful, with Kalanag (6387) visible straight ahead in the valley. We camp beside the stream and close to the waterfall.

We ascend into the Ruinsara valley. There is a stark difference in the vegetation with pine and fir giving way to birch and rhododendron. Ruinsara lake is a lovely lake surrounded by meadows and rhododendron bushes. It is considered sacred by the locals. Overnight in camps near the lake.

Today we rest near the lake and spent the day exploring the nearby glaciers and valleys. This will help us to acclimatize before the next day’s climb to the pass. We can explore the river bed as well. By evening we are back at the camp.

On this day we trek further upstream. The campsite holds significant importance as it is the basecamp of two of the most famous peaks in the area: Swargarohini (Swargarohini I – 6,252 m) and Black Peak (6,387 m). The former, though lower of the two, is the most challenging peak to climb in this area. While not particularly high by Himalayan standards, and not the highest in the Bandarpunch range, Swargarohini I is notable for its dramatic local relief. For example, its north face drops 2,000 metres in less than 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of horizontal distance, and its south face achieves the same drop in less than 3 kilometres. This camp is close to the south face of the peak.

We proceed to camp 1 of Black Peak on this day. The peak was first summited in 1955 by Jack Gibson, an English master at the Doon School in Dehradun. The highest peak in the Banderpunch group, Black peak is climbed almost every year by multiple teams.

On this day we start before sunrise. The pass is crossed and we descend to a stream at Gantrara.

The trail on this day enters meadows and forests again. We camp at Dorangatt.

We trek through forest trails and reach the village of Jhala. From here we board our vehicle and head to Gangnani. Gangnani used to be the village from where the hike to Gangotri started when motorable road was yet to reach thisholy pilgrimage. It is a small settlement with natural hot water spring baths. We rest in a guest house for the night.

We drive back to Dehradun from Gangnani. We reach by late afternoon or early evening.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is a popular trekking route located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It offers breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and takes you through lush forests, meadows, and small villages.

The trek is approximately 15-20 kilometers long, depending on the specific route taken and any additional side trips.

The best time to embark on the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is during the post-monsoon season, which typically falls between September and November. The weather is generally pleasant, and the trails are lush and green.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents and descents, so participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.

The trek is usually done in a single day, so there are no overnight accommodations along the trail. However, there may be options for homestays or guesthouses in nearby villages before or after the trek.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, no special permits were required for the Dhumdhar Kandi Trek. However, it’s essential to check with local authorities or guides for any updates or changes in permit requirements.

Some essential items to pack include appropriate trekking clothing, a good pair of trekking shoes, a backpack, water bottles, snacks, a first aid kit, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, a headlamp or flashlight, and any personal medications.

Mobile network coverage can be unreliable in some parts of the trek, particularly in remote areas. It’s advisable to inform someone about your itinerary and carry a power bank for your phone.

“I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“

Writes Priyesh.

We at Himalaya Shelter consider our trekkers part of our community, a family of sorts and really understand the efforts that you put into taking that much-needed break and setting off to the mountains. Some of you may wait for months and even a year to plan out that perfect excursion. That’s why we want it to be “a perfect excursion” for you.

Our testimonials (read below) are a testament to our service-oriented mindset.

We take safety into great consideration and ensure our team is trained to handle emergency situations.

For a better experience, we provide accommodation on Twin Sharing throughout the trek. With most trekking operators you would get triple or even quad sharing accommodation.

Our Accommodation will have attached washrooms

Furthermore, we provide the essential safety gear for your trek –

Without any additional charges.

We pamper you with great food which keeps you going on the trek. (On our google maps out of 300 reviews over 80 Trekkers mention great food😋)

We do not outsource services to ensure topmost quality throughout your journey. We use our own fleet of Vehicles to ferry you to the base camp and return.

The minimum requirement to join our team, Trek Leaders should have done the Basic Mountaineer Course

Trek leaders in Himalaya Shelter have extensive experience in trekking and mountaineering. They are familiar with the specific terrain, weather conditions, and challenges of the region where the trek is taking place.

The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek does not require the use of technical equipment and technical skills. But, given the level of stamina required and its high altitude, this trek is only for experienced mountaineers.

The nearest ATMs are located in Sankari town, which is the base camp for the trek.

The Pick up point will be Prince Chowk in  Dehradun

Indrahar Pass (4,342 meters): This is one of the most iconic peaks in the Dhauladhar range and is visible from various points along the trek.

Mon Peak (4,800 meters): Mon Peak is another majestic peak in the Dhauladhar range. It may be visible from certain vantage points during the trek.

Slab Peak (4,300 meters): This is another prominent peak in the Dhauladhar range that you may have the chance to see during the trek.

Dhauladhar Range Summits: While not individual peaks, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the entire Dhauladhar mountain range, with various summits and peaks forming an impressive backdrop.