Trek Fee
₹ 22000$ 251+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance |
View Dates & Register |
Trek Fee
₹ 22000$ 251+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance |
View Dates & Register |
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TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate - Difficult |
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TREK DURATION 8 days |
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HIGHEST ALTITUDE 14,290 Feet | |
GROUP SIZE 12 People | |
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 41 Km | |
BASECAMP Uttarakhand | |
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BEST TIME May to June and September to November | |
PICKUP POINT Dehradun (Prince Chowk) |
Fachu Kandi Pass trek offers an amazing trekking experience in remote and high-altitude trails in Uttarakhand. Here are few key highlights that make it a rare Himalayan adventure:
Fachu Kandi Pass trek is considered a moderate to difficult level trek hence it's best suitable for trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience. The elevation point of pass is around 4,350 m above sea level and the terrain is full of variety particularly the high-altitude sections can be challenging due to crisp air and unpredictable weather. Trail passes through remote areas, dense forest, glacial zones, rocky paths and steepy ascents which make it a physically demanding journey.
The trek usually takes 8-9 days (from basecamp) to complete which makes it a slightly longer journey. Daily trekking distances range is between 8 to 12 km with 6-8 hours of walking.
In Summer season, days are mildly cold and snow may still be present in early June or late September. Trekking involves overnight stays hence proper acclimatization is necessary.
Kids: Not suitable for kids under 14 due to rough terrain and high altitude.
Families: Recommended only for families with prior trekking experience and physical fitness.
Solo Trekkers: Feasible for solo trekkers with prior experience, proper acclimatization and a reliable support system. However, due to remoteness of area and poor network connectivity, going with a local guide or group is advised.
The best time to explore the Fachu Kandi Pass is during the summer season- June to October. Due to located at high altitude and in remote area, the trail becomes accessible during the summer with minimal snow blockages and suitable weather conditions.
June to Mid-July
Most of the trekking sessions are started from June. This time snow starts and leaves the meadows lush green with full of blooming wild flowers. Days are pleasant this time but nights can be chilly. You can find some snow patches remaining at higher elevations.
Mid-July to August
By this time usually monsoon takes over the trails. Due to heavy rain, trails can be slippery and prone to landslides. However, the landscape turns amazingly beautiful with colorful flowers. Trekkers need to be cautious and watchful during the journey as clouds can restrict visibility and leeches are common.
September to October
This is the best time to visit Fachu Kandi Pass as rain goes away and sky is clear. You can clearly view the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Landscapes are fresh and give peaceful vibes. The time is ideal for photography lovers for clear and crisp visibility of surrounding nature.
Not Recommended in Winter (Late November-April)
Due to heavy snowfall in winter, pass becomes inaccessible. Temperatures can drop below-10° and trails are covered with thick snow layers.
Fachu Kandi Pass trek begins from Gangotri or nearby villages like Dharali or Harsil in Uttarakhand. Here's a step-by-step travel guide:
Step 1: Reach Dehradun
Dehradun serves as the starting point to Fachu Kandi Pass trek and is the main gateway to Uttarkashi and Gangotri.
Step 2: Dehradun to Harsil/Dharali/Gangotri
Take a shared taxi, jeep or bus to Uttarkashi (6-7 hrs).
From Uttarkashi, drive to Harsil, Dharali or Gangotri (4-5 hrs).
The total journey from Dehradun to Gangotri takes around 12-14 hrs hence considering an overnight halt at Uttarkashi is the best option.
Step 3: Base Village to Trail Start Point
Basecamps: Depending on your route, the trek may start from Dharali (8,460 ft) or Gangotri (10,200 ft).
From Dharali, trek through Khedi, Kyarkoti and then to Fachu Kandi Pass.
If trek starts from Gangotri, the route passes through Chirbasa, Bhojbasa and then joins the trail near Kyarkoti.
Tips to Note:
Fachu Kandi Pass Trek Route Overview (As per Himalaya Shelter Itinerary)
Drive: 190 km (8-9 hrs)
Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Kempty Falls → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri
Trail: Scenic drive through the Yamuna and Tons valleys, entry into Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary
Trek: 5 km (4 hrs)
Altitude Gain: 6,750 ft - 9,100 ft
Trail: Steep ascent through pine forests, passing by Juda ka Talab
Trek: 6 km (4 hrs)
Altitude Gain: 9,100 ft - 11,000 ft
Trail: Gradual ascent through dense pine forests, crossing streams and clearings
Trek: 7 km (5 hrs)
Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft - 12,470 ft
Trail: Climb to Phulara Ridge, followed by a ridge walk to Pushtara Meadows
Trek: 4 km (3 hrs)
Altitude Gain: 12,470 ft - 13,000 ft
Trail: Short trek to Rateri for acclimatization
Trek: 3 km (2 hrs)
Altitude Gain: 13,000 ft - 13,779 ft
Trail: Gentle ascent to the glacial lake Saru Tal
Trek: 11-12 km (6-7 hrs)
Altitude: Ascend to 14,000 ft, then descend to 10,761 ft
Trail: Steep ascent to the pass, followed by a descent into the Yamunotri Valley
Trek: 6 km (2-3 hrs)
Drive: Approx 7-8 hours to Dehradun
Trail: Final descent to Hanuman Chatti, followed by a drive back
In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Fachu Kandi trekking experience. Whether you're a beginner, solo traveller or a group of friends, 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.
Starting from Sankri Village, Fachu Kandi trek's trail passes through dense pine forests and quiet clearings that lead to the scenic Juda Ka Talab, Pushtara Meadows, Saru Tal, Leka Dogri and eventually to thrilling Fachu Kandi Pass. Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience.
Moreover, 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.
Drive Distance: 190 KM
Duration: 8-9 hrs
Altitude Gain: 2100 ft – 6,750 ft
We start the journey early from the city of Dehradun and drive initially to the queen of the hills – Mussoorie. Consecutively we cross Kempty Falls, known for its waterfall. After Kempty we rarely encounter any tourists and either the locals or trekkers or those headed to Yamunotri are our only companions.
After just over 100 km, we pass close to the temple of Lakhamandal. According to locals, Duryodhana of the epic Mahabharata conspired to burn the Lakshagriha house of the Pandavas around this area. We continue on the banks of river Yamuna, until Naugaon, from where the roads forks into two, with the right headed to Yamunotri & the right towards Sankri. Purola is the last big settlement on the route with a large market. So, it is recommended that the trekkers can buy anything they might have missed out by Purola itself. It also is the last village where most of the mobile networks work.
The arrival of Mori, where you will find the last ATM, is preceded by a beautiful drive along the river Tons, through a straight strecth of road running parallel to the river. The river Tons flows beside us till about Netwar. We enter the wildlife sanctuary (Govind Pashu Vihar) at Netwar. Tiuni, located not far from here, habors the confluence of the rivers of Rupin and Supin to form Tons. The peak of Kedarkantha can be seen from various points along the way from here.
We reach Sankri by early evening. It is a small village with a central market lined with a few shops. The village has numerous apple orchards which are harvested starting from late summer. The market area is new compared to the old village area, a part of which is known as ‘Saud’. We drive a KM towards Kotgaon by taking a road headed uphill, right to the village of Sankri. The views from Kotgaon are panoramic.
Trek Distance: 5 KM
Duration: 4 hrs
Altitude Gain: 6,750 ft – 9,100 ft
Our trekking journey starts from Kotgaon after a walk to Sankri from where we continue heading inwards towards the Saud (Saur) village and after a walk of approximately 1 km from Sankri, take a right turn towards the trail headed to Kedarkantha. The trail is steep from here, all the way up to Juda ka Talab. We come across tea stalls halfway through the journey and cross a stream which can be used to fill your water bottles.
The trek is through dense forests of pine and the trail is well marked. We camp either at Juda or slightly ahead of Juda Talab. The path diverges into two from the Lake, with the left heading towards Phulara and the straight one heading towards Kedarkantha. We take the trail to the left.
Trek Distance: 6 Km
Duration: 4 hrs
Altitude: 9,100 ft – 11,000 ft
We continue on this eastward trail to Bhoj Gadi, through the dense pines. After almost 2 KM we cross a stream where a broken bridge can be seen. We can use this stream to fill water bottles and take a short break here. After another 20-30 min of walking we come across a small clearing, before loosing the sight of the trail again in the forest.
The ridge that can be seen to our right, connects Pushtara meadows all the way to the Kedarkantha peak, and is knowns as Phulara Ridge. One can even summit Kedarkantha and follow this ridge to Bhoj Gadi, which is slightly below the ridge. We trek one section of this ridge on our way to Pushtar Meadows. The ascent from Juda to Bhoj Gadi is more gradual than day 1.
Trek Distance: 7 KM
Duration: 5 hrs
Altitude: 11,000 ft – 12,150 ft – 12,470 ft
After a climb of 20-30 mins from Bhoj Gadi campsite, we reach the ridge top, from where we simply follow the astounding trail to the east, all the way to Pushtara Meadows. It is an easy day with very little ascent. The day can be well utilised to enjoy the beauty of the ridge with panoramic views on its either sides. We can even see Kedarkantha from here.
Trek Distance: 4 KM
Duration: 3 hrs
Altitude: 12,470 ft – 13,000 ft
The trek today is short and we split the journey to the Fachu Kandi pass in order to acclimatize to high altitude. The trek can be covered in 3 hours at a comfortable pace.
Trek Distance: 3 KM
Duration: 2 hrs
Altitude: 13,000 ft – 13,779 ft
Saru Tal is an alpine Tarn, situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters. It is a small lake with a ridge surrounding it on one side, similar to Roopkund, although not in as grandeur setting. Yet the beauty and solitude that this lake provides, is bound to leave you speechless. Wild grass and flowers bloom alongside this lake in summers.
The trek can be challenging for some, as the high altitude leads to lack of oxygen in the atmosphere, and each steps becomes slightly more difficult. It is important to find a steady but comfortable pace. The journey is not very long, so it isn’t required to rush through any stretch. We can camp near the lake, but with caution, so as to not damage these fragile environs in any way.
Trek Distance: 11 KM
Duration: 8 hrs
Altitude: 13,779 ft – 14,290 ft – 8,530 ft
The ascent to the pass from Saru Tal is short but steep. We are required to gain an altitude only around 140 meters vertically, before we start the descend and the trek henceforth becomes easy, as we no longer struggle with the altitude. The pass takes under an our to reach even at a slow pace. The views from the top are magnificent. The long walk down to Leka Dogri is at places gradual, while at other times it is a steep descent. We rest midway to eat our packed lunch. Arriving at the camp in this secluded forest, by late afternoon, we can spend rest of the day exploring the floral surroundings.
Trek Distance: 5 KM
Duration: 2 hrs
Altitude: 8,530 ft – 7,874 ft
The trek to Fachu Kandi pass concludes today as we leave for Hanuman Chati, which is downhill. After covering the stretch in under two hours, we take the vehicle back to Sankri.
It is located in Uttarakhand, connecting Kedarnath Valley to the Badrinath region through a high-altitude trail.
The pass sits at approx 5,000 m (16,400 ft) above sea level.
No, it's a difficult and technical trek, best suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
It typically takes 8-9 days, depending on the chosen route and acclimatization needs.
From June to October is ideal. Trekkers should avoid the monsoon and winter seasons.
Yes, since it passes through remote and sensitive areas, close to the Indo-China border, permits from forest and local authorities may be needed.
Yes. A local guide and support tea
Fachu Kandi Pass region is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Locals believe that the region is watched over by Lord Shiva.
m is necessary for safety and navigation.
Fachu Kandi Pass region is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Locals believe that the region is watched over by Lord Shiva.
It usually starts from Dehradun. Sankri Village is the common basecamp for this trek.
No, It's difficult trek to be done solo. Help of a guide and joining a group is advisable.
Due to its challenging terrain, lack of infrastructure and relatively low exposure, it's still lesser-known and less-explored.
Mobile Network is available at Sankri, inclduing BSNL and JIO. JIO works much better. During the Fachu Kandi trek partial connectivity may be available at the Phulara Ridge for a short while on Day 4. Network will be available from Hanuman Chatti after that on the 8th Day.
Electricity is available in Sankri. After Sankri there will be no electricity for the next 6 Days and thus you need to carry powerbanks to charge, phone or camera batteries.
ATM’s are available at various towns on the way to Sankri with the last being at Mori. Often the ATM’s do not have cash ahead of Dehradun, thus withdraw cash preferably from Dehradun.
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