Kanari Khal Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
TREK DURATION
6 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14815 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
35 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June and September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Kanari Khal Trek
Kanari khal trek is a beautiful and lesser-known trek in Uttarakhand. This breathtaking trek is located in the Garhwal region. It is like a hidden jewel for experienced trekkers. This trek provides unmatched beauty and is still very far from commercialization. It is a mix of natural serenity, adventure, and culture. The altitude of Kanari Khal Pass is about 4515 m, and the landscape here is mesmerizing.
The trek starts from Jumma village. This is a small village situated at a short drive from Joshimath. Trekkers can witness excellent views of the Dronagiri valley. Villages like Dronagiri and Ruing are related to the Mahabharata. You can experience the rich culture of the Bhotiya community. These small villages are not only a stay option for the trekkers but also a chance to experience the culture of these communities. When you start walking on the trail, you will see a beautiful transition from pine and oak forest to the alpine landscape. This new landscape will be covered with panoramic meadows, boulders, and glacier streams. While walking on the trail, you will reach the Kanari Khal Pass, which offers a 360-degree Himalayan view.
The famous Kanari Khal Trekking in Garhwal ranges covers the most significant of nature’s most explicit attractions including rivers, waterfalls, high altitude meadows, mountain villages and dense forests. The trek takes the adventurers along the mysterious Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. One can catch the fascinating sceneries on the trail of Kanari Khal Pass and can also hear the streaming roars of many inflows during summers and winters. Along the trek the adventurers may visit the most important pilgrimage center of Hindus like Rishikesh, and can also see the Dronagiri village and Joshimath quite near to the region. The regions can bring adequate chance to explore the lofty peaks of Changbang, garure Dome, Kalanka and can also see the towering peaks of Lampak. This challenging trip is especially designed for the mountain lovers and adventure lovers that will surely set their spirits high with thrill and adventure with Kanari Khal Trekking experience.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Jumma. Trek from Jumma to Ruing village.
Day 3: Trek from Dronagiri to Longatulli
Day 4: Trek from Longatulli camp to Garpak
Day 5: Trek from Garpak to Jumma
Day 6: Drive from Jumma to Dehradun
Experience the raw natural beauty of kanari khal trek with Himalaya Shelter. This lesser-known place will offer you an exposure to nature, traditions, and adventure. In this trek, you will witness panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, big meadows, and beautiful villages. Plan your Kanari Khal Trek with Himalaya Shelter. Our team will provide you with a tailored itinerary. You can plan your trek as per your pace and preference. We provide customized treks even for smaller groups. You can plan your trek with your family or friends.
Himalaya Shelter (HS) offers flexible dates, camp setups, and even meals. You can explore nature with our team at its best. Our experienced guides will take care of the team at every step. We plan your trek to suit your interests, fitness, and comfort. We do our best to make your trek memorable and personal. The trek will feel truly yours.
This trek has a rich cultural and mythological value. During the exploration of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kanari Khal Trek came into light. Dronagiri Valley has roots related to the Mahabharata. This trek is not a very well-documented trek, but it is still a very valuable trek due to its geographical location and traditions. The village of Dronagiri is named after the Dronagiri Parvat. In Hindu mythology, this is the same mountain from which Hanuman plucked the Sanjeevani herb. Dronagiri holds lots of traditions and beliefs. The locals resist ascending Dronagiri peak as it is a sacred peak for them.
Unlike other treks, Kanari Khal Trek is not a famous route for trekkers. But it used to be a part of the trans-Himalayan trade route. The locals used to travel to Tibet via Kanari Khal pass for trade. They mainly barter herbs, wool, and salt for metals and grain. Kanari Khal Pass, Niti Pass, and Mana Pass were the main network routes for the trade between these two countries. This pass also became a route for cultural exchange. You can witness the Tibetan influence, like the customs, player flags, etc. Even the language shows a big Tibetan influence in these areas.
Kanari Khal Pass: This is the main highlight of the whole trek as the Kanari Khal Pass offers you a stunning Himalayan view. When you stand on the pass, you can see a 360-degree Himalayan view. Some of the main peaks are Kalanka, Dunagiri, Changbang, Hathi Parvat, and Ghori Parvat.
Beautiful alpine meadows: While trekking towards the pass, you will walk on the lush alpine meadows. During summer, these meadows fill with greenery and wildflowers. The scenery is similar to the Valley of Flowers trek. However, this trek is lesser-known and offers untouched beauty.
Offbeat experience: Garhwal is home to lots of famous treks like Har Ki Dun, Valley of Flowers, etc. But the Kanari Khal Trek is still very unknown to the world. People who love travelling to lesser-known places, this trek is for you. Trekkers who value raw nature, tradition, and history should do this trek at least once in a lifetime.
Beautiful campsites: All the campsites of the Kanari Khal Trek are beautiful. The Ruing village is culturally rich, where you can experience the rich Himalayan settlement. In clear skies, the Longatulli campsite becomes magical as you can witness a sky full of stars.
Kanari Khal Trek is rated as a Moderate trek. This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers. However, trekkers with few treks and good physical and mental strength can also do this trek without any difficulty. The difficulty level of the trek depends on the altitude, trail, and weather conditions.
High-altitude trek: Kanari Khal Trek is a high-altitude trek, as the altitude of the pass is 4515 m. This altitude is enough to cause AMS. Trekkers can get headaches and nausea as the air becomes very thin. Trekkers must acclimate well before ascending to the higher areas. Take a good rest at Ruing village camp and start fresh the next day.
Long trekking hours: Kanari Khal trek takes about 6-8 days, and the total trek distance is 35 km. The trekkers may have to walk 5-8 hours daily. If you are an amateur trekker, walking for long hours can be difficult. You should prepare yourself by doing some stretching and running weeks before the trek.
Weather conditions: The weather is very unpredictable in high-altitude areas. The trekkers may witness sudden rain or snowfall even in early summer or post-monsoon. The temperature can drop to sub-zero degrees at night in the high-altitude campsites. You may encounter strong, chilly winds near the pass.
The best time to plan your Kanari Khal trek is the summer and post-monsoon. The weather conditions and scenery will be different in every season. You can trek to Kanari Khal only in the summer and post-monsoon, as trekking in the winters is not possible. This region receives a good amount of snowfall, making the route inaccessible. Avoid trekking in the monsoon season as heavy rainfall can lead to slippery trails and landslides.
Kanari Khal Trek from May To Mid-June
This is the early season for the Kanari Khal Trek. If you trek in the first or second week of May, you will see big snow patches near the pass. You can also experience the fresh snowfall in early summer. Trekking this season can be more dramatic and adventurous.
Kanari Khal Trek from Mid-September to Mid-October
You can plan your trek to Kanari Khal post-monsoon. The scenery will be clear, and the trails will be dry. The meadows will start turning golden, and the weather will be cool in the daytime. Nights can be cold as the temperature might drop to -5 degrees in the high-altitude areas
You will start your Kanari Khal Trek from Ruing. This is a small village near Joshimath. You can drive to Jumma and then trek to Ruing. For Jumma, you can take a shared taxi from Joshimath.
To plan your trek, you need to reach Joshimath. This is a famous and well-connected city in the Garhwal region.
Joshimath via Air
The nearest airport to Joshimath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can find frequent flights to Dehradun from all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. Take a flight and reach Dehradun. Now, take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh. Now look for a direct bus to Joshimath.
Joshimath via Train
The nearest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh. You can find trains to Rishikesh from all major cities. If not, you can also look for trains to Haridwar or Dehradun. Once you reach Rishikesh, take a direct bus to Joshimath.
Pro Tip: You can enjoy the Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh in the evening and take a bus to Joshimath early in the morning.
Joshimath via Road
You can find buses to Dehradun from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi directly to Joshimath. Or, you can take a local bus to Rishikesh and then take a direct bus to Joshimath. From the Kumaon region, you can take a bus to Karnprayag and then take another bus to Joshimath.
Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek
Clothing and Backpack
Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.
Footwear
You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.
Personal Care
For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.
Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:
To overcome the difficulty level of 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.
Overview
Foundation
Strength Building
Power & Stamina
Endurance & Recovery
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath (294 km. approx)
Early morning after breakfast drive to joshimath which is 294 km and around 10 hours ride from Dehradun. Dinner and Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Jumma. Trek to Ruing village
Altitude: 2,800 m
Time taken: 2-3 hours, 3 km
The trek starts from an unassuming village called Jumma, which is an hour’s ride from Joshimath. Pick up trek ration and kerosene at Joshimath or on the way at Suraithota, as there are almost no supplies available after you begin the trek. The ride from Joshimath to Jumma is a little bumpy. You’ll drive across villages like Tapovan, Reni, Lata, Suraithota and Phagti. In between Suraithota and Jumma, the road winds beside River Dhauliganga. This makes for a lovely drive, especially in autumn. But it can be equally menacing during monsoon.Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 3: Dronagiri to Longatulli
Altitude: 3,610 m to 3,800 m
Time taken: 3 hours, 3 km
Today’s trek is quite easy. After leaving Dronagiri, trace a path that meanders to a high ridge, from where you can catch your first views of Rishi peak and Bagini Nala. Around 30 minutes after leaving the village, you’ll come across a concrete bridge over Bagini Nala. There is another trail going left from the bridge. Do not take that trail as it goes to Kanari Khal and gradually towards Garpak village. Cross the bridge and continue on the ascending trail. This area is almost completely void of vegetation. It’s packed with boulders. Around 90 minutes after crossing the bridge, you’ll come across a green patch beside a stream. This could serve as an emergency camping ground. Longatulli lies an hour away and you can camp there for the night. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 4: Longatulli Camp to Garpak via Kanari Khal
Altitude: 3,800 m to 3,340 m
Time taken: 7-8 hours, 13 km
Proceed on the route to Bagini Glacier for 1 km, till you reach the tri-junction bridge over Bagini River. From here, the trail to Kanari Khal goes towards the left side of a steep ridge. The shepherd trail here is narrow and very steep. The trail is above the treeline and has an expansion of tall grasses all over. In the distance, you can see the saddle of Kanari Khal. Observe Bagini River gushing below you in a narrow gorge. Dinner and Overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Garpak to Jumma via Ruing
Time taken: 7-8 hours, 8 km
After yesterday’s grueling trek, today’s trek is a scenic one. You’ll be trekking along Lampak and Bagini streams all the way to Jumma. One kilometer down the trail from Garpak towards Ruing, you’ll come across a bridge over Lampak stream. Walk alongside Lampak stream till it merges with Bagini stream. Here, cross the bridge and connect to the village trail that comes from Ruing. From here retrace the trail you took on day one, all the way to Jumma. From Jumma, you can take a jeep to Joshimath. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/guest house.
Day 6: Jumma-Joshimath-Dehradun
Early morning after breakfast head towards dehradun via joshimath.End of your trek with happy memories.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Inclusions
- Transportation – Transport Support from Dehradun from Day 1 to Day 6 (Pickup time: 7:30 am, Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station)
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- CLOAKROOM - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
The trek is considered to have a moderate difficulty level, suitable for trekkers with some prior experience.
The highest point of the trek isari Khal Pass, which stands at elevation of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level.
Accommodation typically includes in tents at designated sites along the trekking route
While prior trekking experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory. However, a good level of physical fitness is essential due to the trek's moderate difficulty.
The ideal periods for this trek are from May to June and September to October, when the weather is favorable and the trails are accessible.
The trek offers a diverse range of flora, including rhododendron forests, and fauna such as Himalayan monals and musk deer.
Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, rain gear, a first-aid kit, water purification tablets, and personal items.
While it's possible, it is recommended to undertake the trek with a guide or as part of a group for safety and navigation purposes.
The trek offers panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Hathi Parvat, serene alpine meadows, and the experience of crossing the Kanari Khal Pass.
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