Ruinsara Lake Trek- Best Time to Visit in 2025, Detailed Itinerary

TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy

TREK DURATION
7 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,800 feet

GROUP SIZE
12 People

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
45 Km

BASECAMP
Uttarakhand

BEST TIME
April to June | September to November

PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

	TREK DIFFICULTY Easy			TREK DURATION 7 days
	HIGHEST ALTITUDE 11,800 feet			GROUP SIZE 12 People
	TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 45 Km			BASECAMP Uttarakhand
	BEST TIME April to June \| September to November			PICKUP POINT Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Ruinsara Lake Trek Overview:

In Uttarakhand, a lake is called 'tal'; such as Saru Tal, Maldaru Tal, Baradsar Tal, etc. Hence, Ruinsara Lake is called Ruinsara Tal by the local villagers. If you have ever gone on the Har ki Dun trek, you must have heard about Ruinsara Lake. Some trekkers like to walk long distances during the trek; they include exploring Ruinsara Lake along with the Har ki Dun Trek. However, not everyone is fit enough to complete that trek in 6/7 days. We have designed this trek considering the requirements of those enthusiastic trekkers who want to explore the beauty of Mother Nature but are not willing to walk long distances every day. Ruinsara is an alpine lake lying in the Har ki Dun valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. Ruinsara Tal remains surrounded by beautiful vast meadows. This lake is special as it is almost in the middle of the Har ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri Valley. By embarking on this trek, you will pass through some remote Himalayan villages, spectacular meadows like Devasu Bugyal, and lush green forests of pine, maple, rhododendrons, and Bhojpatra. Have you heard about Bhojpatra? It's a very sacred and interesting tree for spiritually inclined trekkers. When paper was not invented, our great ancestors and scholars used to write scriptures like Ramayan and Mahabharat on the bark of the Bhojpatra tree.

Some ancient Hindu scriptures still remain intact. Let's get back to the trek. If you start walking further to your right, the trail will lead you to the Bali Pass Trek. There are other offbeat and adventurous treks that you can embark on from the Ruinsara Lake like Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini Base Camp, Dhumdhar Kandi and many others. This trek offers you a great opportunity to explore ancient Himalayan villages of Uttarakhand like Osla and Gangaad. You will be touched by the simplicity and humility of the villagers. Despite leading challenging and tough lives with limited resources, they always wear smiles on their faces and take delight in welcoming strangers. Their beautiful homes, constructed of wood and stone in ancient Himalayan architecture, always remain filled with the beautiful aroma of deodar trees. If you ever get the opportunity to stay in a homestay with such pure-hearted humans, don't miss it. You will not feel like going back home. Once you return from the trek to your city life and think about the divine mountains of the Himalayas and this trek, you will realize that "There is so much beauty to look after." Overall, this trek is truly diverse and beautiful. Come... Join us on this adventurous Ruinsara Lake Trek.

Trek Fee

$218

₹18999

+ 5% GST

Optional Addition

Cancellation policy

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How Does Each Day Look
- Complete day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri - 187 KM in 7 to 8 hours drive

We start early from Dehradun and reach the village Sankri by evening. The final stretch is through the Govind Pashu National Park after we cross a check post at Netwar. We rest at night in a guest house or in camps.

Day 2: Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m) - 1 h drive + 14 KM trek in 5 to 6 hours

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.

Day 3: Roiltia to Ruinsara lake (3,650 m) & back to Waterfall Camp, 8 KM trek in 5 hours

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.

We spend some time near the lake and can hike further ahead. By late afternoon we return to the waterfall campsite. Camping is not allowed at the Lake due to its fragile biodiversity.

Day 4: Waterfall Camp to Devsu Bughyal (3,060 m): 10 KM trek in 4 hours

We trek the day at a very comfortable pace as we head back on the same route. We arrive at Devsu Bughyal, a small campsite tucked with towering hills on one side and tall pines on the other side.

Day 5: Devsu Bughyal to Taluka, drive to Sankri: 17 KM trek in 6 to 7 hours

Being the last trekking day with a long distance but overall descent, we start the day early and trek through Seema, Gangad village and finally arrive at Taluka before evening. We take a vehicle to Sankri and check into the Guest house over the night.

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun: 187 KM drive in 7 to 8 hours

We drive back to Dehradun from Sankri. Arrive by late afternoon for overnight stay at Dehradun. Trekkers can further opt to stay at Mussoorie or head further to Rishikesh or Tapovan for a more spiritual end to the journey.

Inclusions & Exclusions
- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!

Inclusions

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.

Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
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 400 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. 🌱

Frequently Asked Questions
- Get your questions answered here

In terms of views, the trek is best suitable in Summer months of May & June, when the trails are lush green, while the distant peaks are still covered in snow. In September, the trail has a lot of flora as it is a post monsoon season, however as autumn approaches by September end, the colors fade away for a brown hue and while it is a welcoming contrast, it may not be for everyone. Late October & Early November, the higher reaches start to experience snow and can be a good time again to explore the trail for a more vivid experience

Yes, beginners can certainly undertake the Ruinsara Tal Trek. It falls under the category of a moderate-grade trek, which is notably more manageable in comparison to other high-altitude treks in the Himalayas. The route is well-marked and boasts numerous established campsites, rendering it an excellent choice for those venturing into trekking for the first time

Sankri is the basecamp for the Ruinsara Trek. There are several options to reach Sankri, as mentioned below. Sankri, a quaint Uttarakhand village, serves as a base camp for various treks in the region. Public buses shared jeeps, and shared taxis run between Dehradun and Sankri. How to Reach Dehradun from Delhi– By Road:- Overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos, ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 900, operate from ISBT Delhi to ISBT Dehradun By Train:- Trains from Delhi to Dehradun- It’s recommended to opt for the overnight Kota Express, also known as Nanda Devi Express, departing at 11:50 PM, and arriving in Dehradun at 5:45 AM, aligning with our morning pickup schedule. By Air:- IndiGo – 6E-2582, 6E-2071, 6E-5175, 6E-2134, and Vistara UK-617, are some regular flights from Indira Gandhi Airport, Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The schedules for these flights can be easily checked online. The Dehradun railway station, a hub for private and shared cabs heading to Sankri, is situated 30 km from the airport. Private taxis are easily accessible within the airport premises, with booking charges of Rs 1200 – 1500 for a Dzire or similar and Rs 1800 – 2200 for an Innova or similar vehicles. How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun:- Every morning, a limited number of shared cabs and buses depart for Sankri from the vicinity of Dehradun Railway Station. Govt. Buses and Private Buses- Only one government bus departs from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri at 8:00 am. Additionally, two private buses leave around 7:00 am from just outside the Dehradun Railway Station heading to Sankri town. The fare for this journey is approximately Rs. 400 per person, which is roughly the same for both the government and private buses. Private Cab or Taxies- You can easily locate shared taxis near Hotel Milan or Hotel Grand, merely a 2-3 minute walk from Dehradun Railway Station. These taxis operate up to Purola, which is 54 kilometers away from Sankri. The journey lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, with a fare of Rs. 400. From Purola, you’ll find shared cabs to take you directly to Sankri. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that these cabs typically depart before noon. Hence, plan to reach Purola in the morning if you choose this route. The cab fare from Purola to Sankri ranges from 200 to 300 rupees. (This fare is applicable only when the taxi is full of passengers; otherwise, the cost may vary based on the number of participants.) In case you miss the buses or taxis from Dehradun for any reason, or due to personal preference, you also have the option to book a private taxi from the same location or near Prince Chowk, approximately 100 meters away from the Railway Station. This would amount to approximately Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 for booking a Maxx or Bolero. Shared or Private Vehicle arranged by Himalaya Shelter- Himalaya Shelter offers both shared and private transport services directly to Sankri for trekkers. Please note that for shared vehicles, we have fixed departure dates, and it is advisable to book your seats at least a week in advance of the departure from Dehradun. We also offer pickup and drop facilities for your hotel stay in Dehradun.

Here are the highlights of the Ruinsara Tal Trek- Ruinsara Lake: Nestled at an elevation of 3,500 meters, Ruinsara Lake is a picturesque alpine gem. Encircled by majestic snow-capped peaks and verdant meadows, it offers a truly captivating sight. Wild Life: Enriching encounters with the Himalayan wildlife, including barking deer, boar, and leopards, provide a unique glimpse into the region’s biodiversity. The trek also unveils a spectacular panorama of lush green vegetation adorned with wild orchids. Additionally, the journey offers awe-inspiring vistas of snow-draped mountains, expansive valleys, and cascading waterfalls, all contributing to an unforgettable Himalayan experience. Swargarohini view: Nestled in the sacred realms of the Himalayas, Swargarohini is a peak steeped in legend. It is believed to be the very ascent point to heaven for the Pandavas of ancient mythology. This trek rewards adventurers with breathtaking vistas of Swargarohini and a host of other majestic Himalayan peaks, imparting an experience both awe-inspiring and spiritually significant. Alpine Meadows: Along the trekking route, you’ll traverse through numerous enchanting alpine meadows like Devsu Thatch. These lush expanses are not only adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers but also play host to a diverse population of butterflies, creating a truly picturesque and ecologically rich environment. Cultural Insight: En route, the trek leads through several villages like Dhatmir, Gangad, Osla, etc., providing a precious window into the local way of life, rich traditions, and vibrant culture of the region.

This trek covers a distance of approximately 24 kilometers for a one-way journey from Taluka.

To reach Ruinsara Lake from Dehradun, the journey involves a combination of driving and hiking. The drive covers a distance of 210 km to Dhatmir from Dehradun. From Dhatmir, the trek to Ruinsara Lake commences, spanning a distance of approximately 22 km.

The Ruinsara Lake trek is usually open from April to June and from September to November. During the winter months (December to March), the trek is closed due to heavy snowfall, and it is not recommended to attempt the trek during this time. The best time to visit the Lake is during the months of May and June when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking route is adorned with blooming flowers.

The trek is generally safe. The trail is long but very well laid through villages. The altitude of the trek can cause altitude sickness, and trekkers should take necessary precautions such as acclimatizing properly and drinking plenty of water. The trek should be completely avoided during the monsoon season. While wildlife such as black bears are found ahead of Osla, incidents involving trekkers are very rare. An experienced trek leader will always be present to assist you with any hurdles during the trek to Ruinsara Lake.

Mori, being a small village, has limited banking facilities and only one ATM available. It is advisable for trekkers to carry enough cash with them from Dehradun or Mussoorie to avoid any inconvenience.

BSNL & JIO networks work till Sankri, while other networks only work till Mori. There is no network coverage beyond Sankri.

As Sankri is the last location with access to electricity, it is advisable to bring extra batteries or a power bank for your electronic devices.

For medical emergencies, the closest hospital is located in Mori or Purola. However, for major medical emergencies, it is important to note that the nearest hospital is located in Mussoorie or Dehradun which can take approximately 8-9 hours to reach.

The Swargarohini Peak and Black Peak are visible during the Ruinsara Lake trek.