Saptarishi Kund Trek

Source of the Holy River Yamuna

One of the most difficult treks of Uttarakhand
Duration
6 Days
Trek Altitude
13,779 Feet.
Destination
Dehradun
Trek Distance
13.5 km
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summers, Autumn

Saptarishi Kund Trek

Who doesn't like to go to the mountains? Who doesn't like to enjoy some peaceful moments of solitude in the lap of Mother Nature? The divine vibes of the Himalayas draw many nature lovers, trekkers, mountaineers, and bird watchers to them. For most Indians, the Himalayas are a living entity. Those who are receptive enough have experienced that the Himalayas, especially the Indian Himalayas, are an abode of divine peace. Ancient Indian scriptures give validation to this fact. The Himalayan mountain range is not merely a piece of land that consists of one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, but it is also an abode of divine peace and the home of innumerable spiritual seekers and great sages. Moreover, Uttarakhand is a state of India blessed by the Himalayas. All the Char Dhams (Great Spiritual destinations) are located in Uttarakhand. Hence, there is no doubt why Uttarakhand is called Dev Bhumi (Land of Gods). It has innumerable treks which are more or less associated with ancient Hindu scriptures. One such spiritual trek is the Saptrishi Kund Trek.



Saptarishi Kund Overview:

Saptarishi Kund is a high-altitude glacial lake lying in the Bandarpunch mountain range. Saptarishi Kund Trek lies in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This trek starts from the divine Yatra Dham Yamunotri. Saptarishi Kund is considered to be the real source of the holy river Yamuna. Located at the high altitude of 4421 meters, Saptarishi Kund offers many challenges for those who want to reach there. Because of the continuous steep climbs through ridges, glaciers, and moraines, this trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand. However, for adventure and nature lovers, this trek is a must-do. This trek starts from the small town of Yamunotri and takes you to the forest line, then enters into vast meadows which later take you to the ocean of stones and boulders (moraines) and glaciers. Traversing through moraines and glaciers can be really tricky and dangerous. Therefore, all the trekkers who are willing to embark on this trek must be very cautious and should get the help of local guides and porters. On one side of the trek, there is a steep mountain wall which touches the Champasar Glacier. This Champasar Glacier is considered to be the water source of the Saptarishi Kund. Getting permission from the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is required for embarking on this trek. Overall, Saptarishi is one of the challenging and difficult treks in Uttarakhand which can be done by professional mountaineers and experienced trekkers.

Flora and Fauna in Saptarishi Kund Trek:

The Saptarishi Kund trek passes through lush green forests of Deodar, Cedar, Chir, and Oak, and alpine meadows. You may get a chance to spot divine flowers of Brahma Kamal and Phen Kamal. The Himalayas are full of medicinal plants which only an expert in the field can identify. On the trail of the Saptarishi Kund, you may spot many rare Himalayan medicinal plants. The bird watchers may be able to spot Monal pheasant, Bearded vulture, Golden eagle, Western tragopan, Steppe eagle, and Black eagle.

Best Time to Do Saptarishi Kund Trek:

The best time to do the Saptarishi Kund Trek is in the months of April and May when the weather remains pleasant and there is no fear of rainfall or landslides. The Char Dham Yatra starts from May/June and Janki Chatti and Yamunotri Dham get filled with Yatris and tourists. This time may not be ideal to embark on this trek since it will be really crowded at that time and you may also find it difficult to find porters for carrying your luggage or offloading bags. The months of July and August are considered to be the months of heavy rainfall and possible huge landslides in the mountains. The trails, especially the moraine part, may become really slippery, making the Saptarishi Kund trek really difficult and dangerous to complete. Therefore, we would suggest you not to visit this trek in peak monsoons. Post-monsoon, in the months of September and October, you can plan to visit this Saptarishi Kund trek. In September, you may see spectacular flower blooming, and in the month of October, you will observe the colors of autumn. Please note that if you are planning to do the Saptarishi Kund Trek in late October, it may be really cold and windy.

 

Customize Your Trek:

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, 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. 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.   Content Credits: Dhruv Upadhyaya

Itinerary

Drive: 180 km, 6-7 hrs
Altitude gain: 2,100 ft (640 m) –  8,675 ft (2,650 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay
Meals: Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner

 

On Day One, you will travel from Dehradun to Janki Chatti. Your stay will be in a Hotel or Homestay. Janki Chatti is the place where you can reach by your vehicle. Yamunotri Temple is the starting point of the Saptarishi Kund trek. It is a quaint village surrounded by magnificent Himalayan mountains.

Tomorrow we will have to go to the Yamunotri Temple situated 5 km from Janki Chatti from where the Saptarishi Kund Trek starts. Conclude the day with an organic dinner and lovely talks together with other travelers to be remembered in a quiet setting.

Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude gain: 8,675 ft (2,650 m) – 10,803 ft (3,293 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner

 

Today’s trek is a trek for non-believers and Yatra for spiritual seekers. Today in the morning after having a healthy breakfast, we will depart for the Sacred Temple of Yamunotri. Yamunotri is one of the Char Dhams and one of the holiest places for the Hindus.

We will reach Yamunotri Temple after completing an easy trek of 3-4 hours. Upon reaching there you can pay homage to the temple or choose to explore the region and interact with the team. Our team will guide you regarding tomorrow’s trek and make the necessary preparations for the challenging Saptarishi Kund Trek. Get ample rest tonight since tomorrow is going to be an exhausting day.

Trek: 12 km, 7-8 hrs
Altitude gain: 10,803 ft (3,293 m) – 14,504 ft (4,421 m)
Accommodation: Alpine / Dome Tents
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner

 

We will start early in the morning with the intention of reaching the Saptarishi Kund when there is still some time left for the Sunset. The trek from the very beginning consists of steep climbs.

Initially, you will climb through beautiful stony trails made by local villagers through the lush green forests of Deodar and Chir. After trekking for 6-7 km, which is a continuous steep climb, you will reach open meadows. This place is called Damini bugyal by local villagers. From Damini Bugyal the real challenge begins.

After crossing Damini Bugyal you will enter into the moraines. Take very good care while walking through the meadows. It can be really tricky and rainfall can make it really slippery and hence, very dangerous.

After crossing the moraines, you will have to cross a glacier. That particular part of the trek demands great attention. Eventually, the trail will lead you to the divine Saptarishi Kund, the first sight of which will take away all your exhaustion.

Saptarishi Kund is a glacial lake that mostly remains frozen. Camping on the bank of Saptarishi Kund under the clear night sky full of twinkling stars will indeed be a divine and serene experience. If you are lucky enough, you may spot the Saptarishi constellation (Ursa major/minor) there in the wilderness.

Trek: 12 km, 4-5 hrs
Altitude loss: 14,504 ft (4,421 m) – 10,803 ft (3,293 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner

 

Try to wake up early in the morning to welcome the rising sun from this divine place. After having a healthy breakfast, we will start descending back to Yamunotri, from where we had begun our trek. We will follow the same trail. In the mountains, descending is considered more challenging and tricky than ascending and demands great attentiveness.

On the way, you may find many rare and beautiful wildflowers. Most of them contain medicinal properties. Please don’t try to touch any unknown plant since it may be poisonous. Only an expert of Ayurveda or some local villagers can identify these plants. You will see the divine Brahma Kamal Flower and also Phen Kamal.

Following the same trail, we will descend back to Yamunotri and Check into the Ashram / Hotel.

Trek: 6 km, 3-4 hrs
Altitude loss: 10,803 ft (3,293 m) – 8,675 ft (2,650 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay / Ashram
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Tea-Snacks + Dinner

 

We must be grateful that we could successfully complete this difficult high-altitude trek. After paying the homage and expressing our gratitude to the deity in the Yamunotri temple we will start our return trek to Janki Chatti. Indeed, it will be an easy walk. You are expected to reach to your accommodation in 2-3 hours where you will get sufficient time for freshen up and shopping.

Drive: 180 km, 6-7 hrs
Altitude loss: 8,675 ft (2,650 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)
Accommodation: Guest House/ Homestay
Meals: Breakfast

 

Say goodbye to the fascinating scenery of Janki Chatti, leaving Dehradun with a lovely memory of the Saptarishi Kund Trek. Our devoted staff provides a pleasant trip, leaving you at the railway station or airport for your onward journey. Consider the marvelous scenery, instances of cultural diversity, and empowering experiences throughout this trek.

As you return, take with you the splendor of the divine Himalayan mountains and friendships that are new. The trip may conclude, but the recollections will stay as a reminder that you have gone through an incredible expedition. We hope that Saptarishi Kund Trek has forever sealed a place in your heart, and beckons you to visit us again for more Himalayan expeditions. Safe journey, and may the mountains’ reverberation guide you back to your home.

FAQ's about Saptarishi Kund Trek

Saptarshi Kund is a high glacial lake in the Bandar Pancha range. The Saptarshi Kund Trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This trek starts from Yamunotri, the place of divine pilgrimage. The Saptarshi Kund is believed to be the real source of benefits of the Yamuna.

Saptarshi Kund is a high lake at an altitude of 4421 meters and is the source of river Yamuna. Situated on the northern side of the mountain range formed by the Bandar Panch Range, the lake is fed by the Champa glacier.

The nearest railway station to get to Saptarshikund is Rishikesh and Jolly Grant is the closest if you are planning to go through the airport. The actual trek to this place starts from Hanuman Chatti which is accessible by car and is near Uttarkashi.

It usually takes 5-6 days to complete the Saptarshi Kund trek. The challenges range from moderate to challenging, with ups and downs along the way.

The best time to visit Saptarshi Kund is during the summer months, from May to June, and after the rainy season, from September to October. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures are generally ideal during these times.

Accommodation options on the Saptarshi kund trek are mainly camping tents at designated camping sites. Some tour operators can even offer hotels or basic home stays in nearby villages.

Essentials to pack for the Seven Sages Pool hike (such as sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, rain gear), camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping gear), individually essentials (sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries), and sufficient food and water for the duration of the hike.

Medical facilities and emergency services are few on the Saptarshi kund trekking route. It is advisable to carry basic first aid kits and essential medications. In the event of an emergency, evacuation arrangements can be made through transit agencies or local authorities.

  • Here are some safety tips for trekking to Saptarshi kund:
    1. Move to very high altitudes.
    2. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
    3. Follow your hiking guide’s instructions.
    4. Be prepared for sudden climate change.
    5. Stick to the marked routes and avoid shortcuts.
    6. Let someone know about your hike and itinerary.
    7. Respect the local culture and environment.

Reviews

Inclusions
  1. Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  4. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  5. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  6. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  7. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱