Saru Tal Trek

TREK DIFFICULTY

Moderate - Difficult

TREK DURATION

7 Days

HIGHEST ALTITUDE

13,615 Feet

GROUP SIZE

TREK DISTANCE

48 Km

BASECAMP

Uttarakhand

BEST TIME

May, June, July, Sep, Oct

PICKUP POINT

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Saru Tal trek Overview

Saru Tal Trek is a high altitude alpine lake situated at a height of 13,615 feet (4,150 meters) in the Western Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the base of a towering mountain ridge that runs in the west to east direction in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, intersected by a southward ridge line, creating a cirque that collects rainwater and snowmelt, forming this beautiful lake. It is a 48 km 7 day moderate difficulty trek which starts from Sankri.

The lake setting is similar to that of Bhrigu Lake, as the tree line ends well before the lake and alpine flowers dot the landscape around the lake, with its crystal blue water. The lake stays frozen from December to April start, after which the snow recedes and flowers begin to bloom by the middle of May.

It is a great trek that combines unique landscape and incorporates the beautiful Phulara ridge trek all within 7 Days. Phulara Ridge has recently become popular in the trekking community and trekkers love the unique ridge walking experience it provides, a rare find in the Indian Himalayas. Saru Tal trek increases the trek duration by just one day and you are able to explore the alpine lake for a more vivid trekking experience and offers panoramic views of the Gangotri peaks and other prominent mountains like Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Bandarpoonch.

History Of Saru Tal

The locals consider this lake to be sacred and often refer it as the fifth dham because its believed to be the only place from where you can see all the four major Himalayan Shrines namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri in the four directions. They visit this site annually to take a dip in this believed sacred lake.

The origin of this lake is still mysterious as it must have some significance due to its close proximity to Kedarkantha and the water of it is believed to seep into the Kedarganga, a tributary of the Yamuna.

As it is not so much mythologically proclaimed it is not much explored and hence offers a surreal and pristine experience.

Highlights Of Saru Tal Trek

Abundance Natural Beauty – as it’s a high altitude trek the ascend to the region offers panoramic views of the Gangotri peaks and other prominent mountains like Swargarohini, Kalanag, and Bandarpoonch. This trek also offers wide variety of landscapes like forests, lush green meadows and a ridge walk.

Flora And Fauna – In the season one can spot countless variety of flowers, including the brahma Kamal and fan Kamal, that bloom during summer. The ridge has been named “Phulara” for good reason. Also feel the excitement at spotting the rare monal pheasant, the state bird of Uttarakhand. one can spot langurs and other wildlife too enroute.

Phulara Ridge – A ridge is a chain of mountains that form a continuous crest for some distance. Its narrow edges drop into valleys on either side. This grants you an unobstructed view of some of the most majestic Garhwal Himalayan Mountain ranges – including Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch, in 3 directions. You would be awestruck, to say the least.
Once the ridge ends, you descend into the vast, undulating Pushtara bugyal i.e. Pushtara meadows.

Difficulty Level Of Saru Tal Trek

Saru Tal Trek is a high-altitude trek of 13,615 feet (4,150 meters) and is considered to be of moderate difficulty level. The trek is of about 48 kms spanning 7 days.

The Saru Tal trek is generally considered moderate difficulty. It requires good physical fitness due to steep ascents, rocky terrain, high altitude, and potential for unpredictable weather. At high terrain one will even be required to traverse the region on snow or ice.

The trek is not suitable for families with young kids less 10 yrs old due to its uneven terrain and long walking hours. Acclimatization is also crucial as nights at high-altitude can be colder than expectations. During summer time, temperatures are comfortable but unpredictable weather can add difficulties.

For climbing technicalities, there are no major technical sections, so no particular mountaineering skills are required but a prior trekking experience is beneficial while undertaking this trek. The guidance of a professional mountaineer or experienced guide is important here. Solo trekking is not advisable. Trekkers should make the preparations after seeing all perspectives.

Best Time To Visit Saru Tal Trek

Summer months of May - June and Late September October is the best time to trek Saru Tal. During these months the weather is pleasant and accessible for trekking. The day time temperature ranges from 10- 20 degree C and night time temperature can fall as low as even 0 degree owing to its high altitude.

Months of monsoon July - August early September should be avoided due to danger of landslides and slippery terrains due to rains.

This trek is not advisable during winter months due to extreme cold temperatures with heavy snowfall and icy terrains.

How To Reach Saru Tal Trek

The starting point for the Saru Tal is Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport which is in Dehradun itself. From Dehradun it is about 190 kms which will take about 7- 8 hrs to complete.

Dehradun is well connected to all major cities of Uttarakhand and major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

The trek is of about 48 kms starting from the base camp at Sankri.

Things To Carry For Saru Tal Trek

As with all treks one should pack all the trek essentials like a study backpack, good quality trekking shoes, comfortable yet warm clothing including waterproof jacket, thermals which can be easily layered according to your needs. Apart from this one should also carry a headlamp, torch, sunglasses and sunscreen. Some provisions of food and water must also be taken care of before beginning the trek. A first aid kit should definitely be included in your backpack which should include all your basic medicines and even specific medicines if you take it on regular basis. A government Id proof like Aadhar Card must also be carried whilst trekking. All permits and necessary permissions must be taken and sorted before the trek starts.