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.
Water Stream On The Way To Saru Tal
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.
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri: Drive 187 KM in 8 to 9 hours
Day 2: Sankri to Sikolta: 11 KM trek in 5 hours
Day 3: Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi: 10 KM trek in 5 to 6 hours
Day 4: Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara Ridge: 6 KM trek in 4 hours
Day 5: Pushtra to Saru Tal (4,150 m) & return to Pushtara 16 KM total, 8 hours trek
Day 6: Pushtara to Taluka: 5 KM trek in 3 hours, 10 KM drive to Sankri
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun: 187 KM drive in 8 to 9 hours
Customize Your Saru Tal Trek With Himalaya Shelter (HS)
At Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Saru Tal Trek Tour. Whether you're an avid mountaineer, an adventure seeker or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made expedition program. This customized program will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, technical equipment and any other premium facilities you may need during the trekking.
Starting from Dehradun where you will be picked up all the way through Sankri and taking in the peaceful sights in and around and trek to Saru Tal before returning back to your pick-up destination you will get a once in lifetime experience.
Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides, technical support 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 program will enable you to enjoy your journey without any hesitation.
How Does Each Day Look
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Complete day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri: Drive 187 KM in 8 to 9 hours
It is easiest to get to Sankri from Dehradun or Mussourie. The journey of 8-10 hours by road will not feel tiresome, though. With the river Tons singing you a lullaby for most of the part, pass the bustle of touristy hill stations. Allow quaint little towns of the Uttarkashi district like Purola to calm you down. Ultimately, give in to the mountains and one of its quiet, network-less settlements – Sankri. Sankri is a homely and welcoming village, the windows of which open to the Swargarohini ranges. The sunrise and sunset here is a sight to behold.
Day 2: Sankri to Sikolta: 11 KM trek in 5 hours
The trek commences with a slight ascend through a dense forest of towering pine trees. It is tempting to play hide-and-seek among them, but leaves crunching below your feet give you away! The forest makes way for an enchanting clearing where you will encounter the only dhaba on this trek. If you are lucky, you will find a villager welcoming you with his melodious flute. On reaching Sikolta, set your bags down and take an excursion to Juda ka Talab, a well-known lake among the trekking community.
Day 3: Sikolta to Bhoj Gadi: 10 KM trek in 5 to 6 hours
The day begins with an ascent through a forest, again. This time, it leads to a wooden bridge. Cross this bridge with a cascading brook flowing underneath it, conquer a short patch of steep ascent and you will be rewarded with the picturesque opening of Karsu thatch. You will also find wooden house – like abandoned but intriguing structures. The walk through islands of rhododendrons opens to a meadow of plain green grass of Bhoj Gadi. Set against a backdrop of purple-grey hued and snow-capped mountains, this is one of the most beautiful campsites on any Himalayan trail you will witness. Roam around the area, pose with a fascinating arrangement of stones and a log, or just sit and let serenity and meditativeness wash over you.
Day 4: Bhoj Gadi to Pushtara via Phulara Ridge: 6 KM trek in 4 hours
This day is the highlight of the trek. About an hour from Bhoj Gadi, we descend to the iconic ridge – the 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. Post the exhilaration of the ridge walk, you feel a sense of liberation as you marvel at the expanse around you. To add to the range of emotions, is the charm of the countless variety of flowers, including the brahmakamal and fankamal, 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. There is a greater probability of spotting them on today’s trail.
Day 5: Pushtra to Saru Tal (4,150 m) & return to Pushtara 16 KM total, 8 hours trek
We start the day early and start ascending towards the ridge line via the last stretch of the forest that surrounds the meadows on the eastward side. The ridge trail lies to our south. After 1.5 KM the forest ends and the alpine meadows surround the trail all the way to the Saru Tal lake. It takes around 4 hours to cover the 8 KM trek to the Saru Tal. With an altitude gain of 550 meters, the trail is rather gradual. After spending and hour at the lake we descend back to Pushtara.
Day 6: Pushtara to Taluka: 5 KM trek in 3 hours, 10 KM drive to Sankri
A full day of descent to civilization. We continuously descend along the trail today, as you make your way towards Taluka. After crossing the grasslands we enter the dense untouched forests and continue across them for rest of the trail. As you descend towards Taluka, you will find increasing number of trees. You will be greeted by little yellow flowers, which to some extent help you ease the sadness of reaching the end, and make you realize the worth of the treasure you have gathered in the last few days. Descending through dense forest, you will observe bands of langoors on trees. We start to come across scattered settlements, eventually reaching the quaint village where you will be greeted by curious and warm villagers and their children asking for candies. You will appreciate the architecture and smile at the simple domesticity of village life in the remote Himalayas. A vehicle will take you to Sankri from Taluka. We take a vehicle back to Sankri for the hour long drive.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun: 187 KM drive in 8 to 9 hours
We start the journey back to Dehradun and arrive by late afternoon or early evening. Trekkers can choose to journey further to Rishikesh or Tapovan to conclude the journey in a more astounding way.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!
Inclusions
Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
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
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and personal luggage
Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
All applicable taxes
Exclusions
Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
Accommodation in Dehradun
Adventure Insurance
Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
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. 🌱
Frequently Asked Questions
- Get your questions answered here
Saru Tal Padayatra is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the least explored summer hikes in the region.
Saru Tal stands at an impressive 13,615 feet (4,150 meters) above sea level. There is a lake in the mountains nestled at the foot of a high hill in the Govinda Wildlife Sanctuary.
The best time to visit Saru Tal is during the summer and autumn months. The trail offers breathtaking views and the snow melts in September, revealing vibrant alpine flowers around the lake. Avoid traveling in the rainy season.
Saru Tal Yatra is considered moderately difficult. The total distance is about 48 km.The trek includes the beautiful Phulara Rocks which offers a unique trekking experience rarely found in the Indian Himalayas. The entire trip can be completed in 7 days.
The trek to Saru Tal is relatively challenging and suitable for trekkers with some previous trekking experience. This includes climbing forest trails, crossing rivers and gradually ascending.
This trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including the Bandar Poonch and Swarg Rohini peaks. Saru Tal itself is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by meadows and snow-capped mountains, making it a rewarding destination.
Saru Tal Trek essentials include trekking gear (shoes, clothes suitable for different temperatures), sleeping bags, trekking poles, first aid, sunscreen, sunglasses check solar and water purification systems
Yes, a permit is required for the Saru Tal trek, as it passes through the forest reserve. These permits can be obtained from the forest department or local authorities.
While experienced travelers can try the journey on their own with proper arrangements, it is recommended to hire a local guide in terms of safety and navigation, especially in unfamiliar terrain.
Yes, altitude sickness can be a concern on the Saru Tal trek, especially as you climb to higher altitudes. It’s important to change well, stay hydrated and watch out for symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches, nausea and dizziness.
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