Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Tal Trek

duration Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights
altitude Maximum Altitude 11,811 ft
age Minimum Age 8+
Camp Thrill Level Extreme
Camp Tour type Group
Camp Accommodation type Guest House and Tents
About the Har Ki Dun Ruinsara Tal Trek

Har Ki Dun (also called Har Ki Doon) itself is one of the most beautiful treks in the entire Uttarakhand. Offering you the chance to witness the stunning lush green meadows and massive landscapes, this trek takes you away from all the hassles of your city life. Har Ki Dun is a trek nestled in the remotest area of Uttarakhand and hides the beauty of untouched nature. Apart from a few villages and traditional communities, the place this trek happens is not so well connected with the trivialities of the outside world.

While Har Ki Doon trek, it seems as if you walking towards a gateway of something out of this world. The vast landscape with a single river flowing right in the middle, mountains surrounding it from both sides, and meadows covering it like a blanket is what makes Har Ki Dun is one of the most sought after trekking for people who want to escape from the hustle-bustle of other commercial treks.

The trek is more like a leisure walk in a much larger garden of nature than pushing your hard way through some difficult terrain. This is what makes this trek super accessible for all. May it is a young crying kid or a wrinkled old woman, this trek gives you a balanced blend of comfort ability and adventure.

But what makes this particular package so unique is the opportunity to trek to the famous and gorgeous Ruinsara Lake. This lake sits peacefully a few km ahead of the Har Ki Dun in the middle of rhododendrons forest. Surrounded by blooming pink and yellow rhododendrons, and majestic mountains, this lake looks absolutely like a heavenly body.

The best part of the trekking to the Ruinsara lake (also sometimes called Ruinsara Tal) is the camping. Though the area just beside the lake is majorly wet and is not stable to camp but right after the wet part ends, we find an ideal area to pitch our camps. Even though we camp a little far from the lake, but its charm keeps charming us. On a perfect night, the lake sparkles more than any pearl in the world and looks astonishing.

The perfect blend of Har Ki Dun peak and Ruinsara lake is a unique combination and is offered in the rarest of cases in any trekking package. But guess what, Moustache presents you one of its exclusive packages, where you not only have the chance to enjoy the wonders and adventures of Har Ki Dun trek but also soak in the charm of pearl sparkling Ruinsara lake. Isn’t it just wonderful?

Har Ki Dun trek (Har Ki Doon trek) also has an exciting mythological side attached to it which makes it more thrilling to vanquish. Stories by several locals say that when Pandavas won the famous battle of Kurukshetra, they along with their shared wife - Draupadi accepted sanyas and embarked on the journey to find heaven. Stories sat that they climbed the famous Swargarohini peak to find heaven. But only the oldest of them – Yudhishter succeeded. It is since then; the peak got its name and fame.

From the summit of Har Ki Dun (also sometimes called Har Ki Doon), you can spot the incredible views of this swargarohini peak. The mammoth snow-clad mountain stands right in front of you, surrounded by snow-white clouds, leaving you awestruck. Even the view from the peak itself is astonishing and spectacular. It gives you a panoramic clear view of the entire Himalayan region against the massive clean blue sky.

But nothing is as breath-taking as the journey you trek on to reach the Ruinsara Tal. The twisted trail occasionally takes you through forests of blooming pink rhododendrons, oak, and pine. But the moment the tree line ends, the entirety of the incredible natural setting pleases you more than anything. The route is also marked with several small and sparkling waterfalls giving you ideal spots to take shorts breaks and refill your waterfalls. Overall, this trek is a pack full of adventures, thrills, and peace. An ideal window for people who want to escape their busy lives and spend some time in peace and satisfaction.

Why Moustache?

Moustache believes in the idea of ‘Affordable Travelling’. We here at Moustache believe that everyone has the right to explore the untouched beauty of the Himalayas and hence should have affordable access to it. Therefore, we have one of the most affordable personally tailored packages just for you! Moustache also understands the current COVID-19 crisis, therefore keeping that in mind, it also has a very flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy. For further information, please write to us.

Har Ki Dun - Ruinsara Lake

 

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Altitude: 6,455 ft

Drive: 6-7 hrs (187 km)

Meals Included: Dinner

Stay Type: Stay at guesthouses on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • Welcome to Dehradun. We hope you are super excited and energetic to take on this challenging yet adventurous trek to Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Lake. If you are coming from a non-cold place, please carry a jacket handy to put on once you get down at the train station. 
  • Once you have taken your baggage and come out of the station, take a shared cab for Dehradun to Sankri. The drive is going to be pretty long of about 7 hours but will be equally scenic and appealing.
  • During the drive, river Yamuna will be a constant companion and will keep you refreshed. Passing through several overhead forests of oak and pine, you will be on a twisted road to Sankri. If you want, you can also stop somewhere in between and walk down to the Yamuna for a water splash.
  • Also, right about 22 km before Sankri, the Govind National Park area starts which is famous for its wildlife.
  • It will be by evening you will reach Sankri. Check-in your guest houses and settle down for a while. It’s going to be colder comparatively to Dehradun but much pleasant. 
  • Tons river which originates from Swargarohini peak passes through this small village. If you wish, you can also walk down the river and spend some quiet time around it. By then you will have your dinner ready. Have your dinner and sleep a good night.

 

Day 2: Drive to Taluka and trek to Chilurgad

 

Altitude: 8,160 ft

Drive: 12 km

Trek: 10 km (4-5 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay type: Stay in tents on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • We hope you slept a sound sleep. Today is going to be a long day. After you have woken up and are refreshed, come down for a steaming breakfast.
  • Pack your bags and get going. First, we will be driving from Sankri to Taluka which is about 30 minutes ride. Taluka is a small village that inhabits a few local communities.
  • Our trek is going to start right from the side of the forest guest house. At the start of the trek, the trail is quite simple and plain. You can easily walk through the forest which later opens up to Har Ki Doon valley. The trail descends and continues through a series of forest and around 15 mins into the trek you spot the first cemented bridge over a small stream.
  • Keep trekking while enjoying the scenic beauty of this trail and after another 15 minutes you reach the second bridge over the stream, a wooden one. If you are tired a bit, here you can rest for a while and also refill your water bottles.
  • From here, as you walk forward, you reach a landslide-prone area which is accompanied by the sparkling Thamsa river. You need to be attentive and careful while trekking through this sensitive area.
  • Few more meters into the trek, you will reach Osla village. Famous for the Someshwar Devta temple (an avatar of Lord Shiva), it’s a quiet little village. You can also take another short break to re-energize yourself.
  • Last part of today’s trek takes to the confluence point of Thamsa and Ruinsara rivers. The view that you get from here is amazingly stunning and will blow your mind.
  • Once you have reac+hed Chilurgad, select your camp, and have your delicious dinner. Sleep a good night.

 

Day 3: Chilurgad to Kalkatiyadhar

 

Altitude: 9,922 ft

Trek: 7 km (3-4 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay type: Stay in tents on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • Wake up fresh to a beautiful morning. Go for a short walk and explore the epic morning. Freshen up and get ready to have a steaming breakfast.
  • Today we are going to trek from Chilurgad to Kalkatiyadhar. The trail is stunning and full of blooming flowers. Once you start trekking, right after half an hour into the trek you will see a wooden bridge, from this point the Har Ki Dun valley divides into two, one goes for the Ruinsara lake, Bali Pass on the right, and Har Ki Dun on your left. Today we are going to take the left to Har Ki Dun.
  • The trail now crosses various streams and you traverse through the pine & rhododendron forest. It feels absolutely gorgeous to trek in between the blooming flowers.
  • You will also have several short waterfalls on the way. You can stop in between to refresh yourself too. Crossing a small waterfall, you will enter into a boulder section where the valley opens up and all you can see is a narrow stream running in between and open skies complimenting the moment.
  • Few more meters into the trek you will reach your camping ground near Thamsa, enjoy your hot meal and retire for the day.

 

Day 4: Kalkatiyadhar to Har Ki Dun and back to Kalkatiyadhar

 

Altitude: 11,700 ft and back to 9,922 ft

Trek: 7 km (5-6 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay type: Stay in tents on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • Get excited! Today is going to be one of the best days of the entire trek. Wake up early to witness the beautiful tangerine sunrise and then go for a delicious breakfast.
  • We are going to go to Har Ki Dun and then come back to the same campsite, therefore it’s better if you don’t carry extra luggage and leave them at the campsite itself. You will not need more than a few things at the summit. 
  • Besides, you must stay hassle-free and enjoy the utmost natural beauty for which you have come so far.
  • The moment you vanquish the stunning peak, you will understand why Har Ki Dun is so famous amongst all the avid trekkers. The surprising views of Swargarohini peak topped with snow and cloud will leave you shocked. You will want to sit there for the rest of the day and just admire the beauty. Go around explore the ridge and enjoy the time you have on the summit.
  • Once you have spent enough time, it’s time to trek back to the Kalkatiyadhar campsite. The route is going to be the same.
  • Reach back to the campsite, settle in your camps, and rest. It’s also a great day for you to enjoy some games at the campsite. How about playing Chinese whisper with your fellow trekkers? It’s always a good idea to mingle with new people and get to know them.
  • Have your hot dinner and sleep under the stars.

 

Day 5: Kalkatiyadhar to Ruinsara Lake

 

Altitude: 11,811 ft

Trek: 5 km (3-4 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay type: Stay in tents on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • Good morning people! From here starts the next exciting part of the trek. Wake up early and enjoy the view from your campsite. Have your breakfast and pack your bag to trek to the hidden Ruinsara lake.
  • The warped trail goes through the gorgeous tree line taking you to the highest point of the entire trek. The total time of today’s trek is not more than 4 hours, so you can walk slowly while enjoying the walk at such an astounding height.
  • After a quiet and peaceful walk-through alluring forests and trails, you will finally reach the famous Ruinsara lake. This is your moment to pat your backs and be happy for not lot many people know this place or come here.
  • The Flora and Fauna around the lake are magical as it turns lush green during spring and lights brown during winters with rhododendrons and birch trees. The Ruinsara Lake (Ruinsara Tal trek) sits on flat grassy terrain with snow-capped mountain surroundings.
  • This is the best place to experience what is camping in nature. Enjoy your time around the lake and a beautiful night      under the glittering ink-blue sky. 

 

Day 6: Ruinsara Lake to Devsu Bugyal

 

Altitude: 9,842 ft

Trek: 15 km (7-8 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay type: Stay in tents on a double /triple sharing basis.

 

  • Wake up as early as possible. Today is going to be a long day. You have to cover a long distance to reach Devsy Bugyal or Seema village. Have your breakfast and get going.
  • The route will seem familiar to you, as you will be passing through almost the same waterfalls, streams, and mountains. Yet, enjoy your last few moments at such height.
  • Also, if in case, you had forgotten to take good pictures of the trek, here is another chance to click some astounding pictures.
  • Few more kilometres into the trek you can finally spot the Seema village, you will be camping for the day a little outside of this small village. It will be by evening you will reach the campsite, so you still have some time to enjoy around. 
  • After playing some games, come for a luscious dinner and then retire for the day.

 

Day 7: Devsu Bugyal to Taluka, and drive to Sankri

 

Altitude: 6,455 ft

Trek: 10 km (4-5 hours)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay Type: Stay in the Guest House on a double/triple sharing basis.

 

  • Wake up fresh to the beautiful morning. We understand if you have already started missing the trek. Do your heavy breakfast and start trekking back to Taluka village.
  • The trail will meander through several dense forests and viridescent meadows. Enjoy walking through absolutely lush green meadows and exquisite landscape.
  • Board the shared cab back to Sankri, a drive      of 12 km which will take 20 - 25 minutes to complete. Once reached Sankri, check-in the guest house and settle yourself down.
  • You will see the temperature has much improved from Har Ki Dun and Sankri. Now you will comfortable here at Sankri. Do your dinner and sleep a good night.

 

Day 8: Sankri to Dehradun

 

Meal Included: Breakfast

Drive: 187 km (6-7 hrs)

 

  • It’s the last day of the entire trip. Wake up to a heavy morning and get ready/ Do your breakfast and pack your bags. Hop in the car with your fellas and start the drive.
  • The drive is going to take about 6 – 7 hours in total. Enjoy the scenic drive while you are sharing your incredible stories of this amazing trek.

Once you have reached Dehradun, our trip comes to an end. Time to say goodbye and wish you all the best. Moustache sincerely thanks you for choosing us and giving us this opportunity to serve you well. We hope to see you super soon.

Air: Take a flight to Jolly Grant (Dehradun) airport and from there take a Shared / Private cab or a local bus to reach Dehradun Railway station.

 

Road: Volvo transfers are available from Delhi to Dehradun, It takes around 6 hrs to reach Dehradun from Delhi. 

 

Rail: Dehradun has a railway station so book a train to Dehradun railway station direct and if there is no direct train available from your city then book a train to Delhi and from there either you can book another train or take a bus to Dehradun.

 

Before booking a cab or bus to or from Sankri, it is advisable to contact the trek operator first as they have the local transport facility running which usually borne and shared between the trekkers.

1.    Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2

2.   Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood

3.   Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater

4.  Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)

5.  Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)

6.   Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)

7.   Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers

8.   Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick-dry towel

9.   Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)

10. Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face

11.  Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole

12. Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)

13.  Medicines, if requiring any specific medication

14. Personal toiletries

15. Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack

16.  Hand Sanitizer

17.  Extra face masks

Inclusions:

1. You will be greeted by our trek team with a welcome drink on your arrival to Sankri.

2. All stays included from Sankri to Sankri on double / triple sharing basis:

 (i) Guest house on day 1 & 7.

 (ii) Alpine / Dome tents from day 2 to 6

3. All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 8 breakfast. Vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek.

4. Skilled local staff who have ample knowledge of the route

5. Hot water in buckets can be provided on request depending on availability while staying at guest houses in Sankri only.

6. Kitchen, dining and toilet tents will be used during the trek.

7. Cooks/Helper for carrying common equipment like rations/tents/utensils/groceries.

8. All trek essentials included–

 (i) Accommodation - tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc

 (ii) Safety equipment - microspikes, gaiters as per requirements and basic first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.

 (iii) Permit - forest and camping fee included.

9. Transportation charges on Day 2 and 7 from Sankri to Taluka and Taluka to Sankri respectively.


Exclusions:

1. The above trek charges do not include the GST charges (5%).

2. Personal essentials - 

(i) Equipment - Gumboots, trekking poles, sleeping bag, liners etc.

(ii) Insurance - Personal and travel insurances.

(iii) Beverage - Mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages

(iv) Snacks - Chocolate, dry fruits, protein or nutrition bar. 

(v) Entertainment - Camera or drone fees.

3. Transportation - The charges of transportation on day 1 and 8 are to be borne and shared between the trekkers.

4. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

5. Any additional cost incurred due to changes in Government Guidelines related to travel/trek/COVID-19 will be borne by the Guest.

6. Anything which is not included in Inclusion.

7. Separate tents on request, will be charged extra (INR 1,500 per tent)

1.    If cancellations are made within 48 hours prior to the start of the trek, 100% advance will be charged as cancellation fee.

2.   If cancellations are made between 2-7 days prior to the start of the trek, either 75% of paid amount will be returned to the guest or whole advance amount can be adjusted against any trek within next 6 months.

3.   If cancellations are made prior to 7 days from the start of the trek, 100% of the total advance will be refunded.

4.  If you book the trek by paying 25% of the booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 25 days from date of travel. In this case, your booking will get cancelled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

5.  In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of ""force majeure"", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

6.   Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

7.   The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

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