Maldaru Lake Trek
Maldaru is a wide Lake at an altitude of 4,500 m.
Maldaru is a wide Lake at an altitude of 4,500 m in Uttarkashi district near Har Ki Dun valley also known as “Valley of Gods”. Villagers worship the pure waters of this holy Lake and it can be reached through both Tons and Supin valley.
Day 1 – Dehradun to Sankri (1920 m) (210 km) (7/8 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 7-8 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 210 km
- Tip: get ready to make memories
Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway station or ISBT, meet us there and then drive is towards Sankri. You can have your breakfast at Kempty Fall which is a famous picnic spot and is famous for a waterfall. Have your lunch in the middle of your journey at Purola.
It’s a picturesque drive to Sankri, you will get fetching views through your window, and the drive will be through Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Damta, Newman, Purola, Mori, Netwar these are beautiful places in the Himalayas. Sankri lies in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, it is a village with a mini-market famous for wooden huts that serve delectable food. You will see apple orchards here and greenery all around.
Reach Sankri have a glace of snow-covered mountains, this place is pollution free, enjoy the invigorating climate. We own a hotel there named “Swargarohini”, relax for the night here.
Day 2 – Drive from Sankri to Taluka (11 km) trek from Taluka to Seema (2700 m) (12 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 2700 m
- Estimation time of completion: 11 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 12 km
- Tip: : Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources along the way.
Have your breakfast and then leave for Taluka by taxi, it is 11 km away from Sankri when you reach there take a short break and start your trek towards Cheludgad, the trail takes you through dense pine forest, varieties of animals live in this region as it is rich in Flora and Fauna. The trail is rough and is not in a very good condition.
When you trek through the dense forest, trees accompany you and Langoor’s hanging from one tree to another can be spotted there. The chirping of birds is common there and rare species of birds can be seen. The “Himalayan Monal” state bird of Uttarakhand is found in this area.
If you lack time to reach Cheludgad camp then 2 km ahead Taluka there is a campsite near a stream which is the water source for that campsite. Set up your tents, enjoy dinner and stay in tents.
Day 3 – Dhatmir to Vishkhopri (2800 m) via Dharkot (7 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 2800 m
- Estimation time of completion: 6 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 8 km
- Tip: Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources on the way.
Dharkot is the last village on trail and Vishkhopri is a meadow with abundant Deodar trees nearby. Start your trek from Dhamtir and follow the route through quaint last village.
On the way you will be pleased by the surpassing snow-capped
mountain views. After ascending trek you will reach the base
Vishkhopri. Setup the tents and retire for the night.
Day 4 – Vishkhopri to Rashi (3255 m) (6 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 3255 m
- Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 6 km
- Tip: Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Today’s trek is through the meadows of Batagor, wildflowers grow there, and it is the most beautiful part of this trek. Follow the trail and you can enjoy the view of snow covered mountains. Further cross streams with help of logs.
Ahead lies Rashi, your campsite for today, Manju Kanta Pass can be clearly seen from here. Relish the views and after pitching your tents retire for the night.
Day 5 – Rashi to Maldaru Lake (4200 m) (8 km) (5/6 hours)
- Altitude gain: 4200 m
- Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 8 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
From Rashi Maldaru Lake is 8 km far so start early, go through the boulder zone, it is steep so be careful while heading forward. The trail is full of loose rocks so ascent gradually.
Reach Maldaru Lake, it is 3-4 km long. Phen Kamal and Brahma Kamal are there abundantly. The views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and Swargarohini with many more peaks of Himalayas are overwhelming.
After exploring, set up your camps nearby and retire for the night.
Day 6 – Maldaru to Odari (6 km) (3/4 hours)
Leave the campsite and serene aura of this place. Now, descent to Odari which is a rock cave, it is believed that in this cave Lord Hanuman’s brother spent one night.
Some views further will surprise you and on the way, Swargarohini will be visible. Reach the campsite and again you will be awestruck by the views of Bandarpoonch and the massif Swargarohini. Setup the tents here and retire early.
Day 7 – Odari to Devsu Bugyal (12 km) (5/6 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 7 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 12 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Do not miss the morning views, see the changing colors of magnificent mountains. Post breakfast head towards Devsu Bugyal, start the descent accompanied by the sight of snow-covered mountains.
The descent is sheer through thick forests after which you can reach Devsu Bugyal. You can witness the alluring greenery and undulating meadows all around.
It is a great place for camping with amusing views of Kala Nag (Black Peak). Set up the tents and spend your night comfortably there.
Day 8 – Devsu Bugyal to Taluka (18 km) (6/7 hours) Drive from Taluka to Sankri
- Estimation time of completion:7 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 18 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
From Cheludgad start the descent to Taluka, descending is easy snow-covered mountains will not leave your company all along the way to Taluka.
Reach there and take a small break. Vehicles will be arranged for you till Sankri. Go to hotel Swargarohini at Sankri, arrangements will be made there.
Day 9 – Sankri to Dehradun (210 km) (7/8 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 8 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 210 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water at least 2 liters from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Leave for Dehradun early so that you can reach there around 6:00 pm.
Hiking Shoes for the Maldaru Pass Trek
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Maldaru Pass Trek, you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Maldaru Pass Trek. Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Maldaru Pass Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Maldaru Pass trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Maldaru Trek.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Maldaru Trek in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Maldaru Pass trek, when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Maldaru Pass trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Maldaru Pass trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Maldaru Pass trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Maldaru Pass Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Maldaru Pass trek map and ways to avoid them.
Maldaru Lake Trek
Maldaru is a wide Lake at an altitude of 4,500 m.
Maldaru is a wide Lake at an altitude of 4,500 m in Uttarkashi district near Har Ki Dun valley also known as “Valley of Gods”. Villagers worship the pure waters of this holy Lake and it can be reached through both Tons and Supin valley.
Day 1 – Dehradun to Sankri (1920 m) (210 km) (7/8 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 7-8 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 210 km
- Tip: get ready to make memories
Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway station or ISBT, meet us there and then drive is towards Sankri. You can have your breakfast at Kempty Fall which is a famous picnic spot and is famous for a waterfall. Have your lunch in the middle of your journey at Purola.
It’s a picturesque drive to Sankri, you will get fetching views through your window, and the drive will be through Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Damta, Newman, Purola, Mori, Netwar these are beautiful places in the Himalayas. Sankri lies in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, it is a village with a mini-market famous for wooden huts that serve delectable food. You will see apple orchards here and greenery all around.
Reach Sankri have a glace of snow-covered mountains, this place is pollution free, enjoy the invigorating climate. We own a hotel there named “Swargarohini”, relax for the night here.
Day 2 – Drive from Sankri to Taluka (11 km) trek from Taluka to Seema (2700 m) (12 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 2700 m
- Estimation time of completion: 11 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 12 km
- Tip: : Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources along the way.
Have your breakfast and then leave for Taluka by taxi, it is 11 km away from Sankri when you reach there take a short break and start your trek towards Cheludgad, the trail takes you through dense pine forest, varieties of animals live in this region as it is rich in Flora and Fauna. The trail is rough and is not in a very good condition.
When you trek through the dense forest, trees accompany you and Langoor’s hanging from one tree to another can be spotted there. The chirping of birds is common there and rare species of birds can be seen. The “Himalayan Monal” state bird of Uttarakhand is found in this area.
If you lack time to reach Cheludgad camp then 2 km ahead Taluka there is a campsite near a stream which is the water source for that campsite. Set up your tents, enjoy dinner and stay in tents.
Day 3 – Dhatmir to Vishkhopri (2800 m) via Dharkot (7 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 2800 m
- Estimation time of completion: 6 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 8 km
- Tip: Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources on the way.
Dharkot is the last village on trail and Vishkhopri is a meadow with abundant Deodar trees nearby. Start your trek from Dhamtir and follow the route through quaint last village.
On the way you will be pleased by the surpassing snow-capped
mountain views. After ascending trek you will reach the base
Vishkhopri. Setup the tents and retire for the night.
Day 4 – Vishkhopri to Rashi (3255 m) (6 km) (4/5 hours)
- Altitude gain: 3255 m
- Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 6 km
- Tip: Carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Today’s trek is through the meadows of Batagor, wildflowers grow there, and it is the most beautiful part of this trek. Follow the trail and you can enjoy the view of snow covered mountains. Further cross streams with help of logs.
Ahead lies Rashi, your campsite for today, Manju Kanta Pass can be clearly seen from here. Relish the views and after pitching your tents retire for the night.
Day 5 – Rashi to Maldaru Lake (4200 m) (8 km) (5/6 hours)
- Altitude gain: 4200 m
- Estimation time of completion: 5 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 8 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
From Rashi Maldaru Lake is 8 km far so start early, go through the boulder zone, it is steep so be careful while heading forward. The trail is full of loose rocks so ascent gradually.
Reach Maldaru Lake, it is 3-4 km long. Phen Kamal and Brahma Kamal are there abundantly. The views of Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and Swargarohini with many more peaks of Himalayas are overwhelming.
After exploring, set up your camps nearby and retire for the night.
Day 6 – Maldaru to Odari (6 km) (3/4 hours)
Leave the campsite and serene aura of this place. Now, descent to Odari which is a rock cave, it is believed that in this cave Lord Hanuman’s brother spent one night.
Some views further will surprise you and on the way, Swargarohini will be visible. Reach the campsite and again you will be awestruck by the views of Bandarpoonch and the massif Swargarohini. Setup the tents here and retire early.
Day 7 – Odari to Devsu Bugyal (12 km) (5/6 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 7 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 12 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Do not miss the morning views, see the changing colors of magnificent mountains. Post breakfast head towards Devsu Bugyal, start the descent accompanied by the sight of snow-covered mountains.
The descent is sheer through thick forests after which you can reach Devsu Bugyal. You can witness the alluring greenery and undulating meadows all around.
It is a great place for camping with amusing views of Kala Nag (Black Peak). Set up the tents and spend your night comfortably there.
Day 8 – Devsu Bugyal to Taluka (18 km) (6/7 hours) Drive from Taluka to Sankri
- Estimation time of completion:7 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 18 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water, at least 2 liters, from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
From Cheludgad start the descent to Taluka, descending is easy snow-covered mountains will not leave your company all along the way to Taluka.
Reach there and take a small break. Vehicles will be arranged for you till Sankri. Go to hotel Swargarohini at Sankri, arrangements will be made there.
Day 9 – Sankri to Dehradun (210 km) (7/8 hours)
- Estimation time of completion: 8 hrs
- Estimation distance of Drive: 210 km
- Tip: carry sufficient water at least 2 liters from the campsite or refill from natural sources.
Leave for Dehradun early so that you can reach there around 6:00 pm.
Hiking Shoes for the Maldaru Pass Trek
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Maldaru Pass Trek, you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Maldaru Pass Trek. Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Maldaru Pass Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Maldaru Pass trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Maldaru Trek.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Maldaru Trek in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Maldaru Pass trek, when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Maldaru Pass trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Maldaru Pass trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Maldaru Pass trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Maldaru Pass Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Maldaru Pass trek map and ways to avoid them.