The SaruTal Trek
For years, the great Himalayas have welcomed us with open arms, displaying their splendor in full glory, often leaving us awestruck. With time, there has been an exponential increase in the number of travelers that throng to the mountains to witness the magic of the Himalayas. Uttarakhand, also called Devbhoomi, is the land of Gods. One visit here and you will know why the Gods chose this as their heavenly abode. Blessed with eternally beautiful landscapes that weave magic on your mind and people that are simple, sweet, and down to earth, Uttarakhand is no doubt, a favorite amongst all genres of travelers. I have spent many years in this paradise, yet there is so much more to explore. An avid Traveller is in constant search of new places and with this thought, I decided to check out the SaruTal (Tal – Lake) as not many have heard of it and it remains one of the least explored places in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. I had already done the Kedarkantha trek earlier and was looking forward to what lay beyond and so I called up Ganga Rana who is my go-to person for any such activity in the mountains and is a local from this region. He has been running his company Discovery Hike and his clients cannot stop raving about how professional and exceptional his services are. We chalked out a plan and I patiently started to wait for the day I would be there.
The SaruTal is a pristine, quaint little lake located at an elevation of 4200 mts in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek to the lake passes through huge meadows and forests of cedar, oak and rhododendron, glaciers, and stunning valleys and takes about 8-9 days. It is a moderate trek wherein you start from Sankri and climb up the Kedarkantha summit before making your way up to the lake. The best time to trek here is June and October as this is when the valley is in full bloom and you can witness 15-20 different varieties of flowers. The lake is considered holy by the residents of the nearby villages and there are temples around the lake. These villagers organize an annual fair in the month of August to pay homage to their God by the lake and it is a grand affair. As is the case with the majority of gorgeous hidden places, this one too was discovered accidentally by a shepherd who was looking for grassland for his herd and came across this marvel of Mother Nature.
*IMAGE By Ganga Rana*
On a destined day, we met up in Dehradun early morning and picked up some trek essentials and ration and started our journey. 9 hours later, we had arrived in Sankri and called it a night post some chit chat and dinner. For those of you, that haven’t been here yet, Sankri is a beautiful village that is the base to around 20 different treks. You can walk on quaint little trails around in the forest or by the stream or explore the village that is made of beautiful wooden houses, orchards, visit the temple dedicated to the local deity – Someshwar Mahadev or talk and listen to stories of the area from the locals.
SOMESHWAR TEMPLE- Photo by Ganga Rana
The next morning we were to go up to Kedarkantha base camp so we started early and hiked up through dense forests of oak, cedar, and birch to reach Juda Lake which is at an altitude of 2800 mts and is a sight to behold as you can see beautiful meadows right next to it that serve as a camping ground for Kedarkantha Trek. This lake freezes completely in the winters. We rested here for a while since it was not very crowded unlike winters and then continued to walk uphill, the birds kept us company, singing the most melodious song ever, while the forest played with lights and shadows. We crossed some shepherd huts on the way and could finally spot the summit of Kedarkantha. It took us around 3 hours to arrive at the base where we set up our camp and then sat down to rest, enjoying a cup of tea while witnessing a magical sunset. The entire valley had turned golden, and there was pin-drop silence around. The next morning we were to go for the Kedarkantha summit and from there head to our second destination – Dunda Thatch so we called it a night.
JUDA LAKE: Photo by Ganga Rana
Another early morning, and a 3-hour steep climb from the base later, we were at Kedarkantha summit enjoying surreal views of the surrounding mountain ranges (peaks visible are – Swargarohini, Altitude 6,252 m Banderpunch, altitude 6,316 m ) kalanag peak ( BlackPeak altitude 6,387 m,) Gangotri and Yamunotri range). It was a very different experience as compared to trekking in winters as there was no snow and the mountains presented different shades of greens and browns. We spent some time here and then started to descend towards the meadows of Dunda.
*******IMAGE OF KEDARKANTHA SUMMIT FROM SUMMERS****************
The walk to Dunda was pleasant as we slowly made our way back to green pasture lands through the forests. One can view the peaks mentioned earlier from here too other than splendid views of the Pushtara valley. As we arrived at the huge ground of Dunda, I was taken aback by what I witnessed. The whole area seemed to be carpeted in flowers in all possible colors, shapes, and sizes (around 15-20 varieties). We were lucky to have come here when the valley was in full bloom (June and October) and seemed like a scene out of a fairytale. All my tiredness vanished as I sat and continued to gaze in awe. Dunda ground is mainly used by shepherds for their herds as the grass that grows here is a rich source of nutrition. Other than these shepherds, there were a few cows here as well that were left by their owners to graze here for three months and would be taken back in September (a common practice in the mountains). We walked around more and then after setting up our camps and dinner we all lay down on the ground watching a million stars in the sky and talked about how good it had been so far. Next on our itinerary was Taloti Thacha
********IMAGE FROM DUNDA THACH AND THE WAY******
It was day 4 and we finished packing up our camp and had a quick breakfast. I didn’t want to leave Dunda yet, but curiosity got me hiking to our next destination. We again walked through dense pine forests and crossed several meadows and there was a high possibility of spotting birds/animals specific to this region on this trail so we kept our eyes and ears open. As we continued, we came across our first glacier to cross followed by two more and then a valley that sprawled in front of us. While we were lost in the views, we spotted a Monal that just flew past us. We also met a couple of shepherds on the way with their herd lazying around in the sun while their dogs looked out for any predators that might be around (Leopard, Bears). Arrived at Taloti couple of hours later and called it a day
The next morning was the highlight of the trip as we were making our way to the Lake. Everyone was super energized and toked, brimming with excitement that was hard to contain. We had left the greenery behind and were now amidst barren and rocky terrain with a few patches of green scattered all over. The climb ahead was pretty steep however the trail was well defined and broad as the villagers maintain this route. The air was cold and crisp and was piercing through the skin. We noticed another trail that leads up to the Fachu Kandi pass on this route as we continued to approach the lake. As we neared our destination I noticed that my co-hikers took off their shoes and asked me to do the same. The lake is considered holy and is worshipped by the locals. It was finally here. The Saru Taal stood right in front of me, magnificent and majestic and all I can say is that pictures don’t do justice to the real beauty of it. One has to see it with naked eyes to believe that something so beautiful exists in the world. There were three temples next to the lake and a small shepherd hut that is used as an emergency shelter for people that come here. We all paid homage to the deity and worshipped the lake and then sat down to soak in the view that surrounded us. Magical indeed. A couple of hours later we headed back in the direction of Taloti to set up our camp as it is prohibited to stay next to the lake. We were all tired after the climb and content that our wish to see the lake was fulfilled. The next morning we headed back to Taloti and stayed overnight again, and then hiked to the nearest village Taluka the next day which was the endpoint of our trek. The car waited to pick us up and with fond memories, we bid farewell to this magical land. I can’t wait to be back there again. Until next time…..
Few points to remember when visiting the Lake:
>>The lake is Holy. Camping next to the lake is not allowed (need to camp minimum 2 km away)
>>No shoes allowed near the lake.
>>Bathing in the lake is not allowed, nor is taking off your clothes. Please refrain from trashing the area or throwing pebbles in the lake. One needs to maintain silence when here.
>>Menstruating girls are not allowed near the lake or temples.
Hiking Shoes
Type: We recommend that you look for shoes that are water-resistant and have a deep yet flexible sole to face an of Himalayan terrains.
Importance: Different terrains pose different threats and a pair of shoes that can support you through them will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack
Type: This purely depends on the kind of Trek you are undertaking
- Short Treks (1 – 3 Days) – 15 litre to 20 litre
- Long Treks (3 – 10 Days) – 40 litre to 60 litre
Importance: Your Backpack is as important as your Shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack full of your belongings and all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the bag and choose according to the Trek, your height & comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is a 10 litre – 15 litre Daypack Backpack you need to have with you for the Summit.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 Fleece Jackets. Make sure they are Cotton or contain a high amount of Cotton.
Thermals – You will only require 1 pair of this in the Winter, Summer is optional. It should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep your warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum 2 pairs of Trekking Pants with you always. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable.
Collared T-shirts – Carrying 2 – 3 collared shirts is ideal. The collar will help keep the neck from being too exposed to the Sun and getting sunburnt.
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.
Woolen Caps – Woolen caps are essential during the nights to keep your ears and head warm from the cold winds.
Waterproof Gloves – You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Trek. Keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly to give you the grip and firmness you need.
Trek Accessories
- Trekking Pole: The Trekking/Hiking Pole saves you almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope during high altitude conditions. We make it mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our Treks.
- Head-lamp or Torch: A Head-Lamp is something we make mandate too for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places. 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 essentials and all other cosmetic & personal requirements by yourself to avoid borrowing. (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.)
Bottles & Boxes: We recommend that you carry all your own Water Bottle, we suggest two 1 litre bottles that you will need. And also, your own Boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience and hygienic purposes.
Mandatory Documents to bring:
You must carry the following documents for the Kedarkantha trek and hand them over to the trek leader at the base camp. You need to bring one copy of Disclaimer and one photocopy & Original copy of Government Photo ID.
You also need to bring the Medical certificate approval from the doctor that you are physically fit for high altitude point.
The SaruTal Trek
For years, the great Himalayas have welcomed us with open arms, displaying their splendor in full glory, often leaving us awestruck. With time, there has been an exponential increase in the number of travelers that throng to the mountains to witness the magic of the Himalayas. Uttarakhand, also called Devbhoomi, is the land of Gods. One visit here and you will know why the Gods chose this as their heavenly abode. Blessed with eternally beautiful landscapes that weave magic on your mind and people that are simple, sweet, and down to earth, Uttarakhand is no doubt, a favorite amongst all genres of travelers. I have spent many years in this paradise, yet there is so much more to explore. An avid Traveller is in constant search of new places and with this thought, I decided to check out the SaruTal (Tal – Lake) as not many have heard of it and it remains one of the least explored places in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. I had already done the Kedarkantha trek earlier and was looking forward to what lay beyond and so I called up Ganga Rana who is my go-to person for any such activity in the mountains and is a local from this region. He has been running his company Discovery Hike and his clients cannot stop raving about how professional and exceptional his services are. We chalked out a plan and I patiently started to wait for the day I would be there.
The SaruTal is a pristine, quaint little lake located at an elevation of 4200 mts in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek to the lake passes through huge meadows and forests of cedar, oak and rhododendron, glaciers, and stunning valleys and takes about 8-9 days. It is a moderate trek wherein you start from Sankri and climb up the Kedarkantha summit before making your way up to the lake. The best time to trek here is June and October as this is when the valley is in full bloom and you can witness 15-20 different varieties of flowers. The lake is considered holy by the residents of the nearby villages and there are temples around the lake. These villagers organize an annual fair in the month of August to pay homage to their God by the lake and it is a grand affair. As is the case with the majority of gorgeous hidden places, this one too was discovered accidentally by a shepherd who was looking for grassland for his herd and came across this marvel of Mother Nature.
*IMAGE By Ganga Rana*
On a destined day, we met up in Dehradun early morning and picked up some trek essentials and ration and started our journey. 9 hours later, we had arrived in Sankri and called it a night post some chit chat and dinner. For those of you, that haven’t been here yet, Sankri is a beautiful village that is the base to around 20 different treks. You can walk on quaint little trails around in the forest or by the stream or explore the village that is made of beautiful wooden houses, orchards, visit the temple dedicated to the local deity – Someshwar Mahadev or talk and listen to stories of the area from the locals.
SOMESHWAR TEMPLE- Photo by Ganga Rana
The next morning we were to go up to Kedarkantha base camp so we started early and hiked up through dense forests of oak, cedar, and birch to reach Juda Lake which is at an altitude of 2800 mts and is a sight to behold as you can see beautiful meadows right next to it that serve as a camping ground for Kedarkantha Trek. This lake freezes completely in the winters. We rested here for a while since it was not very crowded unlike winters and then continued to walk uphill, the birds kept us company, singing the most melodious song ever, while the forest played with lights and shadows. We crossed some shepherd huts on the way and could finally spot the summit of Kedarkantha. It took us around 3 hours to arrive at the base where we set up our camp and then sat down to rest, enjoying a cup of tea while witnessing a magical sunset. The entire valley had turned golden, and there was pin-drop silence around. The next morning we were to go for the Kedarkantha summit and from there head to our second destination – Dunda Thatch so we called it a night.
JUDA LAKE: Photo by Ganga Rana
Another early morning, and a 3-hour steep climb from the base later, we were at Kedarkantha summit enjoying surreal views of the surrounding mountain ranges (peaks visible are – Swargarohini, Altitude 6,252 m Banderpunch, altitude 6,316 m ) kalanag peak ( BlackPeak altitude 6,387 m,) Gangotri and Yamunotri range). It was a very different experience as compared to trekking in winters as there was no snow and the mountains presented different shades of greens and browns. We spent some time here and then started to descend towards the meadows of Dunda.
*******IMAGE OF KEDARKANTHA SUMMIT FROM SUMMERS****************
The walk to Dunda was pleasant as we slowly made our way back to green pasture lands through the forests. One can view the peaks mentioned earlier from here too other than splendid views of the Pushtara valley. As we arrived at the huge ground of Dunda, I was taken aback by what I witnessed. The whole area seemed to be carpeted in flowers in all possible colors, shapes, and sizes (around 15-20 varieties). We were lucky to have come here when the valley was in full bloom (June and October) and seemed like a scene out of a fairytale. All my tiredness vanished as I sat and continued to gaze in awe. Dunda ground is mainly used by shepherds for their herds as the grass that grows here is a rich source of nutrition. Other than these shepherds, there were a few cows here as well that were left by their owners to graze here for three months and would be taken back in September (a common practice in the mountains). We walked around more and then after setting up our camps and dinner we all lay down on the ground watching a million stars in the sky and talked about how good it had been so far. Next on our itinerary was Taloti Thacha
********IMAGE FROM DUNDA THACH AND THE WAY******
It was day 4 and we finished packing up our camp and had a quick breakfast. I didn’t want to leave Dunda yet, but curiosity got me hiking to our next destination. We again walked through dense pine forests and crossed several meadows and there was a high possibility of spotting birds/animals specific to this region on this trail so we kept our eyes and ears open. As we continued, we came across our first glacier to cross followed by two more and then a valley that sprawled in front of us. While we were lost in the views, we spotted a Monal that just flew past us. We also met a couple of shepherds on the way with their herd lazying around in the sun while their dogs looked out for any predators that might be around (Leopard, Bears). Arrived at Taloti couple of hours later and called it a day
The next morning was the highlight of the trip as we were making our way to the Lake. Everyone was super energized and toked, brimming with excitement that was hard to contain. We had left the greenery behind and were now amidst barren and rocky terrain with a few patches of green scattered all over. The climb ahead was pretty steep however the trail was well defined and broad as the villagers maintain this route. The air was cold and crisp and was piercing through the skin. We noticed another trail that leads up to the Fachu Kandi pass on this route as we continued to approach the lake. As we neared our destination I noticed that my co-hikers took off their shoes and asked me to do the same. The lake is considered holy and is worshipped by the locals. It was finally here. The Saru Taal stood right in front of me, magnificent and majestic and all I can say is that pictures don’t do justice to the real beauty of it. One has to see it with naked eyes to believe that something so beautiful exists in the world. There were three temples next to the lake and a small shepherd hut that is used as an emergency shelter for people that come here. We all paid homage to the deity and worshipped the lake and then sat down to soak in the view that surrounded us. Magical indeed. A couple of hours later we headed back in the direction of Taloti to set up our camp as it is prohibited to stay next to the lake. We were all tired after the climb and content that our wish to see the lake was fulfilled. The next morning we headed back to Taloti and stayed overnight again, and then hiked to the nearest village Taluka the next day which was the endpoint of our trek. The car waited to pick us up and with fond memories, we bid farewell to this magical land. I can’t wait to be back there again. Until next time…..
Few points to remember when visiting the Lake:
>>The lake is Holy. Camping next to the lake is not allowed (need to camp minimum 2 km away)
>>No shoes allowed near the lake.
>>Bathing in the lake is not allowed, nor is taking off your clothes. Please refrain from trashing the area or throwing pebbles in the lake. One needs to maintain silence when here.
>>Menstruating girls are not allowed near the lake or temples.
Hiking Shoes
Type: We recommend that you look for shoes that are water-resistant and have a deep yet flexible sole to face an of Himalayan terrains.
Importance: Different terrains pose different threats and a pair of shoes that can support you through them will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack
Type: This purely depends on the kind of Trek you are undertaking
- Short Treks (1 – 3 Days) – 15 litre to 20 litre
- Long Treks (3 – 10 Days) – 40 litre to 60 litre
Importance: Your Backpack is as important as your Shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack full of your belongings and all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the bag and choose according to the Trek, your height & comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is a 10 litre – 15 litre Daypack Backpack you need to have with you for the Summit.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 Fleece Jackets. Make sure they are Cotton or contain a high amount of Cotton.
Thermals – You will only require 1 pair of this in the Winter, Summer is optional. It should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep your warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum 2 pairs of Trekking Pants with you always. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable.
Collared T-shirts – Carrying 2 – 3 collared shirts is ideal. The collar will help keep the neck from being too exposed to the Sun and getting sunburnt.
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.
Woolen Caps – Woolen caps are essential during the nights to keep your ears and head warm from the cold winds.
Waterproof Gloves – You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Trek. Keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly to give you the grip and firmness you need.
Trek Accessories
- Trekking Pole: The Trekking/Hiking Pole saves you almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope during high altitude conditions. We make it mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our Treks.
- Head-lamp or Torch: A Head-Lamp is something we make mandate too for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places. 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 essentials and all other cosmetic & personal requirements by yourself to avoid borrowing. (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.)
Bottles & Boxes: We recommend that you carry all your own Water Bottle, we suggest two 1 litre bottles that you will need. And also, your own Boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience and hygienic purposes.
Mandatory Documents to bring:
You must carry the following documents for the Kedarkantha trek and hand them over to the trek leader at the base camp. You need to bring one copy of Disclaimer and one photocopy & Original copy of Government Photo ID.
You also need to bring the Medical certificate approval from the doctor that you are physically fit for high altitude point.