Day1: From Dehradun to Sankri

We get an early start on the voyage in the city of Dehradun, and after a short drive, we arrive at Mussoorie, known as the “queen of the hills.” After that, we get to the famous waterfall at Kempty Falls, which we pass immediately after. Following Kempty, we see very few other visitors and, from that point on, our only companions are either locals, other trekkers, or people on their way to Yamunotri. After travelling a little over 100 kilometres, we come within a short distance of the temple of Lakhamandal. The villagers claim that Duryodhana, a character from the epic Mahabharata, plotted with others to set fire to the Lakshagriha mansion, which belonged to the Pandavas. We go along the banks of the Yamuna River until we reach Naugaon. Here is the point where the road splits into two different directions; the road to the right leads to Yamunotri, while the one to the right leads to Sankri. Purola is the last major hamlet along the road, and it has a sizable public market. However, it is highly advised that whatever supplies the trekkers may have forgotten to bring can be purchased from Purola itself. It is also the last hamlet in the area where the majority of mobile networks are operational. The arrival at Mori, which is where you will find the last ATM, is preceded by a scenic drive along the river Tons, on a road that is both straight and runs parallel to the river. After you reach Mori, you will discover that you have reached the end of the route. Up to approximately Netwar, the Tons River runs parallel to where we are. In Netwar, we make our way into the animal sanctuary known as Govind Pashu Vihar. Tiuni, which is situated not too far away from here, is the location where the rivers Rupin and Supin come together to make Tons. From this vantage point, it is possible to have a good look of the summit of Kedarkantha as well as other sites along the road. We get at Sankri about six o’clock in the evening. It is a quaint little town that has a few stores clustered around the village square market. The hamlet is home to a large number of apple orchards, from which fruit may be picked beginning in the late summer. In contrast to the older portion of the hamlet, known as “Saud,” the market area is relatively recent in development. After travelling one kilometre in the direction of Kotgaon, we turn right into a road that leads upward and arrive at the hamlet of Sankri. The vistas that can be seen from Kotgaon are really panoramic.

Day2: From Sankri to Juda ka Talab

After making our way to Sankri, the starting point of our trip, we will continue walking in the direction of the Saud (Saur) hamlet. After leaving Sankri, we will continue walking for about one kilometre before making a right left onto the route that leads to Kedarkantha. Our hike will begin here. From this point on, the hike up to Juda ka Talab is characterised by increasingly severe grades. We pass a creek that can be used to fill your water bottles and come across tea booths at the time when we are halfway through the excursion. The journey will take you through thick pine trees, and the path will be easy to follow. We set our tent either at Juda itself or a little distance in front of Juda Talab. At some point after passing the lake, the trail splits into two, with one branch going in the direction of Phulara and the other going in a more direct direction towards Kedarkantha. We go down the path that branches off to the left.

Day3: From Juda ka Talab to Bhoj Gadi

Through the thick trees and onward towards Bhoj Gadi, we go along this path leading east. After almost two kilometres, we arrive to a creek where there is a bridge that has been damaged. We may use the water from this creek to refill our water bottles, and we can also take a rest here. After another 20 to 30 minutes of trekking, we come across a tiny clearing, just before re-entering the jungle and losing sight of the track. Phulara Ridge is the name given to the ridge that can be seen to our right and that runs all the way from the Pushtara Meadows to the Kedarkantha Peak. It is also possible to reach the peak of Kedarkantha and continue up this ridge to reach Bhoj Gadi, which is situated just below the ridge. In order to go to Pushtar Meadows, we have to hike along a portion of this ridge. As compared to day 1, the climb from Juda to Bhoj Gadi is much more gradual.

Day4: From Bhoj Gadi to Pushtar Meadows via Phulara Ridge

We start our ascent from the Bhoj Gadi campground and make our way upward for around twenty to thirty minutes before reaching the ridge top. From there, we just continue along the wonderful path to the east until we reach Pushtar Meadows. The day will be simple, with very little elevation gained. The beauty of the ridge, which offers breathtaking vistas on each side, is something that can be appreciated to the fullest throughout the day. From where we are, we can even make out Kedarkantha.

Day5: From Pushtar Meadows to Rateri

In order to let our bodies adjust to the higher altitude, today’s hike is rather easy, and we’ll be making two separate trips to the Fachu Kandi pass. The walk may be completed in three hours if one moves at a leisurely pace throughout it.

Day6: From Rateri to Sarutal

The alpine Tarn known as Saru Tal may be found at an elevation of 4,150 metres above sea level. It is a little lake that, like Roopkund, has a hill around it on one side. Nevertheless, the scenery of this lake is not quite as majestic. Nonetheless, the tranquilly and beauty that this lake offers will likely leave you unable to find words to describe it. During the summer months, this lake is surrounded by uncultivated grass and flowers. Because of the great altitude, there is less oxygen in the air, making the walk tough for certain people. This makes each step that much more arduous. It is essential to select a speed that is not only consistent but also comfortable. Due to the fact that the trip is not very lengthy, there is no need to hurry through any portion of it. Camping is an option close to the lake, but we must exercise extreme care so that we do not compromise the delicate ecosystem in any way.

Day7: From Sarutal to Leka Dogri via Fachu Kandi Pass trek

From Saru Tal, the climb up to the pass is quite quick but very steep. Before beginning the descent, we are needed to climb just around 140 vertical metres higher in elevation. After that, the walk will become much simpler for us since we will no longer have to contend with the effects of the higher altitude. Even travelling at a snail’s pace, reaching the pass takes less than an hour. The vistas that can be seen from the very top are breathtaking. The descent to Leka Dogri is a lengthy and winding one, and at times it is a moderate one, while at other times it is a sharp plunge. We stop for a respite and eat the lunch that we brought with us. If we are able to make it to our campsite in this remote woodland by the late afternoon, we will have the rest of the day free to investigate the flora in the area.

Day8: From Leka Dogri to Hanuman Chati Trek and drive to Dehradun

The ascent to Fachu Kandi pass comes to an end today as we make our way to Hanuman Chati, which is in a descending direction. After completing the segment in somewhat less than two hours, we get in the van and go back to Sankri.