Overview
MALDARU LAKE TREK
Located in the Sankri range of Uttarkashi district. Surrounded by Swargarohini 1,2,3 peaks, Bandarpunch range, Black Peak Dundarkandi pass, Ruinsara range, Hata peak, Har ki Dun, Burasu Pass Peak and many other unnamed peaks, the Maldaru lake is seen as a goddess among the locals. Sometimes blue, sometimes grey, the lake reflects the sky like a mirror in its crystal clear water.
Maldaru tal can be reached either from the Supin valley or from the Tons river valley. The final climb to reach the lake is a bit challenging, but the views at Maldaru is absolutely worth the hardships. Maldaru Lake Trek is an amazing summer trek that will leave you speechless by the beauty of the massive Himalayan valley. During the summers, many wild flowers grow which will make a vibrant colored coridoor along your trek route. Himalayan flowers like Phen Kamal and Brahma Kamal surrounds the lake, enhancing its entire scenic beauty and remains till September.
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Short Itinerary
Day 1
Pick up from Dehradun (6:30 - 7:00 am) & Drop at Sankri [a 210 km long ride for 7 – 9 hrs ] Dinner will be given in our homestay at Sankri *food during transport will be on the trekkers own expenses
Day 2
You will be dropped at Gangad [28 kms from Sankri], from where you will begin your trek and walk for 5-6 hrs covering a distance of 8 kms reaching our 1st campsite, Devsu.
Day 3
Today you will trek for 7 kms, which will take you around 5-6 hrs from Devsu to Baiya kullu (our 2nd campsite)
Day 4
The trek will start from Baiya kullu to Maldaru Lake, via Baiyan Top, covering a distance of 10 kms. After enjoying the serenity of the Maldaru Lake and clicking your once in a lifetime photo session, you will descend for 4 kms to Odari, reaching an altitude of 4000 m, where Discovery Hike will welcome you with hot snacks, and you will be provided you tents & sleeping bags for the night. This day, you will be trekking for almost 9 hrs.
Day 5
Today you will trek for 6 kms visit & explore the historic village - Osla, at a height of 2700 m and stay among the local villagers.
Day 6
Pick up from Osla & drop at Dehradun. Today you will be have a ride of 240 kms for 10 years.
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Detailed Itenerary
Day 1:
As soon as you reach Dehradun railway station, a traveller from Discovery Hike, will be waiting at “Prince Chowk”(our pickup point), outside the railway station, to pick you up and you will enjoy a ride of 8-9 hrs through the Himalayas, crossing Mussourie, Kempty, Lakhamandal, Purola, Naitwar and finally you reach our homestay at “Sankri” covering a distance of 210 kms. Our ride will halt twice – once for your breakfast, another for your lunch, which will be on the trekker’s own expenses as per his/her chosen menu.
As soon as you reach Sankri, you will provided tea and in the night our trek leader will brief everything required for the trek and the experience that you will be going to have. After that you will have hot and delicious dinner, which will be provided by us, and you go to your respective allotted rooms. Discovery hikes provides triple sharing rooms, which is customizable as per our trekkers request.
Day 2:
All set for the trek, every trekker will be transported from Sankri to Gangad, which is the starting point of your trek. You will be travelling for almost 1.5 hours, covering a distance of 28 kms.
From Gangad, the trek for Devsu begins. You will be trekking for 8 kms, which will take you around 5-6 hours, through the forest, witnessing varied wild flowers, essential trees and different species of animals and birds. You will also come across local dhabas, where you can have the local juice prepared from rhodendron flowers and the seeds of ‘khatai’, besides which pahari maggie & chaai will be always on the competition list. Your lunch will be packed by us beforehand, which you will be enjoying during the trek.
Reaching Devsu, you will be welcomed with hot tea & snacks. You will rest for sometime in your allotted tents, after which hot dinner will be served at our dining. You will enjoy the stargazing session while and after dinner, where our trek leader will also brief about the next day. After sometime, you will be going to your respective warm sleeping bags and be prepared for an early morning rise.
Day 3:
You will wake up early to witness the rising Sun. You will have hot tea by 7-7:30 am. After sometime you will be having your hot breakfast and start your today’s trek of 7 kms to Baiya Kullu after packing your lunch. You will trek for almost 6 hrs crossing beautiful waterfalls and streams with a beautiful panaromic view of the Himalayan Valley. You will be sighting Swargarohini peaks, Black Peak, Dundarkandi, Har ki Dun along the way.
You will be having hot tea and snacks, as you reach our second campsite in Baiya Kullu. You will be having nutritious dinner after sometime and tonight you will sleep early, as the longest route awaits for tomorrow.
Day 4:
Today the main event awaits, where you will be trekking for 10 kms, passing through the ridge of Baiyan Top and gradually reaching Maldaru Lake, at an altitude of 4000m. Today the trail will be steeper from previous days, with some patches of boulder sections along the route. But trust me, all the difficulties will disappear, once you see the grey or blue colored lake, which reflects the sky as a mirror. Surrounded by many unnamed peaks, the scenery around the lake will leave you awestruck. You will have your packed lunch, sitting in the lap of the Himalayas.
After clicking some once in a lifetime pictures, you will be descending down for 4 kms to our base camp at Odari, where you will be served hot tea and snacks. After having your dinner, you will be going to your sleeping bags in your respective tents, with a lots of memories of the day.
Day 5:
Today, after having your morning tea and breakfast, you will be descending for 6 kms, to the historic village – Osla.
Today you will be staying at our homestay in the village, among the villagers and their local stories. The last day of your trek, you will be served hot dinner, at our homestay in Osla which is at an altitude of 2700 m.
Day 6:
The last day with us, you will be commemorated with the achievement certificates by our trek leader, which will mark the end of your glorious trek. After having hot breakfast, Discovery Hike will pick you up from Osla, and you will be dropped safely at Dehradun. You will be having your lunch on the way back, which will be at the trekkers own expenses.
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Altitude Profile Chart
The following graph will visually represent the altitude gains across the various campsites.
Here X-axis shows the following campsites listed below.
- Lohajuung
- Bekaltal
- Brahmatal Trek
- Bramatal Top
The Y-axis shows the altitudes.
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Route Map
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Inclusion
- Transportation: Dehradun – Sankri – Gangad || Osla – Dehradun
- Accommodation: Tent | Sleeping Bag | Toilet Tent | Homestay
- Meals: [Dinner at Sankri before the trek – Breakfast at Osla after the trek] *(breakfast – lunch – tea – evening snacks – dinner )
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Exclusion
- Food during Transport
- Gears needed to trek *(you will get all the trekking equipments from us on rental service)
- Any other personal expenses done by the trekker, other than anything we provide.
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Other Information
Typical items included in the meals are:
- Breakfast: Wake-up Tea/Coffee, Biscuits, Aloo Paratha with Achaar, Boiled Egg, Bread with Butter/Jam, Fruit, etc.
- Lunch: Roti/Chapati, Rice/Chawal, Manchurian Rice, Salad, Dal (Rajma), Mixed-Veg, Kofta Curry, etc.
- Snacks: Tea, Coffee, Pakoda, Finger Chips, Veg Cutlet, Maggi, Soup, Popcorn, etc.
- Dinner: Roti/Chapati, Rice/Chawal, Matar Paneer, Mixed Dal, Salad, Papad, Sweets (Gulab Jamun, Jalebi), Fruit Custard, etc.
Weather and Climate Info:
In summers, the weather in Maldaru Lake, is very pleasant, the temperature ranging from 5C/10C at night or early morning and can reach upto 20C/24C at day time, with lush greenery and vibrant colors around you.
In the monsoons, the temperature in Maldaru Lake ranges from 5C – 20C, with heavy rain anytime.
Maldaru Lake trek is not recomended to be done in the monsoons ,as the route becomes muddy and slippery. But the vibrantcolors of varieties of flowers will take you aback and the scenery can also fail the famous Valley of Flowers.
*To get permission from the forest department in monsoon is quiet difficult.
In the fall season, the temperature in Maldaru Lake ranges from 18C/20C at daytime and can drop upto 5C/0C with clear sky and yellow and brown tint of the mountains. It is the best time for Astro Photographers.
Winter season (November – March)
In the winters the temperature in Maldaru Lake drops below 0C . Filled with snow, the Maldaru Lake trek remains closed in the winters .
Food during the trek
You will be provided fresh vegetarian food throughout the trek days, and may be Eggs somedays (optional).
Food will be provided for four times throughout the day, that includes :
Morning tea____Breakfast___Lunch____Evening tea_____Evening Snacks____Soup____Dinner
❖ Meal items
Breakfast – Refreshing lemon tea, Upma, Besan Chilla, Aloo Paratha, Daliya, Fruits, Maggie.
*Lunch – Healthy vegetarian lunch, including, Roti, Salad, Nutritious Dal, Light Vegetables.
*Snacks – Coffee, Tea, Soup, Light Chips, Popcorn.
*Dinner – Hot dinner that includes Roti, Chawal, Salad, Papad, Deserts.
*The menu may change as per the situations in the mountains.
*Discovery Hike also provides Eggs sometimes.
Temperature Overview
Along the Trek
Flora and Fauna:
The Maldaru Lake trek takes you through some of the most biodiverse regions of the Himalayas. The trek offers a chance to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and the snow leopard. You will also notice the sweet chirping of the Himalayan & the migratory birds like the Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Bulbul, Himalayan Griffon, Alpine Cough, Warbling white eye. The forests along the trek are home to a wide range of plants and trees, including the Himalayan cedar, rhododendron, and oak, bhojpatra, thuner. The trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the Himalayas and the incredible diversity of life that exists in this region. As you trek through the forests and meadows, you will be surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature, which can be both calming and awe-inspiring.
View of a wide range of Peaks and Ranges:
The Maldaru Lake trek is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ranges. The trek takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Himalayas, including the Swargarohini 1,2,3 peaks, Bandarpunch range, Black Peak Dundarkandi pass, Ruinsara range, Hata peak, Har ki Dun, Burasu Pass Peak. The views from the trek are truly breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and rushing rivers all visible from different vantage points along the route. The trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas up close. The views are truly awe-inspiring and can be a source of inspiration and wonder for anyone who takes on this challenging trek.
The Trail of Maldaru Lake Trek:
One of the main reasons to do the Maldaru Lake trek is that it is a moderate-difficult trek compared to some of the other treks in the region. The trek is suitable for experienced trekkers but beginners are also encouraged with basic physical fitness. The Maldaru Lake trek has a well-defined trail that is easy to follow. The trek does involve some steep climbs and descents, with some rocky patches throughout, but overall it is a manageable trek that can be completed by anyone reasonably fit and healthy. The trek is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The relatively moderate trek gives the trekkers a challenge for its high altitude. Otherwise an easy terrain, to trek amongst the beauty of the Himalayan scenery.
Photography Tips:
- Understand the Light: The Himalayas offer dramatic lighting conditions. For the best photographs, capture early morning and late afternoon scenes when the light is soft and golden. Midday light can be harsh, but it can also highlight the stark contrasts of the landscape.
- Capture the Flora and Fauna: Maldaru Lake is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. Capture the vibrant rhododendrons in spring, the lush greenery in the monsoon, or the snow-blanketed trees in winter. For wildlife, carry a zoom lens to capture distant birds or animals without disturbing them.
- Landscape Photography: The panoramic views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. Keep your wide-angle lens handy to capture a wide range of the landscape. Try incorporating elements like a trekker or a tent in the foreground to give a sense of scale.
- Experiment with Perspectives: Try to observe the scenic moments from different angles and perspectives. For instance, a low-angle shot of a trail leading into the mountains can add depth and intrigue to your photos.
- Utilize the Rule of Thirds: This basic principle of photography helps in composing balanced and interesting shots. Divide your frame into nine equal segments and place the important elements along these lines or their intersections.
- Capture the Local Culture: Maldaru Lake trek passes through quaint villages. Capture the local architecture, people, and their daily lives. Always take permission before capturing people.
- Night Sky Photography: The clear skies at high altitudes are perfect for astrophotography. Use a tripod and long exposure settings to capture the stars and perhaps the Milky Way.
- Be Prepared for Weather Changes: The weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Protect your camera equipment from rain and snow. Keep batteries warm in cold weather as they can drain quickly.
- Travel Light: While it’s tempting to carry all your gear, remember you will be trekking at high altitudes. Prioritize and take only what you need.
- Respect the Environment: While photographing, be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t damage the natural environment or disturb wildlife.
[Bonus Tip: Practice Patience Sometimes, waiting for the right moment, light, or movement can make all the difference in a photograph.]
Essentials
Ô Hiking Shoes
Note: Dynamic rough terrains hold uncertain threats. The pair of shoes that has the advantage of overcoming those threats will help you to maintain your confidence in balancing.
Ô Backpack
Note: A backpack comes under very essential for the activity like trekking. You will have a requirement of your Backpack throughout the journey for your belongings and all the essentials you need. We recommend you test the bag and choose it according to your height, the Trek where you are taking it & comfort it provides.
Ô Daypack
Note: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your essentials (wallet, small water bottle, sunglass, power bank, etc.) with you.
Ô Clothing
Ô Trek Accessories
Ô Daily essentials
Ô Essential Documents
Required: For the Maldaru Lake trek, you must bring specific documents and submit those to the trek leader at the base camp. These include a copy of the Disclaimer, along with one photocopy and the original of a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, a doctor’s medical certificate confirming your fitness for high-altitude scenarios is required.
Risks and Precautions:
Here are the risks or challenges you might face on the Maldaru Lake Trek.
* [While choosing your shoe, remember that the shoe must have a good grip].
Overall Safety and Cooperation:
Our main goal is your safety and enjoyment during the trek. We ask for your full cooperation and advice against using any objectionable substances while trekking.
Physical qualification for the trek
AGE 10 + Should have minimum trekking or at least some long distance hiking experience.
First timers are also welcomed to have a whole new experience of the majestic Himalayas.
The trekker should have a minimum stamina of covering 5 kms in 40 mins.
*Prepare accordingly.
Physical preparations for the trek
The trekker should practice:
Overall Safety and Cooperation:
Our main goal is your safety and enjoyment during the trek. We ask for your full cooperation and advice against using any objectionable substances while trekking.
Physical qualification for the trek
Cancellation Policy:
In order to cancel your trek booking, drop an email on [email protected]
Local Language Phrases:
Hello – “नमस्कार” (Namaskar)
How are you? – “तुम कसै छौ?” (Tum kase chau?)
My name is – “मेरु नाम …” (Meru naam …)
I am fine. How are you? – “मी ठीक छौं. तुम कसै छौ?” (Mi theek chaun. Tum kase chau?)
Please help me. – “कृपया, मेरी मदद करें.” (kripya, Meri madad karen.)
Tell me the route. – “मुझे रास्ता बता.” (Mujhe rasta bata.)
Where am I right now? – “मी अभी कख छौं?” (Mi abhi kakh chaun?)
Please rescue me. – “कृपया मुझे बचाओ.” (Kripya mujhe bachao.)
Do you have medical kits? – “क्या तुमरे पास मेडिकल किट छै?” (Kya tumre paas medical kit chhai?)
Will you join me? – “तुम मेरु साथ द्याओलु?” (Tum meru sath dyaolu?)
How long will it take to reach the summit? – “शिखर तक पहुंचण मा कती समय लगोलु?” (Shikhar tak pahunchan ma kati samay lagolu?)
Where is the next Maggi point? – “अगला मैगी प्वाइंट कख छ?” (Agla Maggi point kakh ch?)
Will there be too much cold? – “क्या ज्यादा ठंड ह्वालि?” (Kya jyada thand hwaali?)
What is the name of the nearest village? – “नजीकी गांव का नाम क्या छ?” (Naziki gaon ka naam kya ch?)
Is there any update of heavy snowfall? – “क्या भारी हिमपात कु अपडेट छ?” (Kya bhari himpaat ku update ch?)
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Upcoming Batches
May :
10th May to 17th May | 17th May to 24 May | 24th may to 31th may
Jun:
07th June to 14th june | 15th June to 22nd June
Sept :
20th sept to 27th sept | 18th oct to 25th Oct
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FAQ's
The weather of the trek seems to be pleasant along with the lush green landscape.
Moreover, the weather becomes more refreshing after monsoon, as it leaves the trail
vibrant.
The major highlight of this trek is that it offers picturesque views of Bandarpunch range and
its surroundings. But, on a clear day, you could witness Kala Nag and Swargarohini peaks.
During the trek, you will stay in tents or in a guest house. Discovery Hike ensures
comfortable accommodation options for trekkers.
There are numerous attractions near the trek, like: Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, and some
famous treks, like kedarkantha trek.
During summers daytime temperature ranges from 10℃-20℃ and night temperature
ranges from 0℃-5℃. And, during winters daytime temperature ranges from 5℃-10℃, and night
temperature drops to -15℃.
The pickup point would be Dehradun railway station at 6:30 am. Discovery Hike vehicles
will wait for half an hour if the train is late.
Yes, jackets, gloves, shoes, ponchos, and many more items are available for rent.
Yes, Dehradun owns a huge market. But, avoid last minute purchasing, as you need to
quickly move to Sankri - base camp o fMaldaru Lake trek.
Yes. There are mules and local porters available, who will be there to transport your backpack during the trek, at an extra cost.
Yes, you can leave your extra luggage at the Sankri guesthouse, and collect the luggage
during return from the trek.
Yes, Discovery Hike serves a balanced diet, thus ensuring your proper health during the
trek.
Yes, There are toilet tents with dry pits dug in them . At base camp, you could use constructed ones, but during trek, dry pits are favorable.
If you get your period, no need to panic as trek leaders would assist you in this situation.
Moreover, if you don’t have a sanitary napkin, trek leaders can provide it.
Yes, trek leaders of Discovery Hike carry a first aid kit that possesses basic medicines.
Additionally, for high altitude trek, we carry oxygen cylinders as well to combat low oxygen.
There are charging points at the base camp. After leaving Sankri, there is no electricity and
charging slots.
Discovery Hike ensures immense safety for women during trekking. Our trek leaders are
gender sensitive and guide everyone with care.
Ensure to carry warm clothes that goes well with cold conditions, as temperature might
drop below freezing point.
To embark on the Maldaru Lake trek, you require to be physically fit. Also, you are
required to carry essential items, including clothing, gear, and first aid kit.
Anyone above the age of 10 years can opt. for the Maldaru Lake trek. The trekker should have a minimum stamina to cover a distance of 10 kms on the plains at one go, and should cover 5 kms in 40 mins.
[Discovery Hikes have every possible arrangements for the trekkers, so that the trekkers can have the maximum experience of the trek]
Yes, Anyone above the age of 10 years can do the Maldaru Lake trek.
Discovery Hike can arrange for transport to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Delhi (other than Dehradun), if requested personally by any trekker, at an extra cost .
₹ 18,750
₹ 13,500 INR 28% off
Per Person
Key Highlights
- ➧ Duration : 6D/5N
- ➧ Elevation : 13,000 feet (4,200m)
- ➧ May – June \ September- October
- ➧ Pick Up & Drop : Dehradun
Upcoming Batches
For Any Queries
+91-9458118063 | +91-7579480944
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Client's Feedback
Phullera Ridge Trek. It was a great experience to trek over phullera ridge with discovery hike. The ridge trek was very very challenging as well as full of excitement. Enjoy those days with nice guide, foods and other facilities that provided by the discovery hike.Nil2021-09-27Outstanding Behaviour of Ganga, Prakash & the team were very heart warming.. They provide us outstanding foods and accommodation.Avishek M2021-09-18Bali Pass ( Discovery Hikes ) If you like to get drenched in nature then this is it ! Bali Pass is full of unexplored jungles, flower valleys, waterfalls, glaciers and wild berries to eat 🤤 All this experience gets even more amazing when you have an experienced crew by your side ! Discovery hikes provide you with an unforgettable experience coz they provide you with great food (tasty) & sweet dish at an altitude you cant expect. Moreover, the survival tips and they take care of your tantrums like a mother 😅 Ganga Rana, Mayank bhaiji & team made our experience more comfortable and we did the summit with moderate ease. Safety wise, it's a heads up with this team. P.S. - If you that guy who lags behind everytime and gets exhausted very easily 😂, Don't worry ! Discovery hikes won't leave you alone ! There is a guide each in the front, middle & back of the group.Sameer Sethi2021-09-17Super duper adventurous trip ever Myself Kirti from Delhi...this is my 2nd trek with discovery hike team..Bali pass is a high altitude and long trek which needs everything like medication food shelter washrooms and mental support and motivation....and I must tell Ganga & Govind Rana team provides us everything whatever say variety of food like jalebi, gulab jamun, shahi toast, soup, noodles, pakoda, rajma rice,,there is no ending of food varieties for all days which we never expect from anyone in 16200ft,,,both guys and his team like porters all are very very supportive in all stages,,always they ready to giving his hands to someone's hands for support (jinka ❤️ sensitive h like me),,,,, they never say NO,,,,, I was in need of extra support for trekking and these guys gave me full support from starting to end.....in every step I scared from walking but Govind & Ganga were saying to me "DARNA NAHi JAb MEI HU...kahe darna..mei kheti ok sir😝😝😝....their tents/sleeping bags was good....there was lots of activities between the way like rappling, river crossing,, hiking,, ect....if u like adventure then u should go with this team.... discovery hike team is very hardworking by nature....thankss to alllll Ganga & Govind discovery hike team for Marvelous Adventure I had ever in my life.............we will come back again......seeeuuuuuSooonnn.....KIRTI BANSIWAL2021-09-15Best treking company in Himalayas One of the finest treking company in Himalayas of India. They serve you the best food more the 4 times a days. Sweets in dinner and very friendly people always ready to solve the problem we face on the trek. Very humble and professional people. Love to trek with ganga and his team. Thank you for the wonderful 👏 experience.Mayank S2021-09-14Discovery hike Amazing experience with discovery hike spacial thanks to mr. Ganga rana for providing such a great service with exoerienced guide....i did 3 treks with the company.. Harkidun kedarkantha and balipass... I had a good time on the trail... Five star.. 🖤Avishek Nag2021-09-13Bali pass trek I trek with Discovery Hike on Bali Pass from 3-11 September 2021. I had experienced many treks with different adventure companies but Ganga bhaiya and his team is one of the best in all fronts, he and his very best team take care of us. One of the things that needs to complete a difficult trek is food they provide you excellent food, at such a high altitude their food quality doesn't depreciate. Thanks to Ganga bhaiya, Mayank bhaiya and Govind bhaiya and all the staff of Discovery Hike we made it till end. The very last day is like leaving a family. All the best for future expeditions.Rahul Kundra, hakuna matata2021-09-13Most recommendable Team....worth time and Money This was the best trip we ever had... although with Ganga as guide trip becomes more and more interesting every time , his motivational and thrilling Stories keep us goin on and on plus food is sth beyond compare as it is very difficult to have good food on very high altitude but they made it..his team is the best, very supportive and friendly. They helped us every time we were exhausted and kept us safe till the last destination which was recommendable job. Looking forward to next trip 🤟🏻🥳Jyoti Tiwari2021-09-12Trek with Discovery Hike is like full paisa vasool. This is my 3rd trek with discovery Hike. Trek with discovery Hike is awesome and memorable. I started my trekking journey from Delhi with my friends and they pick us from Dehradun to Sankri Village by comfortable taxi and provide us very delicious and tasty food. Provide A very helpful, experienced guide. At the high altitude, they provide us very warm nd hygiene tents and sleeping bags. and no one can match their taste in food. Thank uh so much Ganga Rana, Govind bro and all team of Discovery hike for providing us all facilities, delicious food, good memories and lot of fine experience. I'll do more treks with ur team.Sagar S2021-09-11Best winter trek with the best people Had an amazing experience with Discovery Hikes. Thanks to Randev Ji Urf Hodda Ji for being an amazing trek guide. 😊Nikita C2021-01-20