Har Ki Doon - Ruisara Tal Trek

RegionUttarakhand
Duration8 Days
Max Altitude3,780 m
Trekking Km.69 Km.
GradeModerate

Summary

Har Ki Doon – Ruisara Tal Trek is one of the most scenic and culturally rich trekking experiences in the Garhwal Himalayas. Curated by Chuchura Padatik, this trek offers a perfect blend of remote Himalayan villages, ancient valleys, alpine lakes and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this trail passes through pristine forests and high-altitude meadows of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, making it an unforgettable journey for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

      This adventure begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to the mountain village of Sankri, the gateway to many of the most beautiful treks in the region. From Sankri, the route continues towards remote Dharkot village before trekking trail gradually leads into the deep Himalayan wilderness.

      Trekkers first move through dense forests and charming Himalayan terrain to reach Chiludgad, a peaceful campsite surrounded by tall pine and oak trees. As the trek progresses, landscape opens into wider valleys and alpine slopes, eventually leading to legendary Har Ki Doon Valley, located at an altitude of around 3,600 meters.

      Often called the “Valley of Gods,” Har Ki Doon is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Indian Himalayas. According to local mythology, route passing through this valley is believed to be path taken by the Pandavas while ascending to heaven. The valley is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and vast alpine meadows, creating a spectacular Himalayan panorama.

       A highlight of the trek is the exploration of Morinda Lake, a serene high-altitude lake located near Har Ki Doon. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding peaks, offering trekkers a peaceful and breathtaking experience amidst the untouched wilderness.

       From Har Ki Doon, the trail continues through beautiful meadows and forested ridges to Rainbasera Camp, before reaching the spectacular alpine lake Ruisara Tal. Situated at approximately 3,500 meters, Ruisara Tal is a hidden gem of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush green meadows and dense forests. The calm atmosphere and dramatic mountain views make it one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Uttarakhand.

       The trek then gradually descends back through remote Himalayan terrain to Dharkot and finally to Sankri, completing a circular journey through some of the most untouched landscapes in the Garhwal region.

        With diverse terrain that includes forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and high-altitude lakes, the Har Ki Doon – Ruisara Tal Trek offers an incredible Himalayan experience. With Chuchura Padatik, trekkers can expect experienced trek leaders, well-organized campsites, comfortable homestays, and nutritious vegetarian meals throughout the journey, ensuring both safety and an authentic mountain adventure.

Overview

Trek Name: Har Ki Doon - Ruisara Tal Trek

Days: 8

Adventure Type: Trekking

Base Camp: Sankri

Season: Pre - March to June | Post -September to November 

Month: March | April | May | June | September | October | November

Country: India

Altitude: 3,780 m.

Grade: Moderate

Rail Head: Dehradun

Stay: Homestay and Tent

Food: Garhwali

Location: Uttarakhand, India

Trek Distance: 69 Km.

Drive Distance: 460 Km.

Trail Type: Forest and Alpine Medows 

AirPort: Jolly Grunt 

Mandatory Documents & Key Points

MANDETORY DOCUMENTS

Aadhaar Card.
Passport size Photo.
Travel insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).
Medical fitness certificate must for every Participant.

Fixed Departure Dates

04/05/2026 - 11/05/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
09/05/2026 - 16/05/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
14/05/2026 - 21/05/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
19/05/2026 - 26/05/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
01/06/2026 - 08/06/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
06/06/2026 - 13/06/2026
8 Days
Booking Open
11/06/2026 - 18/06/2026
8 Days
Booking Open

Itinerary

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun - Sankri. Drive duration – 7/8 hours. Drive - 210 km. Accommodation in Homestay.

Day 2: Sankri - Dharkot village. Drive Duration - hours. Drive -19 km.
Same Day: Trek to Chiludgad Camp. Altitude: 2700 m. Trek Duration – 5/6 hours. Trek - 6 km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 3: Chiludgad - Kalkatidhar - Har Ki Doon Camp. Altitude: 3600 m. Trek duration – 8 hours. Trek – 13 km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 4: Explore Har Ki Doon valley and Morinda lake - Har Ki Doon. Altitude: 3780 m. Trek Duration – 5/6 hours. Trek – 7 km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 5: Har Ki Doon – Rainbasera Camp. Altitude: 3,000 m. Trek Duration – 6/7 hours. Trek – 9 km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 6: Rainbasera - Ruisara Tal.  Altitude: 3,500 m. Trek duration – 7 hours. Trek – 9 km. Accommodation in Tent.

Day 7: Ruisara Tal - Dharkot Village. Trek Duration – 7 hours. Trek - 14 km.
Same day: Drive to sankri by Car. Drive Duration – 1 hours. Drive – 11 km. Accommodation in Home Stay.

Day 8: Sankri – Dehradun Railway station. Drive duration – 8/9 hours. Drive - 190 km.

Who Can Participate

Basic Criteria


  Minimum age limit 10 years.

•  Anyone can join the trek must having prior experience and good physical conditions.

Fitness Criteria


  The Trekker should have sufficient physical ability to complete a jogging activity of 5 km distance in 40 minutes or 7 km distance in 1 hour without stress.

  If a trekker prefers cycling, he/she has to be completed a distance of 15 km within 45 minutes.

•  If a trekker wants to carry a backpack, then he/she should be able to carry an 8-10 kg backpack. If he/she is off-loading, then the trekker should be able to carry minimum 3 kg backpack.

Health & Fitness Information

Inclusions


1.Accommodation

Day 1st and Day 7th accommodation in Homestay. 

Day 2nd to Day 6th accommodation in Tent. 

 

2. Food (Veg + non-Veg)

Day 1st Dinner to Day 7th Dinner. 

 

3. Medical Support

Strong Medical kit, Oxygen can, Oximeter.

4. Transportation

Dehradun - Sankri, Sankri - Dharkot village and return as same way by car. 

 

5. Permit

 

All Necessary Trek permit. 

 

6. Group Leader

 

Experienced Guide & supporting staff.

 

7. Safety Equipment

 

Micro Spike and Gaiter (as per snow condition)

 

8. Additional Service

 

Trek Completion Certificate.

Exclusion

 

1. Personal insurance Mandatory (No trek permit will be issued without insurance).

2. Any kind of personal expenses.

3. Transit food not included.  

4. Offloading Charges – 2,500/- INR for entire trek per backpack up to 7kg.

5. Emergency evacuation and hospitalization charges.

 

Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:

In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek. 

Payment Structure

 

30% of the entire amount as Advance for Booking.

Rest amount will be paid 15 days before date of journey.

 

Cancellation Policy

 

30 Days Prior: Full Refund as a voucher. 

15-29 Days Prior: 75% Refund as a voucher.

08-14 Days Prior: 50% Refund as a voucher.

0-7 Days Prior: No Refund.

 

Reschedule Policy

 

30 Days Prior: No Reschedule Charges.

15 – 29 Days Prior: 10% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

08 – 14 Days Prior: 20% Charges will apply from Trek cost.

0 – 7 Days Prior: No Reschedule or No Refund.

 

Non - appearance on the trek start day No refund.

Any additional expense arising from various / unforeseen circumstance:

In case any Trekker is injured or medically not fit to carry out the Trek, He or She has to descend. We could be arranged for the same however the Trekkers have to bear the expenses for the descend or discontinue. The same is applicable for someone wiling not to continue the Trek. 

Trek Essentials

Trekking Gear List

Backpack
1. Rucksack with Rain cover, 2. Knapsack.

Footwear
1. Trekking Shoes (consult trek manager/trek leader), 2. Back belt Sandal.

Accesories
1. Sunglass (UV Protected), 2. Head Torch (with Extra batteries), 3. Water bottle, 4. Trekking Poles, 5. Power Bank, 6. Lunch Box & Spoon.

Clothing
1. Sun Cap, 2. Woolen Cap, 3. Buff/Balaclava, 4. Full sleeve T-shirts (2), 5. Half Sleeve T-shirts (2), 6. Fleece (1), 7. Feather Jacket (1), 8. Trek Pants (2), 9. Rain pants (1), 10. Socks (Cotton 4 + Woolen 1), 11. Gloves.

Personal Items 
1. Sunscreen, 2. Toothbrush, 3. Toothpaste, 4. Paper soap/Sanitizer, 5. Lip Balm, 6. Toilet tissue (Roll).