OVERVIEW

Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 9 Days
Grade :- Easy To Moderate
Max Altitude :- 4200 m
Summer temperature: - (0° C to 10°C)
Winter temperature: - (-2°C to -5°C)

Sarutal Trek- Surpassing Lake amidst meadows

In the Garhwal Himalayan region there are many places which nobody has stepped on yet and many treks were explored by the shepherds who went there in search of grassy fields.
Sarutal is one of the treks which was found by a shepherd, a unique lake amidst the meadows, it lies in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 4,200m. This trek starts from Sankri which is the base camp of more than 20 treks and this place always remains busy by the trekkers. The trail goes through Kedarkantha to Sarutal.
Your trek will start with fetching sight of Himalayas and the trail takes you through dense forest and fascinating meadows, this place is rich in Flora and Fauna and it is home to a number of animals and birds, “Himalayan Monal” the state bird of Uttarakhand can be spotted in this region and the chirping sounds can be heard here. This place is great for wildlife photographers some of the best pictures can be clicked here.
Sarutal offers panoramic views of Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag and Swargarohini, these panoramic views are captivating and captures the complete attention of people. It is mostly ridge and meadow walk and differs from easy to moderate, sometimes the path gets steep and then unknowingly a meadow welcomes you.
This place is at full bloom in the month of June and October, green meadows and wildflowers grow on them. In winters it gets all covered by snow, this place is a secret gem hidden in the Western Garhwal Himalayas.

Information

This is the only valley from where one can see Swargarohini – I, II, III, (6300, Meters) Bandarpoonch (6300 Meters ) and Blackpeak (6387, Meters ), Dhumdarkandi pass, Borsu pass, Fhachukandi pass, all together. One can also see the Ruinsara lake, Rupin Valley, Bali Pass trek, Khimloga Peak, Baraadsar, Lake peaks from here.
Sarutal trek is a high altitude Lake located at 4250Meters in Western Garhwal. Himalayas The Lake is visited annually by local village, Starting point Saur and our village sankri folk who consider the Lake as sacred.
This day you will witness one of the most beautiful places alluring places of the world. Its impeccably beautiful and pleasing environment will surely entice you. See the many spices flowers and specially Sarutal lake.
This trek is predominately a ridge walk over long Kedar kantha bugyal and dunda bugyal meadow stretches offering wide views of the Gangotri peaks.
Swargarohini – I, II, III, (6300, Meters) Bandarpoonch (6300 Meters ) and Blackpeak (6387, Meters ) , Dhumdarkandi pass, Borsu pass, Fhachukandi pass, Peaks in the distance .The local folk refer to Saru Tal as the Vishnu Dev Dham with the other’s being .Another reason for referring to Saru Tal as the Dev Dham is that this is the only location from where you can see all dev Asthal.
The trek starts from Sankri and over the first 3 days of the trek the trail climbs over the peak of Kedar Kantha (3812 Meters ) which is a well known peak in the region and offers wide views of the area. Over the . After visiting the sarutal Lake rather than retracing steps back there is an option of crossing the Fachu Kandi Pass ( 4589 Meters ) and walking to Hanuman Chetti which is the road head for pilgrims heading to the Yumnotri temple. And Jankichatti.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (210 km) (7/8 hours) (1950m)
Day 2: Sankri to Kedarkantha base camp via Juda Ka Talab (8 km) (4/5 hours) (3,400m)
Day 3: Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha summit (12506 feet) (3,800m) then trek to Dunda Thach
Day 4: Dunda Thach to Pushtara Thach (11km) (5/6 hours) (3,789m)
Day 5 : Pushtara Thach to Sarutal (10 km) (4/5 hours) (4,250m)
Day 6 : Sarutal to Pushtara Thach (10 km) (4/5 hours) (3,789m)
Day 7 : Pushtara thach to Dunda Thach (11km) (4/5 hours) (3,200m)
Day 8 : Dunda Thach to Sankri (8km) (3/4 hours)
Day 9 : Sankri to Dehradun (210 km) (7/8 hours)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Dehradun to Sankri (210 km) (7/8 hours) (1950m)
Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway station or ISBT, meet us there and then drive 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 middle of your journey at Purola.
It’s a picturesque drive to Sankri, you will get fetching views from 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 which serve delectable food. You will see apple orchards here and greenery all around.
Reach Sankri have a glance of snow covered mountains, this place is pollution free, enjoy the invigorating climate. We own a hotel there named “Swargarohini” Relax, have your meal and overnight stay in hotel.

Day 2: Sankri to Kedarkantha base camp via Juda Ka Talab (8 km) (4/5 hours) (3,400m)
Trek starts from Sankri’s mini market, have your breakfast and leave early for Kedarkantha base camp with packed lunch. When you go further you can see Saur village on your left there are wooden houses which remains cool in summers and warm in winters.
The trail is well marked and cemented and from there you can have glance of mountains, all covered by snow and Swargarohini with “Char Singhs” looks the most beautiful of them all. As you go further now you have to trek off road and the ascend starts, this climb is steep till 1km, the trail is through beautiful dense forest it is all covered by lush greenery. Today’s trek is an ascending one there are short descends.
It will take two hours to reach Juda Ka Talab, ascend is steep keep going and you will descend down now you are about to reach Juda Ka Talab. Juda ka Talab is a famous lake amidst a meadow it is crystal clear and the attraction of that place. Spend some time here and then leave for Kedarkantha’s base camp, the trail is beautiful and has got mesmerising views of snow covered peaks, you can also take the other path of Baniya Thach, it is a short steep climb and has also got scenic views of mountains.
The trail takes you through dense pine forest, it is a pleasure to walk through the woods, further this forest ends at a ridge. After 90 minutes of trekking through the forest of oaks you will reach another ridge, cross that reach you may get tired but then a meadow will unfold in front of you from there the views are magnificent. Now, Kedarkantha summit is visible from here, the snow-capped mountains looks enchanting and the beautiful greenery makes one stare at it as it looks picturesque.
Continue your trek and after some ascends you will reach Kedarkantha Base Camp, the view of Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Rangnala are glorifying and all covered by snow they look fascinating together.
This campsite is the most beautiful one and the beauty of this place will leave you spell bound. Enjoy your meal here and overnight stay in tents.

Day 3: Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha summit (12506 feet) (3,800m) then trek to Dunda Thach
Morning in Kedarkantha Base Camp is prepossessing and looks mesmerizingly beautiful, witness the sunrise from there it will make your day. The peaks glimmer from a distance and Kedarkantha Peak is clearly visible from there.
Have your breakfast early in the morning and start your trek towards Kedarkantha summit, there are many trails to reach this point you can take anyone. Maronda Thach a wide meadow, Pokhrola Thach after a gradual ascend it offers majestic views of mountains which are covered by snow and the views of huge waterfalls.
The climb to Kedarkantha Peak is steep and it takes energy and efforts to reach there but the efforts are worth going there. The alluring views of Swargarohini 1, 2, 3, Har Ki Dun valley, Kala Nag, Black Peak stand tall in front of your eyes, the views are panoramic from there and there are temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh which makes the aura spiritual and divine.
Visit those temples spend some time there relishing the beauty of this place and leave for Dunda Thach, ascend gradually on the way you will get the enchanting views of snow covered mountains and waterfalls in this region, they look adorable.
Reach Dunda Thach by evening, relish the beauty of this meadow and spend your night here in camps.

Day 4: Dunda Thach to Pushtara Thach (11km) (5/6 hours) (3,789m)
Witness sunrise from Dunda Thach by waking up early in the morning, the sight is worth getting up early. Have your breakfast and leave for Pushtara Thach.
Trek towards your destination for today, you will see a temple of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. From this point steep climb starts which can be done in 10 minutes.
Cross this area and you will reach Pushtara Thach. A place with where the environment is invigorating and the surroundings are eye pleasing, spending night here is a delight.
At night gaze at stars the sky totally gets covered by them and it looks extraordinary and extremely beautiful, enjoy camping under the stars by having relaxing stay in tents.

Day 5: Pushtara Thach to Sarutal (10 km) (4/5 hours) (4,250m)
Today’s trek is 10 km long from Pushtara Thach to Sarutal and the trail is a combination of ascends and levelled walks and you will reach there in four to five hours.
You will come across a number of meadows on the way, it is mostly ridge and meadow walk with beautiful views. The wide views of Gangotri peaks, Bandarpooch, Swargarohini and Kala Nag are visible from a distance.
Continue trekking, take rest breaks in between and have your packed lunch in middle of the journey. Sarutal is a lake amidst the meadows which remain hidden for many years and a shepherd found this unique lake in search of grassy fields.
Reach Sarutal and have proper sight of the surroundings and the alluring lake, trail from Sarutal further goes to Fachukandi Pass. Explore this area and experience the invigorating environment.
Place your tents in this ideal location have your meal and enjoy staying here.

Day 6: Sarutal to Pushtara Thach (10 km) (4/5 hours) (3,789m)
Sarutal was the destination of this trek, cherry on the cake is to look at this lake in the morning. It looks crystal clear, people from different countries come here to see this unique place.
Today is your return to Pushtara Thach which was your campsite on fourth day, retrace your steps through the ridge and meadows. Descending will take less time but you need to be careful as there are loose rocks on the way.
Entrancing views don’t leave your side all along the way, the trek is 10 km long you can have your lunch in middle of the journey. Reach Pushtara Thach in 4-5 hours, it is a delight to camp here again, delicious food will be served, ask local guide about the stories of places in Garhwal Himalayas as it has many mythical stories.
Enjoy relaxing stay in tents.

Day 7: Pushtara thach to Dunda Thach (11km) (4/5 hours) (3,200 m)
Pushtara Thach to Dunda Thach, 5 minutes of descend is steep then you will come across a temple of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
The path is same but follow your guide as it gets confusing and every trail looks alike. There are almost descends, have a look at the waterfalls and ranges visible from there.
Continue trekking and in 4-5 hours you will reach Dunda Thach, setup your camps here and enjoy spending night amidst a meadow.

Day 8: Dunda Thach to Sankri (8km) (3/4 hours)
It is the last day of your trek, walk through the dense forest and you will come across flowing streams. The meadows surprisingly opens up which relaxes feet.
Today’s trek is not tough but is long, descending gets steep sometimes. You can see many shepherd huts on the way and sight of mountains can be caught whenever there is a forest clearing.
When the civilization is visible, now you are about to reach Sankri. From there cemented road starts walk on that for 10 minutes, Supin river flows down and the sound of it can be heard.
Reach Sankri and hotel “Swargarohini Palace” welcomes you there, have food and spend today’s night there

Day 9: Sankri to Dehradun (210 km) (7/8 hours)
Drive from Sankri to Dehradun, reach there by 6:00 pm.

Risk & Respond

High Altitude Treks?: Risk and Response A high altitude trek calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by Apex To Himalays to minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.
Risk: Altitude Before you start the trek, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.
Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.
Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.
Response: The decision of the Trek Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.
Risk: Injuries Often, while trekking over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.
Response: All our Trek Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.
Risk: Lack of communication devices In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trek, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.
Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.

What's Included

• Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and Return.
• Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
• All necessary entry fees and permits.
• Accommodation:- Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
• First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
• Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
• Apex To Himalays Staff Insurance.
• Porters/mules to carry central equipment.



Excluded :-

• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Food during the transit.
• Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
• Insurance.
• Any kind of emergency evacuation charges 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

How to Reach

By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun. Come one day early if planning to come by flight.

By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi

• Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)
• Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)

By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi to ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station

• Apex To Himalays Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00am.
• Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
• You will reach Sankri by 4:00 pm
• Food from dehradun to Sankri is not included in the trek cost

6C. Dunkles Bock

Overall Impression: A dark, strong, malty German lager beer that emphasizes the malty-rich and somewhat toasty qualities of continental malts without being sweet in the finish.

History: Originated in the Northern German city of Einbeck, which was a brewing center and popular exporter in the days of the Hanseatic League (14th to 17th century). Recreated in Munich starting in the 17th century. The name “bock” is based on a corruption of the name “Einbeck” in the Bavarian dialect, and was thus only used after the beer came to Munich. “Bock” also means “Ram” in German, and is often used in logos and advertisements.