Itinerary -
Day 01: Dehradun – Uttarkashi– Sangam Chatti (Drive/6-7 hrs/175 kms)
We will all assemble at a convenient point in Dehradun early in the morning and from here start with the beautiful drive toward Uttarkashi and further on to Sangam Chati, which will take 30 minutes from Uttarkashi. This is a pleasant drive and we will stop a couple of times to take short breaks/lunch. We will reach Sangam Chatti by early evening and set up a camp. Sangam chatti is a small village market place and the starting point of our trek. In the evening GIO trek leader will brief the whole team on what to expect during the trek and how to keep safe all along. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 02: Sangam Chatti (1350m) – Bhebra (2250 m) (Trek/3-4 hrs)
After a sumptuous breakfast and with lots of excitement we set out on this exciting trail. The initial climb for the day is steep to the settlement at Agoda. From here the trail is gradual up to Bhebra, which is marked with couple of tea shacks and lodges. We camp at a beautiful campsite above the rivulet. It’s a good warm up hike for the days to come. We will start getting snow from here on. Overnight in the tents.
Day 03: Bhebra – Dodital (3310 m) (Trek/ 5-6hrs)
After breafkfast we set out on the trail which ascends gradually from Bhebra through a mix forest high above the Asi Ganga before entering a side valley leading to Dodital. There is a substantial Gujar settlement at Majhi (3150 m), about 5 kms before Dodital. We take a pit stop here and enjoy our packed lunch. From Majhi the hike is through rhododendron, oak, pine and bamboo forest. Also we will start getting lots of snow in this section which will make walking difficult but exciting. Late afternoon we will arrive at the beautiful lake. Tired bones and bodies will get rejuvenated by the serene beauty of this place. We will set campsite by the lake and soak in the natural beauty. Overnight in tents.
Day 04: Dodital – Darwa pass(4150 m) -Dodital(Trek/6-7 hrs)
Today group members will have the choice of either staying back at Dodital and exploring the lakeside areas or going on the climb to Darwa pass. For Darwa pass we will start early as the climb to the summit is going to take some time and effort. The initial climb from Dodital is pleasant through meadows currently under snow and lined up with rhododendron trees. The climb towards the end is steep but not very long. Once at the top one is rewarded with a magnificent view of the majestic Himalayas. The range of peaks stretch beyond Gangotri as far as Nanda Devi. To the north, the Bandarpunch peak dominates the upper part of the valley. To the North-West, Swargarohini I (6252 m) rises above the Har-ki-Dun valley. We will spend some time at the top and take pictures before retracing our steps towards Dodital. Get back to the camp and celebrate the successful summit of the pass with hot masala tea and some crispy pakodas. Overnight in the tents.
Day 05: Dodital – Bhebra(2250 m) (Trek/4-5hrs)
Today we trek back towards Bhebra. It’s a relatively easy walk as the trail is mostly downhill. Overnights in the tents.
Day 06: Bhebra –Sangam Chatti– Dehradun (Drive/175 kms/ 6-7hrs/ Trek/2-3hrs)
After breakfast we will trek for about 2 hours to reach Sangam chatti. It’s a beautiful walk through the village of Agoda. On arrival we board our vehicle and drive down to Dehradun. We will reach Dehradun by about 6 p.m.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
List of Essentials
It is very important for this adventure trip that you need to be equipped properly and with a bit of back up. Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags. Also please keep in mind you can rent out or purchase equipment from our Gear Store, if required.
Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3
Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
Trekking Pants (water resistant/repellent & having inside lining for extra warmth) - 2
Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) with a proper hood
Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating
Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap (Balaclava)
Inner fleece gloves
Outer water proof gloves
Thick woollen socks & regular socks (4 – 5 pairs)
Scarf/muffler (optional)
Comfortable waterproof (Goretex) Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole and high ankles are recommended)
Camp shoes (these can be easy to slip in sneakers/sport shoes)
Gaiters
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional)
Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (imp when traversing through snow)
Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Personal toiletries
Book, if you like reading
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Carry rain cover for your bags
Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
…LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
NOTE: In case you are planning to put your bag on a mule or taking a porter please get a duffel bag or rucksack and keep it in mind that there is a possibility that the bag at times might brush against a rock or a tree and get slightly damaged so don't get very expensive bags. Also in case of damage we shall not be held accountable.
For Departure Dates just call 7350530009 / 7350540009 / 7350550009
Transport Options (Delhi – Dehradun – Delhi)
For travel to Dehradun and back one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport (at Dehradun) and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines & Spice Jet. Train travel is highly recommended with enough options being there.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Dehradun that cost about Rs. 200-500 per person. These buses depart from Delhi ISBT every 30 mins. or so and take about 7 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same .
Weather Details
This snow trek is organized between Dec & mid-March when the region has had good snowfall. Contrary to the popular belief winters is a good time to be in the mountains if one is equipped properly. Most locals inhabiting higher reaches of the mountains don’t mind the problems associated with snowfall and seem to have a good time during these months. Also there are lots of local festivals in these months. In these months weather is generally clear most of the days. Day time is normally pleasantly warm with one getting to enjoy sitting out in the sun. Temperature would be around 12-17 °C. Evenings are quite cold and one would need to be inside a tent/room or sitting outside next to fire with proper winter clothes. The evening temperatures will be around – 3 to 5 °C. Nights can be very cold with temperatures in the range of – 8 to 0 °C.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
Duration: 6 Days
Season: Dec-Mar
Grade: Moderate+
Region: Garhwal (Uttarakhand)
Description
Trekking in winters is extremely exciting, has a unique flavor and is an absolutely wonderful way to enjoy the wonders of the Himalayas but one needs to keep in mind that winters and excessive snow present a set of challenges which trekkers should be well prepared to handle and be safe. Namoh with its philosophy of Safety First is extremely particular about trail selection and back up arrangements while selecting trails for winter trekking.
This challenging trek to the high altitude Dodital lake (3310 m) & Darwa pass (4150 m) is a beautiful trail for winter hiking pursuits and is ideal for fit first timers as well as experienced climbers. We will be camping on snow at Dodital but for added safety will have a few rooms in the forest guest house booked for us. So just in case it gets very cold or someone is not wanting to sleep in tents, these rooms can be used. For the thrill seeker it presents a great opportunity to go well over 4000m in winters while climbing Darwa pass.
Another beautiful aspect of this trek itinerary is that people not wanting to exert more can stay back at Dodital and enjoy the beautiful environs of the lake while others are gone on the Darwa climb Set admits lofty heights and at an elevation of 3,310 m, Dodital lake is like a shimmering emerald set in the crest of majestic mountains: mysterious, beckoning and divine.
Dense forest of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron fringe the lake and the crystal clear waters are full of Himalayan golden trout. Trout was introduced here about a century ago, transforming Dodital into an anglers paradise. An extended trip to Darwa pass adds a thrilling challenge/experience which provides one an opportunity of scaling a 4200 meter pass high pass in the winters. There are thumping views of great Himalayas including giants like Bandarpunch and Swargarohini peaks.
This climb though tough in terms of the energies required will provide a tremendous sense of achievement Its a great winter trek because other than the excitement of snow the trek leads through an extremely tranquil country, one crosses many gurgling streams with crystal clear waters and walks through dense alpine forests, all blending together to make it a memorable experience.