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On this trekking holiday though forests of pine and the mighty Himalayan Cedar (or Deodar in Hindi) we walk from the Tons valley to the beautiful Ruinsara lake. This jewel like lake nestles in a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by towering peaks which are reflected in its glittering waters. The area is part of the Govind Vihar sanctuary of Uttarakhand, which is home to many important species of animal including red panda and snow leopard. The area is rich in bird life and the flora is very impressive. On our way we meet Gujar herdsmen as they take their buffalo to the high meadows for summer grazing near the lake and the surrounding area.

The Tons Valley has some quite unusual marriage practices. Polyandry and to a lesser extent polygamy are still practiced here. These customs originally came about to control local population and to avoid the over division of property. They also have a bride price system where the price of a potential bride increases with the number of past marriages she has had.

1. Day 1

   Activities

   1. Train
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Plane
   4. Hotel

   Arrive in Delhi - Overnight train to Dehradun.

   Arrive in Delhi. Relax for the day before catching the overnight train to Dehradun.

2. Day 2

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent

   Dehradun to Camp Lunagad: 4 hrs

   Drive from Dehradun to Camp Lunagad on the Tons river.

3. Day 3

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent
   3. Trekking

   Lunagad to Bheduka (1815 m): 6 hrs

   Drive from Lunagad to Sankri and then trek to Bheduka.

   Lunagad to Bheduka (1815 m): 6 hrs
   After an early morning breakfast, we leave camp at 7:00 a.m. and drive for two hours until we reach Sankri (1710 m). Trek from Sankri to our lunch spot just beyond the village of Taluka (1800 m). From Taluka, the trail descends to the river valley and continues on through the forest. In spring, there are plenty of Gujar (herdsmen with buffalo) on their way to the higher pastures at the head of the valley. Reach camp in the afternoon after about four hours of walking. Dinner and overnight camping Bheduka.

4. Day 4

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Bheduka to Dev Thach (3000 m): 6/7 hrs

   Trek to Dev Thach, a large alpine meadow.

5. Day 5

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Dev Thach to Ruinsara Lake (3350 m): 3/4 hrs

   Trek to the Ruinsara Lake.

6. Day 6

   Activities

   1. Tent

   Rest Day at Ruinsara Lake

   A day to laze around and appreciate the magnificent view of the snow-clad peaks of the Swargarohini Range.

7. Day 7

   Activities

   1. Tent
   2. Trekking

   Ruinsara Lake to Bheduka (1815 m): 7/8 hrs

   We trek back down to the campsite of Bheduka. Overnight camp at Bheduka.

8. Day 8

   Activities

   1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   2. Tent
   3. Trekking

   Bheduka to Camp Lunagad (1120 m): 6 hrs

   Trek to Taluka and then drive to Camp Lunagad.

9. Day 9

   Activities

   1. Train
   2. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
   3. Hotel

   Camp Lunagad to Delhi

   Drive to Dehradun and then catch the train to Delhi.

10. Day 10

    Activities

    1. Taxi / Jeep / Bus
    2. Plane

    Depart India

    After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.

Our detailed trip dossiers include a full daily itinerary, information about trip prices, accommodation, booking, payment and general travel advice.

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Download Easy Himalayan Trekking Holiday - Ruinsara Lake Brochure

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Private departure dates can be arranged for group bookings. Contact us for more information.

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• UK: 020 8133 8682
• USA: 415 315 9411

Departure Dates	Duration
Friday 10th June 2011 - Sunday 19th June 2011	10 Days
Thursday 5th May 2011 - Saturday 14th May 2011	10 Days

The following is what we recommend you take, and is a guideline of what to bring. You are responsible to have the necessary personal equipment you need for this trek.

• Walking boots. If you are buying new boots for this trip please ensure they are well broken in before hand. Few things will make you more miserable during the trek than blisters.
• Two pairs of thick socks and two pairs of thin socks.
• Two or Three cotton t-shirts to wear in the evenings.
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers or pants, one for trekking and one to wear at night
• 1 pair of shorts.
• A good thermal (polypropylene)layer consisting of long johns and pullover.
• Two light weight fleeces or wool jumpers.
• A heavy fleece or down jacket.
• Rain and wind proof jacket and trousers.
• A warm sleeping bag, preferable 3/4 seasons.
• A thermorest if you have one. We provide karrimats for all clients.
• A woolen hat to wear in the mornings and evenings.
• A sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• Sunglasses
• Suncream at least factor 15.
• A pair of gloves.
• A camera.
• A book and/or writing paper.
• Underwear, we recommend you bring enough so you are comfortable at all times. Washing can be arranged in any of the large towns on your itinerary upon request.
• Duffel bag or large rucksack to carry to gear while trekking. We recommend you use something strong and sturdy, as this bag will be carried by a porter or packed on a mule or yak.
• Daypack: This is a small rucksack to carry the gear you will need while trekking. Camera, spare jacket, waterproof jacket, water bottle, pack lunch etc.
• Water bottle.
• Small towel for washing.
• Wallet and /or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Toiletries, N.B as little as possible, if you are travelling with friends try to share toiletries.
• Headlamp or small torch with spare batteries.

The following is a typical days trekking and most days on the route will follow this format. Ultimately different treks, locations and terrain may modify this format.

Wake up, sometimes at sunrise to enjoy the spectacular views the Himalaya offer in the early hours of the morning. After a filling cooked breakfast prepared by the expedition cook we pack up all the equipment and get ready to leave.

After loading all the gear onto the mules we get moving. You need only carry a spare jacket, water bottle, sun cream, camera during the day. We walk at a pace that suits the group and stop regularly for photo opportunities and rests. We go at the pace of the slowest person in the group so don't worry about getting left behind.

At around midday we stop for lunch. The cooks, porters and mules will have gone ahead and by the time we reach the lunch spot lunch is almost ready. After a healthy and energizing lunch we get back on the trail again stopping off in villages and monasteries where possible. By mid afternoon we stop for the day.

We set up camp and then relax and enjoy watching the sun disappear below the mountain peaks. Meanwhile the cooks are busy preparing a three course meal prepared from fresh clean local produce. Enjoy the company of your guides and fellow trekkers late into the evening around a campfire. Head to bed for a good nights sleep to be ready to do it all again the next day.