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On this Indian 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 of the Himalayan Mountains 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 Uttaranchal, which is home to many important species of animal including red panda and snow leopard. The area is rich in birdlife 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 practises. Polyandry and to a lesser extent polygamy are still practised 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.
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi - Overnight train to Dehradun.
Arrive in Delhi airport. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Evening transfer to the train station for the overnight sleeper train to Dehradun at 22.10. We travel by A/C sleeper train, the best and most comfortable way to travel overland in India.
Day 2: Dehradun to Camp Lunagad: 4 hrs
We travel in private vehicles from Dehradun to our fixed camp on the Tons River (435 km) We break the journey up stopping for plenty of chai (sweet milky tea). We arrive at Lunagad for a hot lunch. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and dinner around the camp fire. Overnight camp.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: Bheduka to Dev Thach (3000 m): 6/7 hrs
Trek to Dev Thach, a large alpine meadow. The path continues winding through the forest until the village of Osla appears on the opposite side of the valley. The trail leads through a row of teashops and a forest rest houses known as Seema (2500 m). From here it's a one hour walk up to the beautiful meadow, Dev Thach. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Dev Thach to Ruinsara Lake (3350 m): 3/4 hrs
The trail leads through mixed forest and meadows of forget-me-nots and buttercups. Halfway to the lake, the valley widens and crosses a series of flowered meadows where shepherds from the nearby villages graze their flocks in the summertime. Ruinsara Lake is considered sacred by the surrounding villages. It is above the main valley floor on the valley side, surrounded by alpine pastures and low rhododendrons beneath the impressive Swargarohini Range. Overnight camp at Ruinsara Lake.
Day 6: Rest Day at Ruinsara Lake
A day to laze around and appreciate the magnificent view of the snow-clad peaks of the Swargarohini Range or walk towards the base camp of Banderpunch Peak (6316 m) to catch a close-up view of the magnificent mountain. Return to camp for hot lunch. Overnight camp at Ruinsara Lake.
Day 7: Ruinsara Lake to Bheduka (1815 m): 7/8 hrs
We trek back down to the campsite of Bheduka. Overnight camp at Bheduka.
Day 8: Bheduka to Camp Lunagad (1120 m): 6 hrs
Trek from Bheduka for four hours to the road-head at Taluka. We then drive to Camp Lunagad on the Tons River. Overnight at Camp Lunagad to relax and discuss the trip over a warm campfire.
Day 9: Camp Lunagad to Delhi
Have a relaxed start. After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Dehradun to board the train to Delhi. Reach Delhi by 10:40 p.m. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 10: Depart India
After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a visit to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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