|
|
|
Title:
|
Ruinsara Lake
|
|
Duration:
|
8 days
|
|
Location:
|
Uttaranchal
|
|
Dates: |
June 7th - 14th |
|
Grade:
|
Easy
|
|
The Tons valley is situated in the western ranges of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttaranchal amidst thick deodar and pine forest and is a relatively unspoilt area. The Ruinsara Lake is a secluded serene haven surrounded by glittering peaks. Being part of the Govind Vihar sanctuary, the area is rich in wildlife and is a paradise for bird-watchers and nature-lovers. This route is associated with the epic Hindu poem, Mahabharata, whose heroes are said to have roamed this area during their fourteen years of exile.
The culture in the area is unique even to India. Polyandry, and to some extent,
polygamy, are the normal practice. Economically, these customs probably owe
their origin to a necessity to keep population down and prevent division of
property. A system of bride price, where the worth of a bride-to-be increases
with the number of past husbands she has had, is still prevalent.
On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the train station or hotel.
Day 1: Delhi to Camp Lunagad: 10 hrs
We travel in private vehicles from Delhi to our fixed camp on the Tons River (435 km) We break the journey up stopping for all meals and plenty of chai (sweet milky tea). We arrive at Lunagad for barbeque dinner and check in. Overnight camp.
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: Ruinsara Lake to Bheduka (1815 m): 7/8 hrs
We trek back down to the campsite of Bheduka. Overnight camp at Bheduka.
Day 7: 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 8: 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. 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.
|
|
|
