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. Tour Itinerary: 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. Notes:
Also see tour packages in: Asia India Outdoor: Land Rambler Hiking & Trekking Ecotourism Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend |
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