Overview
Baraadsar Lake Trek – The Sacred Wish-Fulfilling Journey
Baraadsar Lake, located at a breathtaking altitude of 4,300 meters, is nestled between the remote valleys of Rupin and Supin in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by majestic high ridges and worshipped by locals for its believed wish-fulfilling powers, this lake is one of the least explored and most mystical high-altitude treks in India.
Situated within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary National Park, this trek offers an incredible blend of scenic meadows, dense forests, steep ridgelines, and spellbinding views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The trail is challenging but rewarding, reserved for those with a strong will and a desire to witness untouched beauty.
Highlights of the Trek
Altitude: 4,300 meters
Trek Duration: 8 Days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Trek Distance: 59 km on foot | 454 km by vehicle
Best Time to Visit: May–June & September–November
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Base Camp: Khanyasni Camp
Group Size: 5–15 participants
Why Choose the Baraadsar Lake Trek?
Untouched Trail: A hidden gem not known to many trekkers, offering solitude and raw Himalayan wilderness.
Spiritual Significance: The lake is considered sacred, with locals believing that sincere wishes made here are fulfilled.
Diverse Landscapes: Experience lush pine forests, high-altitude meadows, rocky ridges, and breathtaking summit views.
Cultural Connection: Interact with the warm local communities and learn about age-old Garhwali traditions and folklore.
Photography Paradise: Stunning scenery and panoramic views make this a dream trek for photographers—carry extra battery and memory.
Comfortable Campsites: Camp at serene locations like Badang, Vijay Top, and Devbasa under a starlit Himalayan sky.
Altitude Profile (Per Day)
Dehradun: 478 m
Khanyasni Camp: 1,878 m
Sarutal: 2,000 m
Badang Camp: 2,600 m
Vijay Top: 3,800 m
Dhaldhar Camp: 3,200 m
Devbasa Camp: 3,650 m
Baraadsar Lake: 4,300 m
Important Tips
Carry proper trekking gear and clothing for sub-zero temperatures.
Keep your backpack light (max 12 kg).
Prepare for varied terrain – from forest paths to rocky ridges.
Stay hydrated and maintain stamina throughout the journey.
This trek is not for absolute beginners; a basic fitness level is recommended.
Iitinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Khanyasni Camp
Distance: 235 km
Time: 9–10 hours
Mode of Travel: Taxi
Altitude: 1878 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
You will be picked up from Dehradun Railway Station between 6:00 am and 7:00 am. The drive takes you through the charming Rajpur Road and into Mussoorie — the famous “Queen of Hills.” After a short stop at Kempty Falls for breakfast and some sightseeing, the journey continues through scenic landscapes and villages like Nainbagh, Damta, and Naugaon.
Stop at Purola around 1:30 pm for lunch. Later, drive past Jarmola’s zigzag pine-covered roads to reach Mori, then Naitwar, and finally Khanyasni Camp where tea/snacks will be served upon arrival.
Day 2: Trek from Khanyasni Camp to Sarutal Camp
Distance: 5 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Mode of Travel: On foot
Altitude: 2000 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
Begin your trek after breakfast by following the right bank of the Rupin River towards Pujali and Bitri village. Enjoy the apple orchards and step into the heart of rural life, where wheat and red rice are cultivated.
Continue through dense pine forests with views of the Himachal Mountains and Changsheel Valley. Reach a wide open meadow called Sarutal and camp here for the night.
Day 3: Trek from Sarutal to Badang Camp
Distance: 8 km
Time: 5–6 hours
Mode of Travel: On foot
Altitude: 2600 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
Trek through forests and a high ridge dividing the Rupin and Supin valleys. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of mountain ranges, including the majestic Swargarohini peaks.
After crossing several streams, arrive at the lush meadows of Badang and set up camp.
Day 4: Trek to Dhaldhar Camp via Vijay Top
Distance: 13 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Mode of Travel: On foot
Altitude: Vijay Top – 3800 meters, Dhaldhar Camp – 3200 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
Today is a long and rewarding day. After breakfast, start your steep climb to Vijay Top. From here, enjoy stunning views of Vishkhopri, Obra Valley, Khimloga Pass, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Wildflowers and meadows decorate the trail.
After soaking in the views, descend to the Dhaldhar ridge campsite and rest for the night.
Day 5: Trek from Dhaldhar Camp to Devbasa Camp
Distance: 6 km
Time: 2–3 hours
Mode of Travel: On foot
Altitude: 3650 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
Wake up early to catch the sunrise casting golden hues over the peaks. Begin the ridge-to-ridge trek through meadows and rhododendron-filled trails. You’ll get a breathtaking 180-degree mountain view with Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Nalgan in sight.
Devbasa is a rocky, high-altitude meadow and quite windy. Set up camp here and rest well for the big day tomorrow.
Day 6: Trek to Baraadsar Lake and Return to Devbasa Camp
Distance: 14 km (round trip)
Time: 8–9 hours
Mode of Travel: On foot
Altitude: 4300 meters
Stay: Campsite (twin-sharing basis)
Today’s trek leads to the sacred Baraadsar Lake, considered a wish-fulfilling lake. The trail is rocky and moderately difficult. You can choose between two routes — one shorter but steep, the other longer but gradual.
As you reach the lake, surrounded by high ridges and snow-covered peaks, take time to appreciate its serene beauty before returning to Devbasa camp.
Day 7: Trek from Devbasa to Kasla via Lower Sural, Drive to Sankri
Trek Distance: 15 km
Drive Distance: 29 km
Time: 8–9 hours total
Altitude: Sankri – 1920 meters
Stay: Hotel (twin-sharing basis)
After breakfast, begin your descent through meadows, pine forests, and agricultural lands. Pass through Rahla village, where locals work in the fields and graze livestock.
Continue to Kasla village, then take a vehicle to Sankri — a small, scenic town that serves as a base for several treks. Enjoy your dinner and a comfortable stay in a hotel.
Day 8: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 210 km
Time: 8–9 hours
Mode of Travel: Taxi
Have your final breakfast at the hotel before the return journey to Dehradun. After collecting your trekking certificates and clicking some memorable photos, bid farewell to the beautiful mountains.
Inclusion
What’s Included in This Trek Package
✅ Transport Facility
Pickup and drop-off arrangements from Dehradun to the trek base and back.
✅ Forest Permit & Entry Fees
All mandatory permits and forest entry charges included.
✅ Accommodation
Stay at a hotel in Sankri (twin-sharing basis).
Tent accommodation during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
✅ Meals (Nutritious & Hygienic)
Breakfast, packed lunch, evening tea/snacks, soup, and dinner.
All meals are vegetarian and prepared fresh during the trek.
✅ Camping Equipment
High-quality tents
Sleeping bags (suitable for sub-zero temperatures)
Foam mattress
Sleeping bag liner and pillow
✅ Toilets & Dining Setup
Separate toilet tents for men and women
Dining tent with table and sitting arrangement
✅ Trekking Support Team
Experienced trek leader
Qualified technical guide
Porters, helpers, and mules for carrying equipment
Well-trained kitchen staff
✅ Safety & Communication
Medical kit
Oxygen cylinders for emergencies
Radio walkie-talkies for team communication in remote areas
✅ Trekking Gear
Crampons and gaiters provided when needed (especially in snow sections)
Trek essentials
Necessary Items to Carry on a Trek
1. Basic Trekking Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Backpack (with rain cover) | 50–60L with padded straps |
| Daypack (with rain cover) | 20–30L (if off-loading backpack) |
| Trekking Poles / Walking Stick | 1 |
| Water Bottle | 2 thermos flasks (1L each) |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electrolyte |
2. Clothing Guide (Based on Season)
| Item | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-dry collared T-shirt | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves) |
| Fleece T-shirt (Full sleeves) | 2 | 2–3 |
| Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
| Down Jacket | 1 (available on rent) | 1 (available on rent) |
| Thermal Inner (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
| Quick-dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
| Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Woollen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Poncho / Rain Jacket & Pants | 1 | 1 |
| Lightweight Quick-dry Towel | 1 | 1 |
3. Head Gear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Head Torch | 1 |
| Sun Cap | 1 |
| Woollen Cap | 1 |
| Balaclava | 1 |
| Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
| Sunglasses | 1 |
4. Footwear
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Shoes (High ankle) | 1 pair |
| Flip-flops | 1 pair |
| Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
| Woollen Socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 pair |
| Microspikes | 1 pair |
5. Personal Care Essentials
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Toilet Paper | 1 roll |
| Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
| Lip Balm | 1 |
| Light Towel | 1 |
| Moisturizer | 1 |
| Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
6. Personal Medical Kit
Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
Pain Reliever | 1 strip |
Motion Sickness Medicine | 1 strip |
Fever/Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
Allergy Medicine | 1 strip |
Diarrhoea Medicine | 1 strip |
Cream/Spray for Sprains | 1 |
Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
ORS | 1–2 packets |
Band-aids | 5–6 |
Cotton | 1 small roll |
Gauze | 2 pieces |
Scissors | 1 |
Tweezers | 1 |
Elastic Bandage | 1 |
Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 pills |
Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip |
Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |