Overview
Fachu Kandi Pass – A Hidden Gem Beyond Sarutal
Fachu Kandi Pass, perched at an altitude of 4,356 meters, lies beyond the untouched beauty of Sarutal Lake in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lesser-known trek offers a thrilling experience for adventure seekers, with serene landscapes, alpine meadows, and pristine trails that remain largely unexplored.
The route falls under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, an ecologically rich zone teeming with Himalayan flora and fauna. If you’re looking to escape the crowd and soak in the raw beauty of nature, this trek provides the perfect setting—verdant ridges, sparkling streams, and the peaceful silence of high altitudes.
Why Trek to Fachu Kandi Pass?
Connects with Iconic Trails: The trail passes through the famed Phulara Ridge and Sarutal Lake, both known for their scenic beauty. It even shares proximity to the popular Kedarkantha trek, offering a mix of known highlights and offbeat adventure.
Immersive Forest Experience: The journey winds through dense forests, vibrant with biodiversity. Trekkers can witness lush meadows, remote clearings, and ever-changing views of the snow-capped peaks.
A Balanced Challenge: While not extremely difficult, the trek offers a moderate level of difficulty, making it ideal for beginners who are physically fit and seeking their first high-altitude Himalayan adventure.
Trek Essentials
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Altitude: Highest point – 4,356 meters
Best Season: May, June, September, October, and November
Weather: Cold nights (5°C to 8°C), pleasant days (up to 15°C)
Trek Grade: Moderate
Start & End Point: Dehradun
Important Trekking Tips
Physical fitness and basic endurance training are recommended.
Proper trekking gear is essential: warm clothing, gloves, and reliable trekking shoes.
Acclimatization is crucial at higher altitudes—ascend gradually and stay hydrated.
Carry a good camera, extra batteries, and power backup—landscapes here are unforgettable.
Pack light. Your backpack should not exceed 10 kg.
How to Reach the Starting Point (Sankri)
Reach Dehradun:
Accessible by flight, train, or bus. It serves as the base city for most treks in the region.Travel to Sankri (Approx. 200 km):
By Bus: State and private buses are available from Dehradun ISBT to Sankri. Departures are typically early in the morning; travel time is 8–10 hours.
By Shared Taxi/Jeep: Shared cabs and jeeps also operate between Dehradun and Sankri. These depart early and take around the same travel time depending on road and weather conditions.
Iitinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Drive to Sankri
Distance: 210 km
Time: 8–9 hours drive
Altitude: 1,920 meters
You will be picked up from Dehradun Railway Station early in the morning. The drive to Sankri, a small but vibrant village and the base for several treks, takes around 8–9 hours through scenic roads of Mussoorie and along the Yamuna and Tons rivers. Overnight stay in Sankri.
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Sikolta
Distance: 7 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 2,900 meters
Begin your trek through dense pine and oak forests. The trail gradually ascends and offers glimpses of the surrounding peaks. You’ll reach Sikolta campsite, a peaceful clearing in the forest.
Day 3: Trek from Sikolta to Pushtara via Bhoj Gadi
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Today’s trail leads through mixed forests and high-altitude meadows. You’ll pass Bhoj Gadi, a scenic spot, before reaching Pushtara campsite, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding ranges.
Day 4: Trek from Pushtara to Taloti
Distance: 8 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Enjoy a relatively gentle walk across meadows and ridgelines. Taloti campsite is located amidst natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for rest and photography.
Day 5: Trek from Taloti to Sarutal
Distance: 9 km
Time: 5–6 hours
This section of the trek includes scenic alpine meadows, narrow ridges, and a tranquil atmosphere. Camp near the beautiful Sarutal Lake, surrounded by undisturbed wilderness.
Day 6: Trek from Sarutal to Fachu Kandi Pass – Camp at Manjivan / Rateri
Distance: 10 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Today is the most thrilling and rewarding part of the trek. Climb up to Fachu Kandi Pass at an altitude of 4,356 meters. After soaking in the majestic views, descend to Manjivan or Rateri campsite for the night.
Day 7: Trek from Rateri to Posla / Madiya Camp
Distance: 9 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Descend through forests and scenic pastures to reach Madiya or Posla campsite, known for its calm surroundings and rich biodiversity.
Day 8: Trek to Hanuman Chatti – Drive Back to Dehradun
Trek Distance: Approx. 5–6 km
Drive: 6–7 hours
The final day includes a short descent to Hanuman Chatti, from where you’ll drive back to Dehradun, marking the end of your unforgettable Himalayan journey.
Included
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport Facility
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
(All camping gears)
High quality tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Pillow
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
Porters
Helper
Mules
Kitchen team
Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication
Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide
Medical Kit
Oxygen Cylinders
Crampons and Gaiters
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 |