Overview
Maldaru Lake Trek – A Sacred Gem in the Himalayas
Maldaru Lake is a serene, high-altitude glacial lake nestled at 4,200 meters near the remote village of Osla in the Har Ki Dun Valley, within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Spread across 3 to 4 kilometers, this pristine lake is revered as the “Abode of Gods” by the local villagers, who consider its crystal-clear waters sacred and believe that their prayers are fulfilled here.
Historically, during a severe drought, the villagers of Osla prayed to Maldaru Lake, and their wishes were answered with rainfall. Stories like these keep the spiritual essence of the lake alive.
The lake is fed by glaciers and its waters contribute to the Tons River. Accessible via both the Supin and Tons valleys, the trail leading to Maldaru Lake offers breathtaking landscapes, traditional Himalayan culture, and peaceful solitude.
Highlights of the Maldaru Lake Trek
Trek through charming Himalayan villages and lush alpine meadows like Vishkhopri and Rashi, covered with wildflowers.
Discover rare Himalayan flowers like Brahma Kamal and Phen Kamal blooming along the route.
Enjoy sweeping views of majestic peaks such as Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch.
Experience diverse terrain—dense pine forests, open ridgelines, and rugged mountain paths.
Witness local traditions and interact with villagers to learn ancient stories rooted in Indian mythology.
Why Choose the Maldaru Lake Trek?
Moderate to Challenging Route: Although not recommended for beginners, the trail is steady and scenic—ideal for experienced trekkers.
Altitude: The trek reaches an elevation of 4,200 meters, so proper acclimatization and preparation are necessary.
Trekking Distance: Approx. 440 km by road and 64 km on foot over 8 days.
Flora & Fauna: The region is rich in wildlife, pine forests, alpine vegetation, and rare Himalayan blooms.
Cultural Touch: The Garhwali heritage is deeply rooted in this region. Conversations with locals add meaning to the journey.
Perfect for Photography: Stunning landscapes, meadows, and clear skies make this a paradise for photographers—carry extra batteries and memory cards.
Essential Gear: Warm clothing and quality trekking gear are a must for sub-zero conditions.
Ideal Backpack Weight: Keep your load between 10 to 12 kg for a comfortable trekking experience.
Iitinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)
Distance: 210 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Altitude: 1,920 meters
Journey Mode: By taxi
Stay: Hotel in Sankri (Twin sharing)
Early morning pickup from Dehradun Railway Station (between 6:00–7:00 am). The scenic drive passes through Mussoorie (Queen of Hills), with a stop at Kempty Falls for breakfast. Continue the journey along the Yamuna River and through pine-filled valleys to reach Sankri by evening. Check into your hotel, enjoy snacks on the terrace with beautiful mountain views, followed by dinner and rest.
Day 2: Sankri to Taluka by Drive, then Trek to Dhatmir/Dharkot
Drive: 11 km
Trek: 9 km (5–6 hours)
Altitude: 2,500 meters
Stay: Camp or homestay
After breakfast, drive to Taluka village, where your trek begins. The trail passes through Deodar, Chestnut, and Bamboo forests, and is dotted with wildflowers like irises and roses. Cross a wooden bridge over a stream, trek alongside the Supin River, and reach the scenic village of Dhatmir or Dharkot for your overnight stay.
Day 3: Dharkot/Dhatmir to Vishkhopri
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,800 meters
Stay: Camp
Trek through thick pine forests and picturesque trails to reach Vishkhopri — a wide meadow that serves as the base of the Maldaru Lake valley. The surroundings are serene, with divine mountain views. Relax at the campsite, enjoy a wholesome dinner, and rest under the stars.
Day 4: Vishkhopri to Rashi Camp
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 4–5 hours
Altitude: 3,235 meters
Stay: Camp
Trek through Batagor meadows filled with blooming geraniums, marigolds, and purple gentians. The lush green trail offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks. After crossing an icy stream on wooden logs, reach Rashi Camp — a perfect viewpoint for Manju Kanta Pass. Settle into your tents and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 5: Rashi Camp to Maldaru Lake
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Altitude: 4,200 meters
Stay: Camp by the lake
Today’s trek is challenging, with steep climbs over boulders and loose rocks. But the reward is immense — reach Maldaru Lake, a 3–4 km long glacial lake considered sacred by locals. Rare high-altitude flowers like Brahma Kamal and Phen Kamal bloom here. Enjoy panoramic views of Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpunch, and other Himalayan giants. Camp near the lake.
Day 6: Maldaru Lake to Devsu Bugyal
Distance: 12 km
Duration: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 2,890 meters
Stay: Camp
After witnessing a magical sunrise over the peaks, descend through steep forest trails toward Devsu Bugyal — a lush alpine meadow surrounded by mountains. Pitch your tent in the calm surroundings, enjoy dinner, and rest under the open sky.
Day 7: Devsu Bugyal to Taluka via Cheludgad, Drive to Sankri
Trek: 18 km (8–9 hours)
Drive: 11 km
Altitude (Sankri): 1,920 meters
Stay: Hotel (Twin sharing)
Begin your descent through Cheludgad to reach Taluka. Walk through thick forests where you might spot birds and langurs. From Taluka, take a cab back to Sankri. Relax at the hotel and celebrate the completion of your trek.
Day 8: Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 210 km
Duration: 8–9 hours
Mode: By taxi
After breakfast, depart for Dehradun with memories of a lifetime. Expected arrival in Dehradun around 6:00 PM.
Inclusion
What is Included In This Trek?
Transport Facility from Dehradun to Dehradun. Tempo Travllers or Bolero Taxi
Forest Permit and entrance fee
Accommodation in The Grand Shiva Hotel at Sankri Best Accommodation
Accommodation in tents on twin share basis
All meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, Coffee, Snacks, Soup and Dinner
High quality tents
Sleeping bags
Mattress
Liner
Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents
Dining Tent
Dining Table
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 |