Situated to the west of Pindar Valley, Sunderdhunga literally means the ‘valley of beautiful stones’, but that’s not all there is to it. Breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and lush green forests of rhododendrons, oaks and pines make the pristine valley of Sunderdhunga a much sought-after trekking destination. This trek also offers spectacular views of the Maiktoli Glacier and other surrounding peaks. Cradled amidst sylvan surrounds, rippling streams and unimaginable natural beauty, the Sunderdhunga valley will leave you spellbound.
Day 1: Kathgodam – Loharkhet (5,775 ft)
Meet up with the group at the Kathgodam Railway Station and drive to Loharkhet via Bageshwar – a town situated on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti in the state of Uttarakhand. Loharkhet is the starting point of our trek. Overnight stay in tents.
Meet up with the group at the Kathgodam Railway Station and drive to Loharkhet via Bageshwar – a town situated on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti in the state of Uttarakhand. Loharkhet is the starting point of our trek. Overnight stay in tents.
Campsite at Dhakuri
Day 2: Loharkhet – Dhakuri (8,800 ft)
The trek from Loharkhet to Dhakuri is 11 km. After breakfast we start our trek into the depths of the valley and then a fair climb to reach Dhakuri by late afternoon. The camping spot here is delightfully situated and looks spectacular.
The trek from Loharkhet to Dhakuri is 11 km. After breakfast we start our trek into the depths of the valley and then a fair climb to reach Dhakuri by late afternoon. The camping spot here is delightfully situated and looks spectacular.
Jatoli village en route Sunderdhunga
Day 3: Dhakuri – Khati – Jatoli (8,000 ft)The trek to Khati, located on the banks of the river Pinder, is chiefly downhill and can be accomplished comfortably. The people here are extremely hospitable and legend has it that they are the descendents of the race who provided shelter to the Pandavas during their exile. From Khati we follow Pinder River upto Warbham (the confluence of Pinder River and Sunderdhunga stream) and then Sunderdhunga stream to get to Jatoli. Today’s trek is 15 km long.
Dudiadhong
Day 4: Jatoli – Dudiadhong (9,000 ft)
Jatoli is the last village en route Sunderdhunga. Here you’ll see pet dogs have metal collars so the wild animals won't grab them by the neck. The trek to Dudiadhong is challenging but is only 8 km from Jatoli. We will camp along the stream with rocks of all shapes and sizes all around.
Jatoli is the last village en route Sunderdhunga. Here you’ll see pet dogs have metal collars so the wild animals won't grab them by the neck. The trek to Dudiadhong is challenging but is only 8 km from Jatoli. We will camp along the stream with rocks of all shapes and sizes all around.
A shepherd hut at Kathalia
Day 5: Dudiadhong – Kathalia (10,500 ft)
Today’s trek to Kathalia through thick forests is only 6 km. It’s the last inhabited place with nothing more than a few shepherd huts. Reaching Kathalia is pure bliss; the serenity of this place amazing. This will be our camp site for the next two days.
Today’s trek to Kathalia through thick forests is only 6 km. It’s the last inhabited place with nothing more than a few shepherd huts. Reaching Kathalia is pure bliss; the serenity of this place amazing. This will be our camp site for the next two days.
Day 6: Kathalia
Today we’ll only listen to ‘The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars’:
Today I don't feel like doing anything . . . I just wanna lay in my bed (read: tent) . . . Don't feel like picking up my phone (though we doubt there’ll be any network coverage) . . . So leave a message at the tone (read: wake me up for meals) . . . 'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything!
Alternatively, one can explore the area or fight monkeys. The view is spectacular. This will be a memorable day for all those who are in love with nature and its pristine glory, or even otherwise!
Today we’ll only listen to ‘The Lazy Song - Bruno Mars’:
Today I don't feel like doing anything . . . I just wanna lay in my bed (read: tent) . . . Don't feel like picking up my phone (though we doubt there’ll be any network coverage) . . . So leave a message at the tone (read: wake me up for meals) . . . 'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything!
Alternatively, one can explore the area or fight monkeys. The view is spectacular. This will be a memorable day for all those who are in love with nature and its pristine glory, or even otherwise!
Sunderdhunga stream
Day 7: Kathalia – Jatoli
(Sniffles . . .) We kiss the place goodbye and make our way back to Jatoli. One day closer to city life.
Day 8: Jatoli – Khati
We know that we are coming down but that doesn’t mean the days would be less eventful. One more day closer to city life.
(Sniffles . . .) We kiss the place goodbye and make our way back to Jatoli. One day closer to city life.
Day 8: Jatoli – Khati
We know that we are coming down but that doesn’t mean the days would be less eventful. One more day closer to city life.
A hotel (for lack of a better word) at Khati
Day 9: Khati – Loharkhet
Back to square one: We come back to where we had started and call it a trek! Did we mention that we’re closer to city life?
Day 10: Loharkhet – Kathgodam – Delhi
After breakfast we wind up camp and drive to Haldwani via Bageshwar. We reach Kathgodam late in the evening and take an overnight bus/train to Delhi. City life.
Back to square one: We come back to where we had started and call it a trek! Did we mention that we’re closer to city life?
Day 10: Loharkhet – Kathgodam – Delhi
After breakfast we wind up camp and drive to Haldwani via Bageshwar. We reach Kathgodam late in the evening and take an overnight bus/train to Delhi. City life.
What’s Included:
What’s Not:
Dhyaan deejiye: All programmes are subject to change without prior notice.
- Chai-paani-naashta: The package includes ALL meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), snacks and refreshments throughout the trek. Meals would be wholesome, delicious and abundant.
- Ghar-baar: Accommodation in tents on twin-sharing basis, or in local houses/hotels if circumstances don’t permit to pitch tents.
- Aana-jaana: Travel cost from Delhi and back by bus/train/shared vehicle, etc. (whichever is applicable).
- Kaagaz paththar: Entry fees, permit to trek and forest camping charges in the region for the entire duration of the trek.
- Upkarann: Needless to say, we’ll provide you with sleeping bags, mattresses, tents and other safety equipments required.
- Margdarshak avam coolie: We’ll have an English-speaking guide (more than one, actually) and a team of porters to carry your rucksack (not more than 10 kg) all the way up from Loharkhet and back. You just need to carry a day backpack for water, light food/refreshments, your camera, sunglasses and other personal items.
- Maharaj: A trained cook will accompany us on the trek, but in case your folks back home don’t allow you to experiment with food, here’s your chance to do so now.
- Nazaaré: You just need to direct your nazar (sight), the Sunderdhunga valley will take care of the nazaaré (sights).
What’s Not:
- Jéb kharch: Expenses that are personal in nature.
- Aapatkallen paristhiyan: Expenses arising out of emergency/evacuation/unforeseen circumstances beyond one’s control.
- Dawa daru: Though we’ll have a well-equipped first-aid kit, we suggest that you bring your own personal medicines. Daru (liquor), of course, is NOT included.
- Bacha-kucha: Anything not expressly stated.
Dhyaan deejiye: All programmes are subject to change without prior notice.