Article Published On - 06-08-2024
The Dharansi Pass offers a memorable trekking experience near the stunning meadows of Nanda Devi Sanctuary, known for their unspoiled landscape and blooming flowers untouched by human activity. Furthermore, spectacular views of the Garhwal mountains from this pass exist, with views including Nanda Devi and Dunagiri peaks appearing majestic and impressive during your adventure, making Dharansi Pass Trek an unmatched trekking experience in Uttarakhand.
Experience Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district’s majestic Nanda Devi Sanctuary through Lata Kharak for an extraordinary trekking adventure via the Dharansi Pass trek via Lata Kharak and be among a select few who get access to its Nanda Devi Sanctuary, once only accessible to limited numbers each year. As one of those chosen few to enter this protected area, you will witness amazing Himalayan landscapes and an array of wildlife native to this region, making the Dharansi Pass Trek an experience you won’t forget.
Day 1: Arriving at Joshimath Base Camp
Joshimath serves as the starting point of the Dharansi Pass Trek and lies approximately 273km away from both Rishikesh and Haridwar. To reach Joshimath from Delhi, it is possible to take an overnight train journey either towards Haridwar or Rishikesh and arrive there by morning train journey. After arriving in Haridwar or Rishikesh in the morning, you have two options available to you for reaching Joshimath, your trek base camp. Private jeeps can be hired from the GMVN Bharat-Bhoomi Guest House near Rishikesh for transportation directly to Joshimath. Alternatively, shared jeeps may also be found near this establishment for easier travel arrangements. Road conditions leading to Joshimath are usually good, with only some challenging stretches between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, as well as Chamoli and Joshimath, providing challenges. Even so, it remains scenic as it passes through scenic locations like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag Chamoli.
Day 2: From Joshimath to Lata Village via Lata Roadhead
Beginning at the roadhead and winding its way upward to Lata Village 1.5 km higher uphill, this initial leg of the trek offers an easy introduction with only moderate elevation gain (370 meters). As you ascend along this paved trek that passes through picturesque farmland, take in stunning views as you ascend. Be on the lookout for lush orchards filled with apples, apricots, and walnuts! At the summer settlement, take note of its characteristic wooden houses topped with stone roofs – these houses are part of what defines this village during warmer months when residents migrate there from more northerly climes. A trek typically takes an hour, and spending at least a full day there can help your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Day 3: Lata Village to Lata Kharak.
Trekkers who have experience trekking at high Himalayan altitudes should opt for this demanding 9km/8-9 hour journey with its 1,500 meters in altitude gain. Or they could opt for the shorter 4km trek to Bhelta Village from Lata instead. Beginning on a cemented path, this journey soon transitions into a winding, narrow trek running through pine forest with loose stones and small streams. After approximately three hours of walking, Bhelta Village can be reached and offers scenic campsites, medicinal plants, and alpine flowers, as well as a reliable water source. From Bhelta, Lata Kharak lies five kilometres further on with an ascent of 1,000 meters over 5km. The trek winds its way upward, through pine and birch forests, before arriving at a fork in the path. After passing by Khanook Kharak on the left trek, trekkers continue straight ahead through an extensive series of switchbacks and bends before eventually arriving at a fork in the path. The final ascent ascends Lata Kharak’s ridgetop for breathtaking views of Bithartoli-Himal, Nanda Ghunti, and Dronagiri mountains, as well as clear views of Lord Curzon Trek campsites at Kuari Pass Trek campsites, along with Lord Curzon trek campsites that can be seen clearly on clear days. A log hut can accommodate overnight stays, with prior booking required.
Day 4: Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass
Trek a distance of 10 km over 8 hours, beginning early to avoid unstable weather in the afternoon. Today’s altitude gain is lower at 1,476 feet compared to yesterday, passing Lata Karak and through beautiful pasture lands boasting raw beauty. As you ascend, take in incredible views of the valley and mountains. After several hours, the trek will split; to your left lies Jhandi Dhar and Dharansi Pass, while straight ahead lies Saini Kharak meadow. Take the left trek towards Jhandi Dhar’s grassy ridge for spectacular views of Mount Dunagiri and Kedarnath peaks on a clear day. Follow the cairns until reaching a tri-junction map indicating where Dharansi Pass and Lata lie on their journeys. An ascending rock face takes you to Dharansi saddle, where camping may be possible if conditions allow. If heading towards Debrugheta Meadows, camping at Dharansi Pass should also be done if staying overnight would help to minimize potential strong, cold winds at night; otherwise, consider returning to Lata Kharak if conditions become unfavourable.
Day 5: From Dharansi Pass to Debrugheta and back.
Today’s itinerary requires an early rise. The Malthuni-Bethartoli Ridge serves as a natural divider between Dharansi and Debrugheta, marking out both inner and outer limits of Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Due to restricted access, no traveler may proceed beyond Debrugheta as the Inner Sanctuary remains closed. To reach Debrugheta, follow its connecting ridge as it steeply drops to the valley below – its treks may be precarious with an approximate 460-foot descent time taken three hours from Dharansi Pass; its ascent back up will take approximately five hours from Dharansi Pass.
Day 6: Dharansi Pass to Hitoli Campsite.
Once at Dharansi Pass, descend towards Lata by following the trek leading to Jhandi Dhar and consulting your stone map for directions towards Tomla. Be mindful that the descent may put strain on your knees; take careful steps and avoid rapidly descending. As you travel deeper into the forest path filled with Rhododendrons, Birches, Raga Fur trees and many water sources along the way; ultimately leading to Hitoli where there is space to set up camp for the night.
Day 7: Hitoli Campsite to Surai Thotha via Tomla. From Surai Thotha, take the Jeep ride back to Joshimath.
Trek leading from Hitoli passes through Tomla village and through an idyllic Cedar Forest path for five kilometres before reaching Surai Thotha three kilometres further down. Although descending may be challenging, its energy is palpable – once arriving at Surai Thotha roadhead take advantage of a shared Jeep ride back to Joshimath.
For optimal trekking in this area of Dharansi Pass Trek, May through mid-June and September/October are considered prime times. Conditions will be stable with clear skies and treks easily accessible allowing breathtaking views from Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks.
By Air: Fly directly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and drive approximately 250-290 km before reaching Joshimath.
By Rail: Your nearest stations include Rishikesh (250 kilometres away) and Dehradun (273 kilometres away).
By Road: On the road, Buses and shared taxis are used to connect Dehradun/Rishikesh with Joshimath; taxis also exist for this trip. While the roads may appear picturesque at times, some challenging sections exist along their route.
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With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
