Article Published On - 12-03-2025
Ronti Saddle lies near Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary, nestled between two of the Himalaya’s greatest peaks: Nanda Ghunti and Trishul. The trekking route traces along the Nandakini River, winding its way through villages like Sutol and Tatra before entering dense forests of Lata Khopri, before reaching Sila Samudra with its remote campsite of Dodang. Sila Samudra (Sea of Rocks), located at the base of Trishul, is a glacier which feeds into Sila Samudra from which it source. Here, only occasional crashes of falling ice break the silence to feed this valley’s glaciers. In June, much of the area remains unpopulated save for a few locals who venture out to collect ‘Keeda Jadi, Yartse Gumba”. Homkund is a small snow-covered lake located along an extremely dangerous ridge with steep drop-offs, which must be navigated carefully to reach it. From here, you will climb to Ronti Saddle between Nanda Ghunti and Trishul and discover breathtaking scenery along your journey. Combining physical challenge with natural splendour, it provides the ideal expedition for those looking to push themselves beyond their boundaries in high altitude landscape in Uttarakhand.
Day 1: Dehradun to Sutol
Starting our journey from Dehradun to Sutol begins with an early morning assembly at our designated meeting point at 7 am. From there, we embark on a 280 km drive passing through Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Devprayag, and Karnprayag before arriving at Sutol before nightfall for maximum safety and smooth arrival. The day’s agenda typically involves driving for 10-12 hours through Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Devprayag, Karnprayag, before reaching Karnprayag for acclimatizing into the mountain atmosphere before reaching Sutol for activities starting after nightfall, if needed to arrive on time and be fully rested from our journey before nightfall, if needed to arrive safely and smoothly at Sutol before nightfall begins!
Day 2: Sutol to Tatra
Starting from Sutol, the last accessible by vehicle village, we embark on our six-kilometre journey towards Tatra. Navigating through lush terrain full of dense forests and thick undergrowth leads us to our final destination at an elevation gain of around 480 meters compared to where we started from Sutol.
Day 3: Tatra to Lata Khopri
Today’s trek will cover 9-10 km through picturesque forest surroundings, but will make the journey enjoyable. Our route will lead us into the woods until reaching Lata Khopri – our campsite for tonight – where we will set up camp for the evening.
Day 4: Lata Khopri to Chanimaghat
This 10-km adventure spans an exciting day-long trek, taking us through the Nanda Devi Biosphere and across numerous waterways. One of the greatest challenges lies in managing river crossings while otherwise enjoying this rewarding trek.
Day 5: Chanimghat to Dodang
Continue for another 6 km until we arrive at Dodang at an elevation of 4,480 meters, where two massive rocks form two boulders that make a natural cave and serve as landmarks to our campsite. Here the Nepali phrase for “Two Boulders” applies aptly – both boulders feature in Dodang as a name-giver.
Day 6: Dodang to Homkund and Ronti Saddle to Sila Samudra.
Throughout our 11km trek, our journey begins with gentle stretches before quickly transitioning to a dramatic ridge that plunges sharply rightward, creating what resembles an almost-vertical mud wall. After climbing this, we follow a descending trek that gradually curves rightward until reaching Homkund. After paying our respects, we begin the arduous ascent to Ronti Saddle along a steep and snowy incline. After approximately 2 km of scrambling over boulders and switchbacking through snowfields, our two-hour ascent ends with a 1300-meter elevation gain and 1300-foot gain in elevation gain. From the top, the scenery from atop is dazzling; towering peaks such as Ronti, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Dronagiri tower over us, while Dronagiri stands majestically before us. After this marvellous sight, we travel down into Sila Samudra at 4000m for camping amidst its unique moraine landscape called Sila Samudra or “Sea of Rocks.”
Day 7: Sila Samudra to Junaragali to Sila Samudra
Today is a pivotal day of our trek to Roopkund, demanding physical exertion and mental focus. Our journey will begin by ascending Junairagali Pass before making its descent through Sila Samudra with its 1000M elevation change, adding even greater difficulty to these treacherous slopes. After an exhausting day spent traversing this treacherous terrain, we will arrive back at Sila Samudra for camp.
Day 8: Sila Samudra to Lata Khopri
Returning along the same path, we will cover 12 kilometres today before arriving back at Lata Khopri for dinner tonight. Despite its length, today’s trek should prove much simpler than previous days due to the descent.
Day 9: Latakopdi to Sutol
Today we will forego Tatra and head straight back to Sutol, 15 km away.
Day 10: Sutol to Dehradun
Dehradun can be reached in about eight hours by driving 280 kilometres, which should take you until evening or the following morning. We suggest scheduling your departure from Dehradun either later that evening or the next day for optimal results.
By Rail: Rishikesh/Haridwar Railway Station provides quick connections with Delhi and other northern Indian cities.
By Road: Sightseeing along Lohajung Lake begins from Rishikesh with taxis or shared jeeps leaving from Rishikesh; these journeys typically last 10-11 hours.
By Air: To reach Lohajung via air travel, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is approximately 220 km away (approx. 254 mi from Lohajung). From here, Rishikesh serves as a link between Lohajung and Dehradun.
By Air: Nearest Airport to Dharamshala via Ghera: Gaggal Airport of Dharamshala
By Drive: Ghera Village lies less than an hour’s drive away from Dharamshala on an accessible road.
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
