A raw high-altitude glacier crossing adventure
The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek is a challenging 12-14-day trek that showcases the stunning topography and high altitudes of the Himalayas. This adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers seeking to push their limits and experience the beauty of nature. The trek involves crossing two passes, traversing snow-covered mountains, and navigating steep valleys, culminating in a visit to Yamunotri.
Located at 5490 meters (18,011 feet), the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, also known as the “Smoky Forest,” connects the holy pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. Historically, it served as an ancient route for villagers from Gangotri and Uttarkashi to access the remote Tons valley. The trek offers unique features such as the presence of Kalanag (Black Peak), glaciers from Swargorohini or Bandarpoonch feeding the Bhagirathi and Yamuna rivers, and its location at the base of the famous peaks of Garhwal Himalayas: Kalanag (Black Peak) and Swargarohini (Swargarohini).
The Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek is renowned for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. It is suitable for experienced trekkers with proficiency in using ice axes and microspikes and strong physical and mental endurance. It is a dream adventure for thrill-seekers and is best undertaken in May, June, and September.
This section provides a comprehensive, simple explanation of the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek, including general day-to-day routing, elevation gain, etc. The basic itinerary is designed to give an overview of the trek; all-inclusive itinerary allows for a more in-depth understanding of the various distances between campsites, the nature/type of terrain that trekkers will be traversing, and the locations of the campsite relative to one another.
In addition to the above, the trek map indicates the specific route of the trekking path, village locations, forest locations, and campsite locations within the trek area enabling trekkers to imagine their trek through snow-covered coniferous forests and alpine meadows. The elevation chart clearly indicates the total elevation gained and lost each day of the trek ensuring that trekkers can prepare adequately before arriving at the basecamp, acclimatize safely to altitude, and have a positive experience on their overall trek.
By Air:- Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to reach Dehradun by flight that is located almost 25km away from the city. You can find regular flights from Delhi to Dehradun. However, if you are planning to reach Dehradun by flight then it is better to come one day in advance.
By Train:- In case, you want to reach Dehradun from Delhi by train then two express trains are quite convenient. With the train, it is an overnight journey. The two trains are mentioned below:
By Bus:- From Delhi, you can find a regular bus service for Dehradun. ISBT Kashmere Gate is the main bus station in Delhi from where you will find both ac and non-ac buses for Dehradun. However, it is always better to take government buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT. The bus will drop you at Dehradun ISBT and then we will send our staff who will pick you up from Dehradun Railway Station, so you need to reach there.
Trekking with us for the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is entirely safe because we have a team of trek leaders qualified in Wilderness first-aid and complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During the trek, we carry a full first-aid kit that contains all the essential medicines. Before trekking with us, you must ensure that you are medically fit for the trek; for us, your medical fitness is more important than anything else.
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India have been continuously introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking to ensure the safety of voyagers. Trekup India introduced microspikes and made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all treks. Our trek leaders take your daily Pulse oximeter reading. We at Trekup India introduced the radio walkie-talkie as a safety communication device.
We have noticed that most trek-organizing organizations do not follow these systems, but with time, they are following us; several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great, safe treks.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain. Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides and trek leaders who serve on Himalayan treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian Mountaineering Foundation Delhi, and Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
To ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks to ensure excellent safety for our trekkers.
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English and Hindi. This helps ensure that you have a fantastic trek. Not only this, but we also pay attention to your health and safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in first aid, portable altitude chamber training, CPR, environmental awareness training, and advanced wilderness emergency medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit on every trek and trip we organize. Apart from the medical kit, we take a portable altitude chamber (if needed) and medical oxygen for all high-altitude treks. Our company has significant expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school and college groups, and friend groups. We have many travel options that suit different fitness levels and travelling styles.
Regardless of the group size, we value each and every member of our trekking groups. Our commitment to personal attention ensures that your needs and safety are always our top priority.
Trekup India has been a stalwart in the Adventure Tourism industry for 30 years. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing top-notch treks, voyages, trekking programs, and high-altitude expeditions. Our extensive experience is a testament to our commitment to your adventure and safety.
We organize treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim, and Himachal while being part of the trekking community; we feature more than 75 documented Himalayan treks. In addition to other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and families.
Therefore, we maintain the quality of services offered to our valuable customers.
| Item | Characteristic Feature | Pro-tip |
|---|---|---|
Waterproof, Ankle-Height Trekking Boots | These are high quality boots with stiff rubber soles that prevent water entry. | Must be fully broken in. Good with a deep aggressive grip to avoid injury in toe or fingers. |
Trekking Poles (Pair) | Provide 2 additional points of contact for stability on snow / ice and reduce impact on knees while descending. | Use them together to distribute the weight of your pack, this can reduce stress on your knees and ankles. |
Waterproof Gloves (2 pair) | Protects against cold injury. Having two pairs that allows warmth while protecting your hands. | Keep the shell of gloves dry for a waterproof layer for handling snow and keep the inner liner for warmth. |
Gaiters (required) | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
High-Grade SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm | Protects against severe sun / wind burn. It is important for exposed skin at high altitude due to reflection from snow. | Reapply sunscreen to face, neck, and ears every 2 hours spent on the snow. |
Sunglasses (Category 4) | Highest level of protection required to protect against temporary blindness (photokeratitis) | Do not remove sunglasses when you are on the snow because snow can reflect 80% of UV light back into your eyes. |
| Category | Item | Specification & Reason |
|---|---|---|
Headwear | Warm Beanie / Balaclava | Must be thick wool or fleece; cover the ears completely. Important in retaining body heat, as a large percentage of body heat is lost from the head. |
Wide-Brim Sun Hat or Buff | Light material (hat) or synthetic tube (buff). Protects face, neck, and scalp from high-altitude UV radiation from the sun. | |
Upper Body | Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts (2) | Choose Synthetic (polyester) or thin Merino wool; short or long sleeve because cotton actively makes you cold and uncomfortable when you sweat. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight Merino wool or synthetic long-sleeve top. Provides immediate insulation; it will lock in body heat as the starting point of your heat-trapping system. | |
Fleece Jacket (1) | Mid-to-heavy weight (200-300 GSM) fleece or softshell jacket full of insulation. This layer provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio It can be worn alone or under your shell. | |
Insulated Puffed Jacket (1) | Down or synthetic insulation; rated for 0∘C and below. Your main source of heat protection for cold night camping, evening, and the summit push when below freezing conditions are anticipated. | |
Waterproof & Windproof Jacket (1) | Shell material (e.g. Gore-Tex equivalent) with taped seams. Your outer barrier (shell layer) keeps the rain, snow and penetrating wind out from the mountains. | |
Lower Body | Quick-Dry Trekking Pants (2) | Synthetic, lightweight, and preferably stretchable or convertible. Durable for comfortable walking, fast drying after getting wet from rain or snow. |
Thermal Base Layer (1) | Mid-weight thermal bottoms (wool or synthetic). Vital layer of insulation under your trekking pants in cold walking conditions at camp. | |
Waterproof Rain Pants (1) | Lightweight, packable shell pants. These will protect your trekking pants and base layers from getting wet when it's snowing or raining heavily. | |
For Feets | Create a seal between your boots and trousers to prevent snow from entering your boots / sock. | Put your gaiters on as soon as you reach the snowline; avoiding snow wetting your socks / boots minimizes risk for cold injury. |
Trekking Socks (4-5 pairs) | Wool or some kind of synthetic blend (not cotton). 1-2 pairs should be extraordinarily thick for nights. These will manage moisture in your foot to reduce blisters and provide warmth at night sleeping in a bag or in boots! | |
Camp Shoes | Lightweight sneakers, sandals, or slippers. You'll want these to dry out your trekking boots and let your feet rest when at the campsite. |
| Category | Item | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
Backpacks | Main Rucksack (50-60 L) | For Porter. Good frame of posture and hip belt required. |
Daypack (20-30 L) | Daily carry. Must have water, layers, snacks, camera, and gloves in your daily essentials. | |
Sleeping bag & liner | Sleeping Bag (Rated to −10∘C / 14∘F) | Confirm if Trekup India provides a sleeping bag; if you're renting your bag, make sure it is a reputable outfit. |
Sleeping Bag Liner | A liner adds additional warmth and keeps your bag clean. | |
Hydration | Insulated Water Bottles (2x 1L) | CRUCIAL: No hydration bladders (the tube will freeze). Insulated bottles will keep your water from freezing. |
Hydration Tablets/ORS | Make sure you have enough hydration tablets and/or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) which are important for replacing electrolytes lost at high altitude. | |
Safety & Navigation | Headlamp with extra batteries | Essential for crossing the pass started early in the morning. |
Basic First-aid kit | With plasters (Compeed!), Band-Aids, antiseptic, pain medication, and then any of your personal medications you might need. | |
Personal | Personal toiletries | Toothbrush, tooth paste, biodegradable soap, toilet paper (pack out!), and hand sanitizer. |
Quick Dry Towel | Material should be water absorbent with light in weight and small in size. | |
Power bank | There will be no place to charge devices on the trek. |
The concept of pricing is the key part of your trekking journey. It defines the value and experience you receive for the price you pay for your trek. For a structured high altitude trek, like Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek operated by Trekup India provides transparency with the cost & amenities provided to our trekker. Inclusions provide clarity in respect to operator's responsibility; essentially every necessary service, logistical support, group equipment, and permit to have a safe and fully supported trek from start to finish while exclusions provide clarity in respect to individual's responsibility, for all expenses related to personal choice (like a porter), necessary contingency items (like insurance), or mandated fees examined outside the package price (like GST).
Total Trek Cost: ₹ 79,450 / person + 5% GST (Mandatory)
A structured 8–12 week training plan designed to build stamina, strength, and endurance for a safe and successful trek.
Exercises focused on improving stamina, heart health, and endurance to prepare your body for long trekking days.
Exercises aimed at building leg, core, and upper-body strength to handle steep climbs, descents, and carrying a backpack during the trek.
Techniques to improve lung capacity, oxygen intake, and breath control for better performance at high altitudes.
Practices to enhance mental focus, calmness, and resilience, helping you stay relaxed and positive throughout the trek.
A structured, week-by-week workout routine designed to gradually improve fitness, strength, and endurance in preparation for the trek.
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 1 Target | Week 2 Target | Week 3 Target | Week 4 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Sustained hiking or walking with a good grip of boots. | 90 minutes | 100 minutes | 110 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Moderate Cardio | Walking, light jogging and cycling by maintaining steady pace where walking is possible | 30 minutes | 35 minutes | 40 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Intensity | Stairs, treadmill on incline or hill repeat | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 5 Target | Week 6 Target | Week 7 Target | Week 8 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Start carrying ¼ target pack weight | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Moderate Cardio | Performing exercise at higher speed than before | 50 minutes | 55 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Intensity | Increase the intensity of your repeats or steepness of incline | 40 minutes | 45 minutes | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Day | Workout Focus | Week 9 Target | Week 10 Target | Week 11 Target | Week 12 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Endurance | Carry ½ target pack weight. Target daily trek duration | 4.5 hours | 5 hours | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Long Endurance | Back to back sessions. This session is done on day 2 of fatigue. | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Intensity | Maintain intensity but reduce volume slightly to allow recovery | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 40 minutes | Rest or 20 minutes light walk |
Planning and organizing all essential gear in advance to ensure comfort, safety, and readiness throughout the trek.
The body’s gradual adaptation to altitude, terrain, and physical exertion to maintain health and performance during the trek.
Trekup India has the expertise and flexibility to tailor your adventure based trekking experience. Whether you are with your friends, family, colleague or being a solo we will provide you customised trekking experience according to your style and fitness level. Trekup India has completed 30 years above with the Adventure Tourism Industry for its commitments and trust. We have been delivering outstanding treks, expeditions, and outdoor programs in the Himalayas since day one. We operate in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and South Africa with over 75 documented treks in the higher altitude of Himalayas. We are known for our professionalism, safety, and endless passion for the mountains. Below we have mentioned why to choose us, so have a look and be our next trekker for high altitude treks.
1. Unmatched safety and medical preparedness
2. Deep local knowledge and experience longevity
3. Superior trek quality and trekker comfort
4. Commitments to responsible tourism
When you choose Trekup India, you select a company which provides safety endorsement through its experienced staff who deliver high-quality trekking services in accordance with their mountain expertise. The entire trek experience at Trekup India begins with our dedication to delivering high-quality services which maintain your safety throughout the entire trekking.
Selecting a reputable company is one of the most important steps to ensure a successful, enjoyable, and safe trekking experience. To build your total trust in us, we have developed a comprehensive understanding of the four fundamental components of trust in the trekking industry that is: legally accountable, operationally excellent, satisfied customers and financially ethical. Our registered and recognized standing, our proven history of successful treks, and our excellent ratings are all factors of trust you can depend on so that you may enjoy your trek with complete peace of mind, while we take care of your safety and satisfaction every step of the way.
1. Registered and Recognized: A registration and recognition serve to show that we are a stable and trustworthy organisation and we operate under the legal guidelines and safety standards of our respective domains. In addition, you will have legal safeguards against unlicensed or unsafe tour operators.
2. Successful Treks: You can be confident we are competent operators with a proven track record of success. We have been operating since 1993, and our extensive experience has resulted in becoming one of the world's leading logistical, risk management and emergency response specialists in extreme mountain environments.
3. Good Ratings: The organization uses external assessments together with superior client evaluations to measure its performance because these two assessment methods function as its performance measurement system. The documented materials confirm our guides' professional proficiency together with our ability to deliver exceptional trekking services throughout different periods.
4. Transparent Pricing: Our cost breakdown system enables us to provide complete pricing information which prevents any possibility of hidden charges while we establish financial responsibility for our expenditures. All administrative shortcuts have been eliminated from your trek experience because we use your funds to implement essential safety measures and deliver our top-tier services.
Operations Manager
How We Created This Guide?
1. Medical Safety Protocols: We worked with high-altitude medicine specialists to create a comprehensive system of medical safety protocols, including emergency response plans and acclimatization schedules for our high-altitude treks.
2. Testing Logistics & Gear: The success of a high-altitude trek is dependent on the quality of gear used. When we created this planning guide, we included only tested, reliable gear, such as weather resistant tents and calorie-rich nutrition meals.
3. Environmental Responsibility & Planning: The trail uses strict Leave No Trace environmental policies and waste management practices. The environmental impact assessment which we conduct before our trek will help us protect the untouched natural landscape for upcoming trekkers.
4. Transparent Costing: Our transparent costing works as a complete solution which demonstrates our commitment to transparent cost information because it shows all of our expenses in detailed form. We include all expenses which consist of permits and insurance costs and fair wages for our local employees.
Why This Content Exists?
1. To Mitigate Risks and Provide Safety: Trekking is a physically risky event, and this guide is meant to assure you that your safety is not left up to chance. By providing details of our on-the-ground research and medical protocols, we can demonstrate that all routes have been stress-tested.
2. To Create Total Financial Transparency: Many times within the trekking industry there are extreme cases of sticker shock from things like hidden permits, equipment charges, or unanticipated tipping. This guide creates price integrity.
3. Verified by Global Trekker’s: This content was created to demonstrate we have external validation of our performance and move the discussion from we say that we are good to our clients and our independent trekkers say we are good, making an important differentiation for those selecting a trekking partner.
4. Ethical and Environmental Concern: Today’s voices of modern trekkers are being heard more loudly than ever and they are aware of their footprint. By outlining our Leave No Trace principles and our partnership with local communities, we provide a moral compass for the trekker, ensuring your trek contributes to the conservation of wilderness instead of its degradation.
Expert Advice: Take advantage of the nearby market in Sankri to pick up any last-minute trekking essentials or clothing before the adventure begins.
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri/Saur (1920m) through the Yamuna and Tons valleys, across the Yamuna bridge, and enjoy the beautiful view of dense pine forests. Upon reaching Sankri in the evening, you can witness the stunning sunset behind the mountain ranges. The Sankri base camp offers a beautiful view of all four peaks in the Swargarohini range. Overnight camping in Sankri under the clear, starry sky is a memorable experience.
Participants are expected to arrange transportation to the Sankri base camp at an additional cost. Trekup India will organize a taxi from Dehradun to Sankri base camp.
Upon nearing Sankri, we’ll pass through the Govind National Park checkpoint, marking the end of our drive around 6 PM. Once at the guest house, you’ll have ample time to freshen up and rejuvenate. The nearby market beckons, offering a variety of trekking essentials, clothing, and equipment. This is the perfect opportunity for any last-minute shopping before we embark on our trek.
Expert Advice: Pace yourself on the 14 km trek alongside the Supin River, and keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife and animals along the lush green trails.
The journey from Sankri to Taluka involves a scenic drive through dense forests and gushing water streams. Taluka is a quaint village with traditional house structures and a few local eateries offering delicious food. Trekkers can take a break here before embarking on the 14km trek. This trek provides a diverse experience, with rocky terrain, wooden bridges, and lush green trails alongside the Supin River. The route also offers opportunities to spot various animals and birds. Additionally, trekkers will come across numerous freshwater streams along the way. The day’s journey ends in Seema, reached via Gangar village, where trekkers will camp on a small green field just before Seema.
Expert Advice: Have your camera easily accessible today; the expansive valleys, impressive waterfalls, and rare Himalayan birds make this short trek a photographer's dream.
This trek may be shorter, but it is incredibly picturesque. As you walk along, a river flows to your left, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains and expansive valleys with impressive waterfalls. This area is a haven for photographers, as it is home to various rare species of Himalayan birds, animals, and flowers. After a short, steep climb to Devsu Bugyal, trekkers will camp here.
Expert Advice: Exercise extreme caution while navigating the landslide area on the way to Ruinsara River; rely on your guide and use ropes if the broken bends require it.
Trek from Start to Ruinsara Lake on a gradual ascent that offers excellent views of the snow-covered mountains and vast valleys with huge waterfalls. The area is home to several rare species of Himalayan wildlife. On your left, observe Har-ki-Doon Valley, below the confluence of Har-ki-Doon and Ruinsara rivers. Look for a steep descent towards the Ruinsara River through a forest trail. Trekkers will have to cross a wooden bridge over the Ruinsara River. Observe the Ruinsara Valley on your right. Passing through mountain bends, one will have to walk through a landslide area, and depending on the conditions, one may have to use ropes to cross over the broken bends. Observe the Ruinsara Lake, surrounded by meadows where the trekkers will camp.
Expert Advice: The altitude gain becomes very noticeable on the steep climb towards Odari; maintain a slow rhythm to comfortably reach the snow-covered base camp.
Day 5 will be a light day for the trekkers, promising breathtaking Ruinsara and Kyarkoti Valley views. The entire Swargarohini range will be visible at a touching distance for the first time, attracting the trekkers. The climb towards Bali Odari will suddenly get steeper, and the trekkers will feel the altitude gain. The Bali base camp, or “Odari,” will please your eyes as the Swargarohini massif will be at your back, and the whole area will be covered with snow. The camp will be set here.
Expert Advice: Conserve your energy as you trek toward the base of Mt. Kalanag, preparing your body for the highly demanding pass crossing tomorrow.
After having breakfast, start trekking towards the base camp of Mt. Kalanag (6387 mt), the highest peak of saraswati mountain range
Expert Advice: Start as early as possible to catch the clear, magnificent views of Swargarohini and Bandarpunch from the Dhumdhar Kandi Summit before making your descent.
Start early in the morning from Kalanag Base Camp towards Dhumdhar Kandi Pass. Get some magnificent views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch and Kalanag from Dhumdhar Kandi Summit. Descend down towards Below Pass by evening.
Expert Advice: Enjoy the relief of descending into the lush green meadows of Bugiyal Camp after the intense high-altitude pass crossing.
Trek towards Bugiyal Camp through lush green meadows.
Expert Advice: Watch your footing as you navigate the continued descent, taking time to appreciate the changing alpine landscape and the return of thicker vegetation.
The descent continues today as you leave the high-altitude Bugiyal (meadows) behind. The trail gradually winds its way down, offering a beautiful change in scenery from stark alpine landscapes to thicker vegetation. You will cross a few lively mountain streams and walk through varied terrain before reaching the peaceful Guntunala Camp. This area offers a great opportunity to relax and take in the shifting Himalayan ecosystem.
Expert Advice: Stay hydrated and keep a steady pace as you make your way through the beautiful, wildflower-lined high-altitude meadows of Kyarkoti.
Today's trek takes you further down into the lush Kyarkoti valley. The path is adorned with wildflowers and dense green patches, providing a striking contrast to the snowy pass you crossed just a few days ago. Kyarkoti is a sweeping, beautiful meadow surrounded by towering peaks, making it a picture-perfect spot to set up camp for the night and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains.
Expert Advice: Enjoy the familiar sights of local grazing routes and the transition back into denser forest canopies as you approach Shepherd Camp.
Leaving Kyarkoti, the trail becomes more defined as you enter areas frequently used by local shepherds. The trek involves walking through beautiful pine and birch forests, offering plenty of shade and the soothing sounds of the wilderness. You will make your way to Shepherd Camp, a traditional grazing ground that serves as a comfortable, scenic resting spot for the evening.
Expert Advice: Savor your final night of camping in the Himalayan wilderness by the Bhagirathi River before re-entering civilization tomorrow.
This is your final day of pure trekking! The descent takes you through thick coniferous forests and beautiful clearings until you reach the Jhala roadhead, situated near the banks of the Bhagirathi River. Jhala is a picturesque village famous for its crisp air and apple orchards. You will set up your final camp here, celebrating the successful crossing of the formidable Dhumdhar Kandi Pass with your team.
Expert Advice: Relax on the scenic journey back to Uttarkashi, reflecting on your incredible accomplishment across the pass while enjoying the comforts of a hotel stay.
After a final camp breakfast, you will board the waiting vehicles for a scenic drive from the remote village of Jhala to the bustling mountain town of Uttarkashi. The drive traces the path of the Bhagirathi River, passing through the beautiful town of Harshil and dense pine forests. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can check into your hotel and finally enjoy the luxury of a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
Expert Advice: Enjoy the final stretch of your mountain journey as you head back to Dehradun; use this travel time to exchange photos and contact info with your trekking team!
On the final day of your expedition, you will drive from Uttarkashi back to Dehradun. The winding mountain roads offer the last glimpses of the Garhwal Himalayas. You will be dropped off at the designated location in Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of an unforgettable, challenging, and highly rewarding adventure.
