Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 8 Days
Grade :- Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12000 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 36 Kms.
Ruinsara Tal lies amidst the pristine peaks and from there you can have magnificent views of Ruinsara Range, Mt. Black Peak, Bandarpunch, and Swargarohini . This is base camp of both Expedition or more 2 treks, Bali Pass, Dhumdhar kandi pass,
The trail from Devsu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal, meandering next to the Ruinsara River is a beautiful and tricky one. The valley is narrow and one can be excused for comparing it with Rishi Gorge from Odari Nanda Devi Sanctuary, although it isn’t as difficult as the latter and the array of alpine flowers across the river bank is astonishing.
The Ruinsara Tal is a special glacial lake resting amidst beautiful mountain ranges of Swargarohini. The meadows around are neat and untouched. One can experience a sense of tranquility all around the lakeside.
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
Our vehicle picks you up from Dehradun railway station then en route towards Sankri (210 km). It takes 8/9 hours to reach there. The drive to Sankri is a picturesque one; you can see a variety of sceneries on the way.
The scenic beauty of valley attracts the visitor’s eye. You will see Yamuna River and Tons valley across the Yamuna Bridge, the crystal clear water gives a very refreshing feeling if you feel tired on the way. You get beautiful views of Mussoorie, Damta, Nowgao, Netwar and Purola on the way. These are the villages where you can see people working in fields and you can have a glimpse of their lifestyle, the combination of light and dark greenery is mesmerizing.
Day 2: Sankri (1,920 m) to Seema (2,560 m) via Taluka (2,050 m)
After breakfast from Sankri head to Taluka by taxi and on same day trek starts towards Cheludgad camp- The trail is not in a very good condition. Trek through beautiful dense forest which is rich in Flora and Fauna and it is home to a number of animals.
Langooor families can be easily spotted near Cheludgad. The colourful Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand and other Himalayan birds can be spotted in this region. You can see many other rare species which are not commonly find in any other areas.
If there is not enough time to go to Cheludgad camp then 2km before Taluka there is a campsite beside a stream where you can spend your night in tents and enjoy your meal there.
Day 3: Seema (2,560 m) to Roiltia or Waterfall camp (2,900 m) – 4-5 h
The trek today is 7 km long so carry packed lunch with you. Start heading towards Devsu Bugyal and while your ascent you can experience extremely beautiful views of snow clad peaks, wide valleys and some cascading waterfalls.
Now, go through thick forest of Pines and Oaks, walk under the shade of trees with crumbling sound of leaves. This place has rich alpine vegetation and it is home to a number of Himalayan birds and animals which can be spotted on the way to campsite.
Reach Devsu Bugyal after a steep uphill trek, there you will witness the alluring greenery and undulating meadows all around. This is a great place for camping with amusing views of Kala Nag (Black Peak). Setup the tents and spend your night comfortably there.
If you lack time to reach Cheludgad camp then 2 km ahead Taluka there is a campsite near a stream which is water source for that campsite. Setup your tents, enjoy dinner and stay in tents.
Day 4: Roiltia to Ruinsara Lake (3500 m) (12 km) (6/7 hours)
Leave the campsite of Devsu Bugyal and head towards Ruinsara Lake, the trek is long so carry lunch to have in middle of the trek. After ascending you will be mesmerised by the close views of mountains covered in snow with cascading waterfalls.
The path is muddy and some parts are slippery, so be careful while heading forward, after this section you have to cross a bridge over Supin.
Day 5: Rest day at Ruinsara lake
Today you can rest at this idyllic campsite or explore the nearby areas. Ahead lies a campsite Thanga, cross a river to reach there it is on the way to Bali Pass.
You can go towards the base of Swargarohini and Black Peak. Further is the route of Dhumdar Kandi Pass (5,490 m). After exploring these places get back to the campsite.
Day 6: Ruinsara lake to Seema (2,560 m)- 5-6 h
Bid adieu to this serene Lake and retrace your steps to Devsu Bugyal with the same extremely beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and wide valleys.
Reach the campsite and pitch your tent amidst the meadow, have delicious food and sleep comfortably in tents.
Day 7: Seema (2,560 m) to Taluka (2,050 m) – 4-5 h
Early in the morning, we bid farewell to the hike till Taluka. A vehicle from Taluka takes us back to Sankri, where we retire for the day in camps or a guest house.
Day 8: Sankri to Dehradun
The trek to Ruinsara Lake concludes today as we leave Sankri and reach Dehradun by late afternoon on this day.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.
By Train :-
The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
By Bus:-
Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.
Fitness Required for Ruinsara Lake
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant.The percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our hemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
The Ruinsara Lake is an easy trek suitable for first time trekker with basic fitness
Trekking Experience: Ideal trek for a beginner.
Fitness Required: The Ruinsara Lake falls in the category of Moderate treks. The trail is fairly laid out path and has very few steep ascends or descends. Water is available through out the trail. But still if you are thinking of your first big Himalayan trekking experience its better to be prepared. Here is the training schedule to prepare for the trek.