Video title

Baraadsar Lake Trek

A Challenging Off-beat Trail tucked between the Rupin and Supin Valleys

Difficult

Baraadsar Lake Trek

BRS 5
Max Altitude

Uttarakhand , 8 Days

43 Km

Max 15

16400 + 5% GST
Sankri to Bhitri

Add ons

Transportation Cost (to be paid on the spot)

DDN to Sankri
Bhitri to DDN

Sumo

(Shared by 5-6 trekkers)

Tempo

(Shared by 11-12 trekkers)

₹7500

₹10000

₹7500

₹10000




Available Batches

Brief Description
Grade:Difficult
Location: Uttarakhand
Altitude:4600 m
Duration:8 Days
Baraadsar Lake is one of the least explored trails in the Himalayas even though it shares its base village, Sankri, with some of the most popular treks like Har ki Dun, Bali Pass, Rupin Pass and many more. Not only does it lie on the absolute border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, tucked neatly between the Rupin and Supin valleys, the trail also offers magnificent views of some biggies in the Garhwal range of Himalayas, such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.

A mystery to most, the sacred lake known by locals to hold superpowers, Baraadsar Lake is a cauldron which lies at the altitude of 4,600M and holds the cleanest and the bluest waters you will ever see. It is so hidden that you don’t see it until you cross miles of land, climb hundreds of meters and reach a point just 200M from the lake from where you first see it, so close to its foot.

The trail to Baradsaar Lake takes you through picturesque meadows, brown oak and pine forests, massive clearings with breathtaking mountain views, and finally over a ridge that separates the Rupin and Supin valleys with excellent panoramic views and some very strong winds which are characteristic of any exposed ridge walk.

Long distances and sections of steep ascent make this a moderate level trek which demands some prior experience of trekking in the Himalayas to adapt to its rising altitudes. This off beat trek is accessible pre-monsoon in the months of May and June and post-monsoon in the months of September and October. Stay on this page for more information on the Baraadsar Lake Trek like Itinerary, Photos, Reviews, FAQs, and more.

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Itinerary
Day 1

Make your way to Sankri (1,920M)

Distance: 185kms drive

Time Taken: 8-9 hours 

If you have signed up with Bikat for a drive from Dehradun to Sankri, our day starts early. All of us assemble at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Sankri – a trekking hub in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 9-hour drive and settling into mountain air, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:

One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.

Sankri is a trail head for a lot of trekking routes and is bustling with trekkers across the year. Popular trails such as Har ki Dun, Borasu Pass, Bali Pass, Kedarkantha, Dev Kyara, Phulara Ridge to name a few, all start from this scenic village centered in the background of some of the most splendid mountains in the region.

The drive from Dehradun takes us on scenic mountain roads. If you have the slightest motion sickness, the smooth roads can easily make your head spin with its curves. The ever-changing landscape with each turn, however, is a good way to keep yourself distracted. Tall trees, massive fields and entire mountain faces cut into steps for farming are views you wouldn’t want to miss for some shuteye. The drive takes you through some very big towns but also alternates between small patches of busy roads with village shops and long empty stretches with nothing but the sound of the wind and the birds.

The constant shift between the noise and the calm has a different sense of serenity attached to it. What’s even better is that breakfast and lunch, on local dhabas along the way make sure we get to indulge our tastebuds in some locally popular cuisine. The last two hours of the drive take us through a smooth road lined with thick forests on both sides. The sparkle of the forest is enough to refresh us from the long drive to get to our destination. Sankri is a trail head for a lot of popular treks and hence is not short on facilities. Although there is no phone network in Sankri, you can probably find a shop in the market which will be happy to loan you wi-fi in case of urgent need.

Waiting for us, at the end of the trail of this back-breaking journey will be a warm, wooden homestay with cozy rooms and a home cooked meal. Expect to reach latest by 7 PM.

If you have not opted for travel with Bikat from Dehradun to Sankri and are to meet the group directly at the trail head, check out the article on how to reach Sankri (How to reach Sankri?) for any assistance. Do plan your travel so as to reach Sankri latest by 7 in the evening. (Please note: Bikat can arrange for your transport for an additional cost as mentioned in the Add-Ons section above.)

Day 2

Sankri (1,920M) to Barthatra thatch (2,510M) via Jakhol (2,200M)

Distance: 18 kms drive + 3 kms trek

Time Taken: 3 hours drive + 3 hours trek

The day starts with a 3 hour drive from Sankri to the starting point of this trek, a very beautiful village named Jakhol. It is one of the oldest villages in that region where the houses are wonderfully crafted by pine wood; this ancient village represents the rich and colorful culture of this part of the country. The trail cuts through small bushes on a slope with spectacular views of the massive open valley to the right till we reach the first campsite named Barthatra Thatch. The first day of the trek is pretty decent in terms of difficulty, there are no steep ascends. But the major highlight of the day is the Barthatra campsite. Thatch is the local word for clearings of open grounds surrounded by forest. The campsite is a meadow, meaning huge grasslands which are especially famous in this region of the Himalayas. The campsite is surrounded by oak trees in the upper reaches of the slopes – a great region to do some exploring. Post-monsoon there is also a spot which forms a small lake surrounded by oak trees making the setting even more pleasing to the eye.

Day 3

Barthatra Thatch (2,510M) to Dhaldhar Meadows (3,630M)

Distance: 5 kms

Time Taken: 5 hrs

The sun comes up really early so we wake up to a bright and refreshingly sunny day (of course, only if it is not raining) and the calls of a dozen different birds that are joyfully hopping from one oak tree to another. The loud calls of woodpeckers and barbets to sing you out of your tents as the sun comes up.

Today’s trek is a continuous 800M ascent through a forest thick with oak trees. Close to an hour and a half through these woods and 2 kms from our previous campsite, we are out of the woods to land into a massive meadow with massive ferns. The Supin river is like a silver thread now deep down at the meeting point of the two valleys. Snow clad mountains are now closer than ever before on this trail.

Today’s trek takes us almost halfway to the lake in question – the entire time straddling the border of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. One of the many things that is great about this trek is that it is so unknown that you have the entire valley to yourself with not another trekker in sight – for great lengths not even a sight of any villagers once you leave the areas of settlement behind. It is utterly and completely isolated.

At the end of the fern area, we get out on the other side to an uphill climb with the landscape now full of trees that grow like roots on the floor of the mountain, forming a labyrinth. At the end of 4 hours we are at the ridge, high up and exposed to strong winds but magnificent views. We have now already gained 750M in elevation, so the remaining distance is a pleasant and awe-inspiring walk on the ridge with an eye into the two different valleys and the big birds soaring high but much below us still.

An hour on this ridge and we make it to the campsite bang in the middle of wondrous meadows with wildflowers of as many colours as you can name. The only challenge for today is since it is a forest walk, the leaves and the moss on the forest floor make it extremely slippery especially on the inclines.

The biggest highlight of the day is when you get out of the woods and onto the ridge, everything suddenly seems to open up on both sides and it feels like you can breathe again after 4 hours under the forest canopy. It is extremely freeing. Oh! And also rhododendrons – they of course take over as the top highlight if you are here in the right season.

Day 4

Dhaldhar Meadows (3,630M) to Devbasa (3,738M)

Distance: 6 km

Time Taken: 5 hours

Today is all about the ridge. Narrow path, one eye to each of the valleys dressed in thick green on either side, strong winds and a harsh sun working its full force on this exposed strip of land – these are the things our day today is made of. Oh and sounds of the birds and howls of the winds add to the music in the air. In terms of difficulty, it’s more than manageable because we are gaining only 100M in elevation. The route takes you up and down so in actual terms the ascent might be more, but there isn’t too much the body has to adapt to in terms of actual altitude gain.

Since we are walking on the highest path of the valley which also happens to be narrow, we can see the trails leading to Barasdsar Lake. The open landscape on both sides looking down into the depths on the Rupin and the Supin valleys can get so spectacular and spellbinding that the challenge of the day includes keeping your head in the game and watching your next step so you don’t slip down into and get swallowed whole by one of these very valleys that you are swooning over!

What’s even better is that this exceptional walk-on-the-ridge leads us straight to what is hands down the best campsite of the entire trek – Devbasa.

Day 5

Devbasa (3,738M) to Baraadsar Lake (4,600M) via Baraadsar Summit (4,600M) and back to Devbasa (3,738M)

Distance: 8 km

Time Taken: 10 hours

Today is the climax of our trek leading up straight to the main attraction of this entire show – Baraadsar Lake. And as climax days go, this one is going to be long and hard too with almost a 900M ascent and back. We start our push to the lake in the dead of the night so we can get there in time to catch the fourth or the fifth ray of the sun, if not the first!

As goes without saying, the trail is a steep ascent all the way to the lake. As the sun comes up and starts to thaw the land a little, the first rays of the sun on the peaks in the vicinity is nothing if not glorious. The views only get better as we get higher.

There’s a col and a shoulder to get to the place where the lake lies in our wait. The last section of the climb is a steep ascent which is extremely thrilling for you know what rests at its end like a pot of gold.

After spending some time at the lake, we make our way back to the safety of the tent.

Day 6

Devbasa (3,738M) to Vasaped (3,070M)

Distance: 11 km

Time Taken: 7 hours

Distance-wise today is the longest but worry not. This trek, which is basically Y-shaped takes you back to a certain point on the same route only to diverge into the other valley to head back down. This means we are greeted with a different route and a different landscape on our way back down to keep things fresh and interesting.

Till the merging point from where the trail diverges, there are a few gradual ascents. The gradual ascent ends at a point called the Vijay Top which in itself is a famous trekking point for the splendid views it offers for it stands jutting out as a high-point in the valley with an open view of the landscape. This is the end of the meadows before we enter back into the thick of the forest as we close in on the treeline. It is all downhill from here on, between and through the forests of oak which at times could get tricky to navigate but overall are fairly manageable. After a steep descent, we reach our last campsite, Vasaped which is a clearing like our first campsite but different – same to same but different, if that makes any sense.

Our last campsite and our last night out in the tents on this trek.

Day 7

Vasaped (3,070M) to Bhitri (2,360M) via Saru Taal

Distance: 8 km

Time Taken: 5 hours

Today is paradise for bird lovers – for everyone else too, but a bit more for bird lovers for all the chips and chirps and the spotting of tails and beaks and the guessing of names of species from their calls! The trail today continues within the forest of the oaks and the pines to the music of the Himalayan birds – some rare, some not, some unfamiliar and some common but each voice a soothing addition to this pleasant walk down.

At the half way point for today, we are out of the forest and suddenly into habitation. Surrounded by tiny hamlets and people working on their farms, it is a nice change of scenery after having spent the last few days completely in isolation. At the far end, the Baraadsar peak still visible, looks down on us and smiles from its abode slowly fading into the horizon as we continue on.

Just before we finish the trek, it greets us with one final surprise - a small yet very charming lake named Saru Taal. We can spend some time here feasting on our packed lunches and reflecting on the journey that this was!

The trail ends at Bhitri, which is a small village, where the road head starts. There is an old village temple which is all degrees charming just in case you are looking for some exploring around in the time you have left. Overnight in a homestay.

Day 8

Bhitri (2,360M) to Dehradun (640M)

Distance: 200 km

Time Taken: 6-7 hour drive

To go a full circle, we leave early in order to reach our starting and ending point, Dehradun. Expect to reach here by early evening and plan your travel ahead accordingly.

What's Included
  • Food as per menu on the trek
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
  • Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
  • Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
  • Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
What's Not Included
  • Portage of personal bags during the trek
  • Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
  • Any Expense of personal nature.
  • Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
  • Meals during road journeys
  • Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

  • Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
  • Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
  • Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
  • U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
  • Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

  • Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

  • Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
  • Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
  • Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
  • Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
  • Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
  • Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
  • Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
  • Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
  • Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
  • Woolen cap. Qty-1
  • Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

  • Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
  • Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
  • Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

  • Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
  • Plate. Qty- 1
  • Spoon.Qty-1
  • Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

  • Camera (Optional)
  • Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
  • Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)


Frequently Asked Questions

A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.

Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the
preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.


How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid


Baraadsar Lake, sacred to local communities, is a high altitude lake lying on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Remote and relatively unknown with difficult access, the route provides uninterrupted views of higher peaks like Kalanag and Swargarohini as almost two days involve walking on a high 3500 m - 4400 m ridge between the Rupin and Supin valleys.


Post monsoon - September to November






Dehradun is connected to Delhi by road, rail and air. There are multiple buses and trains on a daily basis, both of which take 5-6 hours. There are also daily flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport.

There is BSNL coverage till the roadhead.


Dehradun is the beautiful capital city of Uttrakhand with a number of attractions to visit. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar Temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.


The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.


We will be camping during the entire course of the trail.


We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.



The temperatures range from 20 degree to -3 degree celcius.

There might be snow on the higher reaches depending on the season.



If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.

You can get some of your essentials in Sankri. However this option is not very reliable, do not leave anything for last minute purchases.

Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.


We will arrange reserve taxis from DDN to Sankri and back from Bhitri to Dehradun. Check the "transportation cost" add-on above for the additional cost. The vehicles will leave DDN at 0700 Hrs and reach Sankri by 1700 Hrs. On the way back, the vehicle will start from Bhitri at around 0900 Hrs and reach DDN by 1900 Hrs. The timings may change due to road condition/Char Dham yatra rush. The same will be communicated to you in your whatsapp group.

On the last day you will reach DDN by 1900 Hrs. We advise you to keep at least a 3-4 hrs buffer in your further travel plan.


ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried) and Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) are the mandatory documents required for the trek.












Why Bikat?
Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.


Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures


Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.


Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.


Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.


Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.


Reviews
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

Please Note:
  1. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
  2. This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Photo Story
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