Available Batches
Brief Description
Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, locally known as the "Smoky Ridge Forest", is a high altitude pass of 5490M / 18012Ft connecting the holy pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. This mighty pass served as an ancient route for villagers from Uttarkashi and Gangotri to reach the remote Tons Valley. The unique aspect of this trek is the Kalanag (Black Peak) glacier and the glacier from Swargorohini and Bandarpoonch on either side of the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass feed the two mighty rivers of Bhagirathi and Yamuna. The pass is at the base of two renowned peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kalanag and Swargarohini. Known for its complicated terrain and disposition along with unpredictable weather, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek is meant for experienced trekkers only who are familiar with the use of ice axes, and microspikes along with a good physical and mental endurance. Known for its unexplored trail and challenging topography, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek is an adventurist's dream. The best season to undertake this trek is in the months of May, June, September, and October.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Dehradun to Sankri - 200km Drive
Our vehicles will pick you up from Dehradun ISBT and drive you to Sankri.
Sankri to Taluka - 14 km Drive. Taluka to Seema (2560 M) - 12 km Trek
Today we drive from Sankri to Taluka. We then trek from Taluka to Seema.
Seema to Devsu Bugyal (3000 M) - 7 km
Start early after breakfast . The route goes through thick forest & consists of many beautiful waterfalls, some makeshift bridges & tempting meadow of Devsu Thach.
Devsu Bugyal to Ruinsara Tal (3500 M) - 12 km
Today we will reach Ruinsara Tal by afternoon. From Ruinsara to the south-west is Yamuna Kanta, the pass which takes you to Yamunotri, and is rated as a difficult trek. To the east is the majestic Banderpoonch Peak (6,387m).Walking about south-east from the lake brings you to Kiarkoti with the view of over 6,000m Swargarohini Range to the north. The views of Dhumdhar Kandi (5,873m) to the east, and Kala Nag (6,387m) and White Peak (6,102m) to the south-west are spectacular. Overnight stay in camps.
Ruinsara Tal to Kyarkoti Base Camp (3900 M)
Today we start walking upstream towards the Kyarkoti basecamp which is also the basecamp of two prominent peaks of this valley, Swargarohini and Black Peak. The camp is close to the south face of the Swargarohini peak.
Kyarkoti Base Camp to Dharon Odari (4500 M) - 6 km
Start your trek towards Dharon Odari also known as Dharali Odari, we will encounter snow and the terrain will get tougher and more taxing. Overnight in tents.
Dharon Odari to Camp 2 (5000 M) - 4 km
Today we trek to Camp 2 at the base of Dhumdhar Kandi Pass over crevassed glacier and moraines. Overnight in tents.
Camp 2 to Ratiya Camp via Dhumdhar Kandi Pass (5490 M) - 6 km
Today we start early to cross the steep and taxing Dhumdhar Kandi Pass with the glacier from Black Peak on one side and the glacier from Swargarohini and Bandarpunch on the other. Following a steep descent, we will reach the campsite of Ratiya. Overnight in tents.
Ratiya to Kyarkoti (3525 M) - 9 km
Today we trek to Kyarkoti from Ratiya and retire for the night.
Kyarkoti to Dharian Gharat (3050 M) - 7 km
Today we move to Dharian Gharat campsite through forests and meadows. Overnight in tents.
Dharian Gharat to Jhala - 9 km
We will trek through forest trails and reach the village of Jhala. Overnight in guesthouse/homestay.
Jhala to Dehradun - 220 km Drive
If you opt for a transport from us then you will reach Dehradun by late evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 4700-5000 meters. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized at high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. On Bikat rating scale Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek difficulty level is 7. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
Should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, At least one Moderate Plus category trek, Experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 mts, Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
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
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- 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 You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- 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
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek
Connecting the holy Pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass trek takes you to a massive altitude of 5500M. Situated between the glaciers of Kalanag and Swargarohini and connecting Gangotri to the remote Tons valley, the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is perfect for experienced trekkers looking to push their limits and explore some of the most untouched trails in the Garhwal Himalayas.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
The best season to do this trek is in the months of May, June, September and October. Post-June, September and October are considered as the best time to do this trek due to the absence of powdery snow thus making the crevasses visible. Monsoon months of July and August must be avoided.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for text packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base camp of Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is Sankri. Sankri is a small village in Uttarakhand which is a base camp for Uttrakhand treks. It is 180 km from Dehradun. There are public buses and shared jeeps running between Dehradun and Sankri. You can also take a shared taxi that will cost you around INR 600. Dehradun is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport.
By Road: There are no direct buses to Sankri from Delhi. There You can take overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to Dehradun. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 247 km. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sankri is 187 km away in Dehradun. There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Dehradun like Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance.
By Air: The nearest airport from Sankri is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 213 km away from Sankri. You can reach Dehradun from New Delhi by flight.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
There is no mobile reception after Sankri.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
There are a number of places to visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie. 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 to 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. From Jhala, the end point of the trek, one can choose to explore the holy town of Gangotri, located at a distance of 30km from Jhala.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied by 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.
Accommodation:
When you arrive in Dehradun you will be transferred to Sankri, your stay will be made at a local guest house or homestay in Sankri. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email a few days prior to the trek. On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 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.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the 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.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
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 the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
During the day, the temperature will range from 10-20 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -10 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
You can expect snow from May to June and in late September.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to 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.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participants 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 a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. 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.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Dehradun has a sufficiently large market. However, do not leave anything for last minute buying as there will be no time for shopping because of immediate transportation to Sankri. Sankri is a very small village and it would be difficult to find anything major there. Minor toiletries are available.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
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.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We have one pick-up point: Dehradun ISBT. The dropping point remains the same.
Transport: What time will we reach the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Dehradun late in the evening. Make sure your bookings from this point to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 22:00 Hrs or early in the morning on the next day.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
It is mandatory to carry ID Proof and a medical certificate for the trek. (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried along)
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on expedition starting lunch on Day 2 till lunch on Day 11
- Forest/Camping Fee (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Dome Tent on twin sharing, Sleeping bags, mats
- Microspikes, Gaiters, Helmet as required
- Experienced Trek guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
- Hotel/Guest House stay in Sankri on Day 1 and Jhala on Day 11 on twin or triple sharing basis.
- Gamow Bag (HAPO Chamber) - 1 per batch
Whats Not Included?
- Hotel Meals in Sankri & Jhala
- Meals during road journey, if any
- Any kind of insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Offloading of personal rucksack
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
How to Choose the perfect pair of Trekking Shoes?
Sarthak Madan 21 May 2021
<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n
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