Max Participants :
15
Trail Type :
Itinerary Description
Grade:
Difficult
Location:
India
Maximum Altitude:
0 mts
Duration:
8 Days
Introduction:
Baraadsar is the least trodden trek in Himalayan ranges. Probably, many of you might have heard this for the first time too. Baraadsar lake trek is done in Uttarakhand. The base is Sankri village. There are many other famous treks that share the same base. Such as Har ki dun, Rupin Pass etc. The view is an absolute delight as it is on the edge of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Undoubtedly, you get to see magnificent views of the Gharwal Himalayan peaks. And a well build physical endurance is needed.
Interestingly Baraadsar lake is known as the wish-fulfilling lake. Definitely quite mysterious as well as sacred in this region. Baraadsar lake is at an altitude of 4600 M. After crossing miles of land, you will get to see the cleanest turquoise water lake. The trail is filled with spectacular meadows, pine forests, and picturesque Himalayan views. Especially, the moment to behold is when you cross the ridge which separates the Rupin and Supin passes. Just mesmerizing.
Best Time to Trek
Well, the Baraadsar lake trek shouldn?t be taken easy. It is indeed a challenging trek and requires previous experiences in treks too. Especially, when it comes to weather. The best time to do the Baraadsar lake trek is from June to September. During this time of year, only snow is moderate and it doesn?t make it extremely difficult to climb. This offbeat trail is accessible only for a few months. Such as Pre-monsoon like May to June and post-monsoon September and October. Basically, summer and autumn, seasons are the most recommended time to go on a trek to Baraadsar lake trek.
Difficulty Level:
The Baraadsar lake trek is moderate overall. But it does have some difficult patches. The trail is quite exhilarating. Initially, it starts with a little steep ascent. But gradually as the ascension continues to increase the altitude increases too. This trek does the prior experience of a 4000 m trek. Especially, while crossing the ridge and the massive clearings. The views are unobstructed and alluring for sure. But the trek in some parts is quite challenging.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Make your way to Sankri (1,920M)
Day 2 Sankri (1,920M) to Barthatra thatch (2,510M) via Jakhol (2,200M)
Day 3 Barthatra Thatch (2,510M) to Dhaldhar Meadows (3,630M)
Day 4 Dhaldhar Meadows (3,630M) to Devbasa (3,738M)
Day 5 Devbasa (3,738M) to Baraadsar Lake (4,600M) via Baraadsar Summit (4,600M) and back to Devbasa (3,738M)
Day 6 Devbasa (3,738M) to Vasaped (3,070M)
Day 7 Vasaped (3,070M) to Bhitri (2,360M) via Saru Taal
Day 8 Bhitri (2,360M) to Dehradun (640M)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Make your way to Sankri (1,920M)
Distance: 185kms drive
Time Taken: 8-9 hours
If you have signed up with The Wanderin' Man 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 The Wanderin' Man from Dehradun to Sankri and are to meet the group directly at the trail head, check out the article on how to reach Sankri for any assistance. Do plan your travel so as to reach Sankri latest by 7 in the evening. (Please note: The Wanderin' Man can arrange for your transport for an additional cost as mentioned in the Add-Ons section above.)
Day 2
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 (From lunch on Day 2, till lunch on Day 7)
- ●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
- ●Meals during road journey & hotel stay.
- ●Portage of personal bags during the trek.
- ●Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- ●Any Expense of personal nature.
- ●Portage of personal backpack.
- ●Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- ●Meals during road journeys.
- ●Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri & back to Dehradun.
Are you eligible for this adventure?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to a height of 4,130M and is rated a moderate level trek for its long trekking distances. For its elevation and distances, it is recommended for trekkers with some prior experience in the high-altitudes.
Grade
Difficult
Max Altitude
0 mts
Distance
43 km
WIMRS Level Required
Terrain
Prerequisite Skills
Fitness Benchmark
WIMRS Level Required
WIMRS 5
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the WIMRS. The altitude, the terrain, and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.
If you do not know what level of WIMRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
We will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
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*
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each*
🟩 Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle with water resistant trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Crocks/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 (Poncho/ 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 (Minimum SPF 30)
- Lip Balm small pack. 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)
Here are a couple of tutorials on What & How to pack your rucksack for your upcoming trek from our experts:
Note-
- *For long trek please carry one spare sunglass
- *In winter trek please try to carry one hot water bottle
- * For long and winter trek to carry warm pent one pair
Frequently Asked Questions
Bara Bhangal 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 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.
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
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.
Why Wanderin Man?
(SET- Safety, Expertise & Trust )
Safety
- ●Small Group Size in the ratio of 6:1 (participant to leader)
- ●No compromise on safety and sustainability promise
- ●Experienced and Certified Mountaineering Professional Leaders
- ●Region Mapped with Emergency Evacuation Plan
- ●Certified Standard Equipment by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation certification) & other Similar Bodies
- ●Minimized Risk Management Standard Operating Procedure are applied for every Trek and tour
- ●Certified First Aid Support and Doctors* with constant availability of Safety Equipments like Medical Kit, Rescue Kit
- ●Constant communication is aided with the help of Communication Devices
- ●Certified and registered Transporter for transportation purpose
Expertise
- ●Founders of the company have extensive experience of 15 years having organized 8k+ peak expeditions.
- ●Under the umbrella of Wanderin’ Man Adventures 15+ adventure activities Programs have been organized
- ●Founders have mountaineering certifications from the esteemed mountaineering institutes of India.
- ●Team is composed of experienced mountaineers and trek leaders with thorough understanding of norms and procedures.
Trust
- ●Trust has been the hallmark of our company since its inception be it any program on the list.
- ●Special emphasis is laid on the use of standard procedures and equipments as per the mountaineering norms
- ●95% of our clients have availed our service on repeat basis.
- ●Our business has expanded primarily based on the “word of mouth” from our existing clients to new ones
What Our Customers Say
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund (All events including Friendship Peak Expedition except other Mountaineering Expeditions) - Cash refunds are only available for bookings made without any discounts, such as promotional codes or dynamic discounts. Additionally, cash refunds are not available for shifted batch bookings or if the booking status is "Booked". The amount of the refund will be determined based on the following guidelines:
Cancellations made up to 45 days before the departure date
Cancellations made up to 31 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 30 and 21 days before the departure date
Cancellations made between 20 and 11 days before the departure date
Cancellations made less than 11 days before the departure date are not eligible for a cash refund.
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