The Baraadsar Lake Trek is an offbeat high-altitude adventure in the Western Garhwal Himalayas, situated between the Rupin and Supin valleys near the Uttarakhand–Himachal region. The trail leads through dense forests, expansive meadows, remote Himalayan settlements and rugged high-altitude terrain before reaching the spectacular Baraadsar Lake.
The lake sits inside a dramatic bowl-shaped landscape surrounded by high ridges. One of the biggest highlights is reaching the ridge above the lake, from where trekkers get magnificent views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek is considered moderate to challenging because of its long walking days, steep sections, and high altitude, so good physical fitness and previous trekking experience are recommended.
Overview
The Baraadsar Lake Trek is one of the most untouched and peaceful treks in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in the remote regions of Uttarakhand, this trek takes you through dense forests, high-altitude meadows, wooden villages, and finally to the stunning Baraadsar Lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The crystal-clear alpine lake reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a magical sight for trekkers and nature lovers.
Unlike crowded trekking routes, Baraadsar offers solitude, raw Himalayan beauty, and an authentic mountain experience. It is perfect for trekkers looking to explore offbeat trails away from commercial tourist destinations.
Highlights
- Stunning high-altitude Baraadsar Lake
- Dense pine, oak, and rhododendron forests
- Beautiful alpine meadows and hidden valleys
- Panoramic Himalayan mountain views
- Remote Himalayan villages and local culture
- Peaceful camping experience under starry skies
- Less crowded and unexplored trekking route
Itinerary
The Baraadsar Lake Trek is one of the most hidden and peaceful trekking adventures in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the remote mountain regions near the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border, this trek offers breathtaking alpine meadows, dense forests, glacier-fed streams, traditional Himalayan villages, and the magical Baraadsar Lake, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks.
Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the trek provides a perfect blend of solitude, scenic beauty, and high-altitude Himalayan exploration.
Distance: Approx. 190–210 km
Drive Time: 8–10 hours
Altitude: Approx. 1,900–2,000 m
Stay: Sankri
Start your journey early from Dehradun and drive towards Sankri through the scenic Himalayan roads. The route passes through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori and the beautiful Tons Valley.
After reaching Sankri, check into your accommodation and meet the trekking team. Use the evening to rest and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day Highlights
- Scenic drive through the Tons Valley
- Mountain villages and forest landscapes
- Trek briefing and equipment check
- Evening exploration of Sankri
Overnight: Guesthouse/Homestay in Sankri
Drive: Sankri to trek starting point
Trek Distance: Approx. 7 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 2,000–2,500 m
Stay: Sarutal Camp
After breakfast, drive towards the trek starting point near Himri/Khanyasni. From here, begin walking through beautiful forests and remote mountain landscapes.
The trail gradually climbs towards Sarutal, a peaceful high-altitude meadow and one of the beautiful camping locations on the route.
Day Highlights
- First day of trekking
- Dense Himalayan forests
- Remote mountain landscapes
- Beautiful Sarutal campsite
Overnight: Camp at Sarutal
Trek Distance: Approx. 7–8 km
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: Approx. 2,600 m
Stay: Badang Camp
Today the trail continues through forests and open meadows towards Badang. As you gain altitude, the landscape gradually becomes more open, providing wider views of the surrounding mountains.
Badang offers a peaceful camping location surrounded by the wilderness of the Supin Valley.
Day Highlights
- Forest and meadow trail
- Gradual altitude gain
- Beautiful Himalayan surroundings
- Peaceful Badang campsite
Overnight: Camp at Badang
Trek Distance: Approx. 9–13 km
Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: Approx. 3,600 m
Stay: Dhaldhar Camp
Today's trek involves a significant ascent as you move towards the high-altitude meadows of Dhaldhar. The trail becomes more challenging, with steep sections and open mountain terrain.
The changing landscape—from dense forests to wide alpine meadows—is one of the memorable features of this section.
Day Highlights
- Long mountain walk
- Alpine meadows
- Panoramic valley views
- Significant altitude gain
Overnight: Camp at Dhaldhar Meadows
Trek Distance: Approx. 5–7 km
Trek Time: 3–5 hours
Altitude: Approx. 3,700 m
Stay: Devbasa Camp
Continue towards Devbasa, an important high-altitude campsite before the Baraadsar Lake section. Today's route is comparatively shorter, allowing the group time to rest and prepare for the demanding lake excursion.
Spend the evening acclimatizing and enjoying the dramatic mountain surroundings.
Day Highlights
- High-altitude trekking
- Vast open landscapes
- Mountain and valley views
- Acclimatization and preparation for Baraadsar Lake
Overnight: Camp at Devbasa
Trek Distance: Approx. 13–14 km round trip
Trek Time: 7–8 hours
Maximum Altitude: Approx. 4,400–4,600 m
Stay: Devbasa Camp
This is the main highlight of the trek.
Start early from Devbasa and climb towards the Baraadsar Ridge. As you reach the high ridge, the landscape opens dramatically, revealing the spectacular bowl-shaped terrain surrounding Baraadsar Lake.
Continue towards the lake, spend some time enjoying the scenery and capturing photographs, and then retrace the trail back to Devbasa.
The lake is known for its remote setting and striking mountain surroundings.
Day Highlights
- Baraadsar Ridge
- First dramatic views of Baraadsar Lake
- High-altitude landscape
- Panoramic views of Rupin and Supin valleys
- Photography and memorable summit-day experience
Overnight: Camp at Devbasa
Trek Distance: Approx. 11–15 km
Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Drive: Towards Sankri
Stay: Sankri
Begin the descent from Devbasa towards the lower valleys. The trail gradually loses altitude and passes through changing landscapes before reaching the road-accessible area around Kasla/Vasaped.
From here, board the vehicle and drive towards Sankri.
After reaching Sankri, enjoy a hot meal and a well-earned rest after completing the trek.
Day Highlights
- Long descent through Himalayan terrain
- Changing forests and landscapes
- Return to civilization
- Trek completion celebration
Overnight: Guesthouse/Homestay in Sankri
Drive Distance: Approx. 190–210 km
Drive Time: 8–10 hours
After breakfast, begin your return journey from Sankri to Dehradun. Enjoy the final views of the Tons Valley and Himalayan forests along the route.
The Baraadsar Lake Trek officially concludes upon arrival in Dehradun.
Day Highlights
- Scenic Himalayan drive
- Tons Valley views
- Farewell to the mountains
- Arrival in Dehradun
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Pickup & drop to/from to Dehradun
- All road transfers during the trek (to/from villages or camps)
- Accommodation during the trek (tents or campsites)
- Homestay / guesthouse stays where applicable
- All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water (sometimes boiled / filtered)
- Qualified guide(s) and support staff (camp manager, porter etc.)
- Trekking permits, forest & park entry charges
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags / mats, cooking tents)
- First aid kit and basic medical care
- Locally appropriate safety gear if needed (crampons, ice-axe etc. in winter)
- Navigation support (route maps / guidance)
- Emergency evacuation plan (sometimes basic)
Cost Excludes
- Travel to/from the pickup point: Arrival at the pickup point & from the dropping point at Dehradun is exclusively your call; you can book a bus, train, or flight one day prior & after your trek starts or ends.
- Meals & Accommodation: Any meals or accommodations that are not mentioned in the inclusion that completely manage at your own cost.
- Transport to/from the trek start point (if outside the base point) such as flights, train tickets or long taxis
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (snacks, extra meals, drinks)
- Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, tips, toiletries, etc.
- Travel insurance (medical / rescue / evacuation)
- Extra porterage for personal luggage beyond standard allowance
- Charges due to bad weather, landslides, roadblocks, etc.
- Entrance fees not mentioned, camera fees, permits required at last minute
- Personal Trekking Gears: If you need any extra essentials, you can rent these items like Rain Poncho, Trekking pole, Head Torch, Crampons, Shoes gaiters, etc. For renting these gears, you can contact us at +91-9286542477.
- Note: Book your trekking gear 10 days before your trek starts.
- Costs for optional side trips or any deviation from the itinerary
Baraadsar Lake Trek – (FAQs)
General
The trek is located near the Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh border in the remote Himalayan region.
The trek is considered moderate to difficult because of the high altitude and long trekking distances.
Baraadsar Lake is situated at approximately 4,500 meters above sea level.
The best time for the trek is from May to October when the weather remains favorable and the trails are accessible.
Fit beginners with good stamina and preparation can attempt the trek.
The trek is famous for:
- Hidden alpine lake
- Remote Himalayan wilderness
- Beautiful meadows and forests
- Peaceful trekking trails
- Stunning mountain scenery
Snow patches may be found near higher-altitude sections during early summer.
Accommodation includes:
- Guesthouses in Sankri
- Alpine camping during trekking days
Yes, experienced guides are highly recommended because of remote trails and navigation challenges.
Essential items include:
- Trekking shoes
- Warm clothing
- Rain protection
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Personal medicines
