Dharansi Pass

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Joshimath

Drive from Rishikesh / Dehradun to Joshimath. Stay at Himalayan Abode Homestay. Meet the guide and plan for next days hike.

 

Day 2: Joshimath – Lata Village

Drive: 12kms | Trek: 1.5kms

Drive to Lata Village and trek to Lata Village (2370mts). This is a short day hike and the gateway to the core of Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Stay in Lata Village, interact with villagers who have been the closest inhabitants near Nanda Devi Sanctuary for ages. The village outskirts are covered by apple, apricot and walnut orchards. There are some really colorful and amazing traditional houses in Lata Village that will transport you to a different timezone. Do visit Nanda Devi Temple at Lata Village before commencing the trek.

 

Day 3: Lata Village to Lata Kharak

Trek: 9kms

The trail from Lata Village goes through Bhelta which marks 4kms into the uphill climb via pine and cedar trees. Bhelta is located at 2850mts above sea level. There is a small cave with a small flat ground surrounding it, good enough to pitch 2 tents. In terms of views, this is not a promising campsite but its proximity to water source makes it an emergency campsite one can rely on.

 

From Bhelta the route climbs up via pine forest over stone route and after a few zig zag steep incline the route takes us over loose rocks. As we climb, Dhauliganga looks miniature and more mountains come into sight. At 3800mts Lata Kharak offers a unique landscape with Rhododendron and birch trees in its vicinity and sheer drop to Dhauliganga River on the other side.

 

The peaks visible from Lata Kharak are Bethartoli Himal, Nanda Ghunti, Ronti, and Hathi Parvat. You’ll also rejoice to identify the route of Kuari Pass to Dhak from this point.

 

Note:

Generally, it is not advisable to do this trekking stretch in one day itself because the distance may be just 9kms but the altitude gain is of around 1500mts which will be too much for some to handle without dealing with the signs of AMS. But since we will be pretty well acclimatized after spending 9 good days in high altitude Himalayan range, it is acceptable for us with this Chhota Vanvaas itinerary.

 

 

Day 4: Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass Camp

Trek: 10kms

Starting early on high altitude trek is always as the weather gets upredictable in the afternoon and the peaks get clouds cover. Start the uphill climb onwards to Jhandidhaar which is seen from Lata Kharak Campsite. 1km into the trek will lead to a diversion, the right side leads to Saini Kharak, we keep following the ridge and after a while you’ll see the tree line leaving you behind. As you near the Jhandidhar the cairns on the top will become visible. The views change drastically as soon as you reach Jhandidhar mainly because the peaks which were hiding earlier now becomes visible with an interesting perspective, specially of Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Hathi and Ghori Peaks.

 

The diversion of route on the left at Jhandidhar leads to Tolma village where as the route to connecting ridge from here leads to Dharansi Pass (4300mts). It is another 2kms uphill hike on loose boulders and rock slabs to reach Dharansi Pass. Focus on every step while navigating this stretch is essential, if not careful one may twist the ankle.

 

Dharansi Pass Camp is exposed to cold wind gushes and hence it is advised to pitch the tent in a safe spot under good weather conditions only.

 

Day 5: Dharansi Pass Camp – Debrugheta – Dharansi Pass Camp

Trek: 14kms

Debrugheta marks the boundary of Inner Nanda Devi Sanctuary which is forbidden to venture into. This is as far as you can go near the goddess peak of Nanda Devi and on 11^thDay of the trek you’ll be blessed to have achieved this stunning feat. The incline over steep overhanging ridge is daunting and would require caution at every step you take. Thankfully with a fixed campsite at Dharansi Pass, you’ll just have to keep a day pack with water, lunch, an extra clothing layer and first aid. Right before reaching the pastureland of Debrugheta you’ll have to descend down close to 700mtr to reach the elevation of 3600mts. After getting to the core and taking pictures of Nanda Devi Peak, start hiking back to Dharansi.

 

Fact Check:Only 500 seasoned trekkers are allowed to enter the core zone upto Dharansi Pass every year from May to October.

 

Day 6: Dharansi Pass Camp – Hitoli

Trek: 12kms

We trek all the way down to Jhandidhar and divert the route towards Tolma intersection to the vegetation and treeline. Couple of kilometers from Jhandi Dhar we will reach the campsite of Hitoli.

 

Day 7: Hitoli – Surai Thotha – Joshimath

Trek: 8kms | Drive: 30kms

Trek down from Hitoli to Tolma Village through the shades of old and wise deodar trees. You’ll reach Tolma Village after trekking for 5kms and further walk down 3kms to reach Surai Thotha roadhead. Hop into the cab and drive to Joshimath after completing your Chhota Vanvaas surrounding the guarding mountains of Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

 

Day 8: Joshimath to Rishikesh/Dehradun

Drive: 253kms

Drive back to Rishikesh or Dehradun after breakfast.