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Fachu Kandi Pass Trek — Complete Guide (2026)
Vibe & Scenery
The Experience
Introduction
The Fachu Kandi Pass Trek is a true Himalayan traverse, connecting the Sankri region in the Tons Valley with Hanuman Chatti near Yamunotri. Instead of focusing on a single destination, the expedition links together a remarkable variety of landscapes across multiple mountain valleys.
Trekkers journey through dense forests, broad alpine meadows, the spectacular Phulara Ridge, and the isolated glacial waters of Saru Tal before crossing the remote Fachu Kandi Pass at approximately 14,290 ft. The final descent into the Yamuna Valley reveals an entirely different landscape from the forests surrounding Sankri.
Long distances, sustained altitude, and extended wilderness camping make this one of Garhwal's finest expedition-style crossover treks for experienced Himalayan trekkers.
Quick Facts
Duration
Max Altitude
Difficulty
Best Time
Trek Distance
Trail Atmosphere
Stargazing
Class 1 Dark Sky
Scent Profile
Silence Level
~15 dB
Vertigo Factor
4 / 10
Iconic Spots
Phulara Ridge
Saru Tal
Fachu Kandi Pass Descent
Environment
Nature & Culture
Flora & Fauna
Flora
Fauna
The pass is an ancient, arduous route used by the locals of the Tons valley to cross over and worship at the Yamunotri temple.
— Local folklore
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Descending into Hanuman Chatti marks the entry into the sacred Yamunotri region, one of the Chardham shrines.
Temple Protocols
Technical Details
Challenge & Preparation
Primarily a cumulative fatigue and cardio demand challenge
A capable trekker's route that balances cumulative fatigue and cardio demand.
Personal Readiness
Am I ready?
Planning
Logistics & Trail Intel
Getting There
Route to Base
Arrive in Dehradun
Drive 9 hours to Sankri
The trek ends at Hanuman Chatti, from where it is a 7-hour drive back to Dehradun
Base Village
Sankri (Start) / Hanuman Chatti (End)
6,400 ft
Last ATM
Purola (on the way to Sankri) / Barkot (on the way back)
Nearest Medical Facility
Primary Health Centre in Purola (Start) and Barkot (End).
Mobile Signal
Total blackout from Day 2 to Day 7.
Water Sources
Abundant streams at the lower camps. The pass itself is dry/frozen.
Charging
Total blackout from Day 2 to Day 7.
For Drivers
Road Condition
The drive to Sankri is notoriously bumpy in the final 20km. The return from Hanuman Chatti is smoother but busy with pilgrim traffic.
Purola / Barkot
Trail Culinary & Diet
Don't miss the Garhwali Rajma in Sankri
Buy specialized diet items at Dehradun
The Content & Remote Hub
Top Vlog Spots
Video Calls
base_village_only
Est. 5 Mbps
UPI Reliability
2/10
Base WiFi Available
Permits and Regulations
The trek falls entirely within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Entry permits must be obtained at the Netwar forest checkpost before reaching Sankri. Operator registration is mandatory.
Learn more about how we vet operators and ensure transparency on our why MountRoutes page.
Packing List
High-Altitude Clothing
- Heavyweight down jacket (-10°C rating)
- Gore-Tex windproof/waterproof jacket and trousers
- Merino wool thermal base layers (2 sets)
- Fleece mid-layer sweaters
- Quick-dry trekking trousers (x3)
Technical Footwear & Gear
- High-ankle, waterproof trekking boots (stiff sole)
- Microspikes (Mandatory for the pass crossing)
- Waterproof gaiters (for deep snow on the pass and ridge)
- Trekking poles with snow baskets
- Merino wool socks (x4 pairs)
Camping & Survival
- 4-season sleeping bag (-10°C comfort)
- Category 4 UV sunglasses (Snow blindness risk is high)
- Headlamp with spare lithium batteries
- High-altitude first aid kit with Diamox
Accessories
- 50-60L backpack with heavy-duty rain cover
- Original Government ID and photocopies (for Sankri checkpost)
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc lip balm
- 2L insulated water thermos
Deep Dives
Explore Further
Editor's Notes
Explore In Detail
Day by Day Itinerary
8-day route reaching 14,290ft. Covers 45.0km of varied terrain.
→ See full itinerary with altitude profileDifficulty & Fitness
Rated moderate. A massive variety. You walk on soft pine needles, exposed grassy ridges, loose scree, and hard snow/ice at the pass.
→ See difficulty breakdown and fitness guideCost & Pricing
Packages range from 16,000 - 22,000 INR (Dehradun to Dehradun). Inclusions and hidden costs vary by operator tier.
→ See full cost breakdownFrequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Fachu Kandi Pass?
It is rated as Difficult. While the first few days (Phulara Ridge) are moderate, the final push to Saru Tal and the steep, icy 14,290 ft pass crossing require excellent fitness and basic snow navigation skills.
Is this trek crowded like Kedarkantha?
Not at all. You start on the Kedarkantha trail (Juda Ka Talab), but on Day 3, you diverge towards the Phulara Ridge. From that point onward, you will likely not see another trekking group until you reach the Yamunotri valley.
Are there river crossings?
There are minor streams on the descent towards Hanuman Chatti, but no dangerous glacial river crossings. Standard waterproof boots are sufficient.
Do I need technical mountaineering gear?
You do not need ropes or ice axes, but microspikes and gaiters are strictly mandatory for the pass crossing, as it retains hard ice and snow well into the summer.
What happens in a medical emergency?
Evacuation is challenging. Once you cross Pushtara Meadows, the fastest way out is either retreating 2 days back to Sankri or pushing over the pass to Hanuman Chatti. Satellite phones are recommended for operators.
Will I have mobile network?
You will have network at Sankri (Start) and Hanuman Chatti (End). Expect a total 6-day blackout in between.
Can I do this solo?
No. The trail from Saru Tal over the pass is unmarked, highly confusing in the snow, and requires an experienced local guide from Sankri.
How cold does it get?
At the Saru Tal camp (13,780 ft), night temperatures can easily drop to -5°C to -10°C, even in May.
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