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Sahastra Tal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 9-day immersive expedition traversing diverse Himalayan landscapes and alpine altitudes.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
9 Days
Total Distance
42 KM
Max Altitude
16,404 FT
Trek Type
linear
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Uttarkashi / Bhatwari Forest Office
Documents
Aadhar Card, Medical Certificate
Foreigner Process
Standard ID registration at Uttarkashi/Bhatwari forest check posts.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
6,561 ft
Day Gain
+4,361 ft
Drive from Dehradun to Bhatwari
A scenic 175 km drive tracing the Bhagirathi river. The route passes through the bustling mountain hub of Uttarkashi before arriving at the quiet base village of Bhatwari, where you will settle into a local lodge.
The mountain road climbs from the foothills into the Bhagirathi river gorge.
Camp Alt
8,500 ft
Day Gain
+1,939 ft
Reach Gairi
The first day of walking begins with a steep initial climb out of Bhatwari. The trail quickly transitions into dense, ancient pine and oak forests before breaking out into the small, secluded clearing at Gairi.
The trail follows the mountain river corridor through a narrow, forested gorge, moving past traditional settlements into increasingly dense dense forested valleys.
Camp Alt
10,300 ft
Day Gain
+1,800 ft
Reach Kush Kalyan
A stunning transition day. The treeline suddenly vanishes as you step onto the endless, rolling alpine meadows of Kush Kalyan. Spectacular panoramic views of the Garhwal giants begin to open up in all directions.
The dense forest canopy transitions entirely into rolling alpine meadows.
Camp Alt
12,500 ft
Day Gain
+2,200 ft
Reach Kyarki
A magnificent but tiring ridge walk across the high meadows. The trail undulates constantly, keeping you well above 10,000 feet the entire day. Expect unobstructed views of Mt. Jaonli and Bandarpoonch.
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
14,000 ft
Day Gain
+1,500 ft
Reach Lamb Tal
The terrain becomes noticeably stark and rocky as you leave the lush bugyals behind and approach the high-altitude glacial lake zone. The altitude crosses 14,000 feet, making the air noticeably thinner and colder.
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Camp Alt
14,000 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
💧 Reach Sahastra Tal
The ultimate summit push. A day navigating massive, unstable boulder moraines to reach the sacred 'Lake of a Thousand Lakes' at a staggering 5,000 meters. After taking in the pristine views, carefully descend back to Lamb Tal.
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
10,300 ft
Day Gain
-3,700 ft
Return via Kyari Bugyal
An extremely long 18 km return journey. You will retrace your steps across the high, exposed ridges, gradually descending back to the lush, oxygen-rich meadows of Kush Kalyan.
The high alpine meadows narrow into forested river terraces as tree line vegetation reappears in the lower mountain river corridor.
Camp Alt
6,561 ft
Day Gain
-3,739 ft
Trek to Sila Village & Drive to Bhatwari
A relentless downhill trek dropping nearly 4,000 feet into the valley towards Sila village. Once at the roadhead, a short but bumpy drive takes you back to a warm bed at the lodge in Bhatwari.
The alpine meadows transition rapidly back into dense forest, returning to the valley floor.
Camp Alt
2,200 ft
Day Gain
-4,361 ft
Drive from Bhatwari to Dehradun
The expedition concludes with a long drive back down the winding mountain roads from Bhatwari to Dehradun, carrying memories of the high alpine lakes back to civilization.
The mountain valley topography transitions back into the lower foothill river plains.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Khatling Glacier Traverse
+4 DaysFor elite mountaineers, the trek can be extended over the Mayali Pass towards the Khatling Glacier and Kedarnath.
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