The Ruinsara Tal Trek, set at an altitude of 11,675 ft in the state of Uttarakhand, is quite a favorite trek among nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. This 47-kilometer trek gives you a 360-degree bird’s eye view of lofty Himalayan mountains. This trek is no less than beauty in its personified form. It takes you through the snow-clad mountains, mysterious forests, and verdant valleys.
Major tourist attractions
The spotlight of the Ruinsara Tal Trek remains on the pious Ruinsara Lake. It’s clear waters and surely a treat to the eyes. It lies close to the place of origin of the Supin River. It is believed that the Pandavas spent their exile of 14 years in the forests around Ruinsara Lake and they also crossed it on their way to Heaven. The Hindus worship this land.
A rare sighting along the route is a temple dedicated to the Kauravas from the Hindu mythological tale of the Mahabharata.
This trek is an opportunity for you to interact with the people living in the remote villages of Saud, Okri, Sankri, and Seema and get to know about the rich culture and heritage of the Pahari people. These villages are believed to have been inhabited for the past 2000 years.
Views to leave you awestruck
The view of the Himalayas during the Ruinsara Tal Trek adds charm to your vacation. The snow-covered mountains of Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, and Black Peak are the sights to behold. You will witness the picture-perfect wooden houses the villagers put up. There are several temples around the route of the trek.
You might also see animals like black bears, wild bears, langurs, and barasingha.
A detailed description of the route
The Ruinsara Tal Trek takes about 8 days to complete. It commences from Sankri village which lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It is well known for its wooden nuts and apple orchards. The next stop is Cheludgad. The trail from Sankri to Cheludgad is uneven and covered in pine forests. You will reach the Devsu Bugyal after walking your way through the forests of Pine and Oak. You might be lucky to spot Himalayan birds along this trek. Â
The next phase of your trek is Ruinsara Lake which takes you through muddy routes and a steep slope. The Ruinsara Lake is a serene location to set up your tents and take a rest day in the lap of nature. You can begin with your return journey through Devsu Bugyal, Cheludgad, and Sankri. Overall, the trek is of moderate difficulty.
There is also an alternate way to cover the Ruinsara Tal Trek- via the Har Ki Dun Valley. The Har Ki Dun Valley is known as the “The Valley Of Gods.” The level of difficulty of both the treks is the same. The route via the Har Ki Dun Valley is slightly longer in the trek distance. Hence, the former route is preferred more.
Best time to visit
The Ruinsara Tal Trek can be planned during the summer months (May- June) or Post monsoon (September- October).
Trekking in the monsoon months must be avoided because the trek route becomes wet and slippery.
Tips to help you ace your trek
- Carry woolen with you because it becomes cold at night.
- Carry all the quintessential items for your trek- sleeping bags, trekking shoes, tents, energy-giving food, water, a raincoat, a walking stick, personal care kit, and a medicine bag.Â
- Make sure your bag is not too heavy since you have to carry it on your shoulders while you trek.
To sum up
Walking through the magnificent cradle-shaped valleys of Ruinsara Tal Trek gives you a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas and a close view of the life of the local inhabitants. A sense of tranquillity can be experienced at Ruinsara Lake. With moderate difficulty and postcard-perfect views of mountains, forests, grasslands, streams, meadows, and alpines, this trek is just the perfect way to spend some days away from the monotonous city life and pave the way for adventure!!
