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Sunderghunga-Trek
Location
Bageshwar district in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state, India.
Distance
National Capital Delhi: 475 km State Capital Dehradun: 398 km
Altitude
3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level.
Best Season To Visit
May to June and September to October
Facts About Sunderghunga-Trek
The Sunderdhunga Trek is a thrilling and offbeat trekking route located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its remote and less-explored trails, offering trekkers a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
The trek starts from a village called Loharkhet, which is accessible from Almora in the Kumaon region. From Loharkhet, trekkers pass through various picturesque villages like Dhakuri and Khati, which are known for their traditional charm and warm hospitality.
The Sunderdhunga Trek takes its name from the river "Sunderdhunga," which literally translates to "the valley of beautiful stones." The trek follows the course of the river and offers stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Maiktoli, Mrigthuni, and Panwali Dwar.
The highlight of the trek is reaching the "Sunderdhunga Valley," which is known for its hanging glaciers and breathtaking landscapes. The valley is flanked by the towering peaks on either side, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting.
As the Sunderdhunga Trek is less frequented by tourists, it provides a sense of adventure and solitude to trekkers. The trek is considered moderately challenging, with a mix of steep ascents, river crossings, and rugged terrains.
The trek is usually completed in 7-8 days, and it is advisable to undertake this trek with experienced guides and a well-equipped team due to its remote and less-traveled nature.
The Sunderdhunga Trek is a hidden gem in the Himalayas, offering a unique opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of Uttarakhand and witness the splendor of the lesser-known valleys and glaciers in the region. It is a trek that leaves trekkers with lasting memories and a sense of wonder for the untouched landscapes of the Sunderdhunga Valley.
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Sunderghunga-Trek :- Famous Visiting Places
1. Sunderghunga Lake
The trek's main highlight is Sunderghunga Lake, a pristine glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Experience - The lake is a great spot for camping and photography, providing stunning views of the Himalayas and a tranquil environment for relaxation.
2. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a popular hill station and base camp for the Sunderghunga Trek. Located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, it offers stunning views of the Panchachuli Peaks and serves as the starting point for the trek. Experience - Munsiyari provides essential facilities, accommodations, and local attractions. It is also known for its beautiful landscape and serves as a gateway to the trek.
3. Darkot Village
Darkot is a traditional Kumaoni village located along the trek route. It is known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Experience - Visitors can explore the village, interact with the local inhabitants, and experience traditional Kumaoni culture and lifestyle.
4. Panchachuli Peaks
The Panchachuli Peaks are a group of five prominent peaks located near the trek route. They are known for their majestic appearance and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Experience - The peaks can be viewed from various points along the trek, providing excellent opportunities for photography and appreciating the grandeur of the Himalayas.
5. Khalia Top
Khalia Top is a high-altitude viewpoint situated on the trek, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Experience - The top provides stunning vistas of the Himalayas and is a popular spot for trekkers to rest and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
6. Dabrani Village
Dabrani is another charming village along the trek route, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life in the Kumaon region. Experience - The village is known for its picturesque surroundings and provides a peaceful environment for trekkers to rest and explore.
7. Milam Glacier
Located in the vicinity of the Sunderghunga Trek, the Milam Glacier is a significant glacier in the region, offering dramatic glacial landscapes. Experience - Trekkers can explore the glacier and enjoy its stunning ice formations and the surrounding rugged terrain.
8. Rajrambha Peak
Rajrambha Peak is a notable peak near the trek route, known for its striking appearance and panoramic views. Experience - The peak offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for trekkers.
9. Lwali Camp
Lwali is a scenic camping site along the trek, providing a beautiful setting for resting and camping. Experience - The campsite offers serene surroundings and views of the surrounding peaks, making it an ideal spot for overnight stays.
10. Khati Village
Although not directly on the trek, Khati is a nearby village known for its scenic beauty and traditional Kumaoni culture. Experience - Visitors to Khati can explore the village, interact with locals, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
How to Reach
By Road
To reach the Sunderdhunga Trek in Uttarakhand, India, you'll need to plan your journey to the starting point of the trek, which is typically the village of Loharkhet. Here's how you can reach Loharkhet: 1. From Major Cities: Loharkhet is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haldwani. 2. From Delhi: You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Delhi to reach Loharkhet. The road distance is approximately 420 kilometers, and the journey takes around 14-16 hours. 3. From Dehradun or Haldwani: Similarly, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun or Haldwani to reach Loharkhet.
By Train
1. Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) is the nearest railway station to Loharkhet. 2. From Kathgodam Railway Station to Loharkhet: From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Loharkhet. The road distance is around 180 kilometers, and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.
By Air
1. Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport to Loharkhet. 2. From Pantnagar Airport to Loharkhet: After reaching Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Loharkhet. The journey by road takes approximately 7-8 hours, covering a distance of about 220 kilometers.
Climate & Weather
summer
Summer (April to June): The Sunderghunga Trek is best undertaken during summer, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is ideal for trekking, with clear skies offering stunning views of the meadows and surrounding peaks.
monsoon
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. The trekking trails become slippery and challenging, and landslides are common. The region becomes lush and green, but the weather can be unpredictable.
autumn
Autumn (October to November): Autumn is cool, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The postmonsoon season offers clear skies and crisp air, making it an ideal time for trekking. The landscape is vibrant, and the views of the trek are spectacular.
winter
Winter (December to February): Winters on the Sunderghunga Trek are extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping well below freezing. The trek becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The region is covered in snow, and the trails are closed.
Hotels Around Sunderghunga-Trek
As Sunderdhunga Trek is a remote and less developed trekking route in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, there may not be many hotels directly along the trekking route or near the trailhead. However, there are accommodation options available in nearby villages and towns where trekkers can stay before or after the trek. Here are some options:
1. Loharkhet: Loharkhet is typically the starting point of the Sunderdhunga Trek. While it may not have many hotels, there may be guesthouses or lodges offering basic accommodation facilities.
2. Khati: Khati is a picturesque village located along the Sunderdhunga Trek route. It may have some guesthouses or homestays where trekkers can stay overnight.
3. Bageshwar: Bageshwar is a town located near Loharkhet and serves as a base for many treks in the region. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and lodges.
4. Almora: Almora is a larger town located a bit farther from Loharkhet but offers a wider range of accommodation choices, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.
5. Kathgodam/Haldwani: Kathgodam and Haldwani are major transportation hubs in the region and offer various hotels and lodges. Trekkers can stay here before or after the trek and arrange transportation to reach Loharkhet or the trailhead.
While planning your stay, it's essential to book accommodation in advance, especially during the trekking season when there may be high demand. Additionally, keep in mind that the amenities and facilities available in these accommodations may vary, so it's a good idea to inquire about specific requirements beforehand.: