Ruinsara Lake Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

Ruinsara Lake Trek is a total show-stealer, hiding out in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, tucked away in Uttarakhand. Not many people talk about it, probably because everyone’s too busy fighting for Insta shots at the usual Himalayan hotspots. This trail’s got everything: adventure, killer scenery, a dash of local culture, and, yeah, enough altitude (3,500 meters, if you’re counting) to make your lungs question your life choices. You kick things off at this tiny village called Taluka, blink and you’ll miss it, then wind your way up through places like Seema and Osla. These aren’t just pit stops; you get to snoop on the whole Garhwali way of living, and the old-school wooden houses are straight out of a fantasy flick. You’re slogging through forests packed with rhododendrons and pine trees, tripping over wildflowers one minute, dodging lazy cows and shepherds the next. Swargarohini, Kalanag (aka Black Peak), and Bandarpoonch are just straight-up flexing in the background. At the end of the line, Ruinsara Lake itself boasts glass-blue water, surrounded by snowy peaks, lush meadows so green it’s almost rude, and forests that look like they belong in a Studio Ghibli movie.

Bring a camera, or don’t, but you’ll wish you had one. The trek’s not outrageously tough, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park either. Figure about a week, give or take, and you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the quiet. Not crowded at all, unlike some of the other Himalayan treks where you’re basically in a line of traffic. Perfect if you’re the type who’d rather hear birds than people. and for the mythology nerds: there are all kinds of Mahabharata legends floating around about the area. Locals will probably spin you a yarn or two if you ask nicely (or, honestly, even if you don’t). Ruinsara Lake Trek is a wild mix of scenery, soul-soothing silence, and local flavour. Whether you’re chasing adventure, some Zen moments, or just a break from the city grind, this trek’s got your back.

History of Ruinsara Lake Trek

This isn’t just another “walk in the Himalayas, take some selfies, go home” kind of deal. Nah, it’s wild, it’s ancient, and it’s loaded with more stories than your grandma’s attic. Tucked away in Uttarkashi (yeah, that one, up in Uttarakhand’s Govind Pashu Vihar National Park), this spot’s been buzzing with legends and local drama for ages. Not kidding, there’s more to it than just pretty mountains and clean air. Now, the Mahabharata heard of it? Epic with a capital E. According to the grapevine (well, local legends), the Pandavas, those guys, walked through here on their way to heaven. No joke. The route up Swargarohini Peak, which you can see from the lake if you squint hard enough through the mist, is supposed to be the OG stairway to the sky. And Ruinsara Lake, supposedly, is one of their pit stops. Imagine taking five with the Pandavas. No wonder the place feels pretty holy and, honestly, just kinda magical. But hold up, it’s not just about ancient epics. The area is home turf for the Jaunsari tribe, especially folks in Osla and Seema villages. These people aren’t your run-of-the-mill villagers; they’ve got their wild customs, funky wooden temples, and stories for days. Dedicated to Duryodhana, the so-called villain from the Mahabharata.

Shows you just how differently the locals see things. Their oral history is still alive, stories passed around like treasured family recipes, keeping the old vibes going strong. Now, if you think every Himalayan trail’s been hiked to death, think again. Ruinsara was basically the Himalayas’ best-kept secret till, like, the 1950s. Then a few mountaineer-types and adventure junkies stumbled in, probably looking for something less “tourist trap” than Kedarkantha or Valley of Flowers. Slowly, word got out. These days, if you’re hunting for something offbeat, untouched, and a little bit mystical, this is your jam. Crystal clear, glacier-fed, and untouched, partly because it’s so remote and partly because the locals treat it like a shrine, not a selfie spot. People come here to pay respects, not to trash the place. Kinda refreshing, honestly. Ruinsara Lake Trek isn’t just another notch on your trekking belt. It’s a time machine, mythology, ancient tribes, and a dash of modern adventure all rolled into one. You’re not just gawking at mountain views; you’re walking through stories that are older than most countries.

Nearby Places to Explore Around Ruinsara Lake

• Osla Village: Osla’s just one of those places that makes you wanna chuck your phone into the river and just soak it all in. Perched way up at around 2,590 meters (yeah, it’s a climb), this little gem has an ancient temple to Duryodhana, yep, that guy from the Mahabharata. The temple’s all wood, and honestly, it’s got a vibe you don’t see in your usual Hindu spots. The Jaunsari tribe calls this place home, so if you’re into peeking at how locals live (not just touristy stuff), Osla’s your jam.

• Seema Village: Suspension bridge away from Osla, Seema’s is where trekkers crash before heading out for bigger adventures. It’s wrapped in pine forests and has rivers doing their thing nearby so yeah, it’s peaceful but not boring. You wanna wake up to mountain views that slap? Pitch a tent here. Most folks use it as a base for Har Ki Dun or Ruinsara, but honestly, it’s chill enough to want to stay awhile.

• Har Ki Dun Valley: if you’re trekking this region and you skip Har Ki Dun, “Valley of Gods” isn’t just a dramatic name; this spot’s got crazy biodiversity and those ridiculous views of Swargarohini and other peaks. There’s a ton of local legends floating around, so whether you’re a nature nerd or just out here looking for spiritual vibes, this place delivers.

• Swargarohini Peak: Swargarohini is the real show-off here. Four peaks stacked together, the tallest one over 6,200 meters. Locals say this is the route the Pandavas took to heaven, which is either epic or a wild piece of marketing, depending on how much mythology you buy into. Still, those snow-smothered summits damn, they look straight out of a painting.

• Bali Pass: Bali Pass is not for the faint-hearted. This bad boy connects Ruinsara Tal to Yamunotri, and we’re talking nearly 5,000 meters up. The trek’s brutal but worth the sweat, jaw-dropping views, raw Himalayan wilderness, and a good shot of adrenaline. If you want your adventure with a side of humility (the mountains will serve it), this is your route.

Best Time to Visit Ruinsara Lake Trek

• Summer (May to June): If you ask me, summer’s pretty much prime time for the Ruinsara Lake Trek. The weather’s pleasant (not just “mountain pleasant,” but genuinely nice), with sun that won’t roast you alive, think 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. As the snow finally thaws and melts, the whole place just wakes up. Meadows go full Technicolour, rhododendrons do their flower thing, and wow, the views of Swargarohini and Kalanag? Chef’s kiss. Plus, the trails won’t make you curse your boots, and camping by the lake feels like a reward, not a survival challenge.

• Post-Monsoon (September to October): If you hate crowds and love that whole “lush and alive” vibe, post-monsoon is your jam. The rains give everything this crazy green makeover. Once the clouds get outta the way, you get those mountain views that make your phone run out of storage from too many photos. It’s cool, crisp, kinda perfect for trekking. Plus, the trails dry up, so you’re not sliding around like Bambi on ice. Photographers and introverts, this one’s for you. Fewer people, more peace.

• Avoid Monsoon (July to August): The trails turn into slip-n-slides, leeches come out to party, and landslides? Yeah, not the fun kind. Half the time, you can’t even see the mountains thanks to the clouds. Just skip it, trust me.

• Winter (November to April): The snow’s no joke; everything shuts down, trails disappear under a white blanket, and the cold will make you question your life choices. Only the hardcore, “I eat blizzards for breakfast” types even try it, and even they barely make it to the lake. For most folks, winter’s a big nope.

How to Reach Ruinsara Lake Trek

• By Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (yep, that’s Dehradun) is your spot. It’s not exactly next door, think 200 km away from Taluka, where the whole Ruinsara Lake trek kicks off. Flights from the big cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) land there, so you’re sorted. After you touch down, just grab a taxi or hop into one of those shared cabs. You’ll head to Sankri first, and from there, it’s a road trip to Taluka.

• By Railway Station: Dehradun’s got a station that matters. Decent connectivity, regular trains, all that jazz. Once you make it to Dehradun, expect another long haul by car, jeep, or maybe a bus if you’re feeling brave (or cheap). The road to Sankri is about 200 km, so settling in will take you a solid 8 to 10 hours. Not exactly a quick jaunt, but hey, the mountains are worth it.

• By Road: Sankri’s your main target, and it’s hooked up to Dehradun, Mussoorie, and a bunch of other Uttarakhand towns by road. Take your pick: private taxi, government bus, or squeeze into a shared cab if you’re up for an adventure. The ride cruises through some killer scenery, Purola, Netwar, Mori, so keep your camera handy.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Ruinsara Lake Trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.