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Dodital & Darwa Pass Trek

4 Days

Unveiling the Magic: Dodital-Darwa Pass Trek

Ditch the crowds! This trek takes you deep into Uttarkashi’s beautiful forests. Hike the Dodital-Darwa Pass and see amazing views and hidden spots you won’t find anywhere else.

Start your adventure near Raithal village! Nestled by rolling hills, this area is your gateway to the trek. The trail winds past charming villages, including Agoda, with gurgling streams and endless green filling your view. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air and get ready for nature’s symphony!

Finally, Dodital Lake! Nestled at a high altitude (3,024 meters!), this crystal-clear lake is like something out of a storybook. Locals say it’s where Lord Ganesha was born. Take a break, soak in the beauty, and enjoy the peaceful view – you earned it!

Up for a challenge?  The Darwa Pass is a tough climb, over 1,000 meters straight up! Your legs will feel the burn, but the view from the top is incredible.  Imagine standing there with all the Himalayan giants around you –  Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, the whole crew! In winter, it’s a snowy wonderland, like a fairy tale! It adds a whole new level of adventure (and maybe some extra difficulty) to the trek.

Want wildflowers and sunshine? Go in spring or summer (April to June) for stunning scenery.  Love winter wonderlands? Hike October to December for a snowy adventure!

Highlights

  • Stunning Himalayan Views: This trek offers breathtaking panoramas of the Himalayas, including famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Swargarohini.
  • Serene Dodital Lake: Nestled in a forest at an impressive altitude (over 10,000 feet!), this crystal-clear lake is a peaceful haven and a highlight of the trek.
  • Charming Villages: Wind your way through small villages with traditional houses, experiencing the local culture and enjoying the fresh mountain air.
  • Conquering Darwa Pass: Challenge yourself with the climb to Darwa Pass. The reward? Epic mountain views from the top!
  • Moderate Difficulty: This trek is achievable for beginners with a decent level of fitness, making it a great introduction to Himalayan trekking.
  • Bonus Highlight: Depending on the season, you might encounter some interesting wildlife like birds and wildflowers along the trail!

Itinerary

- Your adventure starts in Raithal, a charming village nestled in rolling hills.
- Today's a gentle walk on a clear path, showing off the amazing scenery.
- Wind through charming villages, breathe deep the clean mountain air, and soak in the Himalayan beauty!
- After a few hours, reach your cozy campsite for the night in Agoda, a cute village nestled in greenery.

- The trail gets steeper as you climb towards Dodital Lake on day two.
- Hike through dense forests filled with all sorts of plants and animals.
- Keep an eye out for cool birds and pretty wildflowers!
- Wow! Reach the amazing Dodital Lake, nestled in a forest at 10,000 feet (3,024 meters).
- This peaceful lake is said to be Lord Ganesha's birthplace and offers incredible mountain views.
- Spend the night camping by the lake, enjoying the quiet and beauty of the Himalayas.

- Today's the toughest part of the trek – climbing Darwa Pass!
- Get ready to climb! The trail is steep, so get ready for a workout.
- The stunning views of mountains like Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Swargarohini will keep you motivated.
- Conquer the 4,151-meter Darwa Pass and be rewarded with breathtaking Himalayan views!
- After enjoying the view, descend back to Dodital Lake for the night.

- Your last day is a relaxing walk back to Raithal village.
- The trail descends through the same beautiful forests you saw on your way up.
- Enjoy the scenery and fresh air as you head back to civilization.
- Reach Raithal, high five yourself, and relax - you conquered the trek!

Cost During The Trek

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation: During the journey, you'll stay in a homestay or tent with one or two people.
  • Meals: All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4. This usually includes vegetarian meals with occasional eggs.
  • Permits and entrance fees: Permits required for entering the Gangotri National Park where Dodital lies.
  • Guide fees: An experienced and certified guide to lead the trek and ensure your safety.
  • Camping charges: Charges for camping overnight during the trek.
  • Basic first-aid: Raithal Hills' guide will have a first aid kit handy for any minor injuries that may occur.

Exclusions:

  • Transportation: Getting to and from the starting point of the trek, usually Raithal village.
  • Personal expenses: Things like bottled water, snacks, personal medication, laundry charges, and tips for the guide and porters (if applicable).
  • Trekking equipment: You'll need to bring your own backpack, hiking boots, warm clothing, etc.

Dodital and Darwa Pass Trek: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dodital and Darwa Pass trek difficult?

The trek is considered moderate. While there are some steep sections, particularly on the climb to Darwa Pass, the overall distance is manageable for beginners with a decent level of fitness by Raithal Hills.

When is the best time to do the Dodital and Darwa Pass trek?

April to June or September to December is prime time for this trek! Enjoy clear skies, comfy temperatures, and beautiful Raithal Hills.

Where will I be staying during the trek?

Raithal Hills offer homestay or tent accommodation on a twin/triple sharing basis. Homestays are guesthouses in local villages, while tents provide a more rustic experience.

Are meals included in the trek cost?

Yes, the trek package provided by Raithal Hills includes all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4. These are typically vegetarian meals with occasional eggs.

Do I need any permits for the trek?

Yes, permits are required for entering the Gangotri National Park where Dodital Lake lies. The Raithal Hills will typically handle obtaining these permits for you.

What's included in the cost of the trek?

Most trek packages cover your stay, food, permits, guide, camping fees, and some first-aid supplies. Transportation to the starting point, personal expenses, etc. are usually not included because these are not provided by Raithal Hills itself. 

What kind of gear do I need for the trek?

Pack a backpack, good hiking boots, warm clothes (especially for nights), rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, and headlamp – you’re all set! The Raithal Hills offer rentals for certain gear.

Is the trek safe?

The trek is generally safe when done with the Raithal Hills and its certified guide.  However, it’s important to be in good physical condition, especially for the climb to Darwa Pass.

How do I prepare for the trek?

Get your heart pumping with walks or jogs, and don’t forget leg workouts for those climbs!

Can I do the trek solo?

Hiking alone is generally not recommended. This is especially true for beginners. The Raithal Hills’ guide can ensure your safety and provide valuable knowledge about the route and the region.

Are there porters available?

The Raithal Hills offer porter services for an additional fee.  This can be useful if you don’t want to carry a backpack yourself.

What about mobile phone connectivity?

Cell service may be limited or unavailable in some areas during the trek. 

Get Directions!

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Dodital & Darwa Pass Trek
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