Dhumdhar Kandi Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Season, How to Reach and Itinerary

Dhumdhar Kandi Pass, locally known as the “Smoky Ridge Forest ”, is a high altitude 5490M / 18012Ft pass connecting the sacred pilgrimage sites of Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. It is a unique hike. The glaciers on both sides of the pass feed two different main rivers, the Bhagirathi and the Yamuna).

Dhumdhar Kandi Trek is an adventurer’s dream also, known for its unexplored trail and challenging topography. The Swargorohini and Bandarpoonch Glacier on either side of the Dhumdhar Kandi Pass feeds the two mighty rivers of Bhagirathi and Yamuna. The pass sits at the base of two renowned Garhwal Himalayan peaks, Kalanag and Swargarohini.

Complicated terrain and form as well as its unpredictable weather, the Dhumdhar Kandi trek is reserved for experienced hikers accustomed to the use of ice axes and microspikes as well as good physical and mental endurance.

History of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

James Baillie was the first to recognize this pass in 1815. A dangerous passage to the north of Banderpunch, the Dhumdhar Kandi pass kept its secrets until when a team from West Bengal successfully crossed it. The pass connects the valleys of Bhagirathi and Tons. It is believed that local villagers, traders, and even invaders used this step as a shortcut to enter the remote Tons Valley in ancient times.

Highlights of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Location of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is accessible from Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 5,604 m in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dhumdhar Kandi Pass is also known as the “Smoky Ridge Forest”, and connects the two Hindu pilgrimage sites, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

How to Reach Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

By Air:-

Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the closest airport to Haridwar and is easily accessible, it is only 40 km from the city. Daily flights from New Delhi are available to this airport. You can take a bus or taxi from Dehradun Bus Stand / Taxi Stand.

By Train:-

Haridwar station. Night trains leave Delhi to Haridwar at regular intervals. You can take a bus or taxi from Dehradun Bus Stand / Taxi Stand.

By Road:-

Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate which operates on government buses that are safe and you can rely on them more than private buses. You can take a bus or taxi from Dehradun Bus Stand / Taxi Stand.

Best Season to Reach Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

The best time to go to Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek is from mid-May to mid-October. The climate of Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek remains healthy and pleasant during the summer. It’s a peaceful vacation with the Himalayas visible and a refreshing breeze. 

At Dhumdhar Kandi Pass Trek, you will experience the best of solitude and serenity during monsoon and post-monsoon.

Itinerary of Dhumdhar Kandi Trek 

Day 1: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

In the morning, capture a Train for Haridwar. Arrive in Haridwar and check in to the hotel in Rishikesh. Attend the Aarti ceremony at Ganga Ghat in the evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (1150m, Drive two hundred km /6-7 hrs)

drive to Uttarkashi thru Chamba and Tehri. On arrival, overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 3: Uttarkashi – Jhala (2575m, Drive/3-four hrs)

In the morning drive to Jhala. On arrival, set up your tents for an overnight stay. You can go to the temple of Gangotri and from there drive back to Jhala. overnight stay in tents.

Day 4: Jhala Shepherd Camp (09 Kms / 3440 Mts)

 Today begins your first day of hiking at Shepherd Camp. The trek is done on the path that runs along the left bank of Sian Gad, you will have to climb steep terrain and cross a dense forest. Overnight stay at Shepherd Camp.

Day 5: Kyarkoti Shepherds Camp (3850m, Trek / 34 hours) 10km

In the morning, trekking to Kyarkoti. The trek will require climbing steep terrain and crossing dense forests and alpine meadows. Upon arrival at Kyarkoti Meadow, set up your camp. Overnight stay at camp.

Day 6: Kyarkoti Guntu Nala (6 hour drive)

Today, trek to Guntu Nala. you will cross a forest, waterfalls and a meadow. On arrival set up your tents and overnight stay in tents.

Day 7: Guntu Nala – Bugyal Camp (five hrs trek/4650 Mts)

trek closer to Bugyal Camp, which is assumed to be the most gorgeous meadow withinside the valley. Overnight stay at Bugyal Camp.

Day 8: Bugyal Camp – Below Pass (6 hrs trek) 4850 mts

In the morning trek to Below Pass. On arrival,  set up your camp for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Below Pass – Dhumdhar Pass (6 hrs trek) 5608 mts

your trek for the day could be difficult. you’ll trek via hard mountains and boulders to reachDhumdhar Pass. On arrival, set up your camp for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Dhumdhar Pass – Kalanaag Base (6 hrs trek)

Today you’ll trek to Kalanaag Base. The trek could be slightly longer and it’s going to take approximately 6 hrs to attain the spot for the overnight stay.

Day 11: Kalanaag Base – Ruinsara Tal (6 hrs trek)

Today’s trek is going to be thrilling as you may witness lofty snow-clad mountains, murmuring waterfalls, and plush inexperienced meadows. On arrival at Ruinsara Tal, set up your camp for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Ruinsara Tal – Thange (7 hrs trek)

In the morning, trek to Thange. The hiking path will be via hard mountains and boulders. Overnight stay  at a camp in Thange

Day 13: Thange – Cross Bali Pass Camp – Damini

Today, you’ll traverse via the Bali Pass to reach Damini. Overnight stay at a camp in Damini.

Day 14: Damini – Yamunotri

today, you’ll trek right down to Yamunotri. Overnight stay in a camp in Yamunotri.

Day 15: Yamunotri – Dehradun – Delhi

Today you shall drive to Dehradun through Mussoorie. On arrival at Dehradun switch to the railway station and catch an AC train to Delhi. Arrival at Delhi 

Source of Ganges Trek

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Dhumdhar Kandi Trek