Embark on a breathtaking journey to Saru Tal, a pristine alpine lake nestled at an altitude of 4,150 meters in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. This trek offers an exhilarating blend of picturesque landscapes, high-altitude meadows, and towering Himalayan peaks. Starting from Sankri, the trail winds through dense forests, charming villages, and snow-capped ridges, leading to the tranquil Saru Tal Lake.
On this adventure, trekkers can also summit Kedarkantha, a renowned peak offering panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas. Perfect for those seeking both solitude and adventure, the Saru Tal Trek with Kedarkantha promises an unforgettable wilderness experience, combining the beauty of two iconic Himalayan destinations.
With a moderate-to-difficult trek rating, this journey is ideal for experienced trekkers looking for a unique offbeat trek. Traverse through ever-changing landscapes, explore hidden gems, and experience the charm of the Saru Tal Kedarkantha trek with Danu Adventure.
Saru Tal Trek
Trek Overview
The Saru Tal Trek is a hidden high-altitude Himalayan adventure that leads trekkers to the pristine Saru Taal, an alpine lake located at an altitude of around 4,200 meters (13,615 ft) in the remote wilderness of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Surrounded by vast alpine meadows, dense forests and towering Himalayan peaks, Saru Tal remains one of the lesser-known yet incredibly beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The trek is often done as an extended route beyond the popular Kedarkantha summit, making it a unique combination of summit trekking and alpine lake exploration. The journey takes trekkers through dense pine and oak forests, high ridgelines, open meadows known locally as bugyals, and eventually to the serene waters of Saru Lake.
One of the highlights of the Saru Tal trek is the spectacular mountain panorama visible from the surrounding ridges. Peaks such as Black Peak (Kalanag – 6,387 m), Bandarpoonch (6,300 m), and the Swargarohini range dominate the skyline. On clear days, these peaks reflect beautifully on the calm surface of Saru Tal, creating a breathtaking alpine landscape.
With a trekking distance of roughly 60–61 km, the Saru Tal trek is perfect for trekkers seeking a quieter and more immersive Himalayan experience away from crowded trekking routes.
Best Time to Visit Saru Tal
The best time to visit Saru Tal Trek Is May-June & Oct-Nov also depends on the type of landscape and trekking experience you want.
Summer (May to June)
Summer is one of the most pleasant seasons for trekking to Saru Tal. Snow begins to melt, revealing lush green meadows and colorful alpine flowers. The Saru Tal trek weather during this period remains comfortable during the day with clear views of surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent season for the trek. The skies remain crystal clear and the mountain views are exceptionally sharp. This season is ideal for photography and long Himalayan vistas.
Winter (December to April)
During winter the region receives heavy snowfall and Saru Taal often freezes completely. While the trek becomes more challenging due to snow, it transforms into a magical winter landscape.
Difficulty Of Saru Tal Trek
The Saru Tal trek difficulty is generally considered moderate to moderately difficult.
While the initial part of the trek follows the Kedarkantha trail which is suitable for beginners, the extension towards Saru Tal involves longer trekking days and higher altitude exposure.
Several factors influence the difficulty level:
- Maximum altitude: 4,200 meters
- Total trek distance: around 61 km
- Long trekking days at higher altitude
- Cold temperatures near the lake
- Possible snow sections depending on season
Trekkers with good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience can comfortably complete the Saru lake trek.
Route Details
The Saru Tal trek route starts from Sankri village, a small Himalayan settlement in Uttarkashi district that serves as the base camp for many treks in Uttarakhand.
Sankri is located approximately 190 km from Dehradun and is the gateway to the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Saru Tal Trek Route
Sankri → Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp → Kedarkantha Summit → Hargaon → Dhunda Thatch → Sarutal Bugyal → Saru Tal
The trail begins with a steady ascent through dense forests of pine and oak. Trekkers first reach Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful alpine lake campsite surrounded by forests.
From here the trail continues towards Kedarkantha Base Camp, followed by an early morning climb to Kedarkantha Peak (3,800 m) which offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
After descending from the summit, the route becomes quieter and less crowded as trekkers move towards Dhunda Thatch and the wide meadows of Sarutal Bugyal. These high-altitude grasslands provide some of the most scenic camping locations of the trek.
The final ascent leads to Saru Tal, a pristine alpine lake nestled beneath towering Himalayan peaks.
Saru Tal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (190 km, 8-9 Hours)
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (8 km, 6-7 Hours)
Day 3: Kedarkantha Summit (3,800 meters) and Trek to Dunda Thach (10.5 km, 6-7 Hours)
Day 4: Trek from Dunda Thach to Taloti Thach (11 km, 5-6 Hours)
Day 5: Taloti Thach to Saru Tal (10 km, 5-6 Hours)
Day 6: Saru Tal to Taloti Thach (10 km, 5-6 Hours)
Day 7: Taloti Thach to Sankri via Taluka (13 km trek, 11 km by Taxi)
Day 8: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun (210 km, 8-9 Hours)
Saru Tal Trek Distance
The Saru Tal trek distance is approximately 60–61 kilometers in total. Daily trekking distances usually range between 6 km and 10 km, depending on campsite locations and route conditions.
Saru Tal Trek Cost
The Saru Tal trek cost generally ranges between ₹13,000 and ₹20,000 per person, depending on the trekking operator and services included.
Typical inclusions in most Saru Tal trek packages:
- Accommodation during the trek
- All meals during trekking days
- Trek leader and local guides
- Camping equipment
- Forest permits and entry fees
- Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri
Saru Tal Trek from Delhi
Trekkers traveling from Delhi can reach the trek starting point via Dehradun.
Delhi → Dehradun → Sankri
Options include:
- Overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun
- Volvo buses from Delhi
- Direct flights to Dehradun
From Dehradun, Sankri is about 8–9 hours by road via shared taxis or private vehicles.
What Makes Saru Tal Trek Special
Pristine Alpine Lake
Saru Tal is a hidden alpine lake surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, offering complete solitude compared to many commercial treks.
Himalayan Peak Views
Trekkers witness spectacular views of:
- Swargarohini
- Bandarpoonch
- Black Peak (Kalanag)
Vast Alpine Meadows
The trek passes through some of the most beautiful Bugyals of Uttarakhand, especially Sarutal Bugyal, which looks spectacular during summer.
Offbeat Himalayan Adventure
Unlike crowded trekking trails, the Saru taal trek still remains relatively unexplored, making it perfect for trekkers seeking raw Himalayan wilderness.
Conclusion
The Saru Tal Trek is a remarkable Himalayan journey that combines the thrill of summit trekking with the serenity of a hidden alpine lake. Passing through dense forests, scenic campsites, and the vast meadows of Sarutal Bugyal, the trek offers breathtaking views of majestic peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Reaching the pristine Saru Tal Lake at 4,200 meters is a truly rewarding experience for trekkers seeking untouched landscapes and peaceful Himalayan surroundings. For those looking to explore an offbeat trek in Uttarakhand beyond the usual routes, the Saru Tal Trek promises adventure, natural beauty, and an unforgettable high-altitude experience.
Saru Tal Trek Highlights
- Hidden Himalayan Alpine Lake: The Saru Tal Trek leads to the pristine Saru Tal Lake located at 4,200 meters inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
- Spectacular Himalayan Peak Views: From the surrounding ridges and meadows trekkers can witness panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak (Kalanag).
- Combination of Kedarkantha Summit & Saru Tal: This trek uniquely combines the famous Kedarkantha summit trek with the remote Saru Lake, offering both summit climbing and alpine lake exploration.
- Vast High-Altitude Meadows: The trek passes through beautiful alpine grasslands like Sarutal Bugyal, known for wide open landscapes and blooming wildflowers during summer.
- Remote and Less Crowded Trail: Compared to many commercial Himalayan treks, the Saru Taal trek remains relatively unexplored, offering solitude and peaceful Himalayan wilderness.
- Dense Forest Trails: The route begins through dense pine, oak and rhododendron forests near Sankri village, making the initial part of the trek scenic and diverse.
- Photographic Landscapes: The reflections of surrounding Himalayan peaks in the crystal clear waters of Saru Lake make it a perfect location for landscape photography.
- Ideal High-Altitude Trek: With a trekking distance of about 60–61 km, the Saru Tal trek offers the perfect balance of adventure, alpine scenery and remote Himalayan exploration.
- Gateway to Govind Wildlife Sanctuary: The trek takes place inside one of Uttarakhand’s most biodiverse protected areas, home to rare Himalayan flora and fauna.
- Perfect for Offbeat Trek Lovers: For trekkers seeking a less crowded route beyond popular trails, the Saru Lake trek is one of the most rewarding hidden treks in Uttarakhand.