A true high altitude adventure through its DNA. The Dharansi Pass trek is one of the most sought after trek in the western himalayas. The trek passes through the magnificent Nanda Devi Sanctuary, an amphitheater of seventy miles of endless himalayan peaks adjacent to the Rishi Ganga valley.
Note: We encourage responsible tourism. Practice these guidelines while on a trip!
Covid-19 Advisory
- All staff and residents wear masks at the property
- Usage of Sanitisers
- Rooms are thoroughly sanitised before check in
- Regular temperature checks
Accomdations
Service Level
Transportation
Food
Age
15 to 65 yearsDifficulty
ModerateFitness Guide
- Requires basic fitness like the ability to Jog/ Brisk-walk in continuity for 3/4 kms.
- Since the trek will have long strides on some days , its important you have no breathe related challenges. Do basic breathing exercise to increase your lung intake capacity.
- While practicing this don't forget to stretch
Who is this tour for?
Note: This is a group tour. Minimum group size is 12 people

Tour Experience
Over View:
Max Altitude : 14,000 ft | Trek Distance : 58 kms
The scarce access to the inner sanctum of The Nanda Devi sanctuary makes this trek one of the most sought after treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Due to the restrictions on this trail, it is one of the least visited and virgin trails in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek from Lata Village was banned for a long time but recently it has been partially re-opened for a limited number for trekkers every year.
Dharansi Pass gives you an opportunity to peak into the protected Nanda Devi Sanctuary. No other trek gets as close to this divine landscape
Peak Sightings from the Nanda Devi Sanctuary at 14,000ft
Nanda Devi (7816mts) & Nanda Devi East (7430mts), Dunagiri (7066mts), Trishul (7120mts), Devisthan (6678mts), Bethartoli (6352mts) ,Changabang (6864 mtr), Gauri Parbat (6708 mtr), Hathi Parbat (6727 mtr), Nanda Ghunti (6309 mtr), Bethattoli Himal (6352 mtr), Devistan (6678 mtr), Bethattoli South (6318 mtr)
7N/ 8D
Departure: FixedYou will be doing:
You will be experiencing:
Itinerary
Travel notes of the day
For someone who loves mountain drives, this is an eye candy. The drive passes through unending valleys ,winding roads , river tributaries .
KaranPrayag, Devprayag, Chamoli are some of the popular spots we will be passing.
Pro-Tip: Use time in Joshimath to complete any last minute shopping.
Welcome Aboard !
Hope you are as excited as we are to undertake this magnificent journey. Our first day is mostly spent travelling to Joshimath from Rishikesh / Dehradun. It a longish drive , depending on road conditions one should reach Joshimath before sundown.
- Rishikesh/Dehradun/Haridwar
- Joshimath
Travel notes of the day
Did you know: The villages we will be visiting today are the birth place of the - Chipko movement in the Himalayas.
Trail Gradient: Uphill Climb
A relatively easy day today. We leave the hill town of Joshimath and head on deeper into the mountains to reach the head of the village- Lata. It takes 25 KM of narrow mountain roads to get to Lata village head. From here we trek to reach Lata village.
Once at Lata village we explore this beautiful village at our own pace, interact with the village folks over a cup of tea.
- Joshimath 6696 ft
- Lata Village 7776 ft
Travel notes of the day
Lata Kharak is a high plateau with views of high peaks surrounding it.
The elevation gain is amazing as we gain 43664 ft in 9 kms
Trek Gradient: Incline
Todays trail passes through dense Oak and Rhododendron forests of the Garwahal Himalayas. We gradually gain altitude as we pass from one ridge to another with a side steam flowing along our trail.
Once we cross the second stream the trail gets steeper and after a series of switch backs we reach the village of Lata karak.
The trail is a bit tough but the unfolding landscape and views as we gain altitude make it a breeze !
- Lata Village 7776 ft
- Lata Kharak 12140 ft
Travel notes of the day
We will start this trail early to avoid any weather post noon.
From the Jhandi Dhar ridge, soak in view of the other side of the valley. Mt. Dunagiri looks like a stone’s throw away from here. On a clear day, one can see the peaks from Kedarnath side as well .
Dharansi is the perfect spot for peak viewing. To the south rise Bethartoli Himal, Trisul and Ronti. To the east, Nanda Devi, Devistan, Hanuman and Dunagiri. Far to the northwest are the Chaukhamba massif and the Kedarnath range. Few Himalayan views match the one from Dharansi.
Wake up to find yourself surrounded by towering snow clad peaks Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti and many more of their cousins . After breakfast in the company of these snow clad giant's we start today's trail to Dharansi Pass.
The trail from Lata Kharak to Jandi dhar is a steep climb. From Jandi Dhar we gain pace as we walk on a flats until a further 500 metres . From here the trails gets steeper to reach Bagfyana pass.
From here on it ascends and descends through the narrow gorge of Satkul to reach Dharansi Pass.
We have a camping permit at Dharansi Pass so we spend the night here among these giants waking upto find Nanda Devi and all its cousins is full glory
- Lata Kharak 12139 ft
- Dharansi Pass 14,000 ft
Travel notes of the day
On today's trail the Malthuni - Bethratoli Ridge's of the inner and outer sanctuary form a magnificent pass upto Rani Kholi and Donidar.
The trail is a steep descent of about a kilometer to Debrugheta. Return to Dharansi Pass by late noon.
Trail Gradient: Gentle
Our aim is to trek further up to Debrughati. Most start descent after the Dharansi pass trail, mostly due to lack of permission to climb further. We continue to stay on the trail . Our aim is to get as close to the inner sanctuary.
We cross the Malathuni Pass and head down to the gorgeous alp of Dibrughati. Beyond Dibrughati lies the Rishi Ganga river and the off-limits inner sanctuary. This is the end of line , this is the farthest human steps can get to.
- Dharansi Pass 14,000 ft
- Debrughati 14,200 ft
Travel notes of the day
Today we will go through Jhandi Dhar, a steep descent of 4.5 km to Lata Kharak through thick forests of Rhododendron, Birch and Fir
Its not everyday that one get to wake up at 14,000 ft surrounded by himalayan snow clad giants. These is second time lucky as we leave these heights to descend to to Lata Kahrak.
- Dharansi Pass 14000 ft
- Lata Kharak 12140 ft
We trace our route back through the oak and rhododendron forests to Lata Village. Once we reach Lata village we break to catch our breath and bid good bye to the village before we hike a little further to our awaiting vehicles.
We drive to Joshimath and stay the night.
- Lata Kharak 12140 ft
- Lata Village 7776 ft
- Joshimath 6201 ft
Travel notes of the day
You will reach Rishikesh by evening, just before sunset depending on road conditions. As a group you could also hire a private vehicle from Joshimath to drop you off to your destination.
Make sure your onward travel arrangements are as per your arrival time. Mostly people take the onward journey after a nights rest in Rishikesh.
We bid good bye to the Dharansi Pass Trek . Folks travelling onwards from Joshimath have a wonderful route drive of 260 kms of winding roads and valleys ! Enjoy the drive.
- Joshimath
- Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun
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Other Details
- Drive from Joshimath to Lata road head and back
- Accommodation and food in Joshimath on the first and last day.
- Stay and accommodation during the trek
- All meals starting from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on the 2nd last day.
- Rentals for all common gear provided to you like tent, sleeping bags etc.
- Forest entry permit charges.
- Guide charges
- Maximum Group Size : 12
- 5% GST
- Transport from Rishikesh to Joshimath ( 260 KMS) and back. We can arrange a Tata sumo/ Bolero category of vehicle for INR 6000 and INR 8000 INR for an Innova- This is based on actual cost of transport
- Meals or drinks purchased by participants during the travel or trek (example biscuits, fruits etc)
- Rentals for personal gear
- Trek Insurance (Optional)
- Flight/Train/Bus ticket till Dehradun
- Backpack offloading charges. You are expected to carry your own backpack. Trekkers unable to do so can opt for a porterage service at 400/day.
Please adhere to this advisory for a smooth trip:
- No alcohol on trek
- Respect privacy of other guests
- You will be staying at villages, please respect the locals and their practices
- Don't pluck fruits with out the permission of the locals
- This is a Zero Plastic trip , please carry your water bottles
- All waste produced on the trek will be disposed properly at the villages. No tossing waste on the trail
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