Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek

Why Choose This Trek?

The Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek is an offbeat high-altitude trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. It combines pristine alpine lakes, dense forests, lush meadows, and high mountain passes in a single journey. The trek starts from Sari / Uttarkashi, passes through Dodital Lake, and culminates at the Darwa Pass (~4,200 m / 13,800 ft) offering breathtaking 360° views of Himalayan peaks.

This trek is perfect for experienced beginners and moderate-level trekkers who want solitude, nature, and adventure away from crowded trails.

What Makes Dodital – Darwa Pass Special?

• Dodital Lake – Crystal-clear high-altitude lake surrounded by snow peaks; ideal for photography and camping.
• Darwa Pass Summit – Panoramic views of Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, and Chaukhamba ranges.
• Offbeat & Serene – Less trekked, peaceful trail with authentic Himalayan village experiences.
• All-in-One Landscape – Forests, meadows, rivers, alpine lakes, and snow-capped summits in 7–8 days.
• Adventure & Moderate Challenge – Ideal for trekkers seeking a combination of moderate trekking and high-altitude experience.

Trek Highlights – Dodital – Darwa Pass

• Duration: 7–8 Days
• Maximum Altitude: ~4,200 m / 13,800 ft (Darwa Pass)
• Trek Distance: ~45–50 km (round trip)
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Best Season:
  • Summer (May–June): Green meadows & clear skies
  • Autumn (Sept–Oct): Crisp landscapes & stable weather
  • Winter (Nov–Feb): Snow trekking for experienced trekkers
• Base Camp: Sari / Uttarkashi (7,200 ft)

Inclusions

• Insurance is Mandatory.
• Accommodation: Guest house, homestay, camping (as per itinerary).
• Meals (Veg + Egg): All meals while trekking.
• Transportation: Dehradun → Uttarkashi → Sangamchatti and return (as per itinerary).
• Support Staff:1 versatile base camp manager (for communication & emergencies), 1 mountaineering & first aid qualified expedition leader, 1 experienced high-altitude chef, local experienced guides (based on group size), and adequate support staff.
• Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, sleeping liners (if required), mattress, utensils, twin-sharing all-season tents, kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, camping stools, walkie talkies, ropes, helmet, ice axe, harness (if required), climbing boots, gaiters & crampons/micro spikes (if required).
• First Aid: Medical kit, stretcher, oxygen cylinder, BP monitor, oximeter, stethoscope.
• Cloakroom service at base camp.
• Mules/porters for carrying central luggage.
• Permits & Entry Fees: All necessary permits up to the amount charged for Indian nationals.

Exclusions

• Insurance: For non-Indian Nationals, NRI, or OCI card holders.
• Food during transit.
• Any personal expenses.
• Mule/porter for personal luggage.
• Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charges, etc.
• Extra costs due to itinerary changes/extensions from natural calamities, roadblocks, vehicle breakdowns, or factors beyond control.
• Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions".

On Demand (extra cost, subject to availability):

• Satellite Phone: Works via satellite links, usable in remote locations.
• Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag: Portable hyperbaric chamber for treatment of AMS (altitude sickness).
• AEDs: Automated External Defibrillators for sudden cardiac arrest emergencies.

How to Reach Dodital Trek

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), ~140 km from Uttarkashi. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and others. Taxi/shared cab (~40–50 mins) to Dehradun Railway Station / ISBT for trek pickup.
• By Train: Dehradun Railway Station (~140 km from Uttarkashi). Overnight trains from Delhi include Nanda Devi Express (~6.5 hrs) & Dehradun Express (~8 hrs). Other cities connect via Delhi/Haridwar. Overnight trains are recommended.
• By Road: Volvo/state buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate (~6–7 hrs). Also available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, and Jaipur.
• Dehradun → Uttarkashi (Base Pickup): Pickup from Dehradun Railway Station/Prince Chowk between 6:00–8:00 AM on Day 1. Drive ~140 km (5–6 hrs) via Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Yamuna Valley. Drop-off same point after trek.
• Uttarkashi → Sangamchatti (Start Point):Drive ~12 km (45–60 mins). Trek begins towards Bebra/Manjhi → Dodital Lake → Darwa Pass.

Who Can Do the Trek?

• Beginners & First-Time Trekkers: Moderate trail, suitable with good fitness. Summit push to 13,300 ft (Darwa Top). 7-day trek, 4–9 km daily (excl. summit day).
• Adventure & Nature Lovers: Forests, meadows, alpine lakes, snow peaks. Great for photographers, birdwatchers, and offbeat seekers.
• Fitness Enthusiasts: Moderate challenge to test stamina before longer treks. Daily 4–8 hrs trek, altitudes 7,500–13,300 ft.
• Students, Solo Travelers & Small Groups:Budget-friendly, manageable within a week.

Health & Fitness Check

• Walk 5–6 km comfortably in one stretch.
• Stamina: Jog/walk 4–5 km in 25–30 mins.
• Climb 3–4 flights of stairs without stopping.
• Carry 8–10 kg backpack (or 3–5 kg with offload).
• Recommended: Age 15–55, normal BP & sugar, no serious heart/asthma/epilepsy/knee issues. Heart check for more than 40 yrs or with cardiac history.
• Pre-Trek Prep: Jogging, brisk walking, or cycling 3–4 weeks before trek + squats, lunges, core strength. Breathing exercises if trekking first time at altitude.

Things to Carry

• Clothing: 2–3 trek T-shirts, 2 trek pants, fleece/sweater, padded jacket, thermals (winter), raincoat/poncho, woolen cap, gloves, 3–4 pairs socks.
• Footwear: Trekking shoes with grip & camp slippers.
• Accessories: 40–50L backpack with rain cover, sunglasses, trekking pole, torch/headlamp, water bottle (1–2L), power bank.
• Personal Essentials: Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizer, toiletries, medicines, sanitizer, ID proof.
• Snacks: Dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars.
• Avoid: Jeans, heavy cotton clothes, valuables, alcohol, smoking, disposable plastics.