Uttarakhand

Saru Tal

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Saru Tal Trek: Discover a Hidden Himalayan Alpine Lake

A trek to Himalayan holy water

Discover the pristine Saru Tal. A serene alpine lake trek offering untouched natural beauty in the Himalayas. A peaceful escape into nature's embrace.

6-70km

Total Trekking Distance

4,150m

Highest Altitude

Sep-Oct

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Meadow Stretches

Trek through vast meadow stretches leading to the Saru Tal region

Ridge Walk

Dramatic approach via a ridge offers grand views in all directions

Saru Tal

Navigate through a challenging stretch as you trek to Saru Tal

Mountain Pass Viewpoint

This dramatic section of the trail passes between two towering mountain walls, offering a powerful close-up perspective of the Himalayas.

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Saru Tal (4,150 m)

Region:

Uttarakhand

7

Day 7 – Drive from Sankri to Dehradun

After breakfast, begin your return drive to Dehradun, leaving behind the remote mountain landscapes and returning to the city. The journey marks the end of an unforgettable trek filled with alpine lakes, vast meadows, and pristine Himalayan wilderness.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

6

Day 6 – Trek from Devsu Bugyal to Taluka and Drive to Sankri

Descend through forests and valleys, retracing your route toward Taluka while enjoying the final moments of trekking in this remote region. The downhill walk is easier and allows you to move comfortably while reflecting on the journey. From Taluka, drive back to Sankri and relax at the guesthouse after completing the trek.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

5

Day 5 – Explore Saru Tal and Return to Devsu Bugyal (3,400 meters)

Wake up to a magical sunrise over the lake, where the calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks in perfect stillness. After spending time exploring and enjoying the peaceful environment, begin your descent back to Devsu Bugyal. The descent offers a different perspective of the landscape, allowing you to appreciate the vast meadows and mountain views once again.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

4

Day 4 – Trek from Devsu Bugyal to Saru Tal (4,150 meters)

This is the most rewarding and dramatic day of the trek as you ascend toward Saru Tal. The trail climbs steadily through remote high-altitude terrain, with panoramic views becoming more spectacular at every step. Upon reaching Saru Tal, you are greeted by a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness. Spend time exploring the lake, soaking in the serenity, and experiencing one of the most beautiful and remote lake settings in the Himalayas.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

3

Day 3 – Trek from Seema to Devsu Bugyal (3,400 meters)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the mountains as you ascend steadily through dense forests and increasingly open landscapes. As you gain altitude, the terrain begins to open into vast alpine meadows known as bugyals, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks and valleys. Devsu Bugyal is a breathtaking high-altitude meadow where you camp overnight, surrounded by complete wilderness and expansive Himalayan scenery.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

2

Day 2 – Drive from Sankri to Taluka and Trek to Seema (2,560 meters)

After breakfast, take a short mountain drive to Taluka, the road head of the trek. From here, begin trekking along the Supin River, passing through dense forests of pine and deodar along with charming wooden villages that reflect traditional Himalayan life. The trail is gradual and scenic, allowing you to comfortably ease into trekking while enjoying river views and peaceful surroundings before reaching the beautiful campsite at Seema.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

1

Day 1 – Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (1,950 meters)

Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Dehradun to the remote Himalayan village of Sankri, which serves as the base camp for the trek. The drive passes through beautiful valleys, river confluences, pine forests, and traditional mountain settlements, gradually introducing you to the slower rhythm of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse, acclimatize to the altitude, and enjoy views of surrounding peaks in the peaceful village atmosphere.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

Key Notes

A hidden high-altitude alpine lake nestled at 4,150 meters, Saru Tal is known for its pristine waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and untouched wilderness. The trail passes through ancient forests, remote valleys, and glacier-fed landscapes, offering a raw and immersive Himalayan experience. Its remote setting and breathtaking scenery make it one of the most rewarding and exclusive lake treks in Uttarakhand.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals as per itinerary

Ground transportation for all scheduled transfers and internal travel

Guided excursions, walks, or treks as outlined in the itinerary

Not Included

Airfare or train tickets to and from the trip start and end points

Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

Personal expenses & tips

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary — seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Saru Tal is best suited for experienced trekkers and strong intermediate hikers who are looking to explore beyond the popular trails like Har Ki Dun. It is ideal for those who have prior high-altitude trekking experience and want to challenge themselves with remote alpine terrain, glacier crossings, and steep ascents. Adventure seekers, serious mountain lovers, and trekkers preparing for more technical Himalayan expeditions will find this trek especially rewarding due to its raw beauty and demanding nature.

Challenges to Expect

This trek involves long trekking days, steep climbs, high altitude exposure above 4,000 meters, and sections with loose rocks, snow patches (depending on season), and moraine terrain. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with cold nights, strong winds, and occasional snowfall even in peak season. The remoteness of the trail means limited evacuation options and basic camping facilities, making endurance, mental strength, and proper acclimatization extremely important.

Fitness Expectations

Trekkers should have excellent physical fitness with the ability to walk 6–8 hours daily for multiple consecutive days while carrying a backpack. Good cardiovascular endurance, strong leg strength, and prior experience trekking above 3,500 meters are highly recommended. Preparation should include regular running (5–6 km), stair climbing, strength training, and endurance workouts for at least 6–8 weeks before the trek to ensure safety and enjoyment at high altitude.

FAQs

Can I customize a trip or create a private experience for my group?

Absolutely — custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail — permits, logistics, menus, support staff — so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Do I need travel insurance to join a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

Key Highlights

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