Discover Sunderdhunga Trek, Uttarakhand: “Valley of Beautiful Stones”
The Sunderdhunga Trek, Uttarakhand is a breathtaking journey through the Himalayas, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine glaciers. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts, this trek provides an off-the-beaten-path experience in the serene Kumaon region.
The Sunderdhunga Valley, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand near Nanda Devi, is a hidden gem. I first learned about it from Eric Shipton’s ‘Nanda Devi’ and Jim Corbett’s ‘Man-Eaters of Kumaon.
Sunderdhunga Trek Overview
Destinations: Bageshwar, Saung, Loharkhet, Khati, Jatoli, Kathalaya, Sunderdhunga
Experience: Sunderdhunga Trek (Moderate to Challenging)
Maximum Altitude: 4,320 m (Approx.) Sunderdhunga Trek
Sunderdhunga Trek Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Sunderdhunga Trek Ideal Time: May, June, September and October
Trek Itinerary: Bageshwar to Sunderdhunga
Day 1: Bageshwar to Lohanhel
- Start Point: Bageshwar
- Activity: Visit the ancient Baghnath temple.
Day 2: Lohanhel to Khati
- Start Point: Lohanhel
- Activity: Trek 19 km to Khati.
- Destination: Khati, the largest village in the region with views of Nandakot peaks.
- Overnight: Stay in Khati.
Day 3: Khati to Jatoli
- Start Point: Khati
- Activity: Trek 14 km to Jatoli, passing through thick Rhododendron forests.
- Destination: Jatoli.
- Overnight: Stay in Jatoli.
Day 4: Jatoli to Kathaliya
- Start Point: Jatoli
- Activity: Trek 13 km to Kathaliya through alpine forests.
- Intensity: Moderate.
- Destination: Kathaliya, the last inhabited village enroute Sunderdhunga Glacier.
- Overnight: Stay in Kathaliya.
Day 5: Kathaliya to Sunderdhunga and back to Kathaliya
- Start Point: Kathaliya
- Activity: Trek to Sunderdhunga via Makoli Top (steep) or Sukhram Cave.
- Destination: Sunderdhunga.
- Return: Back to Kathaliya the same day.
- Overnight: Stay in Kathaliya.
Day 6: Kathaliya to Jatoli
- Start Point: Kathaliya
- Activity: Trek 13 km back to Jatoli.
- Duration: Around 5 hours.
- Overnight: Stay in Jatoli.
Day 7: Jatoli to Dhakuri
- Start Point: Jatoli
- Activity: Trek 14 km to Dhakuri.
- Overnight: Stay in Dhakuri.
Day 8: Dhakuri to Loharkhet to Bageshwar
- Start Point: Dhakuri
- Activity: Trek 14 km downwards to Loharkhet, then take a bus to Bageshwar.
- End Point: Bageshwar, where the tour concludes.
Getting There
Reaching the start of the Sunderdhunga Valley trek is quite a journey. From Kathgodam, the nearest train station, or Pantnagar, the nearest airport, it’s an 6-7-hour drive to the Bageshwar the trek’s starting point.
Sunderdhunga Valley Journey to Become Easier with Several Scenic Spots
Bagheswar:
A new pedestrian path connecting Sunderdhunga Valley is set to be constructed soon. This will make it easier for tourists to reach sightseeing spots like Devi Kund and Nag Kund. Recently, the visibility of Swastik Mountain has increased the potential for religious tourism. Adventure travel is expected to begin after September 15.
In the Kapkot constituency, the 5 km route leading to Kafni Glacier was damaged by natural calamities. The reconstruction of the Sunderdhunga Valley footpath will commence soon, following administrative and financial approval. The project will cost ₹96.98 lakhs.
Joint Secretary Shyam Singh has sent the approval letter to the District Magistrate and the Public Works Department. Once completed, traveling to Sunderdhunga Valley will be easier.
Efforts have begun to develop Devi Kund and Nag Kund as religious tourism sites in the Sunderdhunga Valley of Bageshwar District. Work is underway to make the adventurous trek to these locations more accessible.
How to Reach:
- From Kapkot to Khaati: 60 km by road.
- From Khaati to Jaatoli: 7 km.
- From Jaatoli to Kathliya: 12 km.
- From Kathliya to Bailuni Bugyal: 3 km.
- From Bailuni to Devi Kund: 5 km.
- From Devi Kund to Nag Kund: 5 km on foot.
Upon arrival, visitors can view a pristine lake surrounded by snow year-round. The approved funds for the 5 km footpath repair will facilitate easier access to Nag Kund and Devi Kund.
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