The Ruinsara Lake Trek is one of the most enchanting and lesser-explored trails in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Tucked away in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, this pristine alpine lake lies at an altitude of around 3,500 meters (11,500 ft) and is surrounded by snow-draped peaks, dense pine forests, and meadows blooming with wildflowers. Known for its mythological significance and breathtaking natural beauty, Ruinsara Lake offers trekkers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and serenity.
Natural Beauty and Landscape
The trek to Ruinsara Lake takes you through a diverse landscape – ancient oak and rhododendron forests, gushing streams, quaint Himalayan villages, and high-altitude meadows. As you ascend, the trail opens up to spectacular views of towering peaks such as Swargarohini (6,252 m), Bandarpunch (6,316 m), Black Peak (Kalanag, 6,387 m), and Dhumdhar Kandi Pass. The lake itself is a shimmering crystal-clear expanse, often reflecting the snow-capped peaks and blue skies, creating a picture-perfect sight.
Reaching Ruinsara Lake (3,500 m) involves a combination of road travel and trekking. The journey is not just about reaching the destination but also about experiencing the changing landscapes – from bustling cities to remote villages and finally into the untouched wilderness of the Garhwal Himalayas. Below is a detailed guide on how to get there:
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 220 km from Sankri – the trek base).
Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Lucknow to Dehradun.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab/bus to reach Dehradun city, and from there, continue your journey towards Sankri.
By Train
The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, around 200 km from Sankri.
Well-connected by trains from cities such as Delhi (Nanda Devi Express, Mussoorie Express, Shatabdi Express) and other northern cities.
From Dehradun railway station, you can board buses, shared jeeps, or taxis to reach Sankri.
By Road
Dehradun to Sankri (200–220 km | 8–10 hours):
The drive passes through scenic hill towns such as Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Netwar. Roads wind through pine and oak forests, apple orchards, and alongside the Tons River, offering breathtaking views.Buses/Shared Taxis:
From Dehradun ISBT, buses and shared taxis leave early in the morning (5:00–7:00 AM) for Sankri.
Alternatively, private taxis are available, which are more convenient but costlier.
Delhi to Sankri (430 km | 12–14 hours):
If you are traveling directly from Delhi, overnight Volvo/AC buses are available to Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can continue by road to Sankri.
Trek Route from Sankri to Ruinsara Lake
The trekking portion begins once you reach Sankri village (1,950 m). This is a popular hub for treks in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.
Sankri → Taluka (12 km drive | 1 hour):
A motorable road (depending on conditions) takes you to Taluka village, the actual trek starting point. Some trekkers prefer to walk this stretch for acclimatization.Taluka → Seema/Osla (12 km trek | 5–6 hrs):
The trail runs along the Tons River, through dense forests and charming wooden villages. Osla village, with its traditional architecture and temple dedicated to Duryodhana, is a cultural highlight.Seema/Osla → Dev Thach (14 km trek | 6–7 hrs):
A gradual ascent through meadows and alpine pastures, with stunning views of Swargarohini and Black Peak. Dev Thach serves as a picturesque campsite surrounded by greenery.Dev Thach → Ruinsara Lake (8 km trek | 4–5 hrs):
The final stretch involves a steady climb through forests and meadows before the grand reveal of the serene Ruinsara Lake, reflecting snow-draped peaks in its still waters.
Best Route Summary:
Delhi → Dehradun → Sankri (via Mussoorie/Purola) → Taluka → Osla → Dev Thach → Ruinsara Lake
Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey:
Always start early from Dehradun to reach Sankri by evening, as mountain roads become risky after dark.
Carry sufficient cash – ATMs are not available beyond Mori/Netwar.
Network connectivity is patchy beyond Sankri, so inform family/friends beforehand.
Local shared taxis from Dehradun to Sankri fill up fast, so advance booking or early arrival is advisable.
For group travelers, hiring a private cab from Dehradun is more time-efficient and comfortable.
The Ruinsara Lake Trek lies in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Apart from the trek itself, the region offers many cultural, spiritual, and natural attractions that trekkers can explore before or after their trek. Here’s a detailed list of nearby places to Ruinsara Lake:
1. Sankri (Base Village) – 0 km
The starting point of the Ruinsara Lake Trek and many other treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Baraadsar Lake.
A quaint Himalayan hamlet known for its wooden houses, apple orchards, and views of Swargarohini peaks.
Ideal to explore local life, enjoy village walks, and stock up on last-minute essentials.
2. Taluka (12 km drive/trek from Sankri)
A small village and gateway to treks like Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Lake.
Known for traditional wooden houses and a peaceful environment along the Tons River.
Trekkers often spend time here to acclimatize or enjoy short village trails.
3. Osla Village (12 km trek from Taluka)
Famous for its ancient wooden temple dedicated to Duryodhana from the Mahabharata.
The village showcases rich Garhwali culture, wooden architecture, and folklore.
A must-visit for those interested in Himalayan traditions and lifestyle.
4. Har Ki Dun Valley (approx. 12–14 km from Osla)
A nearby trek destination often combined with Ruinsara Lake.
Known as the “Valley of Gods,” it offers breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.
Famous for lush meadows, alpine forests, and a mythological connection to the Pandavas’ journey to heaven.
5. Dev Thach (en route to Ruinsara Lake)
A scenic alpine meadow with vast open grasslands surrounded by peaks.
Offers excellent camping and panoramic views of the Swargarohini massif.
A perfect place for stargazing and enjoying Himalayan wilderness.
6. Yamunotri Dham (approx. 55–60 km by road from Sankri)
One of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Accessible via a trek from Janki Chatti.
Offers hot water springs, temples, and spiritual vibes.
7. Netwar (35 km from Sankri)
Known for the Someshwar Mahadev Temple and as the entry gate to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.
A beautiful riverside settlement with rich flora and fauna.
8. Mori (40 km from Sankri)
A serene riverside town along the Tons River.
Popular for camping, angling, and river rafting.
Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests, making it an ideal relaxation stop.
9. Purola (70 km from Sankri)
Known as the “Gateway to Har Ki Dun Valley.”
A charming town with apple orchards and lush greenery.
Offers basic accommodations and eateries for trekkers.
10. Dodital Lake (around 80 km from Sankri, via Uttarkashi)
Another high-altitude lake trek in Uttarakhand.
Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
Surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests, making it a tranquil escape.
11. Yamunotri National Park (60–70 km away)
Spread over alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks, home to species like Himalayan monal, musk deer, and bharal.
A paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Distance/Time: 200 km drive, 8–9 hours.
Begin your journey from Dehradun Railway Station/ISBT early in the morning.
Drive through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Netwar along the Tons River.
Arrive at Sankri village, the base camp for treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Ruinsara Lake.
Evening: Explore Sankri village, enjoy views of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch peaks.
Overnight stay in guesthouse/homestay.
Drive: 12 km, 1 hour to Taluka.
Trek: 12 km, 5–6 hours.
Trail follows the Tons River through dense pine, deodar, and walnut forests.
Cross small streams, wooden bridges, and meadows.
Arrive at Seema/Osla village – famous for its ancient Duryodhana temple and wooden houses.
Camping/guesthouse stay.
Trek Distance: 14 km, 6–7 hours.
Trail gradually ascends through conifer forests and meadows.
Pass by shepherd huts and open grazing lands.
Dev Thach meadow opens up with magnificent views of Swargarohini (6,252 m) and other snow peaks.
Perfect site for camping under starry skies.
Trek Distance: 10 km, 5–6 hours.
The trail becomes steeper with alpine vegetation and rocky sections.
Reach Ruinsara Tal, a glacial lake surrounded by snow peaks, alpine meadows, and rhododendron forests.
The lake has mythological significance – locals believe it was visited by the Pandavas during their Mahabharata journey.
Spend the evening relaxing by the lake.
Camp overnight beside the lake.
Rest and explore the pristine surroundings.
Short hikes around the lake to admire Kyarkoti, Swargarohini massif, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.
Perfect day for photography, meditation, and acclimatization.
Optional extension: Trek towards Bali Pass base camp (4,000 m) if combining with Bali Pass Trek.
Overnight camping at Ruinsara Lake.
- Trek Distance: 12 km, 5–6 hours.
- Descend along the Tons River trail, through pine and walnut forests.
- Arrive at Taluka, drive back to Sankri (12 km, 1 hour).
- Evening at leisure – explore Sankri’s apple orchards and village markets.
- Overnight stay in Sankri.
- Distance/Time: 200 km, 8–9 hours drive.
- Depart early morning from Sankri.
- Scenic drive through pine forests, riverside roads, and Himalayan villages.
- Reach Dehradun by evening – trek ends.
Ruinsara Lake, also called Ruinsara Tal, is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 3,500 meters in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It lies in the foothills of Swargarohini, Black Peak (Kalanag), and Bandarpoonch ranges.
Summer (May – June): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, pleasant trekking conditions.
Post-Monsoon (September – October): Crisp weather, golden meadows, and excellent mountain visibility.
Winter (November – April): Heavy snowfall makes the trek challenging and not recommended unless you are an experienced trekker with guides.
It is a moderate trek with daily trekking distances of 8–14 km.
Trails involve forest walks, river crossings, steep ascents, and rocky paths.
Suitable for beginners with good fitness levels as well as experienced trekkers
The trek typically takes 7–8 days from Dehradun to Dehradun.
If combined with Har Ki Dun Valley, it extends to 10–11 days.
- The highest point is Ruinsara Lake at 3,500 m, with nearby extensions (like Bali Pass base camp) reaching up to 4,000 m.