About Darma Valley Trek
Darma Valley trek, relatively an unexplored trek, is known for
offering mesmerizing scenic beauty. More or less, Darma Valley trek and
Panchachuli Base Camp Trek follows the same route, the only difference
is that trekkers are going to explore the vicinity of Darma Valley more
deeply. Trekking to Darma Valley can be little strenuous though it may
be easily trekked with sensible trekking techniques.
The trek commences from Sobla, the entry point of the Darma valley.
Trail moves further to Duktu through Dar, Sela, Baling and Baling. Duktu
along with Dantu, two remote villages, are a part of the Darma Valley.
Also, the valley is inhabited by 12 villages with population of less
than 1000 people. Relax on the green flower-strewn meadows of Duktu and
relish the view of the Panch Chulli peaks. The trail from Duktu becomes a
bit strenuous as one head towards the east face of Panch Chulli by
crossing glaciers and continued to trek towards Bungling. Cuddled
between Lassar Yankti Valley and Kuthi Yangti Valley, Darma Valley
offers the breathtaking view of Panch Chulli peaks. The valley is also
known for the flora dotted in the region. Pious for some and adventurous
for other, Darma Valley also holds a strong religious connection.
According to the historians, Pandavas (central characters of Mahabharat)
cooked their last meal on the five peaks of Panch Chuli Massif before
leaving for heaven.
Area : Kumaon Himalaya
Duration : 12 Days (4 days traveling/8 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid April - Mid October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 3470 mts/11390 ft
Total Trekking : 60 K.M
The itinerary mentioned in next tab, will tell you how to prepare for
trekking trip and provides day-by-day route description of this
thrilling trek. More or less Darma Valley route follows the same as the
Panchachuli Base Camp Trek, but the best part of this trek is that
trekkers will explore Darma Valley more deeply. The trek passes through
flower-strewn meadows, water streams, and ancient towns, which makes it
an absolute delight for the trekkers.
Darma Valley Trekking Tour Highlights
- Incredible views of majestic Panchachuli peaks
- Enchanting Darma Valley
- Observe rich cultures and traditions of remote villages
- Pleasing waterfalls and streams all through the trek
Best Time to Visit Adi Kailash Trek
The weather best suits for Darma Valley trek during mid-April to June
as the temperature is pleasing and monsoon yet remains to start
blocking the route with landslides. Mid-September to late October is
also the best time to trek to Darma Valley.
Weather in Darma Valley Trek
Summer: Summer months mid-March till mid-June is the best time
to trek to Darma Valley. The sun warms up the cool region of Darma
Valley and trekkers find it easy to cope with the environment.
Monsoon: During monsoon season, the route gets slippery and trekkers find it very difficult to make through the route.
Spring: Mid-September to late October, the charming spring favors trekkers to make way to Darma Valley. Pleasing sun and calm weather.
Winter: season starting from November till late February, the
temperature falls significantly low and thus tourists cannot trek in
Darma Valley.
Where is the Darma Valley ?
Darma Valley is situated in the Pithoragarh District of the Kumaon
division, Uttarakhand. The valley came into being because of the Darma
River. Darma Valley is sandwiched between two other valleys in the
Himalayas – Kuthi Yangti Valley (to the east) and Lassar Yangti Valley
(to the west). Gangachal Dhura connects Darma Valley with Lassar Valley,
while Sinla Pass and Nama Pass link the Darma Valley with Kuthi Yangti.
Darma Valley begins at the Sino-Indian border near the Dawe Village
and extends up to South. The place has magnificent flora, which includes
wild flowers especially the lovely orchids which are found over here in
huge numbers. Alpine meadows, thick forests, waterfalls and streams
weave a web of magic in the entire valley. There are around 12 villages
with a meager population of less than 1,000 people. Primary occupations
of people are livestock rearing, trading and farming (common crops -
buckwheat and potatoes). The land meant for cultivation has been reduced
by 25% from its former size after the migration of 1970s, boosting the
biodiversity of the valley.
How to Reach Darma Valley
By Bus: Dharcula, the nearest town to Darma Valley, is well-connected with major regions of Uttarakhand through motorable roads.
By Rail: From Kathgodam Railway Station, one can easily get a cab or bus to Dharchula
By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar which receives regular flights from Delhi.
Darma Valley (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi - Kathgodam (300 kms by train)
Take an AC Train for Kathgodam from Old Delhi railway station at 2245 hrs and reach Kathgodam early next morning at 0600 hrs. Overnight journey.Day 02: Kathgodam - Almora (4 hours Drive)
After you arrive at Kathgodam railway station, we will drive towards Almora a 4 hour run. After reaching in the evening you can visit the market for the shopping or stay in the Hotel and relax.Day 03: Almora - Dharchula (8 hours Drive)
After having breakfast we will drive for around 206 kilometres which will take about (8 hours) to reach Dharchula through the scenic Kumaoun valley.Then we will cross Jouljibi; At Jouljibi there is the convergence of the River Gori with river Kali that crosses into India from Nepal at Dharchula.
