Gulabi Kantha is situated at an altitude of approx. 12,000 feet above the sea level. It is a lush green Bugyal (meadow) which lies on the way to famous freshwater lake trek popularly known as Dodital. Dodital is also known as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god in Hindu mythology. Gulabi Kantha provides a 360-degree view of the Himalayan mountain range such as Bandar Poonch peak, Kalindisirkala, Shivalik mountains, and Chaukhamba peaks. The place offers a panoramic view of sunrise and sunset. A wide variety of flora and fauna is also found here.
The place is untouched and lesser known to the trekking communities in India in spite of lying enroute Dodital trek. Recently few media channels discovered the place with the help of local guides and villagers and made a news piece on the same. The place offers wide adventure related opportunities all year round. A team of ITBP, Matli (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) team came on a visit to explore the possibility to develop it for winter games such as skiing and other games.
Best Time to Visit: Gulabi Kantha Trek is pleasant for all the year to visit. Best time of year include December to April, Expect trekking on the snow in the mid of December. During winters, Gulabi Kantha covered in the thick blanket of snow best for skiers.
The drive from Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti is an enchanting hill drive of 7-8 hours stretching over 162 Km ride via Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Barkot, and Syana Chatti. You will see the beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. Hanuman Chatti is a small village within the Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand and the last road head to Janki Chatti. You can also visit the Holy Shrine Yamnotri Temple after the trek on own expenses and the temple is 5 Km away from Janki Chatti and it’s open in the month of April-May and closed in October-November. Stay will be in Guest House/Home Stay/Camp on sharing basis. The trail will commence the next morning at 07:00 AM with light breakfast and a brief session of Gulabi Kantha trek by Apeksha Adventure team. The cab will be arranged at an additional cost from Dehradun Railway station to Hanuman Chatti (One Way) at 06:30 AM. Cost of the cab – Rs. 5,500/- per vehicle.
Initially, the trek from Hanuman Chatti to Kandola will give you altitude rise of about 1,500 ft., this is about 3 hours of the trek through the dense forest trees and the thick carpet of maple and pine leaves all brown in colour and witness the captivating beauty of nature. The trail goes through Nishni village and which is a mild climb. Kandola campsite will be surrounded by tall pine and oak trees and mountain slopes. Camp here for an overnight stay, enjoy the serenity scattered around this place with evening sunset and glittering sunrise in the morning.
Today, we will start our trek to the base camp of Gulabi Kantha Trek i.e. Seema Thatch and you will gain an altitude of 2,000 ft. It is a little bit steep trail and takes around 3 – 4 hours to get there which is the end of the forests, hidden mountains Bandarpunch peak, Shivalik Mountains, Kalindi Srikala and Chaukhamba peak become visible. The Seema Thatch campsite is the completely open area which is quite windy as compared to stay at Kandola. Spend rest of day exploring the meadows.
Today is a long day and we will start our trek with packed lunch, but the excitement of the journey and conquering the peak would be far greater and much more worthy in compared to the challenges that lay ahead for the visitors. The climb is steep however absolutely worthwhile and one with rewarding views. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach there. On the summit, you are surrounded by mountain valleys and ranges. Panoramic sights of mighty Himalayas range mixed with dark blue and white clouds scattered like a painting sketched by nature just for you. You will see the Shivalik Mountains, Kalindi Srikala and Chaukhamba peak. Swargarohini also comes into view along with Black Peak and Bandarpoonch. Some of the other peaks you see include Gangotri, Jaonti, Yamnotri, Jorkanden and Draupadi ka Danda. After spending some time on the top and lunch over there, you head back to the campsite. After a wonderful day, spend the night in tents.
Get up early by 6:00 AM. The day is easy and long. After having breakfast, start walking to Hanuman Chatti from Seema Thatch followed by some steep descending trail. It takes 5-6 hours to trek down to Hanuman Chatti. In about 2-3 hours, you reach Kandola where you can have your packed lunch. After reaching Hanuman Chatti by 2 PM, then drive (at an additional cost) or trek to Garam Kund which is 3 km where you can take natural hot water bath and release all your tiredness. After having bath, back to Hanuman Chatti and get settled in for an overnight stay in guest house/camp/homestay. Roam around this quiet village and learn few words of the local language, this is appreciated and often results in getting more out of the experience.
Sign off from Hanuman Chatti early in the morning, preferably before 07:00 AM since the journey takes 8-9 hours. The Cab will be arranged at an additional cost from Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun Railway Station at 07:00 AM. Cost of the cab – Rs. 5,500/- per vehicle.
