Dev Kyara Trek

Going above 4000m/13000 ft, Dev Kyara trek is a hidden treasure of Western Garhwal nestled between the Har K i Dun and Supin Valley. In the trekking community this part of the Himalaya is quite famous for treks like Rupin Pass, Har Ki Dun and Kedarkantha.

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Dev Kyara Trek: A splendid and serene walk (PC : Debasish Acharyya)

This one, however, some how got spared. Solitude seeker hikers looking for treks away from crowd, take a note please. Beginners would not find this trek to be too strenuous and despite being short duration trek, even veterans would be pleasantly surprised to find the striking differences of each campsite of the trek, in regards to landscape.

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Gentle walk along Obra Gad (PC : Debasish Acharyya)
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Experienced hiker are familiar with boulder and moraine ridge (PC : Debasish Acharyya)

This high altitude meadow offers a splendid view of snow clad beauties like Swargarohini, Kala Nag, Ranglana, Daowdu, Bandarpoonch, Kedar Dome etc. We will be following the Obra Gad upstream during our hike. The trek starts from the place where Obra Gad meets Supin River. This river valley trek, located in the heart of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, first takes you through dense alpine forest mostly consisting of conifers like chir pine, blue pine, silver fir etc; deciduous species like oak, maple, walnut and of course the rhododendrons.

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Ranglana: A little know peak in Garhwal (PC : Debasish Acharyya)
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Famous Swargarohini peaks from Sankri

This part of the national park i.e. the lower elevation is home to a wide range of wildlife such as musk deer, bharals, wild boars, serows, civets, gorals, common leopards etc. As the elevation increases this dense alpine forest gives way to the Western Himalyan alpine shrubs and finally to the lush green sprawling meadows of Dev Kyara. Moving to the true left bank of the stream, one can cross a ridge and access the adjacent Har ki Dun valley exiting via Taluka. That’ll add up 2-3 additional trekking days to the itinerary though.

Local legends:

There are several legends amongst the locals about the place and all include God/s. The most popular one claims this meadow to be the place where Gods met and settled their differences. Supposedly, that’s how Dev Kyara got its name. Some claim this to be the origin of Someshwar Mahadeb. Regardless of the legend, this place is considered to be holy by the locals and visitors are expected to honour the local sentiment.

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Someshwar Mahadev temple
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Gathering during a puja

 Dev Kyara trek itinerary: 

Day 1: Drive to Sankri from Dehradun. – 200 km – 8/9 hrs. Lodge
Day 2: Drive to Boincha (~6,750 ft) via Jakhol – 19 km – 1½ hrs & trek to Obra (~7650 ft) – 4 km – 2/3 hrs. Camp
Day 3: Trek to Bhawa Water Fall (~11,250 ft) – 8 km – 4/5 hrs. Camp
Day 4: Trek to Dev Kyara (~13,450 ft) – 5 km – 2/3 hrs. Camp
Day 5: Explore around Dev Kyara and return to Bhawa Water Fall (~11,250 ft) – – 5 km – 1/2 hrs. Camp
Day 6: Descend to Boincha – 13 km – 4/5 hrs and Drive to Sankri – 19 km – 5/6 hrs. Camp
Day 7: Drive to Dehradun / Mussourie – 200 km – 8/9 hrs or 150 km – 6/7 hrs

Important note:

  • You need to reach on your own to Dehradun on Day 1 morning (by 7 am) or the previous night. Return to Dehradun on Day 6 evening (by 7 pm).  Arrange your tickets for inward journey and return from Dehradun accordingly. We will arrange transportation to base camp Sankri and return. This is not included in the TREK FEE and you will share equally with the other trekkers.
  • Last ATM is at Mori, 25 Km before Sankri but don’t depend till you reach here. Withdraw cash well in advance either in Dehradun,  Naugaon or Purola.
  • Only BSNL and Vodafone network may work at trek base Sankri, that too very limited connections. Make a phone call back to home from Mori while reaching Sankri. After Sankri there is no presence of network.

Altitude and distance profile of the trail:

Here you will get a pictorial representation of the trail for your understanding.

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Dev Kyara Trek: Altitude and Distance profile graph

Best time for Dev Kyara trek:

Dev Kyara trek can be attempted throughout the year apart from the months of monsoon (July-Aug). Each season has something different to offer as you’ll see below.

If you are looking for snow, then Spring (March/April) is the ideal time. Amount of residual snow depends on the actual snowfall during winter months though you can be sure to get some or ample amount of residual snow in spring. Also there is a chance of fresh snow even during spring, especially on the higher altitude of the trail. The area sees its fair share of rhododendrons blooming as well .

From May onward during the summer time, the valley turns into green, bright and luminous. Blue Pine, Deodar (Himalayan Cedar), Kharsu (Oak), Spruce, Silver Fir and Birch trees are lush and glossy green. Due to the heat, glaciers melt faster and pour more water to the tributaries on Tons river. Day time temperatures are warm to pleasant and nights are cooler. If you don’t like the cold atmosphere, certainly this is the season to choose.

As monsoon is over by the end of August, the valley remains quite lush green throughout the September. As the fall approaches, slowly the grass turns into pale yellow. Maple, Chestnut, Walnut and other deciduous tree species take the autumn leaf foliage. The surroundings transformed into spectacular yellow, orange and bronze hues. Not only foliage but an early snowfall chance during late autumn is another basis that you choose this season.

Due to its almost year-round nature it’s more or less on you to decide when you will visit this little piece of paradise.

Expected temperature:

Summer (May/June): Day time weather remains warm, especially if it is sunny and scorching and can go as high as 20/25°C. Night/early morning temp at Dev Kyara can be around 5°C to 0°C.

Fall/Autumn (Oct/Nov) or Spring (Mar/Apr): From October temperature starts cooling down. At Dev Kyara temperature can plummet to freezing in the night/early morning. Be prepared for 0°C. Expect similar temperatures if you trek during spring.

Winter (Dec/Feb): In Dec the daytime temp remains cool and nights are cold. Night temp at Sankri, Obra and Dev Kyara can be around 2°, -2° and -5°/-10° C.

What type of clothing should I bring for Dev Kyara trek?

It is important to carry proper clothing in this trek. We recommend to use “three layers” of clothing  in the campsite during early morning or evening, while you are outside tent.

  1. A quick dry base layer (Dry-fit t-shirt).
  2. A warm jacket (Double layer or Fleece jacket ) as middle layer.
  3. A windproof cum waterproof with hood as the outer layer.
  4. Additionally you would require a rucksack and a decent trekking shoe.

Check the detailed List of things to carry or download the PDF.

 TREK FEE: 14,950 (Sankri to Sankri) + 5% GST 

  • Above TREK FEE is based on a team size of 6 to 8 persons. A lower number will increase and a higher number will result in a decrease of TREK FEE.
  • Essentially it includes everything that you need, once you reach Sankri. 2 night’s accommodation in lodge (triple sharing rooms), pick up and drop from trek base Sankri to starting point Boincha and back to Sankri,  all camping equipment, accommodation in tent on twin sharing basis during the trek, all meals from Sankri to Sankri.
  • You need to bring personal clothing/jacket(s), trekking shoes, rucksack.
  • Your trek is guaranteed once we accept your booking. Furthermore the tour is  insured for a maximum duration of 7 days, including Dehradun to Dehradun against any accidents or natural calamities.
  • It doesn’t include the transportation cost to reach Sankri from dehradunand return. It is around ₹ 750 – 1000 one way. You may take a bus from Dehradun to Sankri, fare is around ₹ 400 one way.

For more detailed inclusions & exclusions, check the COST INCLUSIONS tab.

Access to trek base (Sankri):

Based upon your request we will arrange a pick up and drop from Dehradun to Sankri and back. You pay directly to the driver sharing equally. The fare is ₹ 5500 for a Tata Sumo/Mahindra Bolero one way. This can accommodate comfortably 5 and up to 8 persons. A Tempo Traveller charges ₹ 9000 (12-13 seat) one way. This is NOT included in TREK FEE.

Here is a road map with major points enroute from Dehradun to Sankri.

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Dehradun to Sankri road map

To reach the trek base Sankri independently or by public transportation, check the details in GETTING THERE TAB.

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Why treks with HT?

Duration7D/6N
GradeModerate
Physicality6/10
Trail Length35 Km
Highest Point4100 m/13450 ft
Expertise:10 years on ground experience
Support staff:Qualified local & office staff
Group size:Small groups up to 15
Insurance:Travel insured trek and tour itinerary
Easy Bookings:25% Booking Deposit
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