- PALM CITY, DEHRADUN- 248001
- thedreamtreks@gmail.com
Darma Valley Trek
An offbeat Himalayan journey through remote villages, alpine meadows, and breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and serenity!
The vehicle will be arranged from Kathgodam Railway Station and the departure time is 6:30 am. The drive is through Almora via picturesque valley of Kumaon.
Cross Joulijbi, see the confluence of River Gori with Kali River which crosses at Dharchula from India to Nepal.
The trail now is towards north past Dharchula and Tawa Ghat. Then it diverts into a gorge; westwards, following River Dhauli Ganga till Sobla which lies at an elevation of 1670 m.
Sobla is the entry gate of idyllic Darma Valley and is the starting point of Darma Valley Trek.Post breakfast the drive is towards Sobla, reach there in two hours and start trekking towards Dar village – today’s destination. It lies 5 km away from Sobla and can be reached in 3 to 4 hours. Pitch your tents here and retire for the night.
The distance from Dar to Sela is 12 km and the gradient is easy. Pass through the hilly alpine pasturelands, see the cattle and flock of sheep grazing here.
To reach Sela go through the forest covers. The campsite is located on the outskirts of Sela. Set your camps there, wait for delicious food to be served and retire for the night.
Sela to Baling is an easy trek and the trail goes up and then descends through hill sides. The altitude is gained on a moderate level today. Witness the distant views of glaciers and snow covered mountains which makes the hike scenic.
Reach Baling campsite, rest here in the tranquil charm and retire for the night.
The two adjacent villages are Duktu and Dantu, these are the last villages on Darma Valley Trek.
Get excellent views of Panchulli peaks from here. A huge meadow lies on the outskirts of Duktu which is perfect for admiring the spell binding views of Panchulli glacier with Panchulli peaks looming in the background.Pitch your tents here and retire for the night.
Today is an adventurous day to explore the Panchulli glacier. The trek starts from Duktu. The glacier extends outwards from the East of Panchulli and 4 km trek.
Walk along the Yuli River and reach this huge glacier. It offers views of sprawling meadows with birch and oak trees on the sides and Panchulli peaks standing in the background.
Start the descent today from Duktu to Nagling. The distance is 11 km which can be covered in 5 to 6 hours, the descent is an easy one through forest covers, sprawling meadows and some pasturelands.
You can see the shepherd with their flocks on the way. Reach Nagling, setup your camps there, have delicious food and retire for the night.
Today is the last trekking day so make sure you enjoy to the fullest. Post breakfast, start the trek from Nagling to Bungling, it is a 12 km long trek.
The vehicle will be arranged from Bungling and then we will drive back to Dharchula. The arrangements will be there.
- Today the drive is from Dharchula to Kathgodam via Almora. The vehicles will be arranged. Post breakfast, leave early to reach Kathgodam on time.
Clothing:
- Thermals (top & bottom) for cold weather
- Fleece jacket & down jacket
- Waterproof & windproof jacket
- Comfortable trek pants (2 pairs)
- Woolen gloves & waterproof gloves
- Woolen cap & neck gaiter
Footwear:
- Trekking shoes with a good grip (waterproof recommended)
- Extra pairs of woolen & synthetic socks
Accessories:
- UV-protected sunglasses (important for snow glare)
- Extra pairs of woolen & synthetic socks
Personal Items:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm & moisturizer
- Basic toiletries & wet wipes
- Personal medications & first-aid kit
Backpack:
- 50-60L backpack with rain cover
- Small daypack (optional but useful)
Other Essentials:
- Water bottles (2L capacity) or hydration pack
- Energy bars, dry fruits, and snacks
- Camera (optional, but perfect for capturing the serenity 📷)
1. Acclimatize Properly
- The trek reaches 12,000 ft, so allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking.
2. Dress in Layers
- Wear thermals, fleece, and a windproof jacket to stay warm.
- Carry waterproof gloves, socks, and a poncho/rain cover in case of unexpected weather changes.
3. Follow Trek Leader’s Instructions
- Always listen to your trek leader and guides.
- Stick with the group and avoid taking unknown shortcuts.
4. Be Cautious on Snow & Ice
- Walk carefully on snow-covered trails to avoid slipping.
- Use microspikes and gaiters (provided by the organizer) for better grip.
5. Carry Essential Medications
- Keep a personal first-aid kit with medicines for altitude sickness, fever, cold, and pain relief.
- Inform your trek leader about any medical conditions beforehand.
6. Stay Hydrated & Eat Well
- Drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily to prevent altitude sickness.
- Eat nutritious meals to maintain energy levels.
7. Be Mindful of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness
- If you feel uneasy, inform your trek leader immediately.
8. Pack Smart & Travel Light
- Carry only essentials; avoid overloading your backpack.
- A 50-60L backpack with a rain cover is ideal.
9. Respect the Environment
- Do not litter; carry your waste back to base.
- Follow the Leave No Trace principle.
10. Emergency Preparedness
- The team carries a medical kit and oxygen cylinder for emergencies.
- In case of extreme conditions, descent is the best option for safety.
- By following these guidelines, you ensure a safe and enjoyable trek!
The Darma Valley Trek is in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, near the Indo-Nepal border, in the Kumaon Himalayas.
The best time is May–June (summer) and September–October (post-monsoon), when the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and trails are safe.
It is considered moderate, suitable for trekkers with some prior high-altitude experience. The terrain includes forests, meadows, and rugged trails.
The trek usually takes 9–10 days, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
The trek reaches an altitude of around 4,200 meters, offering panoramic views of the Panchachuli Peaks.
Yes, basic trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended due to the remote terrain and altitude.
Key highlights include Panchachuli Peak views, Darma & Byans Valleys, tribal culture, lush forests, alpine meadows, and remote Himalayan villages.
Yes, inner line permits are required since the trek lies close to the Indo-Nepal border. These can be arranged by the trek operator.
Due to its remoteness and restricted areas, it is not recommended for solo trekking. Joining an organized group like ours is safer.
Accommodation includes camping in tents and occasional homestays in local villages, giving trekkers a cultural experience.
Miscellaneous Policies
✅Transportation
Please note that AC will not be operational during travel in hilly regions. If you require AC in these areas, you may coordinate directly with the driver. Additional charges may apply.
Booking Policy
✅ Advance Payment:
- A minimum 30% advance payment is required to confirm your booking.
- Full payment must be made before the trek starts.
✅ Confirmation:
- Once the payment is received, you will get a confirmation email with trek details.
- Trek permits and other arrangements will be processed only after full payment.
✅ Rescheduling:
- Rescheduling is allowed only once and must be requested at least 7 days before the trek start date.
- A rescheduling fee may apply.
Cancellation Policy
✅ Cancellation by the Trekker:
- 30+ days before the trek: 90% refund of the total amount.
- 15-30 days before the trek: 50% refund of the total amount.
- Less than 15 days before the trek: No refund.
- NO refund will be issued for any booking amount that is less than ₹500.
✅ Cancellation by The Dream Treks:
- In case of unforeseen circumstances (bad weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, etc.), The Dream Treks reserves the right to cancel or modify the trek.
- A voucher or an alternative trek option will be provided.
✅ No Refunds for Unused Services:
- No refunds will be given for any inclusion not availed by the trekker (meals, transport, stays, etc.).
✅ Dropout During Trek:
- If a participant chooses to leave the trek due to personal reasons, no refund will be provided.
- Any additional cost due to evacuation or exit will be borne by the participant.
