About Bandarpunch, Uttarakhand
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, mornings, and evenings
Suggested Duration: 16 - 17 days trek
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, about 186.9 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, about 211.3 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Uttarkashi Bus Stand, about 163.4 km away
Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Bandarpunch Glacier is a dream destination for trekkers and mountaineers alike. Rising high at a height of 6,136 meters, the summit provides surreal views of the surrounding Garhwal mountain ranges and the snow-capped peaks. Its name, Bandarpunch, means “Tail of the Monkey,” and it is a part of the Swargarohini mountain range. According to Hindu legend, Bandarpunch is believed to be the place where Hanuman extinguished his burning tail after setting fire to Lanka in the Ramayana. The route to the Bandarpunch trek meanders through the starting point of the Har Ki Dun trek, which is an equally scenic journey that winds through dense forests. Along the way, you will be passing through traditional villages and meadows dotted with wildflowers, making it one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand.
The Bandarpunch trekking region is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to spot Himalayan wildlife such as musk deer and monal pheasants. Bandarpunch stands among India’s finest treks, ideal for those seeking solitude, adventure, and a meaningful connection with the natural world. If. This trek is a favourite among seasoned hikers, offering a route through the region’s untouched natural beauty.
Nearby attractions such as Ruinsara Tal and Seema enhance the appeal of the Bandarpunch trek. Ideal for those in search of solitude, adventure, and a deeper connection with nature, the route combines physical challenge with natural reward. Its rugged trails draw seasoned hikers, while the region’s untouched beauty leaves a lasting impression on every traveller.
Bandarpunch, Uttarakhand Highlights
• Ascend the summit of Bandarpunch in Uttarakhand for a rewarding high-altitude Himalayan experience, traversing glaciers, dense forests, and pristine alpine meadows along the way.
• Witness panoramic views of the iconic peaks like Swargarohini, Kalanag (Black Peak), and the majestic Himalayan range.
• Camp under the stars in scenic spots like Osla and Seema, surrounded by thick forests and rushing rivers.
• Spot Himalayan flora like blue poppies and rhododendrons while traversing the paved path through the forest stretches.
• Discover authentic Garhwali culture as you journey through remote Himalayan villages and visit the historic Someshwara Temple along the route.
How To Reach Bandarpunch, Uttarakhand
By road-
- By Car/Taxi: You can take a taxi or drive from Dehradun to Sankri Village, which is the base camp for the Bandarpunch trek, and is about 201 km away. It will take you about 7 hours and 30 minutes to reach Sankri via NH 507.
- By Bus: Buses from Dehradun ISBT bus stand also depart at about 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM and take about 8 hours to reach Sankri. Check about other bus timings from the Dehradun bus stop upon reaching the destination.
(Expect delays if weather conditions are not stable enough.)
Basecamps and Waypoints
Bandarpunch Mountain has various starting points/base camps from where you can start your expedition journey. All these base camps are located at altitudes higher than normal ground level, so make sure you are well prepared.
- Sankri (1,950 m): This is a Roadhead village, and there are basic guesthouses, shops, and a forest checkpost available. All trek permits are processed here, like Govind NP entry, IMF, and many more.
- Taluka (∼2,226 m): This is about 11 km by jeep or any vehicle from Sankri, and is the last place you can visit via vehicle. Trekkers often camp and stay here to acclimate themselves. From here, you can move ahead with your trek, passing by more remote villages and admiring the views.
Bandarpunch Base Camp (Kyarkoti, ∼3,900 - 4,050 m): Above Ruinsara, the main base camp is set up on a glacial meadow (called Kyarkoti). It is ~5 - 7 h (7 km) from Ruinsara Lake. From here, climbers make summit attempts. All ascents/descents pass through this camp.
Best Time To Visit Bandarpunch, Uttarakhand
Peak Season (May - June, September - October)
- Weather Insight: Pleasant days (10-20°C), clear skies, ideal for trekking.
- Things to Do: Summit attempts, valley treks, and camping under the stars.
Moderate Season (July - August)
- Weather Insight: Occasional rain, lush greenery, fewer crowds.
- Things to Do: Enjoy monsoon-fed waterfalls and serene trails.
Low Season (November - April)
- Weather Insight: Extreme cold (-5 to 5°C), heavy snowfall, restricted access.
- Things to Do: Limited to experienced winter expeditions.
Bandarpunch, Uttarakhand Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Train regularly with cardio and leg workouts to handle steep climbs and long walking hours.
- Avoid monsoon and deep winter months due to risky weather, landslides, and heavy snow on the trail.
- Carry valid ID proof and keep extra photocopies for permit checks at checkpoints.
- Bring cash from Dehradun or Mussoorie, as ATMs and mobile payments don’t work beyond Sankri.
- Wear sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support to handle rocky, icy, and wet sections comfortably.
Venture on a Summit Expedition (Advanced Mountaineering)
The Bandarpunch range offers a serious and adventurous mountaineering challenge to experienced climbers. Throughout your hiking journey, you will witness glaciers with deep gaps (crevasses) and steep ice walls with up to 50° - 60° incline. This expedition takes about 2-3 weeks, including acclimatisation. Reaching the summit places you atop one of the region’s most iconic peaks, with sweeping panoramic views of Swargarohini, Black Peak, and the distant Gangotri range, an unforgettable moment that captures the true grandeur of the Himalayas.
Experience Technical Climbing on Bandarpunch's West Ridge
The ascent of Bandarpunch is a true test of skill and endurance, featuring steep ice walls and narrow, exposed ridges soaring above 5,500 metres. Best attempted in the stable weather window of May to June, this high-altitude climb demands not only physical strength but solid experience in alpine techniques and glacier travel. Equipped with ice screws, ropes, and crampons, seasoned climbers will find this route both technically challenging and deeply rewarding.
Discover Life Along the Trail
The alpine zone of the trek (3,500 m+) has rare Brahma Kamal flowers, while the lower forest blooms with rhododendrons (April-May). This whole region comes under the Govind Wildlife Park and is a part of a protected area for endangered species like the Himalayan Black Bear and Cheer Pheasants. You can get a chance to witness this area’s remarkable biodiversity, from Himalayan Monals and musk deer to, if you're lucky, the elusive snow leopards. Make sure to carry binoculars while on an expedition for Bandarpunch to make your climb more rewarding.
Trek through Osla to reach Ruinsara Lake (2,560 m to 3,600 m)
You can also take an alternate route from Taluka through lush walnut and pine forests to reach Osla, which is a quaint Himalayan village known for the ancient Someshwara Temple (Duryodhan Temple), and its warm, rustic charm. From here, you can hop on a rewarding 7-8 hour trek to Ruinsara Lake, serving as the base camp for the Bandarpunch Expedition.
Set up a Camp and Enjoy Views
Experience the purest form of nature by pitching your tent in the alpine meadows near Ruinsara Lake or Kyarkoti Base Camp, and wake up to surreal Himalayan landscapes. From glowing snowy peaks at sunrise to starlit skies at night, the views are unreal and astonishing. Camping here provides you with one of the best camping experiences in Uttarakhand.
Discover the Culture of Sankri
Trekking is not only about the summit and views, it is also about immersing into the local culture of nearby villages and regions. During the trek, you will pass through the base camp for Bandarpunch from Sankri Village. It provides you a great opportunity to visit the local temples, interact with shepherds, and try authentic Garhwali cuisine like chainsoo and mandua ki roti. While exploring the village, you will witness astonishing sunset views of Bandarpunch’s snow-covered slopes turning golden.
Tourism Board Alliances
Bandarpunch FAQs
What's the difficulty level of the Bandarpunch trek and climbing?
Bandarpunch is a Grade 4 - 5 / Difficult - Challenging / Technical trek, and it is strictly for experienced mountaineers due to technical sections involving glacial travel, ice climbing (up to 60° inclines), and altitude challenges. If you are someone thinking of summiting Bandarpunch peak, you need to have prior high-altitude experience of about 5,000m, glacial travel skills, and proper equipment. Most of the climbers take about 3 to 4 days just for the summit push from the base camp.
What permits are required for Bandarpunch expeditions?
To hop on the Bandarpunch expedition, you need three key permits:
- Forest entry permit from the Uttarakhand Forest Department
- Wildlife permit for Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, and
- Mountaineering permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) for summit attempts.
These are typically arranged by registered trekking agencies. Foreign nationals need additional clearances that take 4-6 weeks to process. You should always carry multiple photocopies of permits and ID proofs.
How to reach the Bandarpunch base camp?
Your expedition journey will start from Dehradun, it has to be about an 8-10 hour drive to Sankri Village via Mussorie and Purola, 190 km from Dehradun. From Sankri, trek for 2 days to Taluka (drive possible in good weather). Then a 3-4 day trek to Bandarpunch Base Camp (3,800m) via Seema and Har Ki Dun.
What equipment is essential for the Bandarpunch trekking/climbing?
The equipment and gear that are essential for trekking to Bandarpunch are:
- For trekking: Sturdy boots, trekking poles, -10°C sleeping bag, waterproof layers, headlamp, and basic first aid.
- For climbing: Ice axe, crampons, climbing harness, ascenders, ropes, snow stakes, and high-altitude gear.
- Always carry: Sunglasses (UV400), sunscreen (SPF50+), water purification tablets, and emergency medicines. Most equipment can be rented in Dehradun or through trekking agencies.
Are there any age restrictions for Bandarpunch expeditions?
Yes, age restrictions do apply for Bandarpunch expeditions. Only individuals between 18 and 50 years of age with prior mountaineering experience are permitted to undertake the climb. All participants are required to provide a medical certificate confirming their fitness for high-altitude conditions. Due to the mountain's extreme elevation and technical demands, it is not suitable for children or for adults without a background in trekking or mountaineering.
