Darma Valley Trek
Darma Valley, the undulating picturesque landscape is interspersed with verdant forests, sparkling streams, captivating waterfalls, magnificent alpine meadows which host colorful wild flowers.
Darma valley is formed by the Darma River (Darmaganga). Dhauli Ganga meanders through the valley. Trekking here is a thrilling and once in a lifetime experience. The trekking trail passes through spellbinding vistas, seasonal glaciers, coniferous forests, broad fields, picturesque hamlets, and more.
The valley also has importance in Hindu mythology. Its said that Pandavas cooked their last meal on the five peaks of Panch Chuli Massif before leaving for Heaven. The base of this moderate to difficult level trek is at Sobla village.
How to Reach
Dharma Valley can be only accessed via Dharchula, Tawaghat, and Sobla. Pithoragarh - Dharchula - Tawaghat - Sobla (last bus terminus) - Dhar - Bongling - Sela - Nangling - Baling - Dugtu - Dantu - Tidang - Bidang - Daweeach
To reach Pithoragarh, board an overnite train to Kathgodam. Then from there travel by road to reach Pithoragarh and then Dharchula. From Dharchula, the trek starts with a drop off at the roadhead of Dar.
Dharchulla is the Indo-Nepal boarder town, and from this town, a further drive of 35 km along the banks of the Dhauli Ganga River leads to the village of Sobla. Here onwards, its a 40 km trail that passes through Dar, Bungling, Sela, Nagling, Baaling and Duktu / Dantu village in the Darma Valley before reaching Punch Chulli Glacier.
The nearest airport is Naini Saini (Pithoragarh), and the nearest railhead is Tanakpur. A well-maintained road connects the valley with Tanakpur.
Exact Location: Darma Valley is located in the north-east of Kumaon on the border of India. District: Pithoragarh.
Nearest Town: Dharchula
Best Time to Visit: May to June 30 and between September to October.
Advisory
- Trekkers are advised to camp for a night near the Meola Glacier snout for acclimatization.
Things to Carry
- Walking stick
- Hiking shoes
- Woolen clothes
- Water, juices, snacks
- Torch
- Medical kit
- Compass
- An extra pair of clothes
Other Information
Om Parvat (Adi Kailash): An ancient sacred mountain of the Hindus, Om Parvat is part of the magnificent Himalayan mountain range. Its located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, near Sinla pass. Located just opposite to Om Parvat is Parwati Muthar. Also, there is a small placid lake near Om Parvat.
Image Source: Klysamik, Ks_Bluechip