Complete Guide to Sunderdhunga Trek
The Sunderdhunga Trek, located in the *Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, is known for its stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. Often called the **"Valley of Beautiful Stones,"* Sunderdhunga offers trekkers mesmerizing views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, lush forests, and picturesque meadows. This trek is a hidden gem compared to the more popular Pindari Glacier Trek, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure in the pristine Himalayan wilderness.
1. Key Details of Sunderdhunga Trek
- Location: Bageshwar district, Kumaon, Uttarakhand
- Starting Point: Khati (reachable via Bageshwar and Kathgodam)
- Trek Duration: 7-9 days
- Trek Distance: Approximately 50-60 km (round trip)
- *Maximum Altitude:* 4,300 meters (14,107 feet)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Time to Visit:
- May to June: Ideal for summer trekking with lush green landscapes.
- September to October: Clear post-monsoon skies and vibrant autumn colors.
2. Highlights of the Trek
- Majestic Himalayan Peaks: Views of Maiktoli (6,803m), Panwali Dwar (6,683m), and Tharkot (6,100m).
- Diverse Landscapes: Verdant forests, rocky trails, glacial valleys, and pristine rivers.
- Glaciers: Sunderdhunga Glacier and Maiktoli Glacier.
- Charming Villages: Trek through scenic Kumaoni villages with rich culture and warm hospitality.
- Flora & Fauna: Dense oak, rhododendron forests, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards.
- Adventure and Solitude: A less crowded route offering tranquility and scenic beauty.
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3. Sunderdhunga Trek Itinerary
### Day 1: Kathgodam to Bageshwar to Khati(Drive – 250 km, 9-10 hours)
- Travel from Kathgodam railway station via Almora to Bageshwar, then to Kharkiya by road.
- Stay: Guesthouse or camp at Khati.
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Day 2: Khati to Jatoli (Trek – 14 km, 6-7 hours, 2,400 meters)
- Walk through forests of oak, pine, and rhododendrons.
- Visit temples and enjoy the traditional village life at Jatoli.
- Stay: Guesthouse or tented accommodation.
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Day 4: Jatoli to Kathaliya (Trek – 12 km, 6-7 hours, 3,200 meters)
- Challenging ascent along the Sunderdhunga River with waterfalls and scenic valleys.
- Stay: Tent at Kathaliya campsite.
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Day 5: Kathaliya to Maiktoli Base Camp and back (Trek – 12 km, 7-8 hours, 4,300 meters)
- Trek to Maiktoli Glacier with breathtaking views of towering peaks.
- Spend time exploring the area and return to Kathaliya.
- Stay: Tent at Kathaliya.
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Day 6: Kathaliya to Sunderdhunga Glacier and back (Trek – 10 km, 6-7 hours)
- Visit Sunderdhunga Glacier, marveling at the glacial landscapes and surrounding peaks.
- Return to Kathaliya for overnight stay.
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Day 7: Kathaliya to Jatoli (Trek – 12 km, 5-6 hours)
- Descend back to Jatoli through forests and rivers.
- Stay: Guesthouse or tents.
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Day 8: Jatoli to Khati to Bageshwar (Trek – 14 km, Drive – 80 km)
- Final descent to Khati, followed by a drive to Bageshwar.
- Stay: Hotel at Bageshwar.
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Day 9: Bageshwar to Kathgodam (Drive – 190 km, 8 hours)
- Drive back to Kathgodam for departure.
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4. How to Reach Sunderdhunga Trek
### By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (250 km from Bageshwar).
- Taxis available from Pantnagar to Bageshwar.
### By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (190 km from Bageshwar).
- Direct trains available from Delhi and Dehradun.
### By Road:
- Well-connected by road to Almora, Nainital, and Kathgodam.
- Regular buses and taxis available to Bageshwar and Khati
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5. Difficulty Level & Preparation
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging.
- Challenges: Steep ascents, river crossings, and unpredictable weather.
- Preparation Tips:
- Cardiovascular endurance training (runnin
