MALDARU LAKE TREK
Seema and Osla are prominent villages on the trail to Harkidun in the Western Garhwal region. The village folk have a prominent temple but what they consider sacred is the Maldaru Lake. Maldaru is located about 1500 M above their village towards the east.Rather than going up from Seema which is a steep climb we chose an alternative route from Taluka which not only has a lighter gradient but it traverses various untouched areas in the region. On day two we camped at Vishkhopri, which is a massive meadow. On day four in a long stretch we reached Maldaru lake which is a glacial lake about 300m long. From the lake we traversed to a spectacular viewing point at Baiycha 4000m which offered views of Swaragrohini and Kalanag before descending into the Ruinsara valley and later joining the Harkidun trail to Taluka and completing the trek.
REgion
Western Garhwal
FIRST TRIP
September 2009
Trip Grading
3
Trip DURATION
7 days
Best Period
May, June, September and October
Side TRIPS
Continue on to Ruinsara Tal
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
1. Opportunity to walk through remote mountain villages
2. Superb campsite location on large meadows
3. Exciting views of Swaragrohini, Kalanag and Banderpunch
4. Crossing an unfrequented pass to complete a circular trek
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Maldaru Lake Trek Gallery
 Taluka 2000m is the start point of the trek to Maldaru Lake |  On day 1 the trail moves along the Harkidun valley for 3km after which there is a climb towards the east |  The day 1 campsite is at the remote Gangar village 2500m |
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 Campsite on day 2 is at the sprawling meadow at Vishkhopri 3000m |  Day 3 involves trekking over long meadow stretches for most of the day |  A tricky bridge crossing on the afternoon of day 3 |
 Day 3 campsite is at Rashi 3650m which is a spectacular campsite near Maldaru Lake |  Early morning view on day 4 looking towards the foothills |  Day 4 stars with a steep climb from the campsite |
 One of the challenges on day 4 is to cross a massive boulder field which leads on to Maldaru Lake |  Day 4 is a long day and it takes close to 8 hours to reach Maldaru Lake 4200m |  As the lake is sacred for the local people it is recommended to camp away from the Lake |
 From Maldaru Base a trail moves to Baiya Thatch 4000m which offers stunning view of the peaks in the region |  Swararohini looks impressive just across the other side of the valley from Baiya |  Kalanag is also in view towards the head of the Ruinsara Valley towards the east |
 From Baiya the trail descends down to the Ruinsara valley and joins the trail to Taluka to complete the trek |