Garhwal
Saptkund Lake Trek
Seven high lakes above the Urgam valley
About this trek
Saptkund is one of the quiet treks of our area — no fixed camps, no crowds, a trail our leaders know from taking village pilgrims up for the summer fair. The route climbs from the Urgam valley through forest and the bugyals above Bansi Narayan to a chain of small lakes at around 14,000 ft. It is a proper high trek with long days; it suits people who have done a moderate Himalayan trek before.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Joshimath
Rishikesh → Joshimath
Road day to Joshimath.
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Day 2
Joshimath to Urgam, trek to the forest camp
Joshimath → Helang → Urgam → forest camp
Drive to the Urgam valley and climb through village fields into the forest.
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Day 3
Forest camp to the bugyal camp
Forest camp → Bansi Narayan → bugyal camp
Past the Bansi Narayan temple and up onto the open meadows.
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Day 4
Bugyal camp to Saptkund and back
Bugyal camp → Saptkund → bugyal camp
The lake day across boulder and snow patches to the seven kunds.
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Day 5
Descend to Urgam, drive to Joshimath and Rishikesh
Bugyal camp → Urgam → Joshimath → Rishikesh
Down in one long day and the drive out. An overnight at Joshimath can be added.
What is and is not included
Included
- Qualified trek leader and support staff
- Forest and camping permits
- Twin/triple sharing tents or guesthouse as noted
- All meals on the trek
- Safety equipment and first-aid support
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp unless noted
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (40–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
