Hike
Deoria Tal at Sunrise
A gentle 2.5 km climb from us, to a high altitude lake that mirrors Chaukhamba on a still morning. The trail rises through rhododendron forest and ends at open meadows where the snowpeak views do most of the talking.
The walk
The trail to Deoria Tal begins in Sari village and climbs straight past our stay, about 500 metres up along the way, before continuing on through long, easy switchbacks of oak and rhododendron forest toward the lake. It’s about 3 kilometres and 400 metres of altitude gain from the village itself. Staying with us, you’re already partway up, so the walk from our door is shorter than that. Most guests take an hour to ninety minutes, at an unhurried pace. We don’t push.
At the top the forest opens into a meadow with a small lake - Deoria Tal, at 2,438 metres. On a still morning the lake mirrors the Chaukhamba massif so perfectly that the photographs look composed. There’s a bench, a small temple, and lush woods to explore around. Not much else, which is the point.
When to go
Aim for first light. The wind picks up by mid-morning and the surface stops being a mirror; the snowline is also brightest in the hour after sunrise. We can wake you up with a refreshing cup of chai or coffee, and a few slices of buttered toast to warm you up well. You are then back at the house in time for a rewarding and leisurely breakfast.
Difficulty
Easy, with caveats. The gradient is gentle but constant, and the altitude (2,000 m at Sari rising to 2,438 m at the lake) is enough that an unhurried pace matters. We can send a local guide with every group. Partly for the route, and partly because the conversation can make the climb more interesting.
What to wear
Layers. The forest stays cool even in May. A windbreaker for the meadow at the top. Proper shoes - trainers are fine in dry weather, hiking shoes are better after rain. We have trekking poles at the house if you want them.
On the map
Stay base
From our stay in Sari Village
A surprisingly cosy four-room stone and mud home, nestled 500 metres up the scenic trail to Deoria Tal. Built the Pahadi way, the rooms stay naturally warm when it's cold and cool when it's not. At its heart is an open lounge that looks out across the mountains. A place for long conversations, quiet mornings, board games, books, and unhurried cups of chai. Step outside and you'll find village walks, forest trails, birdlife, and some of Garhwal's finest treks. Stay a little longer. The mountains reward patience.