Trekking in Uttarakhand | Darma Valley SUV/4×4/AWD Self-Drive – It had to be Darma Valley. Little do people know about the place. It has been open for the last 2- 3 years but yet not well known. capital
If you wish to trek, you begin from Sobla and make your way through the Dar village and make your way to the villages named Duktu and Dantu. A part of the trek where you have to cross towering glaciers will be challenging but the spectacular views would make the journey that much rewarding.
Darma valley is a Himalayan valley situated in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand state of India. This valley is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand at Kumaon division. The Darma valley is formed by the Darma River. The major cities of Pithoragarh district are Almora, Champawat, and Tanakpur. The nearest airport is in Pithoragarh and the other one is at Pant Nagar near Rudrapur, about . From there one can hire a cab till Dharchula. The last motorable road, Dar is about 42 km from Dharchula. The route is Delhi – Moradabad – Rampur – Bilaspur – Pilibhit – Banbassa – Tanakpur – Pithoragarh – Dharchula (appx 700kms) had freshly built tarmac roads and then from Dharchula to Dugtu/Narayan Ashram about 50-60kms was broken/off-road.
Post Dharchula we did not have any hotel accommodations
Narayan Ashram has the KMVN Igloos and an ashram/dharamshal type acommodation Duktu had a couple of homestays but no other amenities etc. Duktu – Panchachuli base camp is about 3-4 kms of trek where you also have the KMVN Igloos. We also took a detour towards Narayan Ashram which was around 26kms of ride on a gravel filled road which was still under construction and I am told that it was another route to go to Kalapani. The roads kept climbing until a point from where the Himalayan ranges situated in Nepal were clearly visible.
What caught my attention immediately after stepping foot in the premises was the surreal beauty and quietude. It was time for sunset and I was standing right in front of the Annapurna ranges which stand opposite to the Panchachuli. What a view it was, the orange-goldish color falling on the snow capped ranges and being able to capture this view in itself was a satisfying experience.
A gratitude to the Heavens for urging me to visit Narayan Ashram in mid of September and of course an inner thanks to those who mentioned about it. What a beautiful garden the Ashram maintained !!. All sorts of flowers and trees that you can think of in these hilly areas.
The ashram was established by Narayan Swami in 1936, about 136 kms north of Pithoragarh and 108 kms from Tawaghat. This spiritual cum socio educational centre is set at an altitude of 2734 metres amidst scenic surroundings. It has a school for local children and imparts training to local youth. There is also a library, meditation room and samadhi sthal.
Darma Valley in Uttarakhand is a hidden gem that offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. From its lush green meadows and pristine rivers to its vibrant local culture and challenging trekking routes, the valley promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Himalayas, Darma Valley is a destination that will leave you spellbound. Plan your visit to this untouched paradise and let the magic of Darma Valley captivate your heart and soul.
