Tucked away deep within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Ruinsara Lake is a glacial high-altitude marvel that has captured the hearts of trekkers, photographers, and mythology lovers alike. With its crystal-clear waters reflecting the snowy Swargarohini peaks, and an aura of spiritual calmness, Ruinsara is one of the most beautiful and serene alpine lakes in the Western Himalayas.
Ruinsara Lake (also spelled Ruinsar or Roinsara) lies in the upper reaches of the Supin River valley, near the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. It is fed by glacial melt from nearby peaks and sits in a bowl-shaped alpine meadow surrounded by high mountains and boulder fields.
Step 1: Reach Dehradun
Dehradun is the nearest major city and transit hub for the trek.
By Air:
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.
By Train:
Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected to major cities
Recommended trains: Nanda Devi Express, Shatabdi Express
By Bus/Car:
Overnight buses or taxis from Delhi (6–7 hrs)
Start early if driving to avoid hill road traffic
Step 2: Dehradun → Sankri (200 km / 8–10 hours)
Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri
Transport Options:
Private cab (₹5000–7000) – most comfortable
Shared jeep – available from Purola or Mori (less reliable)
State buses – early morning from Dehradun to Sankri (very limited)
Stay Overnight in Sankri
Sankri has guesthouses and homestays with basic amenities. It’s the last motorable point and official entry gate to the Govind National Park.
Step 3: Sankri → Taluka (12 km / 1 hour by jeep)
Road condition: Narrow, rugged forest track
Local 4×4 jeeps or shared vehicles are available
From Taluka, the trek begins on foot
Step 4: Trek to Ruinsara Lake (on foot – 28–30 km one way)
Trek Route:
Taluka → Seema (12 km / 5–6 hours)
Along the Supin River, through dense forests and villages like Osla
Seema → Ruinsara Lake (14–16 km / 6–8 hours)
Climb through alpine meadows and pine groves to reach the lake at ~3,500 m
- Distance: 200 km
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours by road
- Altitude Gain: 640 m → 1,950 m
- Stay: Guesthouse in Sankri
- Highlights: Scenic drive via Mussoorie, Yamuna Valley, Purola, and pine forests
- Drive: 12 km / 1 hour to Taluka (jeep ride)
- Trek: 12 km / 5–6 hours
- Stay: Campsite at Seema (or across the bridge near Osla)
- Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,600 m
- Trail: Walk through forests along the Supin River, cross wooden bridges
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Trek: 10–14 km / 6–7 hours
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Stay: Campsite near Devsu Bugyal (meadow) or press to Ruinsara base
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Altitude: ~3,300 m
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Highlights: Lush alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, views of Swargarohini
Trek: 4–6 km (short hike/exploration)
Stay: Camp at Ruinsara Lake
Altitude: ~3,500 m
Highlights: Visit Ruinsara Tal, views of Swargarohini I–IV, Black Peak (Kala Nag)
Optional: Hike to Kyarkoti (base of Black Peak) or relax near the lake
Trek: 14 km / 5–6 hours
Stay: Camp at Seema
Descent: Gradual downhill
Optional: Visit Osla village if missed on Day 2
Trek: 12 km / 4–5 hours
Drive: 1 hour back to Sankri
Stay: Guesthouse/homestay at Sankri
Celebrate: Final evening in the mountains with local food and views
Drive: 8–10 hours
Reach By: Evening (plan for an overnight stay or late-night train)