How to Reach Ruinsara Lake – A Complete Trekking Guide

Ruinsara Lake, also known as Ruinsara Tal, is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of around 3,500 meters, it is surrounded by snow peaks, meadows, and pine forests. The lake is often visited along with the Har Ki Dun trek, since both routes share the same trail for a good part of the journey.

If you are planning a trek to Ruinsara Lake, here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach this hidden Himalayan gem.

1. Starting Point – Dehradun

• Your journey begins from Dehradun, which is well connected by train, bus, and flight.
• From Dehradun, most trekkers travel by road to Sankri, the base camp for both Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Lake treks.
• Distance: ~200 km
• Travel Time: 8–10 hours by road

2. Sankri to Taluka

• From Sankri, a short drive (about 12 km) takes you to Taluka village, the real starting point of the trek.
• Taluka is accessible by jeep or local vehicle.
• Many trekking groups include this transfer in their Har Ki Dun trek package, which also covers Ruinsara Lake.

3. Trek from Taluka to Seema/Osla

• The first trekking day usually takes you from Taluka to Seema or Osla village.
• Distance: 12–14 km trek
• Trail: Through pine forests, riverside paths, and small wooden bridges.
• Osla village is famous for its traditional wooden houses and local culture—great for photography.

4. Seema/Osla to Har Ki Dun Valley

• The next part of the journey goes towards the scenic Har Ki Dun valley, also called the “Valley of Gods.”
• Distance: 11 km trek
• Trail: Meadows, streams, and views of Swargarohini peaks.
• Many trekkers first complete the Har Ki Dun trek and then continue towards Ruinsara Lake.

5. Har Ki Dun to Ruinsara Lake

• From Har Ki Dun, the trail continues further to Ruinsara Lake.
• Distance: About 9–10 km trek
• Trail: Forests, glacial streams, and open meadows leading to the lake.
• The lake itself is calm and surrounded by peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak (Kalanag).

6. Return Journey

• After spending time at Ruinsara Lake, trekkers usually return the same way back to Seema, Taluka, and then Sankri.

Best Time to Visit Ruinsara Lake

• Summer (May–June): Pleasant weather, blooming meadows.
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Clear skies, sharp views of peaks.
• Winter (Dec–Apr): Snow-covered trails, but difficult trek (for experienced trekkers only).
• Monsoon (July–Aug): Not recommended due to heavy rain and slippery paths.

Travel Tips

• Always carry warm clothes; nights are cold even in summer.
• Good trekking shoes are a must for rocky and uneven trails.
• If you are a beginner, choose a guided trek. Most trek packages provide food, tents, guides, and safety support.
• Keep extra batteries for cameras, as cold weather drains them quickly.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Ruinsara Lake is not just about the destination—it’s about the entire journey through forests, meadows, rivers, and villages. By combining it with the Har Ki Dun trek, you get the best of both worlds: the wide valley views of Har Ki Dun and the calm reflections of Ruinsara Lake.

If you are planning this adventure, choosing a reliable package with Ruinsara Lake extension will make your journey smooth and safe, while allowing you to focus on enjoying the Himalayan beauty.