Ruinsara Tal vs Other High-Altitude Lakes in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often called the "Land of Gods," is known for its mountains, valleys, rivers, and high-altitude lakes. These lakes are not only beautiful but also hold cultural and spiritual value. Among all of them, Ruinsara Tal is one of the most peaceful and less explored destinations. Many trekkers combine it with the Har Ki Dun trek, making it a perfect mix of adventure and calm Himalayan scenery.

In this article, we will look closely at Ruinsara Tal and compare it with other well-known high-altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. This will help you understand why Ruinsara Tal stands out and why it should be part of your trekking plans.

Ruinsara Tal – The Hidden Jewel of Garhwal Himalayas

Ruinsara Tal is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of around 11,800 ft in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi district. Unlike many popular lakes in Uttarakhand, Ruinsara is still less commercial and feels untouched. The trek to this lake passes through dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron. As you move higher, the trail opens into wide alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer.

What makes Ruinsara Tal even more special is that it naturally connects with the Har Ki Dun trek. The trail to Har Ki Dun and Ruinsara Tal often overlap, and many trekkers choose to extend their Har Ki Dun journey to reach this serene lake. While Har Ki Dun valley is known for its green meadows, rivers, and traditional villages, the route to Ruinsara adds glaciers, alpine settings, and close views of peaks like Swargarohini and Black Peak (Kalanag). Together, they create one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The lake also carries cultural significance. Locals believe the Pandavas from the Mahabharata passed through this region during their final journey to heaven. This mix of mythology, natural beauty, and its link with Har Ki Dun makes Ruinsara Tal a truly unique trekking destination.

Other High-Altitude Lakes in Uttarakhand

To understand how Ruinsara Tal compares, let’s look at some of the other famous high-altitude lakes in the state:

1. Satopanth Tal

• Location: Near Badrinath
• Altitude: Around 15,000 ft
• Speciality: This triangular-shaped lake is considered very sacred. Hindus believe the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh visit the lake on special occasions.
• Experience: The trek is more challenging compared to Ruinsara Tal. It attracts both trekkers and pilgrims.

2. Dodital

• Location: Near Uttarkashi
• Altitude: 10,000 ft
• Speciality: Known as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, this lake is surrounded by dense oak and pine forests.
• Experience: Easier trek compared to Ruinsara Tal, great for beginners and families.

3. Roopkund Lake

• Location: Chamoli district
• Altitude: 16,500 ft
• Speciality: Famous as the "Mystery Lake" due to human skeletons found at its bottom, believed to be over 1,000 years old.
• Experience: A tough trek with steep climbs, but very rewarding for adventure lovers.

4. Hemkund Sahib Lake

• Location: Chamoli district
• Altitude: 15,200 ft
• Speciality: A sacred lake for Sikhs, surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks. The Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara adds spiritual importance.
• Experience: A mix of pilgrimage and trekking. The route is steep but well defined.

Ruinsara Tal vs Other Lakes – A Comparison

Here is how Ruinsara Tal stands when compared with other high-altitude lakes in Uttarakhand:

Altitude & Difficulty:

• Ruinsara Tal (11,800 ft) is lower than Roopkund, Satopanth, and Hemkund Sahib, making it less harsh on beginners. However, the trek is longer than Dodital.

Scenery:

• Ruinsara offers meadows, glaciers, and close-up views of iconic peaks like Swargarohini and Kalanag. Roopkund gives a mysterious vibe, while Hemkund Sahib is more spiritual.

Crowd & Peace:

• Ruinsara Tal is less crowded, offering solitude. In contrast, Hemkund Sahib and Dodital attract many pilgrims and families, while Roopkund and Satopanth draw adventure trekkers.

Cultural Value:

• Like many lakes, Ruinsara Tal also carries mythological importance linked to the Pandavas. However, its cultural influence is more local compared to the strong religious significance of Hemkund Sahib or Satopanth Tal.

Best Time to Visit Ruinsara Tal

The best time to trek to Ruinsara Tal is:

• Summer (May – June): Meadows are in full bloom, trails are clear, and the weather is pleasant.
• Post-Monsoon (September – October): Clear skies, snow on higher peaks, and beautiful autumn landscapes.

Winter months (November – April) bring heavy snowfall, making the trail difficult and not suitable for regular trekkers.

How to Reach Ruinsara Tal

1. Base Village: Sankri (reachable by road from Dehradun).
2. Trek Route: Sankri → Taluka → Seema → Har Ki Dun → Ruinsara Tal.
3. Duration: Around 7 to 8 days if combined with Har Ki Dun trek.

Why Choose Ruinsara Tal

• Less crowded and peaceful compared to popular lakes.
• Can be combined with the famous Har Ki Dun trek.
• Offers a mix of meadows, forests, glaciers, and high mountain views.
• Rich in local culture and mythology.
• Perfect balance of moderate difficulty and stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts

Uttarakhand has many high-altitude lakes, each with its own story and beauty. Satopanth Tal is sacred, Dodital is easy and family-friendly, Roopkund is mysterious, and Hemkund Sahib is spiritual. But if you want a peaceful experience with breathtaking views and a deep Himalayan feel, Ruinsara Tal is the perfect choice.

Adding Ruinsara Tal to your Har Ki Dun trek makes the journey even more special. It is not just about reaching a lake; it is about experiencing forests, meadows, mountains, culture, and the raw charm of the Himalayas.

If you are planning a trek in Uttarakhand, don’t miss the chance to explore Ruinsara Tal – a lake that combines adventure and peace in the best possible way.