A lesser-known valley, the picturesque Darma Valley (or Darma Ganga Valley) is nestled between two other valleys, namely the Kuthi Yangti Valley in the east and Lassar Yangti Valley in the west.
Perched at an altitude of 3470 mts, Darma Valley is formed by the Darma River (also known as Darma Ganga River) and offers stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks.
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Darma Valley trek and Panchachuli Base Camp Trek follows the same route, the only difference is that trekkers are going to explore the vicinity of Darma Valley more deeply.
The valley starts at Dawe Village situated on the Sino-Indian border and houses over 12 villages with less than 1000 people. The village population is engaged in livestock rearing, trading, and cultivating land (mostly buckwheat and potatoes).
As the number of people residing in Darma Valley is small, there is limited agricultural or cultivated land. The limited cultivation enables Darma Valley to have rich biodiversity and the valley known for its rich variety of flowers, especially orchids.
Trekking: The entire route leading to Darma Valley is extremely scenic with captivating water streams, verdant meadows decorated with flowers, antique villages with their rustic charm, chirping Himalayan birds, and colorful flora. It is a delight to trek through the valley, slowly taking in the landscape and the lifestyle.
Camping: There are many beautiful camping sites en route Darma Valley. Whether you want to camp alongside the quaint villages or amidst the colorful meadows while gazing at the night sky, you can do them all. Trek leisurely at a steady pace and enjoy every bit of natural wonder that Darma Valley has to offer.
Village Tourism: As the entire stretch of Darma Valley is marked by 12 unique villages with very few population, the valley provides an ideal spot for exploring the rural lifestyle of the people and engaging with their daily activities. You can stay at the homestays available at the villages, eat out at the local shops, visit the schools, interact with the people, and make your exploration a memorable one.
Dharchula is the nearest town from Darma Valley and public transport will normally drop you till here. From here, you can either hire a taxi till Dar, the last motorable road for Darma Valley or till Sobla, the entry point of Darma Valley. If you drop off at Sobla, you will have to trek an extra 5 km towards Dar.
Day 01 and 02: Delhi – Kathgodam – Almora – Dharchula (Drive: 585 kms)
Start early from Delhi and drive to Dharchula via Kathgodam, Almora, and Munsyari. Since it is a long journey, you can decide to halt at a town like Almora, Kausani, Ranikhet, Binsar and continue your journey the next day. Day 2 will be an exciting journey where you will witness captivating landscapes and environment as you cross through the town of Dhaulchina, Chaukori, Thal, and Askot.
Day 03: Dharchula – Tawaghat – Sobla – Dar (Highest altitude: 2134 mts, Drive: 42 kms, Trek: 5 kms)
You will start you day with a healthy breakfast and drive towards Sobla. Sobla is 42 km from Dharchula and marks the start of Darma Valley. After a 2 hr scenic drive, you will reach Sobla. Located at an elevation of 1,670 m, Sobla is a scenic hamlet surrounded by lush greenery. From Sobla, you will start your trek to Dar Village. The 5 km trek will take around 3-4 hrs to complete.
Day 04: Dar – Sela (Highest altitude: 2438 mts, Trek: 12 kms)
The trek from Dar to Sela goes through dense deodar forests and is quite an easy one taking about 4-5 hrs to complete. You’ll stay overnight at the tribal village of Sela.
Day 05: Sela – Baling (Highest altitude: 2743 mts, Trek: 11 kms)
Baling Village is a small village lying in the Darma Valley. The 11km trek from Sela to Baling village goes through dense conifers and will take around 5 hrs to complete.
Day 06: Baling – Duktu & Dantu (Highest altitude: 3048 mts, Trek: 6 kms)
Duktu and Dantu are two villages that are adjacent to one another and form the last set of villages in the Darma Valley. The panoramic view of the Panchachuli peaks look spectacular from here. The vast Danu meadows are enveloped in conifers, birches, wild flowers, and shrubs. The view of the verdant meadow with the Panchachuli glaciers is one of the best views of Darma Valley.
Day 07: Daktu – Panchachuli Base Camp – Daktu (Trek: 8 kms)
You can either trek further to the Panchachuli Base Camp from where you will see the magnificent Panchachuli glacier and Panchachuli peaks (6,334 – 6,904 m) stand tall right in front of you. Panchachuli Base Camp is 4 km from DaktuVillage. The total trek distance for the day will be 8 km.
Day 08: Duktu – Nagling (Highest altitude: 2743 mts, Trek: 11 kms)
The village of Nagling lies 11 km from Daktu and an easy descent will take you there in 5-6 hours.
Day 09: Nangling – Bungling (Trek: 12 kms)
The descent from Nangling to Bungling is an easy one taking around 5 hrs.
Day 10: Bungling – Sobla – Dharchula
From Bungling, you will trek towards Sobla and start the scenic drive towards Dharchula. Night Stay in Dharchula hotels.
Day 11: Departure from Dharchula
Check out the Darma Valley weather report for December
The minimun and maximum temperature in December in Darma Valley is -4°C and 8°C respectively. The weather is generally covered with snow in December and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Darma Valley in December.
Darma Valley is famous among tourist as Trekking, Expedition, Camping, Kumaon Trekking, Valley Trek, Village Tourism, Cultural Tour.
Darma Valley is recommended destination for Foreigners, Groups.
Darma Valley is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Base Camps (Trek), Camping, OffBeat, Trekking.
