The wild, rocky sibling of Pindari and Kafni glaciers, meaning "Valley of Beautiful Stones", climbing past sheer cliffs to Sukhram and Maiktoli base camps.
Meaning "Valley of Beautiful Stones", Sunderdhunga in Bageshwar district is the most rugged, wild, and challenging of the three classic Kumaon glacier valleys (Pindari, Kafni, Sunderdhunga).
Branching off from Khati village, the trail ascends through dense unmapped forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and fir into a deep, steep-sided canyon carved by the Sunderdhunga river.
Passing Jatoli and Kathaliya (the last shepherd outpost), the trail reaches the base camps of Maiktoli (4,320m) and Sukhram, offering breathtaking close-ups of the vertical rock walls of Panwali Dwar, Tharkot, and Maiktoli.
Trekkers are reminded to stay properly hydrated with a minimum of 3-4 liters of water daily. Uttarakhand forest regulations strictly forbid single-use plastics and campfires outside designated grounds. Always pack out non-biodegradable waste.
Along the ridgelines and summit ascents of Sunderdhunga BC Trek, trekkers are treated to sweeping views of legendary Garhwal & Kumaon summits:
Drive to base village.
Cross Dhakuri pass.
Branch into Sunderdhunga valley to Jatoli.
Trek through dense bamboo and rhododendron canyon to Kathaliya camp.
Ascend to the glacier viewpoint facing Panwali Dwar and Maiktoli.
Descent through the canyon.
Return trek to roadhead.
Return drive.
Proper layering and alpine gear are critical for comfort and survival at high altitudes:
The trailhead for Sunderdhunga BC Trek originates from Song / Khati in Bageshwar district (Kumaon region).
It translates to "Valley of Beautiful Stones" in the Kumaoni dialect.
Sunderdhunga is significantly steeper, more rocky, and more remote than Pindari.
4,320 meters near Maiktoli Base Camp and Sukhram.
Mount Maiktoli (6,803m), Panwali Dwar (6,663m), and Tharkot.
No, prior trekking experience is strongly recommended due to steep ascents and boulder paths.
Jatoli, reached via Khati in Bageshwar district.