About Dhak Village
Prime Day: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 1-2 days
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station, about 282 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport - Dehradun, about 272 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Bus stand Joshimath, about 11 km away
Dhak is a peaceful Himalayan village at about 2,900 m, 12 km from Joshimath in the Chamoli district. With beautiful traditional wooden houses set among terraced fields and pine-oak forests, it showcases real Garhwal charm and warm mountain hospitality, making it a must-visit in your Uttarakhand tour packages.
It is surrounded by tall peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nar Parbat, a real treat for trekkers and nature lovers. The village is the starting point for famous treks like Kuari Pass, Roopkund, Bedni Bugyal, and Pangarchula. In the spring, rhododendrons bloom, making it a colourful heaven, and in the winter, snow covers Dhak, making it look like a beautiful white wonderland.
The trails through colourful meadows and forests are great for birdwatching and taking pictures. Dhak is a hidden gem in the Himalayas for people who want to see unique beauty, stunning mountain views, and get a taste of the local culture.
Dhak Village Highlights
• Enjoy the natural mountain charm at the Dhak village in Uttarakhand, with wooden-carved houses and hospitable communities.
• Start your mesmerising Kuari Pass trek at Dhak village, with rustic charm and mountain serenity.
• Admire the spectacular Himalayan views of peaks like Nar Parbat, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, and Trishul, easily accessible from the village.
• Witness the rich biodiversity of oaks, pines, wildflowers, as well as songbirds, a perfect haven for birdwatching and nature walks.
How To Reach Dhak Village
By car/taxi: Dhak village is about 11 km from the Joshimath city centre, via NH 107 B. It will take you around 30 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Dhak Village
Peak Season (March to June):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C.
- Things to Do: Treks, camping, birdwatching
Moderate Season (September to October):
- Weather Insights: Clear skies, crisp weather, post monsoon season, with temperatures ranging from 4–24 °C
- Things to do: Ideal for nature walks and birding
Low Season (July to September):
- Weather Insights: Heavy rains, river flows, and waterfalls, with temperatures ranging from 12–25 °C
- Things to do: Photograph vivid greenery, short village walks
Dhak Village Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- It is advisable to train before embarking on the trek, as these treks are of moderate to difficult intensity.
- Carry proper trekking shoes which are waterproof, do not slip, and have ankle support.
- Pack layered clothing: thermal base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell, gloves, and wool socks, as temperatures dip sharply after sunset.
- Carry cash and physical or pre-downloaded maps, as access to the internet and network might be limited.
- Avoid monsoons, as that time is prone to road blockages, landslides, and unpredictable showers.
- Dhak might require a day in Joshimath for acclimatisation, ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and monitor symptoms like headaches or nausea.
- Respect local customs, ask before photographing people, use public toilet facilities or follow open defecation protocols responsibly.
- Support the community by buying local produce, hiring guides, or dining at village homes.
Explore the Village and Local Culture
Discover Dhak's traditional wooden homes, terraced fields, and close-knit Garhwali community. Explore the countryside, meet locals, learn about mountain traditions, and eat real food in homestays. This cultural window into daily life in the Himalayas mixes simplicity, hospitality, and heritage. It's only 12 km from Joshimath.
Indulge in Nature Walks & Birdwatching
Trek through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, pine, and walnut trees around Dhak. In the spring, wildflowers bloom under tall trees, which attract Himalayan monals, woodpeckers, and other birds, making it a definite addition to your Uttarakhand birdwatching tours. From May to October, wildlife lovers can enjoy great photography, birdwatching, and being in nature on quiet forest trails.
Enjoy Camping at Gulling & Khullara
Camp under the stars at Gulling Top (about 2,900 m) and Khullara (about 3,350 m). These places are great for watching the sun rise and set, and for enjoying the peace of the mountains. It is surrounded by meadows and tall peaks like Dunagiri, Hathi Parvat, and Ghodi Parvat. Expect basic tents, a rustic feel, and a strong connection to the Himalayas. An experience of camping in Uttarakhand that you will never forget.
Embark on Kuari Pass Summit Trek
Start the famous Kuari Pass trek, which goes through forests, meadows, and patches of snow, and is one of the best trekking in Uttarakhand. The pass is about 12,500 feet high. You can witness Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kamet, Chaukhamba, and more from the top. The 6-day circuit from Dhak to Gulling to Khullara to Kuari and back offers moderate to challenging terrain, ideal May–Oct for alpine panoramas and trail immersion.
Experience Pangarchula Trek Extension
For experienced trekkers, extend beyond Khullara and up to Pangarchula Peak (about 15,000 feet). This hard route has steep climbs, snowfields, and views of the Himalayas at their best, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, and Kamet. This multi-day trip with campsite nights at Khullara and Gulling will test your endurance, but the views of the Alps will stay with you forever.
Tourism Board Alliances
Dhak Village FAQs
Where is Dhak Village located?
Dhak is a small mountain village in the Joshimath tehsil of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It is about 12 km from Joshimath and 79 km from Gopeshwar, the district's main town. It has its own gram panchayat and covers about 126 hectares.
How do I reach Dhak?
You can get to Joshimath by bus, taxi, or driving yourself. After that, private and shared cabs or buses take you the 12 km mountain road to Dhak. Expect mountain roads with some paths that twist and turn.
Do I need any permits for trekking?
Yes, you need permits from the local Forest Department or SDM to go on treks like Kuari Pass and in the forests near Dhak. You might also need permission from the gram panchayat. You should make sure these are safe ahead of time.
