Darma Valley is a Himalayan valley located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, India. This valley is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand in the Kumaon division. The Darma Valley is formed by the Darma River (also known as Darma Yakti and Darma Ganga). It is situated between two other valleys- Kuthi Yankti valley in the east and Lassar Yakti valley in the west. The Darma Valley is connected to the Lassar Valley by the Gangetic Axle and to the Kuthi Valley by the Sinla Pass and the Nama Pass.
Darma river
The Darma River starts near Dawa village on the Indo-China border and flows southwards. At Tidang it joins the Lassar Yakti and till it joins the Kali river at Tawaghat it is called Dhauliganga. Darma Valley has rich flora including orchids. A rivulet called the Newli Yangti that drains the Panchachuli Eastern Glaciers flows into the Dhauli Ganga in the villages of Dugtu-Dantu. The Mandab river joins the Dhauli at Sela.
Residence
There are about 12 villages in the Darma Valley with a population of less than 1000. The villagers are pastoralists and traders, who cultivate the valley along with common cereals (Phagopyrum esculentum) and potatoes. After the 1970s migration, cultivated land has been reduced to 25% of its former size, bringing biodiversity back to the Darma Valley.
major peaks
- Panchchuli Massif, 6,334 to 6,904 m (20,781 to 22,651 ft)
- Om Parbat, 6,191 m (20,312 ft)
- Yungtangto, 5,945 m (19,505 ft
Why Darma Valley famous for?
- Darma Valley is famous among tourists as Trekking, Expedition, Camping, Kumaon Trekking, Valley Trek, Village Tourism, Cultural Tour.
- Darma Valley is the recommended destination for foreigners, groups.
- Darma Valley is a popular destination for the following activities/interests – Adventure, Base Camp (Trek), Camping, Offbeat, Trekking.
Activities in Darma Valley
- Trekking : The entire route leading to Darma Valley is extremely scenic with picturesque streams, lush green meadows lined with flowers, ancient villages with their rustic charm, chirping Himalayan birds and colorful flora. It is a pleasure to trek through the valley, given the gradual landscape and lifestyle.
- Camping: Many beautiful camping en route to Darma Valley
- There are sites. Whether you want to camp near quaint villages or amidst colorful meadows admiring the night sky, you can do it all. Take a leisurely trek at a steady pace and enjoy every natural wonder that Darma Valley has to offer.
- Village Tourism : Since there is very little in the whole part of Darma Valley
- There are 12 unique villages populated, so the valley provides a perfect place to discover the rural lifestyle of the people and indulge in their daily activities. You can stay in the homestays available in the villages, dine at the local shops, visit the schools, interact with the people and make your discovery a memorable one.
Best time to go on Adi Kailash Trek
- The weather is best suited for Darma Valley trek during mid-April to June as the temperature is pleasant and monsoon still starts blocking the route with landslides. Mid-September to the end of October is also the best time to visit Darma Valley.
- Darma Valley Trek. weather of
- Summer: The best time to visit Darma Valley is during the summer months from mid-March to mid-June. The sun warms up the cooler region of the Darma Valley and makes it easier for trekkers to cope with the environment.
- Monsoon: During the monsoon season, the route becomes slippery and trekkers find it very difficult to pass through the route.
- Spring: From mid-September to the end of October, the charming spring tempts trekkers to make their way to Darma Valley. Pleasant sunshine and calm weather.
- Winter: The season from November to the end of February, the temperature becomes quite low and thus tourists cannot trek in Darma Valley.
How to reach Darma Valley Uttarakhand
- Darma Valley is well connected to most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand. The guide below provides detailed information on how to reach Darma Valley by road, train or flight.
- By Road: You can get a direct bus or taxi from Delhi to Dharchula or major cities of Pithoragarh district like Almora, Champawat and Tanakpur and take a cab till Dharchula.
- The last motorable road, Dar is about 42 km from Dharchula. You can hire a taxi from Dharchula to Dar or Sobla. Sobla marks the entry point of the Darma valley and is located 5 km east of Dar. You can start your trek from Sobla village or drive further to Dar and start your trek from there.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station from Dharchula is Tanakpur Railway Station which is located at a distance of 240 km from Dharchula. You can easily get buses and taxis from Tanakpur to Dharchula.
- By Air: Nearest Airport to Dharchula is Pantnagar
- There is an airport which is located at a distance of 305 km from Dharchula. You can easily get a taxi from Pantnagar Airport to Dharchula
