Darwa Pass or Darwa Top, near Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi Uttarakhand, offers scenic trekking and adventure. Know how to reach, when to visit and key highlights
Darwa Pass, also known as Darwa Top, is a beautiful high-altitude mountain pass located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It lies at an elevation of around 4,150 metres (13,615 feet) above sea level. This pass is a hidden gem for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers who want to explore the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Darwa Pass is closely associated with Dayara Bugyal, one of the most scenic alpine meadows in India. Most trekkers reach Darwa Top after hiking through the lush green meadows of Dayara. The views from Darwa Pass are absolutely stunning, offering panoramic sights of famous Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch, Draupadi ka Danda, Srikanth, and even glimpses of the Gangotri range.
Darwa Pass is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. It lies in the northern part of the state and is part of the Dayara Bugyal trekking route. The region is rich in flora and fauna and remains covered in snow during the winter months.
The pass connects Dayara Bugyal to the Dodital Lake trail, which is often trekked by those looking to combine the Dodital-Darwa Pass-Dayara Bugyal route for a longer adventure.
You first need to reach Uttarkashi town, which is well connected by road to major cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
From Uttarkashi, you can drive to either Barsu Village or Raithal Village, which are the base villages for the Dayara Bugyal trek. Both are roughly 35–40 km from Uttarkashi.
The nearest railway stations are:
From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Uttarkashi and then continue to the base village.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), around 200 km from Barsu or Raithal. After landing, take a taxi or bus to Uttarkashi.
The journey to Darwa Pass typically starts from either Barsu or Raithal, both of which are small, peaceful villages surrounded by forests and mountains.
You can camp at Dayara Bugyal and make a day trip to Darwa Pass and return. The path from Dayara to Darwa is quite steep and passes through thick oak and rhododendron forests before opening up to alpine meadows and snow patches.
Darwa Pass is a seasonal trek and should be visited during the right months for a safe and beautiful experience.
At Darwa Pass, trekkers are rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and peaceful silence. The area is untouched by commercial tourism, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
The pass also offers distant views into the valleys of Yamunotri and Gangotri, making it spiritually and geographically significant.
Darwa Pass or Darwa Top is a stunning offbeat trekking destination in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. It is a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, and panoramic Himalayan views. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or an enthusiastic beginner, Darwa Pass promises a soulful experience away from the noise of crowded tourist spots.