• Distance: 20 km drive + 6 km trek

• Time: 1 hour drive + 4–5 hours trek

• Altitude: Sankri (1,950 m) → Dharkot (2,200 m) → Batgoera (2,750 m)

• Route: Sankri – Dharkot – Batgoera

After an early morning breakfast at Sankri, you will start with a short but scenic drive to Dharkot village (2,200 m), a charming hamlet surrounded by apple orchards and traditional wooden houses. Dharkot is also known for its panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak (Kalanag), which gives trekkers the first real glimpse of the mighty peaks they will be walking under for the next few days.

From Dharkot, the actual trek begins towards Batgoera campsite. The initial stretch takes you through thick oak, pine, and rhododendron forests that keep the trail shaded and cool. During spring, these forests burst with red and pink rhododendron blooms, while in autumn, golden leaves line the path. The trail is alive with the sounds of Himalayan birds like woodpeckers, barbets, and magpies, and if lucky, you might even spot a barking deer or a Himalayan langur.

As you move higher, the dense forest slowly opens up into rolling bugyals (meadows) with lush grass and scattered wildflowers. The trek offers plenty of natural water sources, including clear mountain streams, where you can refill your bottles. Short breaks at these spots make the journey refreshing.

By afternoon, you will reach the Batgoera campsite (2,750 m), a breathtaking open meadow surrounded by towering pine and deodar trees. Batgoera is known for its peaceful setting and wide valley views, making it one of the most beautiful camping grounds of the Maldaru Trek. In the evening, enjoy hot tea with snacks while watching the golden hues of sunset paint the Himalayan ranges. After dinner, spend your first night under the starry skies, getting the true feeling of being in the high Himalayas.