Region: Chamoli Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Duration: 6 Nights and 7 Days
Grade: Moderate
Max altitude: 4600 meters
Approx trekking: 50 kms
Satopanth Tal is a glacial lake in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand which is 26 kms from Badrinath. It is located in the midst of snow-capped peaks at an altitude of 4600 m above sea-level. It is believed that on its three corners meditated the holy trio – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The lake, considered to be of religious significance to the local residents of Mana Village, popularly known as “The last village of India”, is 3 kms ahead of Badrinath.
This holy triangular shaped lake has a perimeter of 1 km. The snow covered Himalayan peaks of Neelkanth (21638 feet), Chaukhamba (23419 feet), and Balakun (20040 feet) looms over the waters of the glacial lake. The trek starts from Badrinath and stretches on the right bank of Alaknanda River, after 3km trek on reaching Mata Murti Temple, we can see the famous Mana village at another side of Alaknanda river as well as Keshav Prayag (Confluence of Saraswati & Alaknanda), the trail goes through the lush green Vasundhara valley where one can see the Vasudhara falls. Many spacious snow-capped peaks can be seen form Satopanth Lake.
Satopanth lake is divine; it”s pristine ice water close to the Swarga Rohini peak. The serene beauty of the scenic vistas and the glory of the gorgeous Vasudhara Falls.
It’s more like a hidden treasure of nature. An untouched Glacier Lake gives a mesmerizing feeling to those who seek peace; the bask of sunshine and the cold breeze make this place no less than a heaven. The lake is an area filled with water, which is localized in a basin, surrounded by mountains. The fantastic site also offers a beautiful opportunity to glimpse the Himalayas. Several kinds of birds can be found at the lake, which pick up the pollutants of the lake and thus keeps the lake clean. That’s why it has been called a mesmerizing place to visit.
This place is considered the most peaceful and quiet place, best for those who like to meditate.
This is the ideal place for experiencing a different level of trekking, the stunning views of this place can’t be described in words. Only they can be felt.
It is believed that after the war of Mahabharata the Pandavas came to Satopanth valley, in search of peace and on the way to Satopanth, all four brothers Bheema, Arjuna, Nakul & Sahadev died along with Draupadi. Yudhisthira, the eldest of Pandavas could reach to Satopanth and from Swargarohini, he ascended to heaven alive.
The Satopanth Tal trek Uttarakhand can be done only during the months of June and September except monsoon. After that the trail is blocked due to extreme weather conditions.
The difficulty level of this trek is moderate thus, if you want to do this trek, your fitness level must be quite good and you must have habit of exercising and walking.
6 Nights and 7 Days
Haridwar – Rishikesh – Joshimath – Govindghat – Badrinath
Day 1: Drive from Haridwar to Badrinath (approx 10 hours) followed by overnight hotel stay
Day 2: Badrinath to Laxmivan (3640 m) 10kms trek followed by overnight tent stay
Day 3: Trek from Laxmivan to Chakrateerth (4220 m, 8 kms) followed by overnight tent stay
Day 4: Trek from Chakrateerth to Satopanth lake (5 kms) followed by overnight tent stay. Either we can go to trek for Swargarohini steps or can take rest near Satopanth lake and walk surrounding
Day 5: Early morning holy bath in the lake followed by pooja, aarti, yoga etc
Trek back to Laxmivan (13 kms) followed by overnight tent stay
Day 6: Trek and drive from Laxmivan to Badrinath followed by the holy darshan of Badri Vishal Temple
Overnight rest house stay in Badrinath
Day 7: Early morning drive from Badrinath to Haridwar
Journey from Haridwar to Badrinath via Rishikesh takes 10 hours by road. The stretch of 325 kms makes way through the confluence at Deoprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Vishnuprayag. Badrinath is a holy shrine located on the right bank of Alaknanda River, at an altitude of 3133 m. The mighty snow covered Neelkanth peak stands erected behind the temple. The trekkers will check in the guest house where hot dinner will be severed in a cold yet serene atmosphere.
Badrinath to Laxmivan is a 10 kms Trek. Trek starts from Badrinath Temple and after 3kms of trek there is a temple of Mata Murti and from here we can see Mana Village, at another side of Alaknanda river. Mana village is a small settlement of Bhutia/Bhote people. After trekking for another 5 kms we can see the enchanting Vashudhara Fall and after more 2 kms the trekkers will reach to Laxmivan (3640 m). The special trees of ‘bhojpatra’ are found here only.
While trekking the meadows from Laxmivan we reach Chakrateerth via Sahastradhara. Chakrateerth is a beautiful camping ground with green grass all around and towering peaks.
After a hot delicious breakfast we will start our trek from Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake. High altitude, cold winds, and unpredictable weather conditions makes the trek exciting and challenging. A 3 km glacier walk will bring us to the Satopanth Tal which is a triangular shaped lake with crystal clear water. We will set our camps overnight near the Satopanth Tal. We pay our respect to the Gods further up at Swargarohini and come back to our campsite at Satopanth.
After a rejuvenating early morning dip in holy lake of Satopanth we will enjoy the delicacies of a hot breakfast followed by yoga/meditation session. We will start our descent to Laxmivan and set up our camps overnight.
We will start our descent to Badrinath from Laxmivan via Chimtoli Khark. During the trek we will offer our prayers at Matamurti mandir (Mother of Badri Vishal). Revitalizing the body with a holy bath at Taptkund (hot water spring) in Badrinath and we will offer prayers to Lord Vishnu with a darshan of the Badrinath Temple. The evening will be filled with the glory of holy songs in the Badrinath temple followed by a delicious dinner and an overnight hotel stay.We will start our descent to Badrinath from Laxmivan via Chimtoli Khark. During the trek we will offer our prayers at Matamurti mandir (Mother of Badri Vishal).
Drive from Badrinath to Haridwar
By Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is located around 40 KM from the Haridwar has a daily flight from Delhi to Haridwar.
By Train: Haridwar railway station is one of the major railway stations in Uttarakhand and well connected by major Indian cities.
By Road: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation and many private transport services provide road connectivity from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Joshimath and also regular bus services are from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi.
If you want conveyance facilities from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun to Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun you can contact us by e-mail. The cost is dependent on number of people as well.
1- Accommodation (2 nights hotel stay & 5 nights in tent stay on sharing basis)
2- Meals while on trek (hygienic vegetarian food) which included breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
3- Qualified & experienced trek guide.
1- Transport from Haridwar to Badrinath and back to Haridwar.
2- Meals during drive from Haridwar to Badrinath and back to Haridwar.
3- Unscheduled stay due to road blocks etc.
1. Rucksack with a rain cover (50 to 60 liters)
2. Day Sack with rain cover (30 to 40 liters)
A sturdy rucksack and day sack with a water/rain cover is recommended as during the monsoon the rain showers will greet the trekker as s(he) walks into the majestic valley
3. Trekking shoes
A good pair if trekking shoes with a quality bottom is a must for doing this trek. Waterproof shoes are recommended. Avoid shoes made of foam and cloth.
4. Thermal wear (Upper and Lower)
Temperatures dip specially in night and morning even in June. Thus, make sure you keep thermal wear.
5. Cotton sock (2 pairs)
6. Woolen socks (2 pairs)
7. Undergarments (2 pairs)
8. Gloves (1 pair)
9. T-shirts
10. Trek Pants
11. Woolen cap
12. Sun cap
13. Heavy jacket
14. Raingear
15. Water bottle
164. Sunglasses
17. Sunscreen lotion
18. Toiletries: Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Toilet Soap, Tissue papers, etc.
19. Head lamp or torch with extra batteries
20. Personal first aid kit