About Satopanth Lake
At a short distance from the sacred town of Badrinath, The glacial
lake of Satopanth allures adventurists to add the accomplishment of one
more impressive trek in their biography. Sequestering amidst the
imposing ranges of the Garhwal region, this green triangular lake offers
an ambiance of serenity. The lake is said to have a deep set connection
with the Hindu mythology as the three corners of the lake are believed
to be the sacred part of the holy trinity, namely, Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh (Lord Shiva) who are reckoned to have meditated at three of the
respective corners. Many devout pilgrims also trek to this lake for
bathing here on solar and lunar fortnights as it is considered most
auspicious.
Satopanth Lake commences from Mana Village, which is 3 km away from
Badrinath and houses a natural rock bridge called Bhim Pul. The
Satopanth Lake Trek is a bit hazardous but the risk is well rewarded
with unparalleled scenic views. The trek boasts rich surreal views and
requires glacial and boulder walks as well. During the trek, one has the
opportunity to witness 400ft waterfall; Vasudhara Falls, pass through
India's last village, Mana and get incredible views of Himalayan peaks
like Neelkanth, Chaukhamba and Swargarohini.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 08 Days (4 days traveling and 4 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4600 mts
Total Trekking : 50 K.M
Satopanth Lake Trekking Tour Highlights
- Witness the surreal green lake Satopanth
- Walk over a natural rock bridge, Bheem Pul
- Watch the beautifully cascading waterfall of Vasudhara
- Get an opportunity to hike to one of the majestic glaciers, Dhano Glacier
- Walk through the last village of India, 'Mana'
- Delight in the spectacular views of some of the Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Swargarohini
- Camping by the Satopanth Lake, under the open sky that is studded with stars during the night
Best Time to Visit Satopanth Lake
Best time to travel to Satopanth Lake Trek is in summers (Mid May –
June) and Post monsoon (September - October), when the weather remains
pleasant and the sky clear for some magical views of far-flung high
mountain peaks.
In summers:
The weather of Satopanth Lake trek remains pleasant during summers.
Since the sky remains clear, one has the opportunity to view the
Himalayas distinctly. Carry woolens with you.
In monsoon:
During the monsoon, the area around Satopanth Lake becomes lush green as
if it is inviting tourists to get lost into the wilderness of nature.
However, there are chances of roads blocks for a couple of hours due to
landslides but the scenic beauty of Satopanth Lake trek during monsoons
is worth taking the risk for. Carrying raincoats is advised.
After post monsoon:
Post monsoon is an ideal time to do the Satopanth Lake trek. One can see
the best of Satopanth Lake trek post monsoon as it blossoms with
flowers and vegetation making it look heaven on earth. Carrying heavy
woolens is advised.
Where is the Satopanth Lake?
Satopanth Lake is situated in the midst of snow-capped peaks at an
altitude of 16,000 feet above the sea level. The lake is located 22 km
ahead of the sacred town of Badrinath. Balakun Peak, Kuber Top, Mt.
Neelkanth, and Mt. Swargarohini are the peaks visible en route to
Satopanth.
How to Reach?
By Air: Jolly Grant of Dehradun is the nearest
airport to Badrinath. The airport is well connected to Delhi with
regular flights, whereas Badrinath is well connected by motorable roads
with Jolly Grant Airport.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Badrinath
is Haridwar/Rishikesh. The Rishikesh railway station is situated 295kms
before Badrinath on NH58 and is well connected by with major cities of
India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent and Badrinath is well connected
by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from
Rishikesh/Haridwar to Badrinath.
By Road: Badrinath is well connected by motorable
roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar,
Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi.
Buses and taxis to Badrinath are easily available from major cities of
Uttarakhand state like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri,
Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Srinagar and Chamoli.
Satopanth Lake Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
In the morning take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar, you will be met by our guide who will help you transfer to Rishikesh and in checking into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh – Joshimath (250 kms/8-9 hrs)
Today, we shall drive to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag. One can see Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi.) on the way. Arrival at Joshimath by evening. Check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.Day 03: Joshimath – Badrinath (45 kms/ 2 hrs)
In the morning today, we shall drive from Joshimath to Badrinath. Sightseeing and overnight stay in the hotel.Day 04: Badrinath - Laxmi van (8 kms/4-5 hrs)
Today, after the breakfast, we shall drive e to the village of Mana. From here the trek starts towards Laxmi van along the falls of Vasudhara. Laxmi van is a beautiful campsite with an impressive Alkapuri glacier on the opposite side. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 05: Laxmi van - Chakrateerth (10 kms/7 hrs approx)
Our trek today will be towards Chakrateerth. We will ascend and continue along the beautiful waterfalls called Sahasradhara meaning Thousand Waterfalls. We shall be also be required to walk over the boulders. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 06: Chakrateerth - Satopanth Lake - Chakrateerth (12 kms/8 hrs approx)
Early in the morning today, we shall ascend to the top of the ridge. From here walk along the glacier to reach Satopanth Lake. After spending sometime near the lake, we shall trek back to Chakrateerth. Further trek down to Laxmivan, which is comparatively easy descend with cautious approach. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 07: Laxmivan - Badrinath – Rudraprayag
Today, we will descend to Mana Village in approximately 3 hrs. At Mana, we will take the vehicle and start driving towards Rudraprayag. Arrive and check into the hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.Day 08: Rudraprayag – Haridwar – Delhi
In the morning after breakfast, drive to Haridwar via Devprayag and Rishikesh. On arrival at Haridwar, transfer to railway station and from here catch an AC train for Delhi.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Shivling Base Camp Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 18 May, 2018 | 01 June, 2018 | 14 September, 2018 |
| 28 September, 2018 | 05 October, 2018 |
