'Fixed departures' are assured departures that will start on the given date as per the given itinerary.
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.
Meals: D
Accommodation: Hotel
In the morning today, we shall drive from Joshimath to Badrinath.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Hotel
Today morning after breakfast we start our 5 days trek to Satopanth and back. We will follow the Alaknanda river and will keep the river on our right (true right of the river). In June it is possible to cross the river at Mana as the snow bridge after Mana normally remains good and intact. In post monsoon you will cross the river at Badrinath temple bridge and turn left to take the concrete track for few kilometres. The trail is a gentle uphill following Alaknanda. Walking around 3 hours we reach a flattened ground called Chamtoli Bugyal. Myriads of tiny wildflowers bloom during summer and monsoon in this valley. Vasudhara falls is just opposite to this on the other side of river. From here it is another hour to our camping ground called Laxmivan (3650 m/11650 ft). Total distance is 9 Km and may take 5 hours. Though called a “Van” (Forest in Hindi), this place is only a patch of green grass on the trail. Draupadi of Mahabharata supposed to breath her last here. From this ground the views are simply breath taking, in fact in all our next camping grounds. If you look directly north, you will notice that two glacial valleys connecting ahead. the right is the Alkapuri valley, the source of the river Alaknanda. This is also said to be the abode of Kuber, Yakshas and Gandharvas. The fluted peak called Shri Parvat is at the head of the valley and is mesmerising during the sunrise from this camp. Looking back you can see the Mana peak towering above Mana area. The valley which turned right is the one towards Satopanth Tal and we will follow tomorrow. On the other side of the river you can see the much famed Vasudhara waterfalls.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
Today we trek to Chakratirtha another 11 Km ahead towards Satopanth Tal. Initial 2 km is an easy walk till Bandhar from where the valleys bifurcate. This area has quite a few Rhododendron bushes flowering late in May. From here the terrain changes to typical glacial moraine covered with boulders and rocks. On our left locate a single standalone rock pillar named Bhim Gada. We cross the stream in a suitable place and continue to walk on the moraine ridge. After continuing for couple of hours we reach Sahastradhara, where numerous waterfalls cascading down the mountains on the left. As per legend brother twins Nakula and Sahadeva died around this place. Crossing the area we climb on moraine ridge and continue for another two hours to reach another patch of green, beautiful camping ground called Chakratirtha (~ 3950 m/12750 m). The way may take 6/7 hours. The view of Mount Neelkanth from this campsite produces a different angle and face of this iconic mountain. Lord Arjuna died at this holy place. We camp for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
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.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
Today we will trek back to Laxmivan. Take rest overnight in tents.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
Today, we will trek to Badrinath which is approximately 4 hrs. Then we will take the vehicle and start driving towards Joshimath.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you will leave from Joshimath for Rishikesh.
Meals: B
We are Trek The Himalayas, India’s leading Himalayan trekking company founded in 2010. With over a decade of experience we expertise in trek leading, mountaineering expeditions, cycling tours and other adventure activities. We organise trekking and peak climbing expeditions in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Our qualified and experienced team of local guides, trek/expedition leaders and cooks are known for their dedicated work in the mountains. We have been organizing treks, and mountaineering. We are the local leader for Himalayan trips throughout the entire India Himalayas.
From the greenest beginner to the sharpest professional adventure travellers, we can get you where you want to go and assure you our best trip.
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 30 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 30 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Satopanth Trek is one of the unique adventures in the laps of the Garhwal Himalayas that takes you through a land steeped in the depths of ancient Hindu mythology and religion. Apart from passing through this land and stepping back in time, you can enjoy the serenity that only this part of the Himalayas can offer. Once you cross the Laxmivan forest, you are greeted by the majestic views of Mt. Neelkanth, a major peak in the Garhwal Himalayas. Along with it, the challenging trail from Mana village that leads to the breathtaking Vasundhara Fall should be embarked on due to the picturesque views it offers. It is like nature's own light-and-sound show, with the burbling sound of the waterfall conveying the ancient tales that have stayed hidden for millennia. The emerald waters of the Satopanth Tal sweep you off your feet. Among the most striking details about this mythical lake is that it stays hidden within a ridge called 'Satya ki Pantha' or the 'Road to the Truth.' According to the ancient myths, the Pandavas took this difficult trail to reach heaven. Another myth narrates the three edges of the Satopanth Tal to be the meditation points of the Holy Trinity of Hinduism, namely Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Devotees and ascetics visit this lake during the monsoon as a part of an ancient ritual because the Holy Trinity is believed to bathe in the waters of the Satopanth during this season. Apart from these bewitching offerings of nature, if you are an adrenaline-junkie, you would love to traverse through the steep ridges and the puzzling maze of boulders and moraines that dot every part of the trail.
Located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, the Satopanth Tal Trek is not accessible throughout the year. The best times for the Satopanth Trek are late spring to summer (end-April to June) and autumn (September to October). During summer, you will find the trail along the banks of the Alaknanda adorned with beautiful alpine flowers in full bloom. The grasslands near the terminal moraine of the Dhano Glacier to the meadows of the Chakrateerth camping site are covered in bright hues of green. Along with the pleasant weather during this time, the views are also compelling. However, the weather changes drastically post-noon, and there are occasional bursts of showers. Hence, the post-monsoon or autumn seasons are one of the best times to venture into this mythic land. The skies are clear of the monsoon haze or clouds, and you can get picturesque views of every Himalayan peak surrounding your trail, from Mt. Neelkanth, Mt. Balakun, Chaukhamba to the Bhagirathi and Parvati peaks. If you are lucky, then you can also witness the three steps out of the seven on the Swargarohini glacier- believed to be the steps to heaven that the Pandavas had taken! This high-altitude lake is located around 4600 meters above sea level, and the trail is approximately 48 km long. The trek's highest point is at 5029 meters, and the duration is nearly 7-8 days, with suitable intervals for acclimatization. Although considered a moderately difficult trek, this adventure consists of steep climbs at stretches and hikes through boulder zones, screes, and moraines. Hence, trekkers should be appreciably fit and focused during this trek. The air in the glacial valley is low in oxygen, there are no horses/mules present, and it is a full camping-style trek without any place to stop for food or shelter. Hence, acclimatization is essential. AMS is a common occurrence for those who are not properly acclimatized, and the only remedy to that is to stop the trek midway and return. Several touring companies and travel agencies only encourage seasoned trekkers with prior experience of high-altitude Himalayan treks for the Satopanth Trek and Swargarohini Yatra. Your basic trek gear should contain a 45-50 liter backpack (with comfortable shoulder straps and rain cover), a 20-liter daypack (with rain cover), a pair of immensely sturdy hiking poles, quality waterproof hiking shoes with robust ankles and grips. Carry a headlamp, extra batteries, chargers, and water bottles, or hydration packs. When it comes to clothing, pack comprehensively. Carry upper and lower thermal inners along with full-sleeve t-shirts, fleece jackets, woolen sweaters, and a down feather jacket. Carry polyester hiking pants that are quick-dry and waterproof. To be on the safer side, take a poncho. Apart from these, your headgear should comprise a suncap, sunglasses, woolen cap, balaclava, and neck gaiters. Always carry excess pairs of synthetic and woolen gloves, innerwear, socks, etc. Carry your personal medications and a first-aid kit for any emergency. Apart from these, you should carry all essential toiletries like excess toilet paper and wet wipes, biodegradable soap, quick-dry towels, hand sanitizers, antibacterial powder, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Your toiletries and hygiene essentials should also contain moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. You need to be appreciably fit to complete the Satopanth Trek successfully. Combine aerobics with cardiovascular exercises like running, swimming, cycling, etc., and increase their intensity gradually. You should also focus on building mental resilience through restorative techniques and meditation since the trek includes meandering through difficult terrain that could create a lot of unprecedented challenges.
The Satopanth Trek takes place in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It is a trek to reach the pristine glacial lake of Satopanth Tal, located close to the Badrinath Shrine and near the foot of the Neelkanth peak.
The Satopanth Trek is moderately difficult. Although the trek duration is just 7-8 days and the distance is 48 km, it takes you to an average elevation of 4600 meters above sea level. The highest point is 5029 meters above sea level. At such an altitude, the oxygen in the air decreases appreciably. Hence, there is an abject need for acclimatization, or else you have to abandon the trek midway if you are affected by AMS, which is quite common. The terrain is quite treacherous, with boulders, moraines, and scree zones that need prior high-altitude trekking experience to navigate.
The Satopanth trekking trail is nearly 48 km long. The trek starts and ends at Badrinath and is typically comprises 8 days. However, you can always throw in an extra day for better acclimatization.
The Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport that is well-connected to the Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. You can get a bus from Dehradun for Badrinath, but the 10-hour journey is quite a tiring one. Since the aerial distance is quite less, helicopters flying between these two places is an excellent option for travel. Haridwar is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to several cities across India. From Haridwar, you can take a cab or a bus to reach Badrinath.
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