Satopanth Lake is a glacial lake in Uttarakhand, India, located in the midst of snow-capped peaks at an altitude of 4,400 meters (14,400 feet) above sea-level. The lake is considered to be of religious significance to the local people. Residents of Mana village throw the ashes of the dead in the lake. Many people believe that the Trimurtis, viz, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, take bathe in the lake on an auspicious day. Certain species of birds are found here, which pick up the pollutants of the lake and thus keep the lake clean. These birds are not found anywhere. The local belief is that they are the Gandharvas disguised, who guard the lake against evils. Geologically this is a glacial corrie lake. The Alkapuri glacier is huge and a lot of corrie lakes are formed, and this one is the biggest. The waters of the lake are held by the vast boulders and lateral moraines of the glacier. The beauty of this trek is that it starts at 3,300m (the altitude of Badrinath) and continues alongside the Alaknanda river until the Alkapuri glacier. The junction of the 2 glaciers is a magnificent sight. The peaks of Neelkanth, Balakun and Satopanth give company throughout the trek. The camping locations on this trek are devoid of any trees and are beautiful alpine meadows. There are numerous waterfalls along the way which make the walk a pleasant sight.
- Satopanth is a 4,400 m glacial corrie revered by locals—ashes are offered here, and pilgrims believe the Trimurtis bathe in its crystal waters under divine guard by rare “Gandharva” birds.
- The trail follows the Alaknanda from Badrinath up to the massive Alkapuri glacier, where twin ice flows converge and bulky moraines cradle the lake’s shores.
- Towering peaks—Neelkanth, Balakun, and Satopanth—stand sentinel throughout the trek, framing every campsite and river crossing with snow-clad grandeur.
- Camp on treeless meadows under a canopy of stars, with a soundtrack of cascading falls tumbling down rugged valleys at every turn.
Day 1 – Delhi to Dehradun Depart New Delhi station by 14:00 train; arrive in Dehradun at 21:00. Check into your hotel near the station for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Dehradun to Badrinath via Joshimath
Kick off early with a scenic drive through Devprayag and Rudraprayag—witness the birth of the Ganges where Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda. Arrive in Badrinath by evening and settle into a guesthouse.
Day 3: Badrinath – Mana – Vasudhara Falls Camp
Visit the iconic Badrinath temple, then drive to Mana—the last village before Tibet. Begin your trek past Bheem Pul and the mystical Saraswati River toward Vasudhara Falls, a sky-touching cascade that turns into mist before it hits the ground.
Day 4: Vasudhara Falls to Chakrateerth via Laxmi Van
Trek through quiet meadows and Gujjar shelters at Laxmi Van. Post-lunch, ascend to Chakrateerth—a dramatic campsite with alpine grasslands and glacier-framed silence.
Day 5: Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake and back to Laxmi Van
Traverse glacial debris to reach the sacred Satopanth Lake, cradled by towering peaks. The lake’s serene waters and blooming lotuses offer a divine pause before the return descent to camp.
Day 6: Trek to Mana – Drive to Badrinath
Retrace your steps to Mana and drive to Badrinath. An alternate route offers a shortcut if weather permits. Check into a hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 7: Badrinath to Rishikesh/Haridwar
Drive back through Rudraprayag and Devprayag, soaking in the final mountain vistas en route to Rishikesh/Haridwar.
Day 8 - Time to say Good Bye and cherish unforgettable memories of trek Depart by train at 05:00, arriving New Delhi station by 12:30. Schedule onward travel after 15:00, or opt for a direct flight home from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
What is included in the tour
- Transportation from Delhi to Delhi.
- Stay is included from Day 1 to Day 7 (Dehradun to Dehradun). You will be staying in a Hotel/guest house at the base camp. The rest of the days will be camping when on the trek.
- Vegetarian meals along the trek route from the Base Camp to Base Camp.
- Sleeping bag, mattress, tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
- Professional outdoor experts, guide, cook and support staff.
- All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.
- First aid medical kit.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal luggage with mass not exceeding 12 kg per bag per person can be carried by porters/mules @ Rs 400 per day per bag (Total Rs. 2000/-).
- Meals during transit from Pune to Base Camp and back.
- Medical expenses (apart from first aid).
- Any kind of shopping, mineral water, optional sight-seeing, and any other expenses of personal nature.
- Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances like flight delay / cancellation / hike in fare, strike or any other natural calamities or any emergency evacuation expenses.
- Clothing of personal nature like trek shoes, kit bags, day packs, down jackets and other special clothing etc. (You can rent out from us)
- Any other item not mentioned in the cost include section.
