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.
- Amazing view of Mt. Neelkanth.
- Witness beautiful forests, ancient temples, quaint villages, lovely meadows, and breathtaking mountain views throughout the trek.
Day 1 – Delhi to Dehradun
- Reporting at New Delhi railway station at 02.00 pm and proceed to Dehradun by train.
- Reach Dehradun by 09.00 pm and check in at Hotel.
- Overnight stay at Hotel near railway station in Dehradun.
Day 2 - Dehradun - Joshimath – Badrinath
We begin the day early and drive to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag. One can see Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi.) on the way. The Holy River Ganges starts from here. We reach Badrinath by evening and spend the night in a guest house.
Day 3 - Badrinath - Mana - Vasudhara Falls Camp
In the morning visit Badrinath temple and later after breakfast drive a short distance to Mana village (First Indian village). From here we will trek to Vasudhara falls via Bheem Bridge with packed lunch. Mana Village – 3 km from Badrinath, this is the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border. The Indo-Mongolian tribe set up this village. A population of 200 people lives here. Tourists come in plenty to this quaint village. Bheem Bridge – A short distance from Mana Village a natural bridge made of a huge boulder, over the river Saraswati is seen. The story goes that Bheem; one of the Pandava brothers put it there. The view of this extraordinary bridge and the din of the flowing river make this place interesting. Vasudhara falls – 5 km after Bheem Bridge this astonishingly high waterfall is very attractive. The most interesting aspect about this place is that all the water here becomes vapour and vanishes into the atmosphere. The view looks like the Ganges is descending from the sky.
Day 4 - Vasudhara Falls Camp - Laxmi Van - Chakrateerth Meadow
In the morning after breakfast we trek to Laxmi Van (2 kms). This is a small meadow with pastures for goat and sheep to graze. It has a few caves where gujjars stay with their flock of animals. After lunch we further trek to Chakrateerth meadow which is just 3 km away from the lake. This is a beautiful camping ground with green grass all around and towering peaks surrounding you. At night one may also hear the glacial ice breaking away into a thunderous sound.
Day 5 - Chakrateerth Camp to Satopanth Lake And Back To Laxmi Van
The trek from Chakrateerth meadow to the lake is very strenuous on the knees and is entirely over glacial debris. Walking over huge boulder and stones can take a toll on the knees but the calm and placid waters of the lake are a rewarding sight. Satopanth lake is 18 km from Mana village amidst the difficult areas of Himalayas. The water in the lake is very calm. On the banks of this lake are innumerable lotus flowers. We head back to our camp site and trek back to Laxmi Van.
Day 6 - Laxmi Van - Vasudhara Fall - Mana – Badrinath
In the morning trek back to Mana village and then drive 3 km to Badrinath with packed lunch. One can also take the alternate route to reach Badrinath directly. Upon arrival at Badrinath, check in to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 - Badrinath - Dehradun/Rishikesh
Early in the morning drive to Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar via Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Overnight stay in Dehradun or Rishikesh.
Day 8 - Time to say Good Bye and cherish unforgettable memories of trek
- Departure for Delhi by 05.00 am by train and reach New Delhi railway station by approx.12.30 pm.
- You can book your onward journey anytime after 3.00 pm on this day.
- There is an option to book flight directly from Jolly Grant Airport located near Dehradun and fly back home.
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.