Satopanth Lake Trek
Embark on a thrilling 7-day Satopanth Lake Trek expedition starting from the picturesque village of Mana, the first Indian settlement at the border of India and Tibet/China. Explore the enchanting Himalayan landscape as you journey through the stunning destinations of Badrinath, Laxmivan, Chakratirtha, and the pristine Satopanth Lake. This adventure is tailored for experienced trekkers seeking a moderate challenge.
The ideal time to undertake this exhilarating trek is during the months of May to June and from August to October, ensuring favourable weather conditions and an unforgettable journey through this captivating part of the world. Prepare for a life-changing adventure, where the natural beauty of the Himalayas will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Important Highlights Of Satopanth Lake Trek
- Starting point: Mana Village
- Destinations- Badrinath, Laxmivan, Chakratirtha, Satopanth Lake
- Trekking distance (Total): (50 km)
- Duration- 7 days (5 Days Of Trekking)
- Experience – Trekking (Moderate; for experienced trekkers)
- Maximum Altitude– 4,602 m (Approx)
- Best Time To Visit– May to June and August to October
Satopanth Lake Trek Itinerary
Rishikesh To Badrinath
Begin your journey by driving or taking a cab from Haridwar to Badrinath, a holy city situated at a high altitude of approximately 3,291 meters.
Badrinath serves as the starting point for various treks in the region. The trek to Satopanth Tal, a mythical glacial lake in the Garhwal Himalayas, offers a high-altitude adventure, including walking on boulders, moraine, glacier, and a knife-edge ridge.
The trek offers breathtaking peak views and leads to the triangular-shaped glacial lake, hidden at an altitude above 4,000 meters, believed to be the “road to truth” (Satya Ki Pantha). Legend has it that the Pandava princes from the Mahabharata epic journeyed on this challenging trail on their way to heaven.
The distance between Haridwar and Badrinath is approximately 310 km, and the journey typically takes around 12 hours. The road is in good condition with several places to stop for refreshments and breaks.
Badrinath To Lakshmi Van
- On the second day, take it easy in Badrinath to get used to the higher altitude. This is also a great chance to explore the town, which is an important stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage.
- Check out the famous Badrinath temple, a special place in Badrinath.
- Enjoy a stroll to Mana, a small village just 4 kilometers from Badrinath, and experience the local way of life.
- Don’t miss Charan Paduka, a holy rock about 3 kilometers from Badrinath. It’s believed to have the footprints of Lord Vishnu, which is a significant spiritual site.
Badrinath To Lakshmi Van
- On the third day, start your 9-kilometer trek early. It takes about 5 hours.
- You’ll be covering a total of 9 kilometers during the day, which can be divided into several key landmarks:
- Start from Badrinath and walk about 4 kilometers to reach Mana village, the last Indian settlement before the China border.
- Cross the Alaknanda River in Mana, and after approximately 2 kilometers, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Vasudhara Falls.
- Continue your trek for about 3 kilometers over glacier deposits, known as moraine, to reach the Laxmivan campsite.
Lakshmi Van To Chakratirtha
- The journey from Laxmivan to Chakrateertha spans about 7 kilometres, typically taking around 4 hours to complete. It’s a bit more challenging but offers stunning scenery.
- The path continues alongside the Alaknanda river and passes through grassy terrain amidst the Dhano glacier’s moraine.
- After some time, you’ll catch sight of the Bhagirathi mountain peaks, providing a captivating backdrop.
- Approximately 5 kilometres into your trek, you’ll encounter Sahasradhara, a site with limestone stalactite monoliths from which thousands of water streams drip. This is where the majestic Mount Neelkanth becomes visible.
- Finally, the flat grassland of the Chakrateertha campsite is just half an hour’s trek from this point.
Chakratirtha-Satopanth Tal- Chakratirtha
- Today you’ll complete the final segment of the trek to Satopanth Tal and then make your way back to the Chakrateertha campsite.
- The trek covers approximately 10 kilometers in total, with 5 kilometers each way, and typically takes about 8 hours to complete.
- As you begin your journey, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Mount Neelkanth and Chaukhamba. The impressive Chaukhamba ridge stands tall over the lake, along with Neelkanth, Balakun, Parvati, and other majestic peaks.
- It’s believed by many that on auspicious days, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Mahesh bathe in this sacred lake. During the monsoon season, adventurous devotees and sages make their way to the lake.
The final stretch towards the summit of the trek is notably steep, with only loose moraine soil from the glaciers underfoot. Take some time to soak in the tranquility and serenity of the lake.
On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the legendary Swargarohini steps from Satopanth Tal, where it is said the Pandavas ascended to heaven. Be prepared for the likelihood of encountering snow on this stretch, regardless of the season.
Chakratirtha-Mana-Badrinath
- Return journey follows the same path: Chakrateertha to Laxmivan to Mana.
- Approximately 17 km of downhill trek.
- Usually takes about 7 hours to complete.
- You can easily get a cab from Mana to Badrinath if too tired.
Badrinath-Rishikesh
- To conclude your trip, travel from Badrinath to Haridwar by road.
- Consider grabbing some last-minute gifts and souvenirs from either Badrinath or Rishikesh before leaving Uttarakhand.
How To Reach
By Flight: If you prefer flying, the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination Badinath.
By Train: Regular train services are available to Rishikesh or Dehradun Railway Station throughout the year. Once you reach these cities, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to continue your journey to Badrinath.
By Road:Badrinath is well connected by road to major cities, making it accessible for travellers. The well-maintained road network ensures a smooth and convenient journey to the destination.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding trek route, the best time to visit, and how to reach, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
