Max Altitude
14,272 FT
Grade
Moderate
Duration
6 Days
Trekking KM.
50 KM
Suitable for: | 10+ years |
Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
Fitness: | cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress. |
Trek Info
Why Satopanth Is A Must-Do Trek?
Set at an elevation of 4600 m above sea level, Satopanth is a crystal clear emerald lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains on all sides, the lakes setting fills you with immense tranquility. The trek is becoming quite popular in recent times and is known for its religious significance and grand mountain views.
Satopanth lake is triangular in shape and can be easily accessed from Lakshmi Van near Badrinath. According to Hindi mythology, it is said that the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh all meditated together on the three corners of the lake. Some mythological stories also say that the Pandavas took the path to heaven from Mana Village via Satopanth Tal to reach the steps of heaven at Mt. Swargorohini.
The lake is not the only attraction of the trek but the trail itself passes through many scenic wonders. The trail goes through Mana Village, which is the last village in India and you will also cross two beautiful waterfalls – Sahastradhara and Vasundhara. Also, Lakshmi Van and Khakrateertha are two beautiful campsites along the trail, and camping in these meadows is a highlight of the trek as well.
From the lake, you can see clear views of Mt. Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Balakun, and Swargarohini. The trail to Satopanth Lake is situated at the base of Mt. Nelkanth, so you get an amazing view of the Mountain after you cross the Lakshmi Van forest. The beautiful forests, ancient temples, quaint villages, lovely meadows, and breathtaking mountain views make Satopanth a must-do trek.
About The Trek?
The trek starts from the pilgrim town of Badrinath and goes through Mana, the last village of India on the Indo-Tibet border. The lake is approximately 22 km from Badrinath and it is a moderate-grade trek, suitable for both expert trekkers and fit beginners.
From Badrinath, you will travel 3 km to Mana Village, and from there follow the trail by the Alaknanda River all the way to its snout at Alakpuri, and follow through an undulating path to Laxmiban meadows followed by Chakrateerth meadows and to Satopanth Lake.
From Satopanth Lake, we will return to Chakrateerth, and then the following day return to Badrinath and the next day you will return to Rishikesh, thus ending the journey to Satopanth Tal.
What Can You Expect At The Trek?
Satopanth Lake is situated at an altitude of 4600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. This rewarding trek offers an unobstructed view of Chaukhamba and other mountain peaks in its vicinity. The trail to the lake is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty from snow-covered mountains, to gushing streams, rivulets, and forests of Oak and Pine.
The trek has a moderate grade and is thus suitable for beginners. Throughout the entire trek, you cover a distance of approximately 50 km in 5 days. The temperature stays around 18°C during the day and can drop to as low as -5°C at night. Carry warm clothes with you to protect yourself from the cold. The last ATM point is in Joshimath after which there are no ATM points. It is better if you withdraw cash from Rishikesh itself.
During the trek, you will cross Bhim Pul, a natural rock formation, and get to see Vasundhara Falls, which is a 400 ft tall incredible waterfall. During the beginning of the trek, you can also visit the Badrinath Temple and take blessings from Lord Vishnu. There are no permanent establishments on the trail so we will be staying in tents during the trek.
We provide transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh and the meals and stays between the trek are included in the cost.
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
This is the first day of your journey and it commences from Rishikesh. Our representatives will pick you up from Rishikesh and drive you all the way to Pipalkoti. The journey takes you on a picturesque ride alongside the Bhagirathi River. Pipalkoti is about 200 km away from Rishikesh and it takes about 9 to 10 hrs to reach Badrinath depending on the weather and road conditions. Along the way, you also get to see the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi which merge together at Devprayag and flow as one in the form of Ganga.
On reaching Pipalkoti, we will check into a hotel and rest for the night giving the body enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. You can take a preventive course of Diamox to help your body acclimatize faster to the higher altitudes.
We will start the trek early in the morning as we have to cover a distance of 9 km today. Starting from Badrinath, we will walk towards Mana Village from where the trek starts. Badrinath to Mana is 3 km and from Mana, it is 6 km to Lakshmi Van. Mana is considered the last village of India and lies 26 km from the Indo-China border. You can also spot the road that goes to the border, although it is restricted only to people belonging to the army. Here you will have your permit checked before you continue on towards Laxmi Van.
From Mana village, you will spot a trail that deviates towards the left of the Alaknanda River and for 2 to 3 km the trail is well-paved. About 3 km from the village lies the Vasundhara Falls, a 400 ft waterfall cascading down in white sheets of water. Vasundhara falls is a popular spot among tourists. The locals believe that the water of the falls as well as the Alaknanda River has medicinal value and many people store water from these water sources.
You can fill your water bottles from the waterfall. Keep hydrated as you will slowly gain altitude. After you cross the waterfall continue on the left bank of the river. You will now walk on moraines for the next 3 hrs and soon you will reach the Laxmi Van campsite. Laxmi Van campsite is located at an altitude of 11,900 ft and is covered with green and well-shaded by Bhoj Patra trees. From the campsite, you can see the Alkapuri Glacier, the source of the Alaknanda River. The glacier is situated at the base of the Balakun peak and you can witness the river flowing from the snout of the glacier. Overnight stay will be in tents.
Today’s trek is slightly more difficult than the previous day as you will gain more than 2000 ft of altitude. Even though the route is difficult but it becomes quite scenic as you enter the Satopanth Valley. The trail again follows the bank of the Alaknanda River and we will walk on a patch of grassland passing along the middle of the terminal moraine of Dhano Glacier. Once you cross this patch, the view of Bhagirathi peaks begins to open up in front of you. Although the peaks are visible only if the weather is clear.
Trekking for about 5 km, you will reach another gorgeous waterfall called Shastradhara and from here you can spot Mt. Neelkanth on your left. Shasatradhara is a culmination of more than 100 small waterfalls, streaming down a huge monolith. Weather can be quite unpredictable here post noon so we will try to begin our trek as early as possible. Chakrateertha Campsite is about half an hour away from this spot.
The campsite lies on a flat patch of a clearing. This is where we will pitch our tents for the night. Make sure you have enough warm layers on and cover your head properly. The temperature here during the daytime is 5°C to 10°C and at night it can stoop down to 0°C to -5°C. It is also important to check signs of altitude sickness at this altitude. If you are showing signs like headache, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or dizziness then you should report to the Trek Leader immediately. Tonight we will camp amidst greenery and towering peaks.
Today is one of the most exciting as well as the scenic day of the trek. Today you will trek to the mystical Satopanth Lake. Wake up to a wonderful mountain view with Mt. Chaukhamba in the center, Mt. Nelekanth on the left, and Mt. Balakun on the right. This view will stay in your mind for a long time.
The trek starts with an easy gradient as you walk on a flat grassland and after about 2 km the trek snakes around boulders and moraines. This can be a tricky section and you need to be very cautious as you navigate around this zone. Trekking poles can be of good help here.
Continue walking on the ridge, Satopanth Tal isn’t visible until you reach the top of the ridge. With a perimeter of over 1 km, the lake is simply huge. It is triangular in shape and as the legends go, it is believed that the trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh meditated on the three corners of the lake. You can also see a small shelter made of stone near the lake. A local sage by the name of Mauni Baba is said to live here.
The lake is bluish in color and an interesting fact about Satopanth Lake is that the water of the lake remains clear all year round. Also on a clear day, you can see three out of the seven steps of the Swargarohini Glacier. It is believed that the Pandavas followed these steps to ascend into heaven.
Sit around the lake, admire its beauty and enjoy its serenity for some time before you make your way back to the Chakrateertaha Campsite. It takes about 2 to 3 hrs to descend down to the campsite from the lake.
Today is the last day of trekking in the mountains and we will be descending down to Badrinath today. It is a long walk of 15 km from Chakrateertha to Badrinath and will take about 5 to 6 hrs. We need to start as early as possible so that we can cover the long distance comfortably.
Post breakfast, we will start on our trek. From Chakrateertha, we will take the same route that we came in. We will first descend to Laxmi Van and then to Mana followed by a gentle walk to Badrinath. At Badrinath, we will check into a hotel. In the evening, you can roam around the market, and visit the Badrinath Temple. There’s also a hot water spring in Badrinath, where you can take a dip.
The beautiful time in the mountains ends today as you will be driven back to Rishikesh. Wake up early and have a delicious breakfast post which we will start our drive towards Rishikesh.
The drive will be along the same scenic routes where you can reminisce about your journey. It will take 9 to 10 hrs approximately to reach Rishikesh. You can expect to reach Rishikesh by 7 PM.
At first you have to reach Rishikesh, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.
Our Pick-up place
Trek The Himalayas Head office, Tapovan Laxmanjhula, Landmark -Nainital Bank opposite Shiv Vilas Hotel
Options to reach Rishikesh
1. Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
2. Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (35 min drive with normal traffic).
We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.
3. Take the flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) and drive to Rishikesh (20 km, 30 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.
1. Inclusions :
Accommodation :
• Guest house in Pipalkoti (Day 1 and Day 6 as per the itinerary)
• Camping while on trek (twin sharing)
2. All meals while on trek (veg + Egg) :
• All meals (including tea, soup, snacks etc.) from Day 1 Dinner to day 5 dinner
3. Support :
• Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader.
• High Altitude chef.
• Support staff.
4. Safety Equipment :
• First aid medical kits
• Stretcher
• Oxygen Cylinder
5. Trekking Equipment :
• Sleeping bag, Mattress.
• Trekker’s tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dinning tent, Toilet tent
• Gaiters and micro spikes (if required)
6. All necessary permits and entry fees
7. Mules to carry central equipment
8. Trek Completion Certificate
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Transportation - Rishikesh to Pipalkoti & Return.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Insurance.
5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Price Includes".
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 2000/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 2300/- if you inform us after reaching Base camp
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:
At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.
In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition 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 TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Moderate |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Date | Status |
---|---|
14 May - 19 May 2023 | Open |
28 May - 02 Jun 2023 | Open |
04 Jun - 09 Jun 2023 | Open |
11 Jun - 16 Jun 2023 | Open |
Date | Status |
---|---|
14 May - 19 May 2023 | Open |
28 May - 2 Jun 2023 | Open |
4 Jun - 9 Jun 2023 | Open |
11 Jun - 16 Jun 2023 | Open |
Similar Treks
Uttarakhand
Duration
9 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
43 Km.
Altitude
14800 Ft.
Ladakh
Duration
7 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
61 Km.
Altitude
17100 Ft.
Uttarakhand
Duration
7 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
44 Km.
Altitude
15100 Ft.
Himachal Pradesh
Duration
8 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
51 Km.
Altitude
16100 Ft.
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
50 Km.
Altitude
12300 Ft.
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
33 Km.
Altitude
12750 Ft.
Kilimanjaro Region
Duration
9 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
62 Km.
Altitude
19300 Ft.
Uttarakhand
Duration
5 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
40 Km.
Altitude
10800 Ft.
Jammu and Kashmir
Duration
7 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
50 Km.
Altitude
13100 Ft.
Gandaki Zone
Duration
9 Days
Grade
Moderate
Approx
50 Km.
Altitude
15650 Ft.