Dodital Darwa Top Yamunotri Trek

Darwa Pass connects the river valleys of the Ganga and the Yamuna

Duration
6 days
Trek Altitude
13,614 Feet.
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
42
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summer, autumn

Dodital Darwa Top Yamunotri Trek

The Trek through Darwa Top/Pass connects Dodital Lake to the Yamunotri Valley. A short hike takes us to Darwa Top, the highest point in the trek. From here, Swargarohini, Banderpunch, Draupadi ka Danda, Deonli, and Srikantha peaks look magnificent.

The Darwa Pass Trek in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India is a truly special adventure. It starts at Agoda, a 6 km climb to Manjhi, surrounded by lush forests and stunning scenery. As you continue, you'll reach the enchanting Dodital, resting at an impressive 10,850 feet above sea level. This sparkling lake is embraced by oak, pine, and deodar forests, adorned with lively rhododendrons. Inside, you'll find Brown trout and the rare Himalayan trout.

Dodital Lake:

Dodital, named after the local term for trout, "Dodi," is a serene and mysterious lake. It's one of the very few homes to the elusive Himalayan trout. Encircled by thick deodar forests, Dodital springs forth from the natural sources of the Asi Ganga River. The lake's perimeter stretches 1.5 kilometers and is graced by a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The best time to visit the Dodital Lake is from April to November, although adventurous trekkers can explore it in winter too.

Visiting To the Yamunotri Valley

Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and the Abode of Goddess Yamuna is situated in Uttarkashi at an altitude of 10,804 feet on the western side of the Banderpoonch Peak. Surrounding the ancient temples are numerous lakes and natural hot springs. Next to the Kund, devotees pay respects to a sacred rock slab named Divya Shila. Following this ritual, they perform pooja and prayers to the ebony idol of Goddess Yamuna. The shrine of Yamunotri is one of Uttarakhand's four small pilgrimages, with the source of the Yamuna River, located a kilometre further.

This trek is a mix of lakes, forests, mountain passes, and sacred pilgrimages. Also, you'll traverse the scenic Gulabi Kantha while journeying from Darwa Pass to Seema. The tranquil atmosphere, flowing streams, crystal-clear water, and dense alpine forests make the Darwa Top trek ideal for beginners. For an added thrill, extend your journey to Yamunotri via Darwa Top, where you'll witness the grandeur of the Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. Along the way, you'll gain valuable insights into local customs and India's rich heritage.

Dodital Darwa Top Yamunotri Trek

Darwa Top Trek Itinerary

Drive: 160 km, 7-8 km

Altitude: 1,200 ft – 7,381 ft

Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House

Meals: Dinner

 

The drive from Dehradun to Agoda offers scenic beauty and takes about 7 to 8 hours. Enjoy the journey through Uttarakhand’s picturesque landscapes and reach Agoda, a quaint village, surrounded by nature.

Trek: 7 km, 8-9 hrs

Altitude: 7,381 ft – 9,843 ft

Accommodation: Alpine Tent

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and ensure you have enough water, as there are no water sources along the 5 km trail from Agoda village to Manjhi. Follow the clearly marked Trail, with signs in the local language. The path becomes steeper with patches of mud and boulders. After 20-30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Dharkot. The final 5 km to Manjhi is a relatively flat path winding through a charming rhododendron forest. Manjhi greets you with a picturesque campsite, complemented by quaint shops and hotels nestled amidst oak trees. Take in the breathtaking views of Dayara’s towering peak

Trek: 5 km, 2-3 hrs

Altitude: 9,843 ft – 10,850 ft

Accommodation: Alpine Tent

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Today’s walk to Dodital from Manjhi is easy. The path goes through different forests. Look for colorful Monal birds. Find streams for water. At the top, an old temple gives a great view of the Himalayas. As you get closer to Dodital, the view gets even better with a tall cliff and the winding Asi Ganga river. Dodital is a pretty lake, surrounded by thick forests and a grassy meadow called Darwa. You can stay at a guesthouse by the lake, or choose cabins or tents. There’s plenty of food and wood for a fire. Enjoy the calm with a campfire. The lake is hugged by green oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, with Darwa meadow on one side and a wide valley on the other. Small streams from Darwa meadow fill the lake. End the day with a special prayer at the Ganesha temple.

Trek: NA

Accommodation: Alpine Tent

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Darwa Top is located at an altitude of 13,600 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular trekking destination, but it is important to acclimatize properly before attempting the hike to Darwa Top, especially if you are not used to high altitudes.

Once you arrive at Dodital Lake, you should rest for the day and allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude. You may experience some altitude sickness symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually mild and will pass after a few hour.

Trek: 15-16 km, 10-11 hrs

Altitude: 10,850 ft – 13,600 ft – 12,000 ft

Accommodation: Alpine Tent

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Today is a long day, start early. Choose between trekking to Darwa Top or camping near Gujjar’s settlements in Seema. Weather can be unpredictable. Follow the trail along Dodital’s edge. The climb is steep, with streams along the way. Reach an opening with boulders and a dead tree for rest. The final climb to the pass is short and steep. From Darwa Top, enjoy breathtaking views of peaks. Descend into Seema, a beautiful meadow with rhododendron bushes

Trek: 13-14 km, 6-7 hrs

Drive: 172 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 12,000 ft – 7,900 ft

Meals: Breakfast

 

Today, a relatively easy descent of 4,100 feet awaits. The trail offers scenic views and streams for water. After a peaceful morning, head towards Kundola meadow. The path is well-defined and passes through woods. Reach Kundola, a lush green area where you can cook lunch. Continue through oak and bamboo forests to Nisu village. Enjoy the village scenery and potato terraces. Descend to Hanuman Chatti, where the Hanuman Ganga and Yamunotri rivers meet. The village turns lively during the pilgrimage season, offering accommodations and food options. From here, an easy, well-marked road with railings leads to the revered Yamunotri temple, the source of the Yamuna River. The route includes rivers, lakes, forests, and villages, and is frequented by pilgrims.  You will opt for a drive to Dehradun after reaching Yamunotri. Alternatively, you can choose to return to Hanuman Chatti or stay at Yamunotri to extend the trek to Saptarishi Kund, a challenging ascent to the true source of the Yamuna River.

FAQ's about Darwa Top Trek

According to legend, Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born from Dodital. This interesting promenade is also known as Dhundhital or Ganeshka-tal. Dhuni is synonymous with Ganesha hence, the name of the place became so.

Dodital is said to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha and also comes from Assiganga, the source of the Bhagirathi river. It is named after the rare Dodi (Himalayan Trout) found in the lake.

Darwa Pass/Top is located at an impressive altitude of 4,150 m. The climbing to the Darwa Pass at such a hight makes this trek more challenging, but a thrilling adventure for all mountain lovers.

Located at an altitude of 3307 m, Dodital is an ancient lake surrounded by dense oak, pine and cedar forests in the Garhwal Himalayas, just north of Uttarkashi and east of Hanuman Chatti

It is 24 km from Sangamchatty and is easy if you include Darwa Pass. From Darwadarra, you can see a wide range of Himalayas. Dodital Lake is 1.5 km in diameter and surrounded by cypress trees.

The beginning of the walk to Dodi Tal is Sangam Chatti. Cross a bridge over a small river and start your journey to Agoda village. Bebra Gate is located at a distance of 2 km from Agoda village. It takes about 4hrs to reach Bebara from Sangam Chatti.

Inclusions
  1. Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  4. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  5. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  6. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  7. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱