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.
In the morning visit Badrinath temple and later after breakfast drive a short distance to Mana village (Last village of the border). 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 Saraswathi 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.
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 kms 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.
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.
In the morning trek back to Mana village and then drive 3 kms to Badrinath with pack 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.
Early in the morning drive to Haridwar via Rudraprayag & Devprayag.
The most ideal times for the Satopanth Tal Trek are in the summer and after the monsoon. In the summer, which spans from mid-May to June, you’ll have a great time. Similarly, September to October, after the monsoon, is another fantastic time for this trek. During these periods, you’ll be treated to clear skies and delightful weather.
On the other hand, in the monsoon season, you can revel in the breathtaking beauty of the Satopanth Tal lake, surrounded by vibrant greenery.
The Satopanth trek is moderately challenging. It will help if you have some prior experience with high-altitude trekking. You can also improve your stamina by doing activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming.
Satopanth Tal, a glacial lake situated amidst the snow-capped peaks of Uttarakhand, India, is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) above sea level.
The Satopanth Tal trek is generally considered safe, provided you take necessary precautions and trek with a reputable organization. The trail is well-maintained, with no major technical challenges. However, like any high-altitude trek, there are inherent risks, such as altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, and potential for injuries. We prioritize safety, providing essential measures and a medical kit for emergencies. A knowledgeable guide accompanies you, enhancing your Satopanth Lake trek experience. Additionally, the package includes travel insurance for added security.
The Satopanth Tal Trek starts from a charming village called Mana in Uttarakhand, India. Interestingly, it’s the last village before reaching the border with China. Mana village is very close to the famous pilgrimage town of Badrinath, and you can easily reach it from both Haridwar and Rishikesh.
The Satopanth Tal Trek covers a distance of approximately 50 kilometers for the entire round trip. Typically, this trek takes around 5 to 6 days to complete.
This sacred lake holds deep religious significance for the local community. In a solemn tradition, the inhabitants of Mana village honor their departed loved ones by gently placing their ashes into the serene waters of the lake.
The temperature during the Satopanth Tal trek varies greatly depending on the time of year and the altitude. Generally, the trek tends to be chilly all year round, with colder nights and milder days. Here’s a breakdown of the temperature ranges:
Summer (May to June):
Monsoon (July to August):
Autumn (September to October):
Winter (November to April):
Remember, these are just average temperature ranges, and actual temperatures may vary based on weather conditions. It’s always wise to be ready for colder weather, particularly at higher altitudes and during the night. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing, including thermal layers, a warm jacket, and don’t forget a hat and gloves.