Satopanth Lake Trek

Duration
6 Days
Trek Altitude
14,400 Feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
31 KM
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summer, Autumn

Satopanth Lake Trek

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 Trimoortis, 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 3300m (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.

 

Itinerary

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.

Upcoming Treks

  • June 24, 2023 open

FAQ's about Satopanth Lake Trek

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):

  • During the summer months of May and June, the days offer a comfortably cool range of 10°C to 20°C at lower altitudes, providing a pleasant atmosphere for trekking. At higher altitudes, the temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Nights remain cool but not overly cold, with readings between 0°C to 10°C at lower altitudes and -5°C to 0°C at higher altitudes.

Monsoon (July to August):

  • The monsoon season brings slightly lower temperatures. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C at lower altitudes and 5°C to 10°C at higher altitudes, offering a refreshing trekking experience. Nights become cooler, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C at lower altitudes and -5°C to 0°C at higher altitudes.

Autumn (September to October):

  • In autumn, the days remain cool and comfortable for trekking. At lower altitudes, temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, providing an enjoyable trekking environment. Higher altitudes experience temperatures from 0°C to 10°C. As the season progresses, nights gradually become colder, with readings dropping to -5°C to 0°C at lower altitudes and -10°C to -5°C at higher altitudes.

Winter (November to April):

  • Winter brings chilly conditions, especially at higher altitudes. During the day, temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C at lower altitudes and -10°C to 0°C at higher altitudes. Nights can be very cold, with readings between -15°C to -5°C at lower altitudes and -20°C to -10°C at higher altitudes. It’s important to be well-prepared for the cold weather during this season.

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.

Inclusion
  1. Transport support from and to Dehradun: starting from pickup on day 1 to drop on day 6.
  2. Guide and cook fees.
  3. Rent for camping equipment.
  4. Forest entry charges.
  5. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment. Please note that personal luggage can be carried by mules and/or porters on chargeable basis.
  6. All veg meals starting from day 1 dinner to day 6 breakfast.
  7. Tented accommodation throughout the trek.
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 apart from the trek
  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 600 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. 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