Mount Satopanth Tal Trek

Satopanth word is derived from two words Sato means truth and Pantheans path or way. So, its literal meaning is the path of truth.

Satopanth Tal is a crystal-clear green water, the triangular lake at an elevation of 4600 meters above the sea level. Satopanth is a high-altitude lake located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand which is near to Badrinath shrine. Satopanth Lake has a very rich history.it is considered to be religious place for the locals. It is believed that trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh meditated on its three corners. Some articles say that at the end of the Mahabharata, Pandavas took the route from Mana Village to reach the steps to heaven which is on the Satopanth lake.

The lake is surrounded by Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, Mount Swatgarohini, and Mount Balakun.The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains which stands next to you.

The triangular lake looks crystal clear throughout the year though local throw ashes of dead body in it. There is a study on the lake which shows that water quality of the lake is EXCELLENT. This trek will offer you unobstructed view of the snow crested Chaukhamba and many other peaks. One will have spiritual and mental peace while reaching this triangular lake. This lake has a perimeter of over 1 km and a soothing evergreen colour.

Satopanth Lake Trek Price

Destinations: Haridwar, Joshi math, Laxmivan, Chakra Tirth, Satopanth Lake

Duration: 9 Days

Experience: Trekking

Maximum Altitude: 4,602 meters approx.

Ideal time: May to June and August to October

Cost: Rs.15000.

OTHER TREKS

• Kedarkantha Trek
• Monaltop Trek
• Brahmatal Trek

The Satopanth Tal trek is of the moderate-difficulty level. You start at an altitude of 10,830 feet and reach an altitude of 15,100 feet in 3 days.

Hillways Travels is a traveling agency located in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. This agency helps the visitors to visit various places with excellent tour packages. Agency makes every effort to make the trip more memorable. The motto of the agency is to make the trip stress free and provide every facility in the journey. This agency promise to make the trip remembering.

Our Mission:

The goal of the Hillwaytravels is primarily focused on its customers. They provide extra ordinary services to their customers. It focus on transparency, honesty and morality in our work. Communication is prioritized between our company and the traveller for security purposes. They provide help in emergency situations.

Hillway travel visions is to come up with extra traveling services which includes distinctive itineraries, customized services and satisfaction for their customers. Mission of the company is to promote traveling and make every place comfortable for their visitors without any difficulty.

Satopanth Lake Trek Highlights

1. The height of Satopanth peak is 7075M.
2. Satopanth trek begins from Badrinath and ends at holy satopanth lake.
3. The trek distance of the trek is 22 kms.
4. It takes minimum of 5 and maximum of 9 days to explore Satopanth trek.
5. It is moderate that welcomes skilled as well as new travel beginners.

Weather

During the summer season the temperature of the lake varies from 10 degree Celsius to 20 degree Celsius. It is a pleasant weather for trekking in Himalayan range.

Satopanth weather during monsoon season is unstable and it can start raining any time. It is compulsory to carry raincoat at this time.

During winter season mountains are covered with snow. The temperature fluctuates between 0 degree to 5 degree Celsius from December to March.

ITINERARY OF SATOPANTH TREK

DAY1 – ARRIVAL IN HARIDWAR

One has to reach Haridwar by bus or train from their city to start the trip to Satopanth trek.

DAY2 – HARIDWAR TO BADRINATH

Travellers are required to reach Haridwar to start their journey to Joshi math. Bus and cab services are available to reach there. Night stay is provided there with wonderful dinner.

DAY3 – BADRINATH TO LAXMIVAN

Drive distance from Badrinath to Laxmivan is 9 km which takes 4 to 5 hours. Badrinath is base camp for Satopanth trek. After checkout and wonderful breakfast, the short trek starts from Badrinath to Mana 3 km, which is the last Village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border. After checking of the permits, journey starts towards Vasundhra Falls. After crossing Saraswati temple Mana, the trek became steeper.Alakananda river flows below.

DAY 4 – LAXMIVAN TO CHAKRATIRTH

Next day starts with the trek from LAXMIVAN. Here you can capture the beautiful sunrise which fulfil your heart with joy. This is a short scenic trek which will cross the Satopanth Valley. This is a well-marked trail with the green patches. On the way to Satopanth trek you will find colourful alpine flowers blooming in the Valley, after which the glorious view of three benevolent peaks of Bhagirathi can be seen at the Satopanth Valley. On climbing the steep ridge of Sahastradharatp Chakra Tirth camping grounds. On reaching the campsite, gaze at the glaring west face of Mount Neelkanth. Overnight stay at the campsite in the tents with bonfire and dinner arrangements.

DAY 5- CHAKRATIRTH, SATOPANTH & CHAKRATIRTH

Next early morning unzip your tents to have a look at the scenic view of Chaukhamba in the centre, Neelkanth, Satopanth and Parvati Peaks on your left and Balakunon your right. During the trek you can hear the tumbling sound of avalanches throughout the Valley. This stretch is tricky while crossing it be patient. In the last 2 kms trek, you may have to deal with steep slopes and walk across the loose soil which is scattered over the glacial moraines. On reaching the top you have the view of triangular shape lake.

DAY 6 – EXPLORATION DAY AT SATOPANTH LAKE

Next day starts with the excitement to explore the Satopanth lake. After having breakfast, the day starts for which you are here. Thebreathtaking views of this lake will sweep up your feet. Here you can see a Saint known as Mauni Baba who lives near the lake. There is common belief that he can live on only sun and air if food is unavailable. After spending some time journey starts towards returning to Chakra Tirth. This is a 5 km trek which can be completed in couple of hours. Overnight stay at Chakra Tirth in tents.

DAY 7 – CHAKRATIRTH, MANA & BADRINATH

After waking up with the chirps of birds, healthy breakfast and packing of the tents journey starts back to Mana and Badrinath where staying facility is available. Following the same trail that is taken for reaching Chakra Tirth from Mana. This is 15 km trek which will be completed in 5 to 6 hours. On reaching Mana taxis are waiting to starts further to Badrinath.

DAY 8 – BADRINATH TO JOSHIMATH

After checkout from the hotel and visiting Badrinath temple journey starts in our taxis towards Joshi math. On reaching Joshi math staying facility is available in the hotel.

DAY 9 – JOSHIMATH TO HARIDWAR

This is the last day of the trip which starts from Joshi math and ends at Haridwar through our taxis after having our meals.

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

While trekking in the high altitude ranges it is essential to understand the guidelines one should follow

• The packing should be done according to the weather and location you are going.
• Always keep an emergency contact number.
• Don’t forget to keep first aid box and other medicines.
• Before starting the journey to the trek one should consult the doctors for all check-ups.
• Always keep the environment clean and don’t litter in the mountains.
• One can approach your instructor if you face any problem during trek.

IMPORTANT PLACES NEAR SATOPANTH TAL TREK

1. BADRINATH TEMPLE: Badrinath temple is one of the char dharma yatra destinations located in Chamoli district locating in the banks of Alaknanda River. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple remains open for six months and closes in winter season. This temple attracts many tourists from all over the world.
2. VALLEY OF FLOWERS: It is a habitat of 700 exotic flowers, beautiful waterfalls and wildlife species It spreads over 87 square kilometre in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
3. HANUMAN CHATTI: It is a pilgrimage site located at river Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga This destination is known for the temple of Hanuman ji. Devotees who are visiting Yamunotri come here to seek the blessings of hanuman
4. Hemkund Sahib: This gurdwara is a Sikh pilgrimage located at Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This place is surrounded with seven snow-capped mountains of Garhwal Himalayas.

INCLUSIONS

• Transportation from Haridwar.
• Accomodation during the trek.
• Meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• High quality camping equipments.
• Crampons and Gaiters as per snow conditions.
• Basic first aid kit with oxygen cylinders.
• Highly experienced team of mountain trek leader and guides.
• Certificate of trek completion.

EXCLUSIONS

• Any expenses of personal nature like phone call etc.
• Travel from Delhi to Haridwar.
• Horsedwith horsemen to carry your loads during the trek.
• Extta food apart from mentioned one.
• Anythong not mentioned.
• Accommodation before and after the trek schedule.

THINGS TO CARRY

• Backpackwith story straps and supporting frame.
• Daypack if you want to off load your backpack on the trek.
• Trekking shoes with PVC soles. Forclaz and woodland are good choices.
• 1 pair of thermal inners
• A full sleeve thick jacket
• 4 pair of track pants
• woolen cap
• Light weight rain coat
• hand gloves
• Trekking pole
• Sunglasses
• Torch
• Extra batteries and memory cards

It is advised to choose Hillway Travels because they want the satisfaction of their customers. They offer good services, experiencedguides who are knowledgeable and locally trained. They focus on honesty, transparency and ethical conduct. They accommodate the changing needs of the traveller, this includes right advertising, fair prices and authentic information.

Where to take permission for Satopanth Lake?

Inner line permit has to be taken from Joshi math. Divisional Forest Office of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Joshi math is the place to get permission. If you are hiring any guide, they will help would with the permission.

Place to rent camping and trekking equipment

Ther are many shops in Badrinath where camping and trekking equipments are provided on rent which are good quality. It is advisable to carry all the equipment from your place of residence.

Emergency contact for Satopanth trek

Hospital: There is Government Hospital which is 4kms from Mana Village and closer to Badrinath.

Police Station: Badrinath Police Station is the nearest police station to Mana Village which is 4.6 km away from the village.

ERSS: In case of any emergency help, you can contact PAN India Emergency Response Support System, number 112.

WHO CAN GO TO SATOPANTH TREK?

1. Age 10 years
2. First timers can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
3. the trekker must be fit and have sufficient stamina to trek.
4. The trekker should be able to carry 10 to 15 kg back pack.

You can also go there by following modes

By Rail: From Delhi take the train to arrive at Haridwar as there is no railway station in Badrinath. From Haridwar you can hire a taxi or bus to reach Badrinath.

By Air: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is 317 Km away from Badrinath.

By Road: You can take a bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate both AC as well as Non-AC for Rishikesh.  

In conclusion, trekking is something anyone everyone can do with the right preparation. Everything you eat, drink, exercise and where you go can affect your trekking experience. The trek to Satopanth is very energetic and beautiful which can’t be forgotten for many years. You can also visit many holy places like Badrinath ,Hemkund sahib Hanuman temple ,Haridwar. This trip gives you wonderful lifeexperience.