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Brief Description
Satopanth Lake is a holy lake near the base of the 7138 m Chaukhamba massif. The trek to Satopanth lake starts from Mana - the last village near the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand, near the pilgrimage town of Badrinath. From Mana, you follow the Alaknanda river to its snout at Alkapuri and walk next to the glacier to reach the undulating meadows and Laxmiban and Chakrateerth before reaching the lake. The maximum altitude you gain during Satopanth lake trek is 4350 m. With its crystal clear green water, the triangular lake has a perimeter of one kilometer. On its three corners meditated the holy trio - Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh and still do, it is believed - the creator, the preserver and the destroyer charting out the course of the world. Satopanth Tal Lake Trek in Uttarakhand is an isolated trek in Garhwal Himalayas nestled on the base of legendary Nilkantha peak and several other prominent peaks in proximity. The route offers splendid views of Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Balakun, Kamet and Abi Gamin. The best time to do Satopanth lake trek is May - June, and September - October. On this page, you will find all essential information lake Satopanth Lake Trek route map, Temperature and Weather details, Photos, Videos, and Blog Posts.
Gallery
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Mana Village
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Trail towards Laxmiban
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Overlooking the Alaknanda river
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Laxmiban campsite
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Balakun towering over Alkapuri - the snout of Alaknanda glacier
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Starry night skies over Laxmiban
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Starry night skies over Laxmiban
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Balakun and the Alaknanda glacier from Somtoli
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Sahastra Dhar on the lateral moraine
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Chaukhamba towering over Chakrateerth
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Climbing through boulders and moraine towards Satopanth Lake
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Satopanth Lake
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Nilkanth
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Satopanth Lake
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Climbing over loose boulders and snow in early summer
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Night skies over Chakrateerth
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Somtoli meadows on the return to Mana
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Arrival at Joshimath (6696 ft)
Joshimath is almost 300 kms. away from Dehradun. It takes about 10-11 hours to get to Joshimath via taxi. So, make sure you get to Dehradun the night before so you can leave for Joshimath early morning the next day, and get a few hours of rest. Taxi’s usually leave for Joshimath early morning. Once you reach Joshimath in the evening, you can explore the local bazaar. The popular skiing slopes of Auli are also very close to Joshimath town.
Joshimath to Badrinath (10,429 ft) - 46 km [Drive]
Today, we will drive from Joshimath to Badrinath. Badrinath is a Hindu pilgrimage site famous for being one of the Char Dhams. The road initially descends to the valley floor, before climbing along a steep gorge to the pilgrimage site of Badrinath. We will spend the rest of the day acclimatising at Badrinath. Mana, the last village of India towards the Indo-China border at Mana Pass, is just 4 km away from Badrinath. Overnight in hotel/guest house at Badrinath.
Badrinath to Laxmiban (12,000 ft) - 7.3 km (Click to View GPS data)
We start our day with an easy walk up the Alakananda river towards the Somtoli meadows. You will see the mighty 400 ft Vasudhara falls on the opposite banks after a while. The trail climbs gradually till Somtoli, crossing a landslide section. You might find few shepherds here or their vacant caves. From here, a small walk through a boulder section takes us to our campsite marked by a cluster of Bhojpatra trees on the slopes. The campsite has great views of Alkapuri, the snout and starting point of Alaknanda river and the Balakun peak.
Laxmiban to Chakrateerth (13658 ft) - 7.0 km (Click to View GPS data)
The trail gets more challenging today. We will start with a sharp ascent through boulders and scree to Sahastra Dhar. As we climb up the valley, views of NIlkanth, Balakun and Chaukhamba open up. Once we reach Sahastra Dhar, we will cross a little stream and walk across a flat area with dozens of streams flowing and merging with each other. Then, we start traversing the left (true right) lateral moraine of the glacier coming down from Chaukhamba at the head of the valley. The trail climbs steeply again after Sahastra Dhar, followed by a short level walk across the upper snow slopes to reach our campsite at Chakrateerth. We will camp in Chakrateerth for the night.
Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake (14258 ft) to Chakrateerth - 4.9 km (Click to View GPS data)
Although today's trail is short with an easy ascent, the trail goes through tricky boulder sections along the left (true right) lateral moraine. We will cross two spurs coming down from the slopes of Nilkanth to our left (true right) to reach Satopanth Lake - a beautiful blue triangular lake. Throughout the day, we will have imposing views of Chaukhamba and Nilkantha, and a bunch of small glacial lakes to our right. After spending some time at the lake, we will return to Chakrateerth for the night.
Chakrateerth to Chamtoli (11745 ft) - 8 km (Click to View GPS data)
We retrace our track today and reach Chamtoli, where we will camp for the night.
Chamtoli to Mana - 10.2 km. Drive to Joshimath. (Click to View GPS data)
We will finish the remaining descent today and then drive from Mana to Joshimath. Overnight stay in hotel/guest house
Joshimath to Dehradun
Today, you will leave from Joshimath for Dehradun and onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Experience required
- Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty.
- For the trek’s achieving more than 5000 meters, a person must have a prior experience of trekking at altitudes of 3700 meters.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The base for Satopanth Lake Trek is Badrinath. To reach Badrinath -
By Air: The nearest airport from Badrinath is the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, about 317 km from Badrinath.
By Train: The nearest railway stations to Badrinath are at Rishikesh (297 kms), Haridwar (324 kms) and Kotadwar (327 kms). Rishikesh is not connected by fast trains and Kotadwar has very less number of trains. Thus Haridwar serves as the best railway station if you are visiting Badrinath by train. Haridwar is connected by many trains from all part of India.
By Bus: Badrinath is easily accessible by road. It is located at a distance of 525 Km from Delhi & 296 Km from Rishikesh. There are regular buses operating to Badrinath from Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Regular buses operate from Rishikesh bus station to Badrinath and start very early before dawn. The last bus from Rishikesh leaves for Badrinath before dawn. The road is narrow after Joshimath and travel is not permitted on the road after sunset. Therefore if one misses the bus for Badrinath at Rishikesh bus station, one has to go only up to Rudraprayag, Chamoli or Joshimath and spent the night there to take the early morning bus for Badrinath from that town.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Badrinath Temple: Located atop 3133m, the Badrinath temple is a 15m black structure claiming a date back to the Vedic Ages. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, who is idolized as Badrinath, and is a sanctified shrines for Indians. The temple is located in Garhwal hill in Chamoli district on the banks of Alaknanda River. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. The image of the reigning deity worshipped in the temple is a black stone sculpture of Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan. The statue is considered by many Hindus to be self-manifestation of Vishnu.
Vasudhara Falls: 4 km of Badrinath at Mana, the Vasudhara Falls at 400 ft is believed to have been the resting place of the Pandavas. People also believe that the water falls turn away from visitors impure in thoughts and heart.
Tapta Kund: Believed to be the home of Lord Agni, Tapt Kund is a natural hot water spring at 45 degrees Celsius above the Alaknanda river bank where visitors take therapeutic baths. The water of the kund is believed to have medicinal properties.
CharanpadukaWith imprints of what is believed to be Vishnu's footprints, Charanpaduka is a rock atop 3380 ft which can be reached after an arduous trek
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Badrinath has coverage for all major networks.
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Satopanth Lake Trek
Satopanth ( Tal ) Lake Trek in Uttarakhand is an isolated trek in Garhwal Himalayas nestled on the base of legendary Nilkantha peak and several other prominent peaks in proximity. The Swargarohini peak Base Camp, views of Balakun Peak and Narayan Parbat peak are also part of the trek.Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Best time to do Satopanth Lake trek is in September and October
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent.
- Ascending & descending technique for mountain trails
- Basic mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
Guesthouse accommodation will be provided in Joshimath and Mana.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We use four-season tents and the sleeping bags we use are rated from -15 to -20 degree celcius.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable.
There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
The temperatures can drop close to 0°C during the night. You can refer the temperature chart in the itinerary section for more information.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
There will be snow near the lake in the pre monsoon months. There may be some fresh snowfall in case of overcast weather.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack.
In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper and menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Joshimath has a reasonable size market. However, it might be difficult to get trekking items. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are a single woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
The pickup and drop point for transport will be Dehradun ISBT.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
You will reach Dehradun late in the evening.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on the trek (Lunch on Day 2 till Lunch on Day 7)
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Micro-spikes, Gaiters, and Helmets as required
- Experienced Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
- Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation (twin/triple sharing) in Joshimath on Day 1 and Day 7
- Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation (twin/triple sharing) in Badrinath on Day 2
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- Meals during road journeys
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
10 Mountain features that must be a part of any trekker’s vocab!
Ritvij Kumar 25 March 2017
MOUNTAIN FEATURES THAT MUST BE A PART OF ANY TREKKER’S VOCAB!
While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go t
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