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Trek Grade
Moderate -
Trek Distance
48 Kms -
Trek Duration
6 Days -
Highest Altitude
15,100 ft. -
Basecamp
Mana, Badrinath
Satopanth Lake Trek
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₹ 25,450
₹ 24,450
- + 5% GST
- Rishikesh To Rishikesh
Satopanth Lake Trek
Satopanth Lake Trek is a trek that takes the trekker through the Satopanth Tal (Lake) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The landscape is beautiful, with a crystal-clear emerald lake and snow-clad mountains. This lake also holds great religious significance for the local people; they believed that it was a meditating place for Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara. The trekker would see Mount Chaukhamba, Swargarohini, Neelkantha, and Balakun surrounding the lake. On this trek, the trekker would be walking through two beautiful waterfalls, Shahastradhara & Vasundhara, along with Lakshmi Van & Khakrateertha, along with lush green meadows. This trek is enchanting because of ancient temples, lovely fields, beautiful forests, quaint villages and breathtaking mountains. The trekker would be mesmerized by the natural beauty like gushing streams, snow-covered mountains, forests of Oak & pine, and rivulets.
Satopanth Tal is an unblemished glacier lake at an altitude of 15100 ft. With the shape of a triangular, it is hidden amidst the magnificent Garhwal area.
Trek Route
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath by Road
Day 2: Joshimath to Badrinath by Road, Badrinath to Lakshmi Van by Trek
Day 3: Lakshmi Van to Chakrateertha by Trek
Day 4: Chakrateertha to Satopanth Tal and Back to Chakrateertha
Day 5: Chakrateertha to Badrinath by Trek
Day 6: Badrinath to Rishikesh by Road
Important Trekking Tips By Experts?
Important Videos
8 Videos
What Mountain Expert Say
Preetam | Founder & C.E.O
Preetam Singh Rawat
The founder of this trekking organisation and have almost 12 years of experience in mountain guiding with 6000-7000 meters peaks scaled by him.
Not only this, but the founder have also guided over 200 Himalayan treks like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, Black Peak several times.
Why You Should do Satopanth Lake Trek
The Pea-green triangular-shaped lake is both attractive and mystical because of mythological stories. Along with the view of streams, the forest of Oak & Pine, and snow-covered peaks, the trekker would see waterfalls, huge boulders, moraines, and glaciers. On this trek, the trekker would see Satopanth Glacier and Bhagirath Kharak Glacier.
1. Mythological story connecting to the Satopanth Lake.
Photo by – Rahul Chauhan
Locals believe that at the three corners of the lake were the Tridevas or the three devas (triple gods of Hinduism), Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara, who meditated there. There is another story connected to this lake, which is that when the Pandavas were walking on the path to heaven from Mana village to the steps of heaven at Mount Swargorohini, they passed by Satopanth Tal.
2. Picturesque snow-covered peaks around the lake.
Photo by – Rahul Chauhan
The trekker would see Mount Chaukhamba, Narayan Parbat, Swargarohini, Neelkantha, and Balakun surrounding the lake. The trekker could see the majestic peaks after crossing the Lakshmi Van Forest region.
3. Get enchanted by the famous Vasundhara waterfall.
Vasundhara waterfall is pristine water as it is believed to possess medical properties, and scientists have even proved that. Locals sometimes store the water from the waterfalls.
4. Sight of picture-perfect Sahasthradhara, which had almost 100 small waterfalls.
Sahasthradhara is a beautiful waterfall where the trekker could see the multiple waterfalls cascading through a massive monolith, and they would be spotting Mount Neelkanth, which is an add-on beauty.
5. Mana village, which is considered the place of India.
Mana village is a beautiful last village in India with the Alakananda River flowing below. When trekkers are near this village, they cross a river via a natural rock bridge named Bheem Pul. This village is located close to the China border.
Route Map, Temprature And Rain Fall Charts
Best Time to do Satopanth Lake Trek
The best time to do Satopanth Lake Trek is in May, June and September, October. In the summer season, the trekker would get to see snow, glaciers, and greenery. Blooming wildflowers are also found in this season; in the daytime, the temperature ranges between 8 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius, and at night, the temperature ranges between 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. In May and June, the trekker witnesses lush green meadows and vibrant flowers. During September and October, they will be thrilled at the sight of the graceful Vasundhara waterfall.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Satopanth Lake Trek
Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath by Road
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/hotel.
- Meal – Dinner
- Distance – 225 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Rishikesh (1120 ft / 340 meters), Joshimath (6150 ft / 1875 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 5030 ft / 1535 meter
- Trek Grade – By road
This day marks the first day of the trekker’s journey, and they would meet the Trekup India representative at Natraj Chowk, Rishikesh. From there, they would begin their driving journey; it would be a beautiful road journey through the mountains. The first place they would reach is Devprayag, where they will witness the incredible confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Then, the trekker would pass through Srinagar, near the Alaknanda River.
The next place on this route is Rudrapryag, where the Alaknanda River meets the Mandakani River. After enjoying the scenic views at Rudrapryag, the trekkers would return on the road, and they would pass by Karanaprayag, where the trekkers would see the Pinder River allying with the Alaknanda River. After a long drive, the trekkers would finally reach Garudganga, where they would be dropped off at the guest house or hotel to rest for the night.
Day 2: Joshimath to Badrinath by Road, Badrinath to Lakshmi Van by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – Garudganga to Badrinath by Road (65 km), Badrinath to Lakshmi Van by Trek (9 km)
- Time Taken – Garudganga to Badrinath by Road (approx. 2 hrs), Badrinath to Lakshmi Van by Trek (approx. 5 hrs)
- Altitude – Garudganga (6150 ft / 1875 meters), Badrinath (10,830 ft / 3300 meters), Lakshmi Van (11,900 ft / 3627 meters)
- Altitude Difference – Garudganga to Badrinath (4680 ft / 1425 meters), Badrinath to Lakshmi Van (1070 ft / 327 meters)
- Trek Grade – Gradual
The trekkers would begin their first day of the trek with a delicious breakfast, and Trekup India team members would prepare the trekkers for the walk ahead. The trekkers would be driving for a short while from Garudganga to Badrinath. Upon reaching Badrinath, they would be met by a Trekup India representative, after which they would begin their trek. After walking for a while, the trekker would finally reach Mana, which is the last place in India and is located on the Indo-China border.
Laxmi Van campsite is just a few hours away from Garudganga, but to proceed further, the trekker would need an official permit. From Mana, the trail is well paved with the Alaknanda River flowing at the side; three kilometres away from Mana is Vasundhara Falls, which is a beautiful waterfall.
The locals believe that the waterfall has medicinal value; the trekker can fill their water bottles from the waterfall. After they have enjoyed the scenic vistas of the waterfall, it’s just a few hours towards Laxmi Van. As the trekkers close to Laxmi Van, they start seeing Bhoj Patra trees along with the glacier below Balakun Peak. Spend the night at the Laxmi Van campsite.
Day 3: Lakshmi Van to Chakrateertha by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 7 km
- Time Taken – approx. 4 hrs
- Altitude – Lakshmi Van (11,900 ft / 3627 mtr), Chakrateertha (13,658 ft / 4163 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1758 ft / 536 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
Morning would begin with hot tea in hand and scenic views around, and the trekker would then be preparing for the day’s trek. The trek today will be more difficult than the previous day, and the trail is along the bank of the Alaknanda River. As the trekkers start walking ahead, they see grasslands and the terminal moraine of Dhano Glacier.
From the trail ahead, they would begin to see Bhagirathi peaks when the sky is clear. After walking for a few kilometres, the trekkers would be welcomed by gorgeous Shastradhara, the culmination of 100 small waterfalls. As they are near the waterfall, they will be seeing Mount Neelkanth. From there, they would reach the campsite within half an hour, and the camp is between greenery and massive peaks.
Day 4: Chakrateertha to Satopanth Tal and Back to Chakrateertha
- Stay – Overnight stay at the Campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 5 km (one side)
- Time Taken – approx. 4 hrs (one side)
- Altitude – Chakrateertha (13,658 ft / 4163 mtr), Satopanth Tal (15,100 ft / 4600 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1442 ft / 437 meter
- Trek Grade – Moderate to Difficult
Today’s trek is going to be very exciting, as they are going to trek towards the mystical Satopanth Lake. When the trekkers wake up in the morning, they are spellbound by beautiful views of Mount Chaukhamba, Mount Neelkanth, and Mount Balakun. As they walked ahead, the trail would pass through grasslands, and the trail would be filled with twists and turns along with boulders & moraines. The trekker should trek with caution while on this section of the trail. The trail further on is up the ridge, and upon reaching the top, the trekker could see the Satopanth Tal.
The lake is triangular, and there is also a legend connected to the place where three devas, also known as the trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, meditate on the three corners of the lake. Also, there is a cave made on the stone structure near the lake where local sage Mauni Baba is believed to live here. The lake is crystal-clear blue, and the water remains the same throughout the year. Also, if the sky is very clear, they could see three out of the seven steps of the Swargarohini Glacier.
Locals believe that Pandvas walked past these stairs to reach heaven. Once the trekkers have enjoyed the picturesque scenery Satopanth Lake has to offer, they would then begin their return journey towards Chakrateertha campsite and sleep in the night.
Day 5: Chakrateertha to Badrinath by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/hotel.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 15 km
- Time Taken – approx. 6 hrs
- Altitude – Chakrateertha (13,658 ft / 4163 mtr), Badrinath (10,830 ft / 3300 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 2828 ft / 863 meter
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
This day marks the last trek in the mountains, and today’s trek will be downhill. The trek would start from Chakrateertha, and then we would reach Laxmi Van after a few hours, followed by Mana. From Mana, it’s a gentle walk towards Badrinath. At Badrinath, they could either roam in the market, visit the temple or take a dip in the hot water spring. After that, they would sleep in the comfort of a guest house or hotel.
Day 6: Badrinath to Rishikesh by Road
- Stay – No stay.
- Meal – Breakfast
- Distance – 290 km
- Time Taken – approx. 9 hrs
- Altitude – Badrinath (10,830 ft / 3300 meter), Rishikesh (1120 ft / 340 meters)
- Altitude Difference – 9710 ft / 2960 meter
- Trek Grade – By road
On the last day of your journey, the trekker will be driving from Badrinath to Rishikesh. The trekker would begin the travel with a healthy breakfast, and the route would be through the same scenic vistas that they viewed at the beginning of the trek. It will be a long journey to Rishikesh; when they arrive there, the Trekup India team will bid them farewell. The trekkers would be on their own; they could return home, or they could explore Rishikesh or nearby areas.
Food Provided by Us During Trek
We provide only Indian vegetarian food and mainly your meal is going to contain Indian bread, vegetable, lentils and Rice along with delicious dessert. During your trek, we will serve three meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, you will also be served tea & snacks and lip-smacking soup before dinner. If it will be a long day of trekking, you will be given a packed snack.
After doing a lot of research on the nutritional requirements for the trekkers, we prepare the menu. Before putting all the meals together, we also consider altitude gained and weather.
The meal served by us while trek is perfectly balanced with the right amounts of calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fiber, and minerals. You need to know that all our cooks have great expertise in cooking and have undergone thorough training. So, get ready to enjoy delectable and lip-smacking dishes during your trek. You will be served with lemon tea in the tent in order to start your day with a refreshed feeling. Before leaving the campsite for trekking, you will be given a hot finger-licking breakfast like upma, Aallu Prantha, Besan Chilla, Poha, Daliya, Corn flakes, Maggie, along with tea or coffee.
In case, your trek will be longer one then we also offer some fresh local fruits such as apples and even healthy drinks like Frootie or Maaza. In the afternoon, you will be served simple & healthy lunch, while at around 04:00 pm, you will be given tea and a light evening breakfast. After you reach your campsite at night, you will be served a hot and delightful dinner. After reading this, you must have got the idea about the food provided by us on trek, you don’t need to worry about food. Many trekkers trek with us again and again because of the food we provide. Thus, we will definitely give you unforgettable experiences.
Safety During Satopanth Lake (Tal) Trek
Trekking with us for Satopanth Lake (Tal) Trek is completely safe because we have a team of trek leaders who are qualified in Wilderness first-aid and also have complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During Trek, we carry a complete first-aid kit that contains all the important medicines. Before trekking with us, you need to ensure that you are medically fit for the trek and if you are able to judge yourself then it is better to take advice from a professional. For us, your medical fitness is very important than anything else.
Know About Us:- You need to know that our company Trekup India has been in the field of Adventure Tourism for the last 23 years. Right from our inception, we have been involved in providing treks, voyage & hiking programs as well as high altitude expedition rafting.
We keep on organizing treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim and Himachal, while being a part of the trekking community, we feature more than 75 Himalayan documented treks. Apart from other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and family.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain
Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides, as well as trainers in order, serve in the mountain treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian mountaineering foundation Delhi as well as Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
Therefore, we never believe in compromising on the quality as well as services offered to our valuable customers.
For Us, Your Safety Is the Top Priority
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English as well as Hindi. This helps in ensuring that you have an amazing trek and not only this, we also pay attention to your health as well as safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in First Aid, Portable Altitude Chamber Training, CPR, Environmental Awareness Training as well as Advanced Wilderness Emergency Medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit not only on the trek but on each and every trip which is organized by us. Apart from the medical kit, we carry a portable altitude chamber and medical oxygen for all kinds of high-altitude treks . Our company has great expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school & college groups as well as friend groups. When it comes to travel options, we have a wide range that suits different fitness levels as well as traveling styles.
Therefore, no matter who big the group size, we pay personal attention to each and every member present in the group.
How We Ensure That Your Trek Is Safe with Us
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India, are continuously involved in introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking in order to ensure the safety of voyagers. For walking on snow, Trekpp India introduced Microspikes and also made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all kinds of treks. In order to test pulse as well as oxygen saturation levels, pulse oxymeters are used. As a safety communication device, we at TrekupIndia introduced radio.
Though we have noticed that most of the organizations organizing treks do not follow these systems but with time several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great and safe treks.
Explore our New Safety Protocols
In order to ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks that will assure more safety for our trekkers.
Our On-trek safety checks includes:
- Daily oxygen saturation along with pulse readings
- Stretchers team appointed on every trek
- Radios
- Trained mountain staff and full safety
- Additional oxygen cylinders
- Special medical kit for high altitude treks
- Microspikes on all types of snow treks
- Experienced Trek leaders as well as safety
- Technical team on all snowy slopes
What should you pack for the Satopanth Lake (Tal) Trek
Satopanth Lake (Tal) Trek is an high altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus read this whole segment.
There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below we have provided the details on everything you should carry; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
- Head Lamps – If there are treks which you might do at night and even when camping for the night. Headlamps help a lot.
- Hats or Cap – Beanie Cap will protect you from winds and sometimes freezing temperatures for the night. Hats protect you from the sun during the day and also ensure they have a strap so the hat doesn’t blow from the wind.
- Sunglasses – if you want to carry sunglasses, you will need specific sunglasses for trekking. The glasses should protect from UV rays, fit your face perfectly so it doesn’t fall while you climb, jump, or cross an obstacle, and be according to the weather conditions of the place; the glass should be made to fit different weather conditions.
- Buff / Balaclava – You must carry this to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep it warm.
- T-shirt / Long sleeve shirt – you should carry at least 4 to 5 T–shirts, so if one gets wet or dirty, you can wear another. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket – down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or three-layer jackets.
- Thermals – at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments – you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves – 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Shorts / Legging / Pants – Bring 3 to 4 warm, comfortable shorts. Leggings can be used specifically in the chilling morning and evening to keep your body warm and act as dry. You can carry some nylon blend and light and quick-drying pants. Warm covers ups like fleece-lined tracksuit pants or ski pants.
- Socks – you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Footwear – Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your boots. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Rain Wears – you can carry a raincoat, rain jacket, and pants. During long rains, the waterproof jackets start leaking, but the poncho does get work in keeping you dry, so choose accordingly. Rain covers, small waterproof to cover your backpack and a daypack for your gadgets.
- Backpack – Make sure your backpack should be comfortable, neither too big nor too small, and for a week’s trek, 60-70 litres of the backpack should be enough to hold all your belongings. Ensure your backpack has good hip & Shoulder support, and pockets should be accessible quickly.
- Daypack – All trekkers should keep in mind that a daypack is very important; this will be a great help to you while on the trek, also every single day, you won’t be carrying your backpack; therefore, for day excursions, shorter hikers, sightseeing, you can carry your stuff in it.
Personal First Aid Kit
Below are some common medicines generally required/used during your adventure trip; however, please consult your doctors prior.
- Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
- Butterfly bandage for a small cut
- Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
- Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
- Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
- Medicine for cold, flue/fever headache
- Some pain killers
- ORS pouches
- Quick pain relief spray (External use)
- Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
- Bug Repellent
- Carry some nutria/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.
Gadgets and Other Items
- Trekking Poles
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Spare batteries for phone and camera, power bank
- Light weight flashlight or headlight
- Waterproof bag made up of plastic for the camera.
- Music system / Bluetooth
- Plug/converter for electrical items
- 1-litre water bottle
- A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.
- Some book of your interest for the ideal time
- Get into the habit of keeping a Map and guidebook of the region.
Hygiene & Personal toiletry
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels
- Toilet paper/tissues/wet wipes
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/ mouth freshener
- Deodorant / Talcum powder
- Shampoo
- Lip-gloss/salve
- Sanitary pads/tampons (For female travellers)
- Bio gradable Soap
- Nail clipper
- Your other personal items that you use daily.
Compulsory Documents to Carry
These files must be submitted to the Forest Department before your trek. With none of these, you will not be permitted to trek. Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Carry Ids like Aadhaar, voter id, etc.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- Stay 3 Nights in tented accommodation at respective campsites of Trekup India on a sharing basis and two days in the guest house or hotel.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 6 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: Rishikesh to Garudganga, Garudganga to Badrinath and Badrinath to Rishikesh on sharing jeeps
Trek Equipment’s:
- Sleeping bags, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tents, Dining tents, Toilet Tents.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee
- Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support team.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any insurance (Trekup India recommends each trekker get insurance)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 500 per day, per bag. Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
How To Reach Rishikesh?
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh by flight; it is located almost 25km away from the city. You can find regular flights from Delhi to Rishikesh. However, if you are planning to reach Rishikesh by flight, then it is better to come one day in advance.
By Train
If you want to reach Rishikesh from Delhi by train, then you have to reach Haridwar 1st; from there, you can take a bus to Rishikesh, which is 35 km from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
By Bus
From Delhi, you can find a regular bus service for Rishikesh. ISBT Kashmere Gate is the central bus station in Delhi, from where you will find both AC and non-AC buses for Rishikesh.
However, it is always better to take government buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT. The bus will drop you at Rishikesh ISBT, and then we will send our staff to pick you up from Rishikesh, so you need to reach there.
By Car
Trekup India team will arrange vehicles from Rishikesh to Joshimath, Joshimath to Badrinath and Badrinath to Rishikesh.
