Satopanth Tal is a high-altitude lake located at a height of 4,600 meters above sea level, within close proximity to the Badrinath Shrine. This lake holds both religious and natural significance, but it’s most famous for its breathtakingly clear, emerald-green water surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
The best time to embark on the Satopanth Trek is during the months of May and June when the weather is mild and stable. During these months, trekkers can expect clear skies and cool weather, which enhances the experience of this trek.
The trek to Satopanth Lake starts from the holy town of Badrinath and heads towards Mana village, the last village located near the India-China border. From here, the trek takes you to Vasudhara Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that drops from a height of 122 meters.
The trail further leads to Laxmivan, where you can witness the beauty of the Bhagirathi Peaks and the Vasuki peak. The trek then heads towards Chakratirtha, the base camp for Satopanth Lake. The campsite offers a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks and a serene environment to relax.
From Chakratirtha, the trek moves towards Satopanth Lake, passing through the rugged terrains and the rocky glacier. The lake offers a magnificent view of the Nilkantha Peak and adjacent Parvati Peaks, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
After spending some peaceful time near the lake, the trek takes a circular route and descends down to Chakratirtha. The trail further leads to Mana village, where you can explore the unique culture and lifestyle of the inhabitants.
The Satopanth Lake Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts. The trek offers a unique perspective on the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, with its snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and unique culture.
Dehradun I.S.B.T (Google Map)
7 A.M
Distance: 300 km
Time Taken: 12 hours (Drive)
Altitude: 1,875 m (6,150 ft)
Satopanth Lake Trek starts from the quaint little town of Joshimath. The drive from Dehradun to Joshimath is a 300 km road journey through winding mountain roads. If you book transport with us, the vehicles will pick you up at Dehradun I.S.B.T at 6 am. You can expect to reach Joshimath by late evening.
We’ll be having breakfast on the road. We’ll drive through the picturesque valleys of Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudrapryag. Be sure to keep your camera handy, as the views will catch you by surprise.
The drive is a long one, so the last stretch can be quite tiring. On reaching Joshimath in the evening, you can explore the local bazaar and take in the vibe of the quaint town. The beautiful skiing slopes of Auli are a stone’s throw away from Joshimath and provide a majestic view of the Himalayas.
After reaching your destination, the trek leader will welcome you and give you a comprehensive briefing on the trek ahead. Savor the delicious dinner before retiring for a good night’s rest. Tomorrow, we’ll begin the journey to Satopanth Lake!
Distance: 45 km
Time Taken: 2 hours (Drive)
Badrinath Altitude: 3,300 m (10,830 ft)
On the second day of the Satopanth Lake Trek, we will drive from Joshimath to Badrinath. Badrinath, located in the Northern state of Uttarakhand, is a popular and ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. The drive will take us through the majestic mountains and valleys of Chamoli district.
The road initially descends to the valley floor, before climbing along a steep gorge to the pilgrimage site of Badrinath. On reaching Badrinath, you can pay a visit to the Badrinath Temple, one of the four Char Dham sites in India. You can get a feel of the local culture here and experience some spiritual vibes.
We will spend the rest of the day acclimatizing at Badrinath. Mana, the last village of India towards the Indo-China border at Mana Pass, is just 4 km away from Badrinath. After a long journey, enjoy the delicious dinner and get a good night’s rest before starting for Satopanth Lake tomorrow!
Distance: 5 km (Drive) & 7 km (Trek)
Time Taken: 20 min (Drive) & 5 hours (Trek)
Mana Altitude: 3,200 m (10,500 ft)
Laxmivan Altitude: 3,650 m (11,975 ft)
We will start our day early with a drive from Badrinath to Mana. Here, you can get an up-close view of the Indo-China border at Mana Pass. After paying your respects to the local deities in the village temple, it’s time to begin trekking toward Laxmivan.
The trail starts off with an easy walk on the road for about 2 km. We will cross a few streams in between, so be sure to put on your waterproof shoes. After crossing the streams, we will start climbing gradually and reach the Somtoli meadows after a while.
The trail climbs gradually till Somtoli, passing through a landslide section. You might find few shepherds here or their vacant caves along the way. From Somtoli, take a small walk through a boulder section to reach our campsite marked by a cluster of Bhojpatra trees atop the ridge. The campsite has grand views of Alkapuri, the snout and starting point of the Alaknanda River, and the Balakun peak.
Enjoy the stunning views from your camp before getting some much-needed rest for the trek ahead.
Distance: 8 km
Time Taken: 7 hours
Chakrateerth Altitude: 4,150 m (13,615 ft)
Day four is the most challenging day of the trek. We will start early in the morning, crossing a few streams and a boulder field before climbing up to the Sahastra Dhara. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of Nilkanth and Balakun peaks.
We will then traverse across a picturesque landscape comprising dozens of streams merging into each other. After that, we’ll start climbing up the left lateral moraine of the glacier coming down from Chaukhamba at the head of the valley. This part is steep, so you’ll need all your energy to get up!
We will reach Chakrateerth after a few hours. Here, you can enjoy excellent views of Swargarohini and Bandar Punch peaks. Relax for some time in this tranquil environment before exploring the area around you or just taking in the beauty of the majestic peaks around you.
Once you’re done, it’s time to settle down and prepare for tomorrow’s summit. Get a good night’s rest, as you will need all your energy and strength for the final push to Satopanth Lake!
Distance: 7 km
Time Taken: 7 hours
Satopanth Lake Altitude: 4,600 m (15,090 m)
Today is the day for which you’ve been preparing – we will finally reach the beautiful Satopanth Lake!
The trail begins with a climb through tricky boulder sections along the left lateral moraine of the glacier. We will cross two spurs coming down from the slopes of Nilkanth to our left.
As we climb higher, you will start to see a number of small glacial lakes and the imposing views of Chaukhamba and Nilkantha. Keep trekking until you reach Satopanth Lake – a stunning blue triangular lake surrounded by the raw natural beauty of the mountains.
Take your time to enjoy the views and have lunch at the lake before beginning our descent. We will return to Chakrateerth for the night, where you can relax and reflect on this beautiful trek.
Distance: 15 km (Trek) & 5 km (Drive)
Time Taken: 8 hours (Trek) & 20 min (Drive)
Mana Altitude: 3,200 m (10,500 ft)
Badrinath Altitude: 3,300 m (10,830 ft)
Today is the last day of your trek. We will retrace our steps from Chakrateerth to reach Mana and end our journey with a drive from Mana to Badrinath. The trek back down is fairly easy, as you’ll be descending all the way. Make sure to take lots of breaks during this part of the trek as it can be quite tiring.
As you leave the majestic peaks of Swargarohini and Nilkanth behind, take with you the memories of this wonderful trekking experience.
After a 5 km drive downhill, we will reach the holy town of Badrinath. Take some time to explore this ancient pilgrimage site and its many temples. You can also take a dip in the hot springs here to relax your tired muscles before heading back home.
Distance: 330 km
Time: 12 hours
Dehradun Altitude: 640 m (3,000 ft)
Today, we will drive back to Dehradun and bid farewell to the Garhwal Himalayas. On the way, enjoy the spectacular views of the valley and its winding rivers.
The journey to Dehradun will take us through picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and quaint villages. After a 12-hour drive, we will finally arrive in Dehradun – the last stop on our Satopanth Lake Trek journey.
One of the most important factors to consider when planning a trek to Satopanth Lake is the weather. As the trek is situated at a high altitude, the weather can be quite unpredictable and extreme. Hence, it is important to plan the trek during the right season so that you can enjoy the best possible weather conditions and have an unforgettable experience.
The best time to visit Satopanth Lake is during the summer months from mid-May to June and post-monsoon from September to October. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The temperature during these periods ranges from 5°C to 15°C during the day and drops to around 0°C at night.
Summer Months: Mid-May to June
During the summer months, the weather is ideal for trekking, and the snow on the trail melts away, making it easier to walk. The days are longer, and the skies are clear, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The temperature during the day remains comfortable, ranging from 10°C to 15°C, making it the perfect time to visit Satopanth Lake.
Post-monsoon: September to October
Post the monsoon, the weather clears up, and the skies remain clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The temperature during this season remains comfortable, ranging from 5°C to 10°C during the day, and it drops to around 0°C at night. This season is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the summer heat and experience the natural beauty of the region.
