SATOPANTH SWARGAROHINI TREK

The trek to Satopanth starts from Mana, 3 km ahead of Badrinath. Crossing the river Alakananda, we have to trek the regular trekking route to Vasudhara, the trail ascends higher and one sees Vasudhara Falls at a distance on the other bank of Alakananda River. Then crossing a dangerous glacier, the local name of which is Dhano Glacier, one reaches Laxmivan, 5 km ahead of Vasudhara.

The night stay is done at caves or tents, which is very essential on the route. Laxmiban is 13 km from Badrinath. The next day, if one starts early they can reach Chakratirth 5 km ahead, by crossing the Dhano Glacier, at mid-day. After taking a nap, one should immediately start for Sahasradara, 3 km ahead.

The Satopanth Top from where Kuber Glacier, and Kuber Top is visible, is only 3 km from Sahasradhara. The back face of Mt. Nilkantha is visible from here. From here Satopanth Tal is only a 2 km trek.

ITENARY

DDay 1 Rishikesh - Badrinath -310 km :10 hrs
Rishikesh to Morning after breakfast drive (310km) down to reach Badrinath . Evening free O/N stay at Badrinath..

Day 2 Badrinath - Mana – Laxmiban : 03 km Drive : 07 km Trek : 5-6 Hous
Reach Mana early in the day.This is the last village within the Indian border. After having your permits checked, proceed with the trek and head in the direction of Vasundhara Falls. In a short while from Mana, you’ll pass Saraswati temple. From here, the gradient of the trail becomes increasingly steep. Continue to walk with the Alaknanda River flowing below you. The valley is incredibly green during monsoon. Around 2-3 hours later, you’ll begin to hear the sound of water plunging down from 400 ft. Soon, Vasundhara Falls will come into sight. This waterfall is known for its scientifically-proven medicinal value. As you leave the falls behind, tread through the rich birch forests of Laxmiban. The valley opens up into two as you confront an impressive wall of Balakun in front of you. After around 4 km of moraine walk, you’ll come across the campsite of Laxmiban on your left.

Day 3 Laxmiban – Chakratirtha : 8.5 km : 06Hours
Today’s trek is short, but scenic, as you enter the Satopanth Valley. The trail is dotted with green patches in the middle of vast terminal moraine of the Dhano Glacier. Keep your eyes open for few of the most beautiful high altitude alpine flowers here. Catch the first view of the famous three peaks of Bhagirathi from the Satopanth Valley. The weather here can change drastically post noon. Climb up the steep ridge of Sahashradhara to Chakratirtha camping grounds, which is only a kilometre away. From the campsite, bask in the beautiful view of the west face of Mt. Neelkanth.

Day 4 Chakrateeratha to Satopanth Tal - Chakrateertha ( 6km trek ) : 6 Hours
If you thought the previous evening’s views were great, then ready yourself for a jaw-dropping view early in the morning. With the Neelkanth, Satopanth and Parvati peaks on your left, the Chaukhamba peak in the center and the Balakun range on your right, it’s not a sight you’re going to forget soon. Keeping that picture in mind, prepare yourself for a difficult day of trekking. Take the trail that meanders through a maze of boulders and moraine. The sound of avalanches perpetually rumbles throughout the valley. The route is tricky. An able guide can help you find the most suitable route ahead. The last 2 km of the trail have loose soil over glacial moraine. This stretch is also deceptive with a couple of steep inclines. As you reach the top of the ridge, catch your first view of the triangular lake. There is a small room constructed as a temporary shelter here. A local sage, Mauni Baba, is known to live near the lake. From the lake, the views are spectacular. Towards the left side of Chaukhamba is Satopanth Col. Cross this and one can connect with the icefield of Panpatia and trek all the way till Kedarnath. The five km return trek to Chakratirtha can be done swiftly in a couple of hours. One can also trek down to Laximban if time permits.

DDay 5 Satopanth lake to Lakshmi Van – 13Kms
We start our descent and set up our campsite at Lakshmi van once again. The area is a beautiful meadow full of high altitude flowers and breathtaking views. Draupadi is believed to have left her body here.

Day 6 Lakshmi Van to Badrinath
We trek all the way back to Mana village. Trip ends at Mana village. From Mana, Badrinath is 3kms away and if you prefer, you can get accommodation at Badrinath or head to Joshimath and stay for the night Advisory :keep Himalayan Regions clean and green, free from all kind of plastic garbage .