Discover Satopanth Lake Trek ( Marg ) Distance and Glacier

Where is Satopanth Track
Satopanth Lake Trek ( Marg ) covering approximately 24 km from the famous Shri Badrinath Dham in the Char Dham of India, you reach near a lake with deep green and sometimes clear blue water, named Satopanth Lake.

According to Hindu scriptures, after managing royal affairs for about 36 years following the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas took the path of Satopanth towards heavenly ascent while attempting to attain liberation (Moksha) and please Lord Shiva with forgiveness. Possibly, this journey was always led by Yudhishthira, who speaks the truth, which is why it is called Satopanth.

Significance of Satopanth Lake

There is also a belief among people regarding the shape of Satopanth Lake. Normally, lakes are round or square, but this lake is triangular in shape. According to locals, the lords of the three worlds – Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) – bathed at the three corners of this lake. This is why the shape of Satopanth Lake is triangular.

Satopanth Glacier

A little ahead from Satopanth Lake, the Satopanth Glacier comes into view, which is also called the path to heaven. It is said that on this glacier, there are seven steps that lead to heaven. However, usually, only three steps are visible on this glacier, while the rest remain covered under a blanket of snow and mist.

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How to Reach

Haridwar and Rishikesh are approximately 310 km and 280 km respectively from Shri Badrinath Dham, while the distance from Dehradun to Shri Badrinath is about 325 km.

From Rishikesh, you can travel by bus, including Vishwanath Bus Service, Uttarakhand Roadways, Himgiri, and Nanda Devi Bus Service, or by shared jeep-taxi to Peepalkoti for an overnight stay at the Biotourism Park.

If you have your own vehicle, you can also go directly to Shri Badrinath Dham. From Dehradun, the temporary capital of Uttarakhand, you can reach Joshimath via Vishwanath Bus Service and Uttarakhand Roadways.

Additionally, shared jeep-taxis and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam tourist vehicles can also take you directly to Shri Badrinath Dham.

The track to Satopanth Lake or Satopanth Sarovar begins from Shri Badrinath Dham along the right bank of the Alaknanda River. Note that this track should be undertaken in groups of 2 or 3, and it is advisable to have an experienced tour-travel guide accompany you.

Trekking Details/Plan

For first-time trekkers, this track is a 7-day trek, while for trained trekkers, it is 4 or 5 days. Let’s explore the stages of this track:

On the first day

On the first day, the 6 km trek is from Shri Badrinath Dham via Mata Murti Keshavprayag to Lakshmivan. Keshavprayag, located before Vasudhara and near Mana Village, is the confluence of the Saraswati and Alaknanda Rivers, and it is said that Saraswati disappeared from here.

Lakshmivan is entirely a forest of sacred Bhojpatra (Birch trees), and across the Alaknanda River, the massive Vasudhara Waterfall is visible.

On the second day,

On the second day, after Lakshmivan, the next stage is Chakratiirth, located 12 km away. On the way is a place called Sahasradhara, which also has a camping site.

Keep in mind that oxygen levels are low here. However, at many places, beautiful small velvet meadows (Bugyals), Bhojpatra forests, small and large glaciers, captivating waterfalls, and the sound of the fast-flowing Alaknanda River in the Himalayas will mesmerize you.

On the third day

On the third day, from Chakratiirth, after 4 km, you reach the magnificent Himalayan lake Satopanth. On the right of Satopanth Lake is the Chaukhamba Mountain, and on the left is the Nilkanth Peak.

The glacial waters from the Alakapuri Glacier flow into the Alaknanda River and first collect in Satopanth Lake. Beyond Satopanth, the most difficult terrain is the Heavenly Ascent (Swargarohini).

According to legends, while going towards Swargarohini, the different Pandava brothers attained heavenly departure at different places, but eventually, only Yudhishthira and his companion Shwan were able to reach heaven.

It is also worth noting that above Satopanth Lake, there are Chandrakund and Suryakund.

Pawan Baba Kutiya

Nowadays, Pawan Baba also resides in Satopanth, from whom one can learn about the legends and folk tales related to Satopanth Lake. However, keep in mind that he may not always be available.

Trekking groups that have trekking equipment usually camp near Satopanth Lake. Here, the night temperature can sometimes drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius, so special caution is required; otherwise, it is safer to return 4 km down to Chakratiirth.

On this track, you will have ascended from Shri Badrinath at approximately 3300 meters (10,890 feet) to Satopanth Lake at around 4600 meters (15,186 feet). Therefore, the trek should be started early, and it is advisable not to trek after 3–4 PM.

Essential Equipment for this Trek

For the Satopanth Glacier or Lake track, carry a good quality windproof and waterproof tent, a sleeping bag suitable for minus 10-degree temperatures, a mattress, a high-quality waterproof backpack, poncho, hat, sunglasses, gloves, trekking shoes, thermal wear, torch, toiletries, and necessary medicines.

Food and Drink Arrangements

On this track, there are no shops or dhabas, so carry food supplies and a small gas cylinder (butane cylinder) for cooking. Also, keep dry fruits and other essentials. The cold Himalayan water here is as good as mineral water.

Remember not to go alone while trekking. Always have someone with you. On this trek, it is especially important to avoid noise, not wear flashy or bright clothes, do not damage vegetation, and never throw plastic or polythene waste anywhere. Bring it back and dispose of it in the municipal dustbins of Badrinath.

The beauty, adventure, and spirituality of the Satopanth Glacier and Lake in the Himalayas, as well as the purity of the Alaknanda River source, cannot be preserved without the support of nature lovers. So, let us enjoy nature in the Himalayas and embrace peace and spirituality.

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