Satopant Taal Trek | Hopping Trails

SACRED LAKE | MYTHOLOGY | PANAROMIC MOUNTAIN PEAKS | ETHNOLOGICAL CHARM

satopanth Lake TREK

INR 18500

per person

6 Days & 5 Nights

Duration

4,600 m / 15,090 ft

Max. Altitude

3,200 m / 10,500 ft

Min. Altitude

45-50 Km

Walking distance

SACRED LAKE | MYTHOLOGY | PANAROMIC MOUNTAIN PEAKS | ETHNOLOGICAL CHARM

satopanth lake TREK

Hidden in the upper reaches of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,100 ft), lies Satopanth Lake a pristine, triangular-shaped glacial lake that has been revered for centuries as both a geographical wonder and a sacred destination. Surrounded by the towering Himalayan sentinels of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Balakun, and Swargarohini, the lake is far removed from the bustle of popular pilgrimages, yet it radiates a rare aura of purity and silence that draws seekers, sages, and trekkers alike.

The very name Satopanth derived from Sato (truth) and Panth (path) signifies a spiritual journey inward, a quest for ultimate reality. Unlike other high-altitude treks that are celebrated primarily for their natural beauty, Satopanth weaves together mythology, philosophy, and raw wilderness, creating an experience that is as much inward-facing as it is outward. Local beliefs hold that the Hindu Trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) occupy the three corners of the triangular lake, eternally meditating. This cosmic symbolism transforms the lake into a living temple, where the landscape itself embodies divine presence.

The trek to Satopanth begins near Mana village, the last inhabited settlement before the Indo-Tibetan border, itself steeped in mythological lore. It passes through Laxmivan, Chakratirtha, and rugged glacial valleys, where each bend of the trail is layered with legends from the Mahabharata. It is here that the Pandavas are said to have taken the Swargarohini Path their final ascent towards heaven. Pilgrims believe that even today, birds and sages who come to the lake achieve liberation, free from the cycle of birth and death.

Yet beyond mythology, Satopanth Lake is also a profound ecological and geological marvel. It is cradled within a glacial basin, fed by the meltwaters of surrounding peaks, and forms part of the fragile high-altitude ecosystem that sustains the Alaknanda River, a lifeline of the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek reveals shifting biomes: from dense birch forests near Mana, to expansive alpine meadows at Laxmivan, to stark, barren glacial moraines at Chakratirtha. Walking this path is a reminder that the Himalayas are not just mountains—they are archives of myth, climate, and cosmic imagination.

Summary

The journey begins from Joshimath (6,070 ft / 1,850 m), a gateway town in the Garhwal Himalayas. From here, a short drive takes you to Badrinath (10,170 ft / 3,100 m), the sacred town beneath the peak of Neelkanth, followed by a brief approach to Mana Village (10,500 ft / 3,200 m), the last inhabited settlement before the Tibetan border. From Mana, trekkers embark on the trail along the icy Alaknanda River, gradually ascending into alpine meadows and birch groves at Laxmivan (11,800 ft / 3,600 m), a serene campsite steeped in mythology.

The trail then grows steeper, passing moraine fields and glacial streams on the way to Chakratirtha (13,780 ft / 4,200 m), a legendary site associated with Lord Vishnu. From there, a 5–6 km climb over 3–4 hours leads to the spectacular Satopanth Tal (15,100 ft / 4,600 m), a triangular glacial lake cradled by the peaks of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Balakun. The lake is believed to have been sanctified by the meditation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, and offers breathtaking, otherworldly vistas.

The trek is approximately 46–50 km round trip, with moderate to challenging gradients, suitable for trekkers with some high-altitude experience. Along the way, hikers pass through a mix of verdant meadows, rocky valleys, glacial streams, and myth-steeped villages, experiencing both natural splendor and spiritual immersion in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas.

FEATURED

Triangular Sacred Lake: Satopanth is uniquely triangular in shape, symbolizing the cosmic trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva believed to meditate at its three corners.

Mythological Pathways: The trail overlaps with legends of the Pandavas’ final ascent to heaven, known as the Swargarohini Yatra.

Panoramic Himalayan Peaks: Surrounding giants like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Balakun, and Swargarohini dominate the horizon, reflected in the lake’s still waters.

Mana Village: Known as the “last Indian village” before the Tibetan border, rich in folklore and ancient Himalayan traditions.

Spiritual Solitude: Unlike more commercialized treks, Satopanth retains its aura of mysticism and seclusion, attracting sages, pilgrims, and reflective travelers.

MEALS INCLUDED

Breakfast : 5

Lunch : 4

Dinner : 5

TRAVELING STAFF

Guide

Cook

Muleteer

TRANSPORT

Mini bus/Traveller

ACCOMODATION

3 nights of camping

DEGREE OF WALKING

Moderate to Difficult

GROUP SIZE

Up to 10 people

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Dehradun/Hrishikesh to Joshimath

Your journey into the high Himalayas begins with a long, winding drive that traces the sacred Alaknanda River upstream. Along the way, you encounter three of the famed Panch Prayags, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag, where ancient rivers unite in swirling confluences. These confluences are more than hydrological marvels; they are spiritual thresholds, each revered as a site where energies converge and balance is restored. The landscape transitions from the subtropical plains into pine-clad valleys and sheer mountain cliffs. You pass through mountain towns that have served as waystations for pilgrims for centuries, their temples, shrines, and dhabas offering both sustenance and sanctity. By evening, you arrive in Joshimath (1,890 m), a settlement founded by the sage Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, home to one of his four cardinal monasteries. The town is both a spiritual anchor and a logistical hub, preparing you for the ascent into wilder terrain."

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY

Distance

280 KM

Traveling time

7 TO 8 HOURS

Maximum height

1890 M / 6200 FT

Tavel Mode

Bus/ traveller

DAY

Joshimath to Laxmivan via Mana village.

Your journey on this day begins with a short drive from Joshimath to Badrinath (3,100 m), the sacred town nestled beneath the snowy pyramid of Mount Neelkanth. Here, pilgrims gather in thousands to seek blessings at the temple of Lord Vishnu, many offering prayers before embarking on the trail to Satopanth. A little farther lies Mana, India’s last inhabited village before the Tibetan frontier, where ancient legends breathe through stone and cave said to have sheltered Vyasa, the sage who compiled the Mahabharata, and Ganesha, his divine scribe.

From Mana, the trek unfolds: a steady 8–9 km walk, taking about 5–6 hours, along the lively and untamed Alaknanda River. The climb is gradual, leading you to 3,600 m, where alpine meadows widen into Laxmivan. This campsite, named after Goddess Lakshmi, is believed to be her grove. Birch and bhojpatra trees rise tall around you, once used by sages to inscribe scriptures on their bark. As you rest here for the night, the silence of the valley and the sanctity of its lore ease you into the mythic rhythm of the Satopanth trail.

Meals

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY

Distance

9 KM

Traveling time

5 TO 6 HOURS

Maximum height

3600 M / 11800 FT

Tavel Mode

HIKE

DAY

Laxmivan to Chakratirtha

The trail grows steeper and more rugged, leaving behind the last patches of thick forest as the terrain shifts into moraine fields and rocky valleys. Glacial streams snake through this stark, awe-inspiring landscape, demanding careful crossing. The trek tests your endurance, but each step rewards you with expanding vistas of Chaukhamba and Neelkanth, their snowy crowns glittering like celestial guardians.

By afternoon, you arrive at Chakratirtha, a legendary site associated with Lord Vishnu. The name comes from the belief that Vishnu once rested here, and the circular imprints on the rocks are said to mark his Sudarshan Chakra. The campsite lies in a wide basin, framed by towering cliffs and the resounding silence of the high Himalayas. Evening here feels otherworldly, the peaks glow amber as the sun sets, and the valley sinks into profound stillness. For trekkers, it is both a physical rest and a moment of deep spiritual pause.

Meals

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Difficulty level

MODERATE

Distance

10-12 KM

Traveling time

6 to 7 HOURS

Maximum height

4200 M / 13779 FT

Tavel Mode

HIKE

DAY

Chakratirtha to Satopanth Lake and Back

This day is the heart of the trek, a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred lakes of the Himalayas. The trail is demanding: high-altitude air thins, moraine fields become more unstable, and weather can shift suddenly. Yet the journey is suffused with anticipation. As you climb, the landscape sheds all softness, no trees, no meadows, only bare rocks, glaciers, and sky.Leaving Chakratirtha behind, the trail to Satopanth Tal may appear deceptively short just 5–6 km, taking around 3–4 hours but the altitude gain from 4,200 m to 4,600 m makes every step feel profound. The moraine fields grow sharper, the river narrower, and the air thinner; progress slows, and even simple breaths carry a sense of reverence. The landscape here feels stripped to its essence grey boulders, icy winds, and the stark rhythm of glacial silence. Each pause to rest reveals expanding vistas: behind you rise Chaukhamba and Neelkanth, while ahead, the path bends toward a secret held close by the mountains.

At last, the emerald-green waters of Satopanth Lake come into view, triangular in shape and gleaming beneath the shadows of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Balakun. Each corner of the lake is believed to be presided over by one of the Hindu trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, meditating for eternity. Pilgrims whisper that saints and birds who come here attain liberation, dissolving into the eternal truth.

Sitting at the lake’s edge, you are struck by the stillness: no temple walls, no bells, only the wind and the reflection of peaks upon water. It is a temple without boundaries, a dialogue between the infinite and the human heart. After absorbing its sanctity, you retrace your steps to Chakratirtha, the descent offering a chance to process the transcendence you have just experienced.

Meals

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Difficulty level

DIFFICULT

Distance

16-18 KM

Traveling time

8 TO 9 HOURS

Maximum height

4600 M / 15090FT

Tavel Mode

HIKE

DAY

Chakratirtha to Mana via Laxmivan

The return trail feels familiar yet transformed, for you now walk with the memory of Satopanth in your mind. The descent is long but rewarding: over 15–16 km, taking about 7–8 hours, the moraine fields gradually yield to meadows, and the alpine hush softens into bird calls and rustling birch groves. Dropping from 4,600 m back toward 3,600 m, you retrace the streams and valleys with a lighter step, for the mind carries release after standing in the silence of the high lake. Passing once again through Laxmivan, the grove of Goddess Lakshmi, you may notice details missed before, the shimmer of wildflowers, the quiet dignity of ancient birch trees, and the flowing river whose very source you have touched.

The next day’s descent from Laxmivan to Mana covers 18–20 km, about 7–8 hours of steady walking. The landscape grows gentler, the valley warmer, and the nearness of habitation stirs a new rhythm in your stride. Stone houses and prayer flags signal Mana’s timeless life: villagers tending their hearths, stories echoing from the caves of Vyasa and Ganesha. The mythic and the human intertwine here, grounding your journey in both legend and lived reality. From Mana, a short drive returns you to Badrinath and onward to Joshimath (1,890 m). The comfort of lodges, the hum of pilgrims, and the aroma of hot food stand in poignant contrast to the solitude of Satopanth Tal, reminding you that the sacred resides not only in the stillness of high places but also in the pulse of human devotion.

Meals

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Distance

18 to 20 KM

Traveling time

7 to 8 HOURS

Maximum height

3374 M / 11070 FT

Tavel Mode

HIKE

DAY

Joshimath to Dehradun/Rishikesh

As you wind downward, familiar sights reappear, the sacred confluences where waters unite, the shrines perched on ridges, and the mountain villages where life continues with a rhythm as old as the peaks themselves. Yet the return is never a simple reversal of the ascent. The landscape is the same, but the traveler has changed.

Your mind carries the afterimage of Satopanth Tal, its triangular emerald waters held in the embrace of snow-clad sentinels, a vision so vivid it seems etched into memory. You recall the silence that settled over the high basin, profound and absolute, and the thin air that made every step feel like a prayer. Alongside these images lingers a humbling awareness: you have walked not only through mountains, but along paths woven with stories of gods and sages. The journey back threads you once more through the human world, yet a part of you remains with the stillness of the high lake. In that quiet resonance lies the true gift of the trek, a reminder that myth and meaning endure, carried within long after the trail has ended.

Meals

BREAKFAST

Difficulty level

EASY

Distance

280 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

2000 M / 6500 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

In Hopping Trails, we specify the services included and not included in all the itineraries that appear on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details so that you don't miss anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so remember to read carefully before booking with us.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

High quality and safe service

1.Pre-Departure Briefing

On the evening before your trek, join us at 5:00 pm in our office for a detailed orientation session with your guide. This meeting will walk you through the route, safety protocols, equipment, and everything you need to know so you can step onto the trail with confidence.

2. Expert Guides

Our treks are led by highly trained, certified guides who bring both professional expertise and heartfelt passion. Fluent in English and Spanish, they are chosen for their knowledge, responsibility, and love for sharing stories of the land, its people, and its history. Beyond guiding, they ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind—so you can simply immerse yourself in the journey.

3. Camping & Outdoor Equipment

Your comfort in the wilderness is supported by carefully selected, expedition-grade gear:

Three-person tents with vestibule space for your backpack and gear.
Warm sleeping bags (temperature-appropriate for the season).
Sleeping bag liners for added hygiene and insulation.
Sleeping mats/foam pads to ensure restful nights.
A dining tent, where meals are served in a sheltered, comfortable setting.
Portable bathroom tent for hygiene in remote locations.
Complete kitchen setup with cookware, utensils, and equipment.

All equipment is carried by pack animals, so you trek light and free.

4. Safety & First Aid

Every trek is supported by a comprehensive first aid kit and oxygen supply, carried by your guide. They are trained to handle common altitude-related issues as well as minor injuries—ensuring help is always close at hand.

Accommodation & Food

Your journey begins with a night in a warm and welcoming village homestay or a comfortable hotel, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of mountain life before setting out on the trail. Once the trek begins, all accommodations are provided in high-quality expedition tents, carefully chosen to balance comfort and protection in rugged alpine conditions.

We use High quality tents such as Gipfel Fira and Gipfel High Mountain models, designed to endure the elements while ensuring restful nights. Each tent accommodates three trekkers comfortably, with ample space for sleeping and storing personal gear. Built for insulation and stability, these shelters offer safety, warmth, and reliable protection against the shifting moods of the high Himalayas—your secure haven after each day’s adventure.

Food & Dining

Our mountain chefs take pride in preparing wholesome, freshly cooked meals in the middle of the wilderness. Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs are catered to at no additional cost.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily.
Hot drinks and snacks available throughout the day.
Wake-up tea delivered to your tent each morning—start the day with warmth and energy.
Evening tea time (“happy hour”) featuring popcorn, cookies, coffee, and tea—a cozy ritual after long hours on the trail.

Transportation

Private vehicles ensure smooth transfers to and from Basecamp village to the nearest city, making the journey as seamless as the trek itself.

Cargo Mules-During the hike, pack mules carry all shared camping gear and your personal luggage (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs). Muleteers carefully handle your belongings, leaving you free to enjoy the trail with just a daypack.

Permits & Entry Fees

We take care of all permits and entrance fees, including: Access to the trail.

Around the clock support

Hopping Trails team is always just a call away—before, during, and after your trip—for any assistance or questions you may have.

OUR TREKKING TEAM

At the heart of every journey lies the people who guide it. Our team is composed of seasoned professionals who know these trails intimately—not only from years of guiding treks, but from living in these mountains and valleys for generations. Their deep connection to the land ensures that you are always in safe, capable, and knowledgeable hands.

What drives us is not only a love for hiking, but the joy of sharing these landscapes, stories, and experiences with you. Every step of the way, our guides, support staff, and local experts will walk beside you—ensuring your safety, enriching your journey with cultural and natural insights, and celebrating every milestone.

We warmly welcome you into this community of explorers. With us, you are not just a trekker—you become part of a team united by curiosity, resilience, and reverence for the wilderness.

Your journey will be led by a highly trained and deeply experienced professional, someone whose life has been shaped by years of hiking, exploration, and connection with nature. But what truly sets them apart is their passion for guiding people through transformative adventures—helping you not only reach your destination but also discover new perspectives along the way. With them, you are not just following a guide, you are walking beside a mentor who brings the mountains to life.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

After a long and demanding day on the trail, nothing restores the body and spirit quite like a hot, hearty meal.

That’s why every trek with us is accompanied by skilled mountain chefs, each with years of experience creating nourishing dishes in remote, rugged environments. With every meal, they bring a touch of home to the wilderness—turning simple ingredients into food that rejuvenates, uplifts, and prepares you for the journey ahead.

OUR CHEFS

On every trek, we serve nutritious, balanced meals—rich in energy-giving carbs, proteins, and healthy fats—designed to fuel you for the trail ahead. Ingredients are carefully chosen to stay fresh in the rugged Himalayas, ensuring strength where it’s needed most.

Beyond sustenance, our food carries flavors from both the mountains and across India, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of home amidst the wild.

MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Our muleteers and their steadfast horses are the quiet guardians of every journey. They carry tents, supplies, and baggage, allowing you to walk unburdened and fully present in the wilderness. Moving ahead of the group, they ensure that each camp is ready—safe, warm, and welcoming—so that your focus remains on the adventure itself.

OUR MULTEERS & MULES

THE BEST PACKING LIST FOR YOUR GAUMUKH TAPOVAN TREK

Getting Ready for Your Himalayan Adventure

Thinking about setting out on the legendary trek? Preparation is key—and it begins with what you pack.

We’ve put together a comprehensive packing guide to help you get ready for this journey through one of South America’s most spectacular mountain regions. Inside, you’ll find clear details about every essential item you’ll need for safety, comfort, and success in high-altitude conditions.Along with practical information, we’ve added our own tried-and-tested recommendations for gear we personally rely on in the outdoors. These suggestions balance performance, durability, and value for money, ensuring that you’re equipped with gear that truly works on the trail.

With this list in hand, you’ll step onto the path with confidence and clarity, ready to experience Ausangate the way it’s meant to be.

Trekking Essentials

Shoes & Backpack

Trekking boots with ankle support – sturdy enough for rough mountain terrain.
Backpack with a rain cover – spacious and weather-protected for your essentials.

Clothing & Warm Layers

Insulating layers – adjust according to season:
- Spring/Summer/Monsoon: 3 layers (wool sweater, fleece, padded jacket).
- Autumn: 4 layers (wool sweater, two fleeces, padded jacket).
- Winter: 5 layers (thermals, wool sweater, two fleeces, padded jacket).
3 collared T-shirts – breathable and trek-friendly.
2 quick-dry trekking trousers – lightweight and durable.

Accessories

Polarized sunglasses – essential for snow glare.
Sun cap with protective flaps.
Waterproof gloves and socks – especially valuable in snowy conditions.
Balaclava for wind and cold protection.
Wool socks – two pairs of dry-fit plus one warm woollen pair.
Headlamp for night use.
Trekking pole for stability on steep or uneven trails.
Rain jacket with pants or a poncho.

Personal Toiletries

Sunscreen and moisturizer for UV and dry air.
Lightweight quick-dry towel.
Lip balm for chapped lips.
Toilet paper (strictly avoid wet wipes).
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Reusable covers for separating used clothes.

Cutlery & Hydration

Steel lunch box, mug, and spoon – durable and eco-friendly.
Two water bottles or a hydration pack – minimum 2 liters capacity recommended.

Essential Personal Medicines to Carry on Trek

Always keep your medicines within easy reach. Remember: do not self-medicate—consult your trek leader before taking anything.

Diamox (1 strip): This is used to prevent altitude-related issues. Keep a close watch on how your body feels—symptoms like nausea, indigestion, unusual fatigue, or restlessness should never be ignored. If you experience any of these, speak to your trek leader immediately. Do not take Diamox on your own.
Dolo 650 (5 tablets): A basic paracetamol, useful for bringing down fever or managing mild aches and pains.
Avomine (4 tablets): If you are prone to motion sickness, carry this. Take one tablet about 30 minutes before your road journey starts.
Combiflam (5 tablets): Handy for sudden sprains, muscle strains, or sharp pains. It combines a pain reliever with paracetamol.
Digene (4 tablets): Helpful if you feel heaviness or indigestion. However, indigestion at altitude can sometimes be an early sign of AMS, so inform your trek leader if you experience this.
ORS (6 sachets): Dissolve one sachet in water and drink once a day while trekking—preferably around mid-day. It replaces essential salts and makes hydration easier in cold weather.
Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you have weak knees or a past injury, especially for long descents.

Mandatory Documents for the Trek

For both legal and safety reasons, certain documents must be submitted before you are allowed to begin the trek. These are required by the forest department as well as our team, and missing paperwork may prevent you from joining the expedition.

Government Photo ID (Original + Photocopy): A valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, passport, or driver’s license is required for verification by the forest department.
Treadmill Test (for trekkers 58+ years): A stress test conducted within the last 12 months must be provided within one week of trek registration. This helps us assess your preparedness for high-altitude trekking.
Disclaimer Form: At the base camp, your Trek Leader will hand over the disclaimer form. Simply sign and return it. Note: If you are a minor traveling without parents, please carry a printed and signed copy of the disclaimer from your parent/guardian.
Medical Certificate: This must be completed and signed by a certified MBBS doctor. It is essential for forest department permissions and ensures your fitness for high-altitude conditions.

Day 1: Dehradun/Rishikesh → Joshimath (2,000 m)

Drive 9–10 hours via Srinagar and Karnaprayag. Joshimath is the base camp with stunning views of Nanda Devi. Overnight stay in guesthouse.

Day 2: Joshimath → Mana → Laxmivan (3,050 m),

Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs). Drive to Mana village, the last motorable point. Begin the trek through lush forests and meadows to Laxmivan. Camp on the serene meadow.

Day 3: Laxmivan → Chakratirtha (3,600 m)

Trek 7 km (5–6 hrs). A steady climb through rhododendron and oak forests takes you to Chakratirtha. Enjoy the sacred glacial waters and camp near the stream.

Day 4: Chakratirtha → Satopanth Lake (4,600 m) → Chakratirtha

Trek 12 km (8–9 hrs). Ascend steadily through alpine meadows and moraines to the turquoise Satopanth Lake. After exploring, descend back to Chakratirtha for the night.

Day 5: Chakratirtha → Mana (3,200 m)

Trek 18 to 20 km (7–8 hrs). Descend through alpine meadows and forested trails back to Mana, concluding the trek.

Day 6: Joshimath → Rishikesh / Dehradun

Drive 9–10 hours. Trek ends.

The best hiking trails in India

Our curated collection of India’s most remarkable hiking trails invites you to connect intimately with the country’s natural wonders. From the snow-draped peaks of the Himalayas to mystical glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering glaciers, each journey offers a profound encounter with the sublime. Traverse landscapes teeming with diverse wildlife, where every step unfolds a story of nature’s grandeur, and immerse yourself in adventures that linger long in memory—a perfect harmony of challenge, discovery, and the timeless beauty of the outdoors.