Overview
I am reminded of the resounding words of the poet, W.H. Davies, as i talk about the Satopanth Tal. He says,
“What is life full of care,
there no time to stand and stare;
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night”
In the midst of snow clad mountains adorned in nothing but speckles white, rising above the sea level by about 4600 meters the lake stands (as described by the poet) full of stars. In the Indian state of Uttarakhand is the Satopanth Tal. Exactly speaking, the lake is 25 kilometres from the holy place of worship for Hindus, Badrinath, after the hurdles of Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha are crossed. While we go up the hill, we will see the Surya Kund and the Chandra Kund, two tiny streams, are seen flowing playfully in the Himalayas. The triangle shape of the lake is a major factor of attraction too.
The lake has a lot of religious significance. Firstly, the villagers of Mana sprinkle the ashes of the dead in these holy waters so that the dead get liberation from the circle of life, which is a very important concept in Hinduism. Also, once a year, on an auspicious day, the Trimurtis or the three main Hindu Gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - are said to take a bath in this lake. Secondly, as the name suggests, it is the path of the truth, hence, the Stairway to Heaven. It is also believed that the mighty characters of Mahabharata, the Panch Pandavas, along with Draupadi, passed from here when they were ascending to Heaven.
At different places through the trip you will find the name of the Pandavas along with their name as a tribute to the heavenward journey. At Mana we will find the first memorial of the Pandava king with the name of Bhima called the ‘Bhima Pul’. The stone bridge is believed to have been made by Bhima for Draupadi so that she could cross the mighty river Saraswathi. Next is at Lakshmi Ban, where Draupadi is supposed to have kicked the bucket here. Next comes Bandhar. The stream here is known as the stream that helped Yudishthir quench his thirst and is said to have been made by Arjuna’s arrow. Bhimbar is the next halt at retracing Pandava’s path. The pillar made of huge boulders reminds us of the place where Bhima breathed his last. At Chakratirtha, it was Arjuna’s place of death. Yudishthir and his pet dog were the only two reached heaven.
The third story is a legend that believes that goddess Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of riches) and Lord Narayana meditated in Chakratirtha and Lakshmiban. During their meditation, Narayans set aside his popular Sudarshan Chraka on the valley. The Chakra got submerged in the earth below, by the load of the weapon and formed an amazing circular pasture and a lake circled by mountainous ranges.
The place has an historical importance too. Mount Satopanth is a very famous and taxing peak in the route of the Himalayas. It was firstly tried to reach from both the sides, North east and north west by Austrians in 1938. However, the first people to reach the peak were the Swedish people in 1947.
This place, Satopanth, is exceptionally stunning but the drawback of it is that it is a little deserted but filled with opportunities for unlimited and unexplored adventures of mountaineering. Another problem is that tents cannot be made, so one will have to stay in the caves during nights. From the peak, one can see the scenic beauty that cannot be witnessed elsewhere, with sights of the Shivling, Thalay Sagar, and the horrendous pillars of Bhagirathi III. These pillars are known as "El Cap with a Droites facing North above 6000 M".
Also, one major attraction here is the Vasudhara Falls. These cascades fall from an elevation of approximately about 125 meters, though you will feel only a few droplets falling on you because of the height, plus the valley below with its foggy appearance.
Travelling across the Satopanth glacier and after hours of violent roads for hiking on the perilous moraine, one will see the lake. The very first point that will stun a person is the odd otherworldly or heavenly ambient lake, peaceful and relaxing. The amazing shape of the lake is even more stunning.
Itinerary
Duration : 6 nights; 7 days
Day 01 : Traverse by road from Joshimath to Mana and from Mana hike to Chamatoli (7 Hours, overnight stay in tents)
Joshimath is like the entrance of Sri Badrinath Dham or of the sacred Badrinath Math. Our way to Badrinath will hardly take us two hours drive by road. But this path is very perilous and traffic is guarded by letting vehicles go in batches from either side of the road.
Five hours more from Badrinath and we reach a small hamlet called Mana. This hamlet is believed to be the ending or the border village of India. The tea shop at the end of the village boasts to be the last tea shop in the Indian border.
During winters, even the villagers of this village come down to Chamatoli. Then we continue to walk down from Mana, the small and scenic village to Chamatoli, though a short distance one might want to wait and take pictures along the way.
Day 02 : A walk from Chamatoli to Sahastradhara camp (6 Hours, 14 kilometers – 14000 feet, Overnight stay in tents)
The hike will take us across unbelievably large open places. But fortunately the result of the climb will be a view of thousand springs.
The meaning of the words, Sahastra Dhara, is thousand water bodies. It is a scenic place, where River Baldi and the natural caves look spectacular. It is a 9 meters deep waterfall and has a deepening pit on the limestone below. Also, there are sulphur springs here which have medicinal qualities. The water from the spring is a cure to any kind of skin allergies. The other unique feature of sulphur springs are that the sulphuric content in it keeps the water in the spring at a lower temperature. The trek will be unique as it is not too difficult, except if the climate is bad. The walk is tiring but the sceneries around will leave you so spellbound that you will hardly notice your tire.
Day 03 : Hike from Sahastradhara to Satopanth Tal. (8 Hours, 18 kilometers - 15100 ft Overnight stay in tents)
While we start the hike on a positive note, we should still know that the glaciers here can pose a problem in walking. The triangular lake – Satopanth Tal – extends on both the ends to about 1 kilometre in length. Though the way that you will have to make through the glacier will be horrible, the sight of the popular Himalayan ranges like Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Satopanth glacier and Swargarohini will please you.
Day 04 : Hike to Swargarohini base camp and see the dazzling Chaukhamba and come back to Satopanth Tal camp. (8 hours, 25 kilometers - 20500 ft, overnight stay in tents)
It is a deserted hike in Garhwal Himalayas. It is cozy on the foot of the well-known Nilkantha Peak. From the Swargarohini Base Camp, one can see the mighty Narayan Parbat and Balakun Peak.
This hike is a very difficult one as it steeps and climbs very harshly. This hike is only for experienced hikers or for those who are enthusiastic in testing their physical capacity.
Day 05 : Hike from Satopanth Tal to Sahastradhara (via Chakrateerth, 8 Hours, 18 kilometers - 15100 ft, Overnight stay in tents)
After this point, we will descend on the trek back from where we started and recollect the pleasant memories; we have had so far on the trip.
As an addition, we will see the Chakrateerth. Chakrateerth is a holy place of worship for the Hindus. The pond here is in perfect circle as a worship of the chakra that was placed by Lord Narayan. The lakeside is lined with Bhoj trees. These are used for religious purposes. Also, scriptures were written on these leaves.
Day 06 : Trek from Sahastradhara to Chamatoli via Lakshimivan (8 hours, 14 kilometers – 14000 feet, Overnight stay in tents)
As mentioned earlier, we will descend on the trek back from where we started and recollect the pleasant memories; we have had so far on the trip.
Day 07 : Hike from Chamatoli to Badrinath (6 hours- 14 kilometers – 3133 ft)
Chamtoli is in the lap of the mighty Himalayas and is filled with scenic beauty. This place has made the imagination fruitful and come true. The place is captivating and represents beauty at the fullest. It is the closest to Lord Narayana’s shrine of Badrinath, but Chamtoli itself is mythologically relevant place.
Cost
Cost : On Request
Group Size : 10 members
Mode of Transport : Tempo Traveler Pushback Non-AC with video coach
Destination : Haridwar to Haridwar
Pickup and Drop : Common Point
What is Included
- Guides (two) :
- one Basic Mountaineering Course qualified Guide from Summiters.
- one Local Guide who has extensive knowledge of the route.
- Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff
- Porters/mules for carrying common equipments (like rations/tents/utensils/)
- Equipments - Tents on sharing basis / Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mats
- Basic First aid Kit
- Forest Permits and camping charges
- 1 nights stay at lodge in Joshimath and Badrinath.
What is Excluded
- Personal trekking equipments – like trekking poles or sleeping ban liners or rucksacks
- Personal Porters for carrying backpacks of trekkers
- Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
- Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc).
- Any other extra expenses incurred on the trek which is not mentioned in the cost includes section.
Things to carry 
How to build Stamina 
Safety and Precautions
Additional Costs/Extensions:
Q: How do I get to Joshimath from Delhi?
A: There is an overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar. Our vehicle will pick you up from Haridwar train station and transport you to Joshimath.
The vehicle can typically accommodate a max of 10 passengers. However, it is recommended that 5-7 folks travel in 1 vehicle for comfort. The distance from Haridwar to Joshimath is approximately 270 KMs. Typically, the participants leave early in the morning from Haridwar and reach Joshimath by evening.
While returning, since the trek ends at Badrinath, Summiters will provide a vehicle (Sumo) to take you to Haridwar. A typical Sumo costs approximately Rs 4,000/- each way. The cost is to be shared by the members in the vehicle and directly to be paid to the driver. The distance from Badrinath to Haridwar is approximately 320 KMs. Typically, the participants leave early in the morning from Badrinath and reach Haridwar by evening.
Q: I do not want to carry my rucksack. Can arrangements be made to carry it?
A: We expect the trekkers to carry their own backpack and recommend the same. In exceptional cases where assistance is needed Summiters can help make arrangements for an extra personal porters but this will be extra cost which will be borne by the participants. It is requested that, as far as possible, trekkers inform of this need before the trek.
Q: Will part of my money be refunded if I drop out of the trek mid way?
A: If you drop out of the trek mid-way the money would not be refunded. Also, the individuals would have to bear actual charges that are incurred, like arranging pony/porter/transportation
to get you back safely to the trailhead.
FAQ
Q: What do I need to trek?
A. One must be able hike to a minimum of 5 to 6 kms without any issues, that’s all! Also, if you have any particular health problems such as respiratory problem, heart problem, one must check with the doctor afore the hike.
Q: How chilly is it?
A: It is a question of where you belong to, but in terms of Indians – it is quite freezing. The temperature in the high altitudes can even be about -5 degrees during night time. Warm clothing is a must, though it adds to the weight of your luggage.
Q: What needs to be carried?
A: The always carry certain important things:
Shoes: A nice pair of shoes, which does not include Adidas/ Nike/ Reebok/ Puma, nor sport shoes, but a pair that can bear wear and tear.
The other important things are: gloves, sun hat/cap, gloves, toiletry kit, personal clothing, sun glasses, medications (if any) and water.
A sleeping bag, tent and a mat will be made available to the trekkers by Summiters.
Q: What kind of food will be made available?
A: Summiters give plain vegetarian food which is not too heavy and apt for hiking. Pizza hut or Anand Bhavan will not be in the picture nor will hunting be an option. There will be enough to sustain and apt will be served when hungry.
Q: Does mountain water cause harm?
A: No. The mountain water is clean. But if you are skeptical – a mineral water can be bought.
Q: Is there a charger point for my phone during the trek?
A: The end point that you can charge during the trek is at Barsu Village but depends if electricity is there during the stay.
Q: How can I get ready?
A: You must try and get accustomed to walks or jogs on a daily basis.
T&C
Terms and Conditions
All about the Elusive star
Here are our conditions:
- Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 10 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller Summiters will inform the participants a month in advance of the departure date,the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the current size of the group.
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Booking must be confirmed 30 days prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. So please give us enough time to make your journey a lifetime’s journey.
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All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Summiters will not be responsible for the weather or your personal health issues.
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Cancellation policy – We plan everything for you well in advance, so that your trip is hassle-free and as smooth as possible. This means that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses are all paid in advance. Any cancellation will mean inconvenience and loss to all the people involved in making your journey successful. Therefore, it is only fair to pass on the accrued costs to you. Our policy is:-
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- Cancellation prior to 30 days from date of departure : Full Refund
- Cancellation between 30 days to 20 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund
- Cancellation between 20 days prior to date of departure and departure date:No Refund
- No Show : No Refund
- Cancellation has to be confirmed by sending a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vishwanath : 
# 822, Dwarakawasa