satopanth tal Trek
Region=Uttarakhand
Distance=45 km
Difficulty=moderate
Duration=5 DAY
Max altitude=15,100 ft
Arrival at Joshimath (6696 ft)
Joshimath is almost 300 kms. away from Dehradun. It takes about 10-11 hours to get to Joshimath via taxi. So, make sure you get to Dehradun the night before so you can leave for Joshimath early morning the next day, and get a few hours of rest. Taxi’s usually leave for Joshimath early morning. Once you reach Joshimath in the evening, you can explore the local bazaar. The popular skiing slopes of Auli are also very close to Joshimath town.
Day 2
Joshimath to Badrinath (10,429 ft) - 46 km [Drive]
Today, we will drive from Joshimath to Badrinath. Badrinath is a Hindu pilgrimage site famous for being one of the Char Dhams. The road initially descends to the valley floor, before climbing along a steep gorge to the pilgrimage site of Badrinath. We will spend the rest of the day acclimatising at Badrinath. Mana, the last village of India towards the Indo-China border at Mana Pass, is just 4 km away from Badrinath. Overnight in hotel/guest house at Badrinath.
Day 3
Badrinath to Laxmiban (12,000 ft) - 8.5 km
We start our day with an easy walk up the Alakananda river towards the Somtoli meadows. You will see the mighty 400 ft Vasudhara falls on the opposite banks after a while. The trail climbs gradually till Somtoli, crossing a landslide section. You might find few shepherds here or their vacant caves. From here, a small walk through a boulder section takes us to our campsite marked by a cluster of Bhojpatra trees on the slopes. The campsite has great views of Alkapuri, the snout and starting point of Alaknanda river and the Balakun peak.
Day 4
Laxmiban to Chakrateerth (13658 ft) - 9.5 km
The trail gets more challenging today. We will start with a sharp ascent through boulders and scree to Sahastra Dhar. As we climb up the valley, views of NIlkanth, Balakun and Chaukhamba open up. Once we reach Sahastra Dhar, we will cross a little stream and walk across a flat area with dozens of streams flowing and merging with each other. Then, we start traversing the left (true right) lateral moraine of the glacier coming down from Chaukhamba at the head of the valley. The trail climbs steeply again after Sahastra Dhar, followed by a short level walk across the upper snow slopes to reach our campsite at Chakrateerth. We will camp in Chakrateerth for the night.
Day 5
Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake (14258 ft) to Chakrateerth - 7.5 km
Day 6
Chakrateerth to Chamtoli (11745 ft) - 11 km
We retrace our track today and reach Chamtoli, where we will camp for the night.
Day 7
Chamtoli to Mana - 6.5 km. Drive to Joshimath.
We will finish the remaining descent today and then drive from Mana to Joshimath. Overnight stay in hotel/guest house
Day 8
Joshimath to Dehradun
Today, you will leave from Joshimath for Dehradun and onward.
Comments
Post a Comment