Day 1: Dehradun to Badrinath

• Distance: 336 km (Drive)
• Time: 11 to 12 hours
• Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse

The journey to the Satopanth Tal trek begins in Dehradun. The entire first day will be spent commuting to Badrinath, covering a distance of 336 km. Along the route, we will travel through Rishikesh, followed by the sacred confluences of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Nandaprayag, before reaching Joshimath. Joshimath, originally known as Jyotirmath, is one of four religious centers established by Adi Shankaracharya across India. Points of interest in Joshimath include the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. We will arrive at Badrinath by late evening, check into the hotel, and stay overnight after dinner.

Day 2: Badrinath to Laxmivan via Mana

• Distance: 9 km (Trek)
• Time: 7 hours
• Altitude: Badrinath – 3,300 metres | Laxmivan – 3,013 metres

After breakfast on the second day, we will depart for Mana village, the starting point of our trek to Satopanth Tal. Located approximately 3 km from Badrinath, on the banks of the River Saraswati, Mana village is renowned for its cultivation of potatoes and kidney beans. The village is also known for handwoven woolen garments such as mufflers, carpets, caps, and sweaters made from sheep wool. Here, we will visit the famous Vyas Gufa, where Maharshi Vyas composed the Epic Mahabharata with the help of Lord Ganesha. Nearby, the Ganesh Gufa, where Lord Ganesha transcribed the epic, is also located. After more than 2 hours of walking alongside the river Alaknanda, we will reach the Vasudhara Falls. Leaving the waterfall behind, we traverse through the rich birch forest of Laxmivan. Walking through this serene and densely wooded area, we can spot Bhojpatra trees and a variety of wildflowers. The valley then widens, with the prominent Balakun massif in front. After approximately 4 km on an elevated trail, we reach the campground at Laxmivan, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Balakun. We set up camp here for the night.

Day 3: Laxmivan to Chakrateerth

• Distance: 7 km (Trek)
• Time: 7 hours
• Altitude: Laxmivan – 3,813 metres | Chakrateerth – 4,162 metres

On the third day, we will make our way to Chakrateerth, covering another 11 km toward Satopanth Tal. The terrain becomes more challenging and hazardous, as it shifts to icy moraines studded with stones and rocks. Today’s trek is interspersed with green patches amid continuous climbs towards the Dhano Glacier. This segment offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountain peaks, including the Bhagirathi Group of Peaks, visible from the Satopanth Valley. Weather conditions here can be very unpredictable, with temperatures likely to drop suddenly in the afternoon; thus, it’s advisable to keep jackets accessible. We’ll carefully ascend the treacherous stretch between Sahashradhara and the Chakrateerth meadow. Upon arrival at the Chakrateerth camping site, the western face of Mt. Neelkanth is distinctly visible.

Day 4: Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake and back to Chakrateerth

• Distance: 10 km (Trek)
• Time: 5 hours
• Altitude: Satopanth Lake – 4,497 meters

Building on the awe-inspiring vistas from the previous day, prepare for a strenuous day of trekking. We navigate through a rocky landscape filled with the constant noise of landslides. Our experienced trek guides will ensure safe passage across this challenging terrain. The final 2 km features loose soil over the icy moraine. Upon reaching the highest vantage point, the first breathtaking view of Satopanth Tal unfolds. Approaching the lake, the magnificent peaks of Balakun, Swargarohini, and Chaukhamba become increasingly prominent. After spending some time at the lake and capturing numerous photos, we begin our descent back to the Chakrateerth camp.

Day 5: Chakrateerth to Laxmivan

• Distance: 7 km
• Time Taken: 5 hours

We begin our descent to Laxmivan after breakfast, taking in the spectacular scenery along the way back to the Laxmivan campsite.

Day 6: Laxmivan to Badrinath

• Distance: 9 km
• Time Taken: 5 hours

On the final day of the trek, we depart from Laxmivan to Badrinath. Upon returning to Badrinath, you may choose to take a dip in a hot water spring to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Day 7: Badrinath to Dehradun

• Distance: 336 km
• Time Taken: 11 to 12 hours

After a hearty breakfast, we drive back to Dehradun. Arriving in the late evening, marks the end of our adventurous and memorable journey.