Himalayas are called as the adobe of gods, true to the sense of words, the gods, cannot find a better place to envy their creation. Nature at its prime glory can be enjoyed in the spectacular valleys and mountains of Himalaya.
Himalayas stretch almost the entire northern belt of Indian sub – continent, provide mesmerising views of snow capped mountains, rivers gushing away from the melting glaciers into the deep valleys, hold a number of places in the mountains, sacred for many communities. One such place is the -Satopanth Tal.
Tucked away in Satopanth glacier under the basking glory of Mt Chaukambha. Satopanth Tal meana the path of truth, offers spectacular views of Mt Chaukambha, Mt Neelkanth, Mt Parvathi, Mt Swargarohini and Mt Bal kun.
The trek to these places has a significant sacredness in the context of Hinduism.
As per legend this is the route which was opted by the Pandavas to ascend to heavenly adobe and Yudishtir, the eldest Pandava, was the only person who could complete he journey. The trek to this place is not as simple and easy as it is perceived and requires some level of fitness though not a difficult one to summit.
One has to remember, prior permission must be obtained from the officials in order to visit this place. The best time to visit is May to October when the temple of Badrinath is open, since it is closed for general public during winter season.The distance from Badrinath to Satopanth tal trek is approximately 28 kms.A professional guide and a cook is required along with the porters as food supplies needs to be carried along the trek. The food available is staple which include breads, rice and lentils.
Day-1. After having offered our prayers in the temple of Badrinath, proceed to the village of Mana, the last village of India towards the ITBP check-post, the distance of 3 Km from Badrinath to Mana can done on a taxi, generally hired from Badrninath bus and taxi stand.
The trek starts from the temple adjacent to the ITBP Centre towards Lakshmivan, along the western banks of the gushing river Alakanada. This 8 Km trek is a pleasant one without much variations in height and altitude. One passes through the meadows, valleys and glaciers accumulated on those valleys which can be a little frightening sometimes. Walking along the banks of river Alakananda you immerse yourself with the picturesque valley. The scared Vasudhara falls can be seen throughout the trek to Lakshmivan .
Half way through the trek we may break for lunch and enjoy the view of Vasudhara falls gracefully dropping down the mountains. The later of part of the trek to Lakshmivan can be a little tiring as walking on the stones could make it difficult.Once you reach Lakshmivan, you rest for the day and make yourself comfortable in the tents and enjoy the food amidst snow capped mountains.
Day-2. With Breakfast done and packed lunch carried along, we proceed towards Chakratirtha. The ascend towards Chakratirtha can be a difficult one since we need to gain altitude and trek for 10 kms. High ridges have to be scaled which can be tiring. On the way to Chakratirtha we pass through a very scenic, Sahastradhara ( A thousand waterfalls) where one can break for lunch and rest for sometime.
The view of Mt Neelkanth and the falls dripping all over the valley is not worth missing.
After a short break, as we proceed towards Chakratirtha, we divert from the banks of the river Alakananda which flows to the east towards its origin , Alakapuri. while we continue towards Chakratirtha for around 5 kms on through the rocky terrain, and rest for the day. The place is as huge as a football stadium, or an amphitheater. Mt Chaukambha is at a good visible distance from this place. Shrill weather and breeze from the glacier makes you fetch an extra pair of warm clothing.
Day-3. Proceed towards the summit of Satopanth Tal early since the journey of 6 kms is the toughest of all the days. The trek of a mountain ridge in the first leg of the trek tests your fitness level to the maximum. It generally takes one and half hour to two hours, with a normal hiking pace to reach the top of the mountain ridge. It is advisable for anyone to take it easy and proceed in a steady pace. Once you reach the top of the ridge and feel the tough part is behind comes the toughest part of the trek. People have to trek on the rumbles and stones, boulders on the glaciers, which make the walk extremely exhausting. One should carefully proceed since the rocks are unstable and a wrong step is the last thing anyone would wish for.
Once you cross the path and reach atop another ridge there waits the reason one makes this difficult journey to see. Tucked down is the beautiful Satopanth Lake, surrounded by mountains, pristine water(very cold though) welcomes you with open arms. The view of the Lake and the mountains surrounding would make you feel all the pain was worth every bit of it!
There is small thatched hut where 3 saints live for 6 months. The hospitality they offer to any person who visits the lake is worth an experience. There is also a Baba named Mouni Baba who does not talk to anybody.You can have food which is offered by the saints and indulge in a happy conversation with them. They insist people who come there to stay for a day or two. If there is enough time and strength to endure the cold breeze, you are welcome to stay there(Though Blankets are provided by the saints to anyone who wishes to stay.) Once you are done resting we proceed back to Chakratirtha and stay back.
Day-4 Usually people who do this trek generally make it a 5 day trek which would begin from, Mana to Lakshmivan, Lakshmivan to Chakratirtha, Chakratirtha to Satopanth and Back, Chakratirtha to Lakshmivan, Lakshmivan to Mana.But if your fitness levels are good enough and you can trek for a bit longer, then start the descent from Chakratirtha early in the morning and reach Lakshmivan by 11 am and then proceed towards Mana the very same day, and reach Mana by 5 in the evening. This way the trek can be completed in 4 days.
After returning have a quick bath in the hot water springs of Tapt Kund near the temple of Badrinath and offer prayers on successful completion of trek and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing.
Appendix:
Badrinath can be reached by local Taxis, State run Buses and Private Vehicles.
The distance from Haridwar to Badrinath is around 320 Kms.
The distance from Dehradun to Badrinath is around 340 kms.
There are a number of good hotels in the town of Badrinath. (Sarovar hotel, GMVN Guest houses etc.)
This amount and the above mentioned days for the trek is from Badrinath to Badrinath.