Garhwal
Satopanth Lake Trek
A glacial lake beyond Mana, at the head of the Alaknanda
About this trek
Satopanth is a high, quiet trail that begins where the road ends at Mana village, beyond Badrinath. The route follows the Alaknanda towards its source, passes Vasudhara falls and climbs through moraine to a green-blue lake held between three peaks. It is long-day walking on rough glacial ground, and it suits trekkers who are already comfortable with altitude.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Badrinath
Rishikesh → Badrinath
Road day up the Alaknanda valley to Badrinath.
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Day 2
Badrinath to Mana, trek to Lakshmi Van
Badrinath → Mana Village → Lakshmi Van
A short drive to Mana, the last village on the route, then the first day on foot to Lakshmi Van.
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Day 3
Lakshmi Van to Chakrateertha
Lakshmi Van → Chakrateertha
Moraine and boulder walking with Chaukhamba growing in view through the day.
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Day 4
Satopanth Tal and back
Chakrateertha → Satopanth Tal → Chakrateertha
The lake day. An early start over glacial ground to Satopanth Tal, with time to sit before the return.
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Day 5
Chakrateertha to Mana via Badrinath
Chakrateertha → Mana → Badrinath
The descent retracing the approach to Mana, then on to Badrinath.
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Day 6
Badrinath to Rishikesh
Badrinath → Rishikesh
Drive out of the valley to Rishikesh. Distance to be confirmed with the client.
What is and is not included
Included
- Qualified trek leader and support staff
- Forest and camping permits
- Twin/triple sharing tents
- All meals on the trek
- Safety equipment and first-aid support
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (50–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
Pangarchula Trek — via Dyalisera
A summit trek to 15,069 ft with a genuine snow-climb finish, approached through the Dyalisera meadows.
