It is a matter of great hard work and hard fortitude to reach the lakes situated at high altitudes, but such lakes and places are also worth the hard work we have done. And such efforts are worth the beautiful views of the lakes in the lap of the Himalayas. One of such lakes is Satopanth lake which is full of many mysteries of legends.
Located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 4600 meters above sea level the Satopanth Lake is one of the natural lakes here. This lake is not only religiously famous but also famous for its unique natural beauty, it is recorded in the tourist map of the world. Natural lakes are often round or square in shape, but this unique lake is triangular in shape. It not only attracts Indian trekkers but also trekkers from the different parts of the world visit Satopanth Lake. Trekkers are convinced of the amazing peace found here and its beauty. Many foreign trekkers love this lake so much that they give high priority to this lake for mountaineering.
- Area – Garhwal Himalaya
- Trek Duration – 6 days
- Trekking Grade – Moderate
- Altitude – 4600 m.
- Trek Length – 50 km
Story Related To Satopanth Lake
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- There are many stories related to this sacred religious lake. The name of the lake, Satopanth, ‘Sato’ means ‘Truth’ and ‘Panth’ means ‘Way’, that is, ‘Path of Truth’.
- According to the legends, the Pandava brothers of “The Mahabharata” went to heaven from this way, the name of this lake is Satopanth lake. It is also called the way to heaven on earth.
- It is believed that the Pandavas meditated and to a dip in the lake at this place before going to heaven from Swargahrohini (Stairway to Heaven). Therefore, this place holds special significance among the people of the Hindu religion.
- Yudhishthira is said to have received an ‘astronomical vehicle’ to reach heaven near this lake.
Mythology About Satopanth Lake Trek
It is stated in the Hindu mythology that the tridevas the Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesha had meditated on the sides of this lake. It is believed that during each Ekadashi the trinities take a heavenly plunge in the water of Satopanth Lake. Taking up a dip in the Saptopanth Lake on the 11th day of the solar and lunar fortnights is believed to be auspicious by the Hindus.
Local people also believe that some unique sorts of birds are found here, which get the toxins of the lake and consequently keeping the lake clean. These birds are not found anywhere else. The local says that they are the Gandharvas perdue, who guarding the lake against evil.
Satopanth Lake Trek
Satopanth Lake is not only a religious place, but also the trekking area of Uttarakhand. The Satopanth Glacier has to go through many difficult trekking trails as during trekking you have to go through many slopes, rugged and high-altitude areas of the Himalayan region. The trek starts from the village of Mana and passes through the Vasundhara valley. The Chaukhamba and Swargarohini mountain ranges in the backdrop of the Satopanth glacier create a beautiful untouched view here.
Satopanth Trek Route
Dehradun – Badrinath – Mana – Dhannu glacier – Chamtoli Lugyal- Laxmi Van – Chakrateerth- Satopanth Tal
Best Time To Visit Satopanth Lake Trek
Months of summer May & June and the months of post-monsoon September & October are considered to be the best time to visit Satopanth Lake. During these months the weather remains clear and pleasant you can have a mesmerizing view of different Himalayan peaks visible from here.
In summers: During summers the sky remains clear and the weather remains pleasant at Satopanth Lake, one has the opportunity to view the Himalayas distinctly. As it might get a bit cold at nights it is suggested to carry some woolen clothes with you.
Post-monsoon: Post monsoon is considered to be an ideal time to do the Satopanth Lake trek. As it blossoms with flowers and vegetation one can see the best of Satopanth Lake trek post-monsoon and making it look like heaven on earth. Carrying heavy woolens is advised for the trek post-monsoon.
How to Reach Satopanth Lake
By Air: The nearest airport to start this Satopanth Lake trek is Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant). The airport is well connected to regular flights, whereas it is well accessible by motorable roads to Badrinath (place to start your trek).
By Train: Haridwar/Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Badrinath which is also well connected with major cities of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent and it is easily accessible by motorable roads. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Badrinath.
By Road: Badrinath is easily accessible by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar are easily available from many cities. Buses and taxis to Badrinath are easily available from almost every city of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, Pauri, Srinagar, and Chamoli.
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