Overview

With its crystal clear green water lake situated a height of 4,402m the triangular lake has a perimeter of one kilometre. It is said that on three corners of the lake the holy Trio – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva) meditate and is believed – the creator, preserver and destroyer chart out the course of the world. The lake is the representation of Kshirsagar on earth. Set in the midst of glaciers with a splendour undreamt by men, with the presence of the divine trinity and the smear magnificence of the setting, one is left completely overwhelmed.

On Ekadashi, Hindus believe that the holy trio take bath in the lake. Bathing in this on the 11th day of the solar and lunar fortnights is considered most auspicious. It is said that the Pandavaas travelled through this path after Mahabharata to reach heaven and only Yudhishthira, the eldest brother, could do so.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Joshimath

On reaching Joshimath meet your service provider and get transferred to the hotel/home stay. Get acclimatized to the climate and feel free to roam in the town. Dinner and overnight at hotel/home stay.

Day 2: Joshimath – Badrinath – Jhamtoli (3640m/11942ft, 8km trek)

After breakfast we will ride to Badrinath and start our trek to Jhamtoli with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Day 3: Jhamtoli – Chakratirtha (4240m/13910ft, 7km trek)

Morning after breakfast we trek up to Chakratirtha. There is large formation of glaciers which continue on to the Gaumukh snout of the Bhagirathi. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Day 4: Chakratirtha – Satopanth Lake (4465m/14648ft, 5km trek)

Trek to Satopanth Lake, a triangular lake with icy cold and crystal clear emerald water, is a bliss for travellers. Traveling across the green meadows and along the ice capped mountains makes it a serene and heavenly sight for all. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Day 5: Satopanth Lake – Lakshmi Van (3650m/11975ft)

After spending time at this serene place with a short pooja (prayer) we trek to Lakshmi Van. It is said to be the place where Draupadi had her last breathe on her way to heaven. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

Day 6: Lakshmi van – Badrinath – Joshimath

After breakfast we trek down to Badrinath. Here you will be greeted by vehicles waiting to take you back to Joshimath. Dinner & over night at Joshimath.

Fact

The Last Village

As the trek lies near the Tibet border you can visit the last village of India which is 3km away from the Badrinath. There are temples dedicated to Rishi Vyas and Lord Ganesha, who together wrote Mahabharata sitting in those temples. Also river Saraswati flows through the village and becomes a tributary of River Ganga near the village.

Hot Spring

The natural hot water spring at Tapt Kund at Badrinath is a perfect place to relax before and after the trek. You can take a dip in it and relax every muscle in your body.

How to Reach

By Flight

The nearest airport is Dehradun airport and Joshimath is around 268 km away from it. There are frequent flights between Dehradun and New Delhi International airport. There are taxis available from the airport to Joshimath.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Haridwar railway station and Joshimath is around 275 km away from it. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath.

By Road

Joshimath is well connected with Gaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi via NH 58.

Do’s and Dont’s

Do’s

• Carry heavy winter wears along with snow boots as the high-altitude trek is expected to be covered in snow.
• Consult your doctor before you start the high-altitude trek.

Don’ts

• Do not consume alcohol before the start and during the trek.
• Do not litter the Himalayas during your stay there.

Services Provided

• Transport for full trip from Joshimath to Joshimath
• All hotel accommodation
• Meals – Breakfast, lunch and dinner as per itinerary
• All Permit from Local office and Police
• First Aid kit