Unravel Mysteries Of The Devbhoomi On This Himalayan Trek

The fluttering red flag from the distance helped me push harder and the sight of the emerald green stillness inside the arms of mountains was ever inviting. The mighty Himalaya and the lake at the height of 15,000ft offered a pilgrim the best possible seat for counting his beads and collect some powerful memories to carry in his heart.

I vicariously experienced a dive in the ice-cold water wanting to clear all sins. A legend dictates that on a particular day every year, the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara meet. 

I asked Arun to take me little further to the next bend, I wanted to see Vishnu Kund, the base of Swargarohini. I pulled up my socks and took a step towards the stairs to heaven where Yudhisthira mounted the chariots of Indra. My confidence got a dent though. After walking the narrowest boulders for an hour, I found dark clouds slithering from the folds of the mountains and I turned back, leaving the trails for holier souls.

One night in Chakratirtha and another at Chamtoli bugyal, I finally returned to Mana. My gratitude to Mannu Singh Rawat, the man behind the arrangement of the trek, knew no bounds. I hugged my cooks, support staff and Arun with a silent assurance of meeting them again for yet another trek.

Rishikesh is well connected by land, train and flight (Jolly Grant airport). From Rishikesh to Badrinath one needs to take public transport or private vehicles and it takes around 12 to 13 hours at least. Badrinath to Mana village is a 3km drive. Trek to Satopanth Tal starts from Mana

Tips for the trek

• The Satopanth Tal trek is ideally not for beginners. One should have an experience of boulder treks in the Himalaya.
• Thick woollens notwithstanding, a proper trekking shoe meant for a boulder trek is a must.
• There is no good accommodation in Mana village. So it is advisable to stay in Badrinath and rest before going out for the trek.
• Best season for the trek is May-June, and September to early October. However, accommodation even in cheap hotels during May- June is very costly. One must book early to avoid the arbitrary demands of the hotel owners. September onwards the rush is less but the temperature will be much chillier at night.
• There are quite a few trek organisers in Mana. Porters, cooks and guides are easily available there.

The Itinerary

DAY 1: Mana village to Laxmi Van (8kms, 5-6 hrs)

DAY 2: Laxmi Van to Chakratirth (10kms, 8 hrs)

DAY 3: Chakratirth to Satopanth Tal to Swargarohini Base to Satopanth Tal (12kms, we spent the whole day here)

DAY 4: Satopanth to Laxmi Van (one can take in another night in Chakratirth)

DAY 5: Back to Mana village