Satopanth Tal - The Lake of Divinity

History:

Located at an altitude of 15,100 feet above sea level amidst the mighty and majestic snowcapped mountains of the Garhwal Himalayan region, Satopanth Tal is known for its immense religious significance. The word ‘Satopanth’ is derived from two words - ‘sat-o’ meaning ‘of truth’ and ‘Panth’ meaning ‘way’, which connects to form the meaning ‘the path of truth’. Satopanth Taal or lake is formed by the Satopanth glacier of Mount Satopanth which towers majestically above the clear blue lake. This lake is of massive importance since it is believed that the Tri-Moortis of Hindu religion - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh bathe here, at this very lake on the auspicious day of Ekadashi. The local population of Mana village pours the ashes of the dead in this river which allows the deceased to attain their salvation. The shape of this lake is the form of a very obvious triangle which gives the lake a vibrant touch.

Location:

The glacier of Satopanth is situated on the north western side of the holy Neelkanth mountain peak in the Garhwal Himalayan region. This holy glacier lies 8,200 feet below the face of the peak which spreads over a massive area of 13 km and this glacier also melts into the water at a whopping altitude of 3,810 metres above sea level. The lake of Satopanth sits amidst the towering snowcapped peaks which surrounds this lake and is located at a distance of 22 km from Badrinath Dham. This serene and pristine lake remains covered under snow from September end to mid-May where the maximum temperature goes up till 12 degree Celsius in the morning and as low as -36 degree Celsius at night.

How to Reach:

The closest available rail head to Satopanth Taal is located at Rishikesh which is situated at a distance of 320 kms from here. The holy city of Rishikesh is well connected with a massive network of railway lines and roadways which connect to almost all the major cities and towns of India. Once you reach Rishikesh railway station you will be able to hire a cab or a shared taxi or even a bus which will be headed towards Badrinath and it heads on via NH 58. The last motorable road to Satopanth ends at the last village of India - Mana which connects to the base camp for the trek to Satopanth Taal. The overall distance of Satopanth tal from Badrinath is of 22 kms. Here is a brief itinerary of the places you will be crossing to reach this gloriously holy lake - Rishikesh - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Karnaprayag - Joshimath - Badrinath - Mana - Laxmivan - Satopanth lake.

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Most of the places are considered to be extremely pious by the Hindu populations and a brief visit to these sacred centres of devotion is a must if you want to experience unparalleled divinity.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer Season - The weather at Satopanth Lake remains extremely comfortable and pleasant during the summer seasons of mid-May and June. The sky during these months clears out for the season and you can savour some of the most panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas. However, the temperature still remains extremely cold and chilled so it is advised for you to carry heavy woolen clothing and winter wear.

Monsoon Season - Trekking during the monsoon months is not advisable since the chances for road block increases at an alarming rate. Landslides are also a common phenomenon during these months. If you still want to go on a trekking adventure then be sure to carry raincoats.

Winter Season - The post monsoon season is considered to be the ideal time for going on a trekking expedition to Satopanth taal. During this time the lake gets surrounded by colourful flowers plantations making the entire area look like it is bursting to life.