Passage of truth (Satopanth) to the stairs of heaven (Swargarohini), liberation doesn't come that simple.

Steeped in aged legends, The Satopanth Tal is based in Uttarakhand, amidst snow crowned mountains at an elevation of 15,100 ft, above sea level. It lies at a distance of about 25 Kms from the holy city of Lord Badrinath, and can be reached after an arduous trekking, crossing Laxmivan and Chakratirth, covering the captivating journey by walking on moraines, boulders, glaciers & knife edge ridges.

Concealed among the most splendid peaks of the garhwal region, this triangular lake is drenched in mythology. The "satopanth" or the "path of truth" is believed to be the pathway taken by the Pandavas, on their journey to the final abode. Traces of the myth linger all over the path, where local names still bear resemblance to the story. Finally the Satopanth tal is believed to be the place where the divine vehicle (Vimana) received "yudhisthira". The local legend also goes that, the three gods, namely, the brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, visits the lake for a holy dip on ekadashi and each of them, occupy, one corner of the lake.

The skyscraping Chowkhamba (23,413 feet), emerge over the completely triangular green waters of the celestial lake, along with, The Neelkanth (21,638 feet), The Balakun (20,040 feet), Parvati and others. The trek starts at Mana, the last Indian village and the trail takes us through the lush greenery of the Vasundhara valley. The Chamotli Bugiyal, is adorn with infinite tiny wildflowers which blossoms during the summer and monsoons. The formidable birch forests of Laxmivan, and the ample greenery altered into the menacing ridge walks as one reaches the glacial moraines of the Dhano Glacier. The land is an appealing harmony of green patches and glacial ice. The celestial Chakratirtha, is embellished with the magnificent view of the upper Satopanth Glacier, with the Swargarohini and Choukambha peaks, towering in the back. The final short yet tricky trail to Saptopanth Tal meanders through a maze of boulders and moraine. The valley is engulfed with the sound of breaking glaciers. But all the tiredness of the strenuous trek is easily forgotten when the austere and peaceful green waters of the holy lake suddenly comes into view. The view from the tal is tranquil. With the mighty peaks looming all around the effect is surreal. The color changes in the snow, as the morning sun hits the Chowkhamba, is a sight one carries completely his life.

SWARGAROHINI TREK - Overview

DAY 1: MANA TO LAKSHMI VAN

We will start the trek from Mana village, go on the other side of Bhimpul and beyond. After crossing the Bhimpul, we will have to trek for another 5kms to reach the magnificent Vasudhara falls. After a short halt, we'll continue for another couple of kms to reach the Lakshmi Van where we'll set up our campsite for the night.
Mana Village - 3 km from Badrinath, this is the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border. The Indo-Mongolian tribe set up this village. Bheem Pul - Bridge - A short distance from Mana Village a natural bridge made of a huge boulder, over the river Saraswathi is seen. The story goes that Bheem; one of the Pandava brothers put it there. The view of this extraordinary bridge and the din of the flowing river make this place interesting. Vasudhara falls - 5 km after Bheem Bridge this astonishingly high waterfall is very attractive. The most interesting aspect about this place is that all the water here becomes vapour and vanishes into the atmosphere. The view looks like the Ganges is descending from the sky.)

DAY 2: LAKSHMI VAN TO CHAKRATEERTH

From Lakshmivan we trek across the Sahastra Dhara to reach Chakrateerath-an abode for Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra. Today we will trek for about 10Kms. Campsite will be chakrateerth.

DAY 3: CHAKRATEERATH TO SATOPANTH LAKE

Today's trek is not for the delicate hearted. High altitude, cold mountain winds, and uncertain weather conditions make it exceptionally breathtaking and exiting. 3 km glacier walk will bring us to the Satopanth Lake, where we will set up our camp for the night.

DAY 4: SATOPANTH LAKE TO LAKSHMI VAN

Further up is Swargarohini – the gate of heaven. We pay our respect to the gods at Swargarohini and come back to our campsite at Satopanth. Today we have to trek all the way till Lakshmivan, overnight stay.

DAY 5: LAKSHMI VAN TO BADRINATH

We trek all the way back to Mana village. Trip ends at Mana village.
Note: Firstly inner-line permit has to be taken from Joshimath. A guide, and experienced porters must be taken. There are no night stay places, so a tent, stove, food and mattress are needed. The trek route is a bit tough and only experienced trekkers should undertake it.