Dodital to Yamunotri Trek
Dodital trek is home to tranquil surroundings, gurgling streams, crystal clear waters and dense alpine forests. It's an ideal trek for first time trekkers as well as trekking enthusiasts. Apart from enjoying the mesmerising views and learning the culture of local inhabitants, the trek also serves a valuable lesson in India's rich mythology and tradition. Dodital is located at an altitude of 3300 meters and is surrounded by oak, pine and deodar forests. The lake is filled with a variety of fish including Brown Trout and the rare Himalayan Rainbow Trout. Dodital trek offers high of a lifetime as it shimmers like an emerald set in the crest of the majestic mountains surrounded by thick oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron fringe. Dodital is an angler's paradise. The trek offers splendid views of Banderpoonch Peak (6400 meters). Dodital Lake originates from natural spring waters of Asi Ganga and is said to be the birth place of Lord Ganesha. Spread across in circumference of 1.5 kilometers, a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is situated on the corner of the lake. Dodital is also called Dhundhital due to its association with Lord Ganesha, who is also affectionately called Dhundhi. The trek leads us to Yamunotri Glacier, which is the source of river Yamuna and is a famous pilgrim centre in Uttarkashi. A tank of natural boiling water called Surya Kund is present in the temple where devotees throng to dip potatoes and rice to cook and consume them as a prasad. The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the four dhams considered holy and auspicious for Hindus to visit once in their life time. Devotees offer prayers to a rock slab called Divya Shila and the black marble idol of Godess Yamuna and seek her blessings.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1 -Arrival and sight seeing in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Haridwar is one of the most holiest places for the Hindus and is located on the banks or river Ganges. Haridwar literally means Gateway to God and is the place where holy river Ganga descends to plains. Famous Kumbh Mela, where thousands of devotees throng to take a dip in holy river Ganga is celebrated every 3 years here in rotation with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad. It is said to be the place where Bhagirath did severe panache to rescue the souls of his ancestors who had died due to the curse of Sage Kapil. Lord Shiva answered his prayers and River Ganga flowed down from heaven through the matted locks of Lord Shiva thus providing salvation to ancestors of Bhagirath. Not very far away from Haridwar is holy city of Rishikesh, which is a magnet for spiritual seekers from around the world. It is called the Yoga Capital of the World with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes surrounded by hills and forests. In the evening the atmosphere turns super spiritual in Rishikesh with sounds of Temple Bells as Sadhus, Pilgrims and Tourists prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti (A ritual offered near the banks of river Ganga), you can learn to play ancient musical and cultural instruments like tabla, take laughter meditation and therapy or go for crystal healing. Rishikesh is also a popular white water rafting center of India as well as a gateway to several Himalayan Treks. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants and eating joints in an around Rishikesh and Haridwar and many places for entertainment and spirituality.
Day2- Haridwar-Uttarkashi
It takes us a 7 hours drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi. Situated along narrow Ganga and Bhagirathi Valleys, the road goes past the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers at Devprayag. There is a Nakshatra Vedh Shala in the spiritual paradise which is is an observatory setup by Shri Pt. Chakradhar Joshi who was a scholar in Astronomy and Astrology in the year 1946. It is located on a mountain and equipped with two telescopes and many books on astronomy. It also contains many manuscripts from 1677 AD onwards collected from various parts of the country. Uttarkashi has been a centre for learning and religion since the day of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu manuscripts written thousands of years ago by great Indian Sages. It is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 meters on the route to Gangotri. There is a famous Vishwanath Temple of Lord Shiva and a giant Trishul (Trident) of the Lord made of eight metals (Ashtadhatu). There are many ashrams and temples here dedicated to Lord Parshuram, Lord Rudra and Godess Kali.
Day 3- Uttarkashi- Sangam Chatti-Agoda (2250 meters)
After spending a day in majestic city of Uttarkashi we can proceed ahead towards Sangam Chatti, which is the starting point of our trek and is a 45 minutes drive from Uttarkashi. The trek climbs steeply through a forest and the last leg of the climb can reach you grasping for breath as you reach for the settlements of Agoda on top. We camp here near the village, go for a stroll down the river through a zig-zag path and come back in time to click beautiful pictures of the sunset. Enjoy campfire and a sumptous nourishing meal as we retire for the day in our tents.
Day 4- Agoda-Dodital
Today will be a long hike of 16 kilometers to reach our destination on a broad, well defined and forest covered trail. It's a farily moderate walk on a level surface. We will come across some Gujjar Settlements on our way and a few tea stalls for refreshments. There is a long walk ahead over high cliffs, oak, deodar and rhododendron forests until we reach the final incline of Dodital. We will cross a couple of shacks and a small bridge till we come across the Forest Guest House.
Day 1 -Arrival and sight seeing in Haridwar and Rishikesh
Haridwar is one of the most holiest places for the Hindus and is located on the banks or river Ganges. Haridwar literally means Gateway to God and is the place where holy river Ganga descends to plains. Famous Kumbh Mela, where thousands of devotees throng to take a dip in holy river Ganga is celebrated every 3 years here in rotation with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad. It is said to be the place where Bhagirath did severe panache to rescue the souls of his ancestors who had died due to the curse of Sage Kapil. Lord Shiva answered his prayers and River Ganga flowed down from heaven through the matted locks of Lord Shiva thus providing salvation to ancestors of Bhagirath. Not very far away from Haridwar is holy city of Rishikesh, which is a magnet for spiritual seekers from around the world. It is called the Yoga Capital of the World with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes surrounded by hills and forests. In the evening the atmosphere turns super spiritual in Rishikesh with sounds of Temple Bells as Sadhus, Pilgrims and Tourists prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti (A ritual offered near the banks of river Ganga), you can learn to play ancient musical and cultural instruments like tabla, take laughter meditation and therapy or go for crystal healing. Rishikesh is also a popular white water rafting center of India as well as a gateway to several Himalayan Treks. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants and eating joints in an around Rishikesh and Haridwar and many places for entertainment and spirituality.
Day2- Haridwar-Uttarkashi
It takes us a 7 hours drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi. Situated along narrow Ganga and Bhagirathi Valleys, the road goes past the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers at Devprayag. There is a Nakshatra Vedh Shala in the spiritual paradise which is is an observatory setup by Shri Pt. Chakradhar Joshi who was a scholar in Astronomy and Astrology in the year 1946. It is located on a mountain and equipped with two telescopes and many books on astronomy. It also contains many manuscripts from 1677 AD onwards collected from various parts of the country. Uttarkashi has been a centre for learning and religion since the day of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu manuscripts written thousands of years ago by great Indian Sages. It is situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 meters on the route to Gangotri. There is a famous Vishwanath Temple of Lord Shiva and a giant Trishul (Trident) of the Lord made of eight metals (Ashtadhatu). There are many ashrams and temples here dedicated to Lord Parshuram, Lord Rudra and Godess Kali.
Day 3- Uttarkashi- Sangam Chatti-Agoda (2250 meters)
After spending a day in majestic city of Uttarkashi we can proceed ahead towards Sangam Chatti, which is the starting point of our trek and is a 45 minutes drive from Uttarkashi. The trek climbs steeply through a forest and the last leg of the climb can reach you grasping for breath as you reach for the settlements of Agoda on top. We camp here near the village, go for a stroll down the river through a zig-zag path and come back in time to click beautiful pictures of the sunset. Enjoy campfire and a sumptous nourishing meal as we retire for the day in our tents.
Day 4- Agoda-Dodital
Today will be a long hike of 16 kilometers to reach our destination on a broad, well defined and forest covered trail. It's a farily moderate walk on a level surface. We will come across some Gujjar Settlements on our way and a few tea stalls for refreshments. There is a long walk ahead over high cliffs, oak, deodar and rhododendron forests until we reach the final incline of Dodital. We will cross a couple of shacks and a small bridge till we come across the Forest Guest House.
Day 5- Dodital-Darwa Pass-Sima
This trek will be for experienced hikers and a tough climb so we leave early today after a hearty breakfast and climb north-west on a steep slope as we cross through dense forests till we reach the end of the tree line. Now the stretch to Darwa Dhar (4120 meters) is steep and will really test your skills as we have you cross no less than several water streams on foot thus perfecting the art and then heading north-west to climb the top of the ridge and Darwa Glacier and then Darwa Pass. Atop Dharwa Pass are beautiful views welcoming us with backdrop peaks of Bandepoonch (6400 meters) and Swargarohini Range. A continous walk followed by a gradual descent leads us to our campsite at Sima (3450 meters). A beautiful meadow with rhododendron bushes below the tree line. We camp here tonight.
Day 6- Sima-Hanuman Chatti
Today is a fairly easy walk although spread across 18 kilometers is a gradual decline thus easy on feet. In 4 hours we will reach Hanuman Chatti (2400 meters). We will encounter some pilgrims, tourists and sadhus as Hanuman Chatti is a pilgrimage town. Hanuman Chatti is situated on the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamunotri rivers. There are a few shops which spring up during the season and it turns into a beautiful marketplace where local inhabitants can be seen in distinctive appearances. We can stay in a guest house tonight and enjoy sumptuous meals at several hotels in the market.
Day 7 Hanuman Chatti-Yamnotri
We begin our trek towards Yamunotri on a spiritual trail across Banas (Narad Chatti), Phool Chatti, Janak Chatti and then finally the last leg of 5 kilometers to Yamunotri. Yamuntori is located at an altitude of 3300 meters and is one of the four dhams associated with Hindu Religion. The Yamunotri temple is setup in a steep valley dominated by views of Banderpoonch Peak. The entrance of the shrine is guarded by tanks of steaming waters coming from thermal hot springs where pilgrims cook their rice and vegetables and take a dip to rinse themselves off their sins. The Sulphur spring waters are also said to cure skin diseases. After pay homage to the temple and Godess we will retire in our guest houses after a heary dinner.
Day 8- Yamunotri-Saptarishi Kund
We can skip this trek or continue as this is actual source of river Yamuna , 1000 meters vertical ascent from Yamunotri from a Glacial lake flowing from Kalinda Parvat. The path is difficult over snow and ice and takes tehnical skills and favourable weather. Although the Glacial Lake is situated just 1000 meters above Yamunotri, one still have to undergo a 15 kilometer ardous round-about to reach the mythical lake. There are high speed winds on the top and the climb is laden with switchbacks over narrow path which needs balance and focus as a fall could be fatal. The route could be slippery and confusing. However the views are magnificient and filled with rare flora and fauna. We will halt at a beautiful meadow named Damini Bugyal (4200 meters) and depending on weather conditions and time, may either camp here or proceed further. There are magnificent views to be observed from here of the valley. The path ahead is difficult and laden with steep switchbacks, several feet of snow and slippery glaciers thus we will need to use technical equipment like ropes, ice-axes and crampons etc. We will need to climb vertical rocks with the help of rope to finally be able to make our ascent to Saptarishi Kund, the mysterious lake which remains frozen for most part of the year. The views here are mesmerizing. The Legend says the most revered Seven Indian Sages (Sapta-Rishis) before the dawn of civilization meditated here to gain wisdom. The temperatures here would be freezing, we could either retrace back our steps to Damini Bugyal if time allows or else set up camp here along the holy lake in the snow and call it a day. The views of the Stars here would be spell bounding in clear weather.
Day 9- Saptarishi Kund- Yamunotri
We will wake up early for the long and difficult descend ahead. After an early breaksfast and some pictures of the lake with rising sun we will offer prayers to nearby Shiva Temple before beginning our journey back to Yamunotri via the same route, although more carefully till we reach Yamunotri where we can take a warm hot water bath to relax our muscles, tired from the arduous journey. According to the local legend, the Yamunotri temple must be rebuild after a few years maybe due to a lot of floods in this region. The most prominent of the hot springs in the temple is Surya Kund. Pilgrims take a dip in the spring as well as cook rice, gram and potatoes tied with a cloth by immersing it in the hot water as it cooks within a few minutes. It's then offered to the diety and later distributed as a Prasad, which in itself is a fulfilling meal. After attending the night aarti we will retire in our guest house for a much needed comfortable sleep.
Day 10 - Yamunotri-Hanuman Chatti
Today will be an easy day. After having our breaksfast fill, we will descend down towards Hanuman-Chatti. On our way down we will Someshwar Temple near Janaki Chatti and pay homage to Sun God (Surya), said to be father of the river Yamuna. After an easy 13 kilometer descent, we can choose to rest in a guest house as next day our cabs will be waiting for you to transport back to Mussorie/Haridwar after the memorable trek.
End of Trek
This trek will be for experienced hikers and a tough climb so we leave early today after a hearty breakfast and climb north-west on a steep slope as we cross through dense forests till we reach the end of the tree line. Now the stretch to Darwa Dhar (4120 meters) is steep and will really test your skills as we have you cross no less than several water streams on foot thus perfecting the art and then heading north-west to climb the top of the ridge and Darwa Glacier and then Darwa Pass. Atop Dharwa Pass are beautiful views welcoming us with backdrop peaks of Bandepoonch (6400 meters) and Swargarohini Range. A continous walk followed by a gradual descent leads us to our campsite at Sima (3450 meters). A beautiful meadow with rhododendron bushes below the tree line. We camp here tonight.
Day 6- Sima-Hanuman Chatti
Today is a fairly easy walk although spread across 18 kilometers is a gradual decline thus easy on feet. In 4 hours we will reach Hanuman Chatti (2400 meters). We will encounter some pilgrims, tourists and sadhus as Hanuman Chatti is a pilgrimage town. Hanuman Chatti is situated on the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamunotri rivers. There are a few shops which spring up during the season and it turns into a beautiful marketplace where local inhabitants can be seen in distinctive appearances. We can stay in a guest house tonight and enjoy sumptuous meals at several hotels in the market.
Day 7 Hanuman Chatti-Yamnotri
We begin our trek towards Yamunotri on a spiritual trail across Banas (Narad Chatti), Phool Chatti, Janak Chatti and then finally the last leg of 5 kilometers to Yamunotri. Yamuntori is located at an altitude of 3300 meters and is one of the four dhams associated with Hindu Religion. The Yamunotri temple is setup in a steep valley dominated by views of Banderpoonch Peak. The entrance of the shrine is guarded by tanks of steaming waters coming from thermal hot springs where pilgrims cook their rice and vegetables and take a dip to rinse themselves off their sins. The Sulphur spring waters are also said to cure skin diseases. After pay homage to the temple and Godess we will retire in our guest houses after a heary dinner.
Day 8- Yamunotri-Saptarishi Kund
We can skip this trek or continue as this is actual source of river Yamuna , 1000 meters vertical ascent from Yamunotri from a Glacial lake flowing from Kalinda Parvat. The path is difficult over snow and ice and takes tehnical skills and favourable weather. Although the Glacial Lake is situated just 1000 meters above Yamunotri, one still have to undergo a 15 kilometer ardous round-about to reach the mythical lake. There are high speed winds on the top and the climb is laden with switchbacks over narrow path which needs balance and focus as a fall could be fatal. The route could be slippery and confusing. However the views are magnificient and filled with rare flora and fauna. We will halt at a beautiful meadow named Damini Bugyal (4200 meters) and depending on weather conditions and time, may either camp here or proceed further. There are magnificent views to be observed from here of the valley. The path ahead is difficult and laden with steep switchbacks, several feet of snow and slippery glaciers thus we will need to use technical equipment like ropes, ice-axes and crampons etc. We will need to climb vertical rocks with the help of rope to finally be able to make our ascent to Saptarishi Kund, the mysterious lake which remains frozen for most part of the year. The views here are mesmerizing. The Legend says the most revered Seven Indian Sages (Sapta-Rishis) before the dawn of civilization meditated here to gain wisdom. The temperatures here would be freezing, we could either retrace back our steps to Damini Bugyal if time allows or else set up camp here along the holy lake in the snow and call it a day. The views of the Stars here would be spell bounding in clear weather.
Day 9- Saptarishi Kund- Yamunotri
We will wake up early for the long and difficult descend ahead. After an early breaksfast and some pictures of the lake with rising sun we will offer prayers to nearby Shiva Temple before beginning our journey back to Yamunotri via the same route, although more carefully till we reach Yamunotri where we can take a warm hot water bath to relax our muscles, tired from the arduous journey. According to the local legend, the Yamunotri temple must be rebuild after a few years maybe due to a lot of floods in this region. The most prominent of the hot springs in the temple is Surya Kund. Pilgrims take a dip in the spring as well as cook rice, gram and potatoes tied with a cloth by immersing it in the hot water as it cooks within a few minutes. It's then offered to the diety and later distributed as a Prasad, which in itself is a fulfilling meal. After attending the night aarti we will retire in our guest house for a much needed comfortable sleep.
Day 10 - Yamunotri-Hanuman Chatti
Today will be an easy day. After having our breaksfast fill, we will descend down towards Hanuman-Chatti. On our way down we will Someshwar Temple near Janaki Chatti and pay homage to Sun God (Surya), said to be father of the river Yamuna. After an easy 13 kilometer descent, we can choose to rest in a guest house as next day our cabs will be waiting for you to transport back to Mussorie/Haridwar after the memorable trek.
End of Trek
Why choose us?
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
Click here to know more..
We will provide trained Hindi and English speaking guide and proper backup and safety along with great food and camping. Please inquire and fill the form below to book.
Per day cost will be upwards of 2000/-per person on per day basis and can be negotiated based on group size and facilities.
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Healthy and Tasty Meals including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Soups and Snacks
- Bonfire
- Porters and Mules
- Travel & Rescue arrangements
- Medical Kits
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- World Class Equipment
- Best Quality Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Equipment, Ropes, Ice Axe (Where required).
Click here to know more..
