A Trek to an Enchanting Lake in the Shadow of Giant Mountains
Badrinath to Laxmiban (12,000 ft) - 7.3 km (Click to View GPS data)
We start our day with an easy walk up the Alakananda river towards the Somtoli meadows. You will see the mighty 400 ft Vasudhara falls on the opposite banks after a while. The trail climbs gradually till Somtoli, crossing a landslide section. You might find few shepherds here or their vacant caves. From here, a small walk through a boulder section takes us to our campsite marked by a cluster of Bhojpatra trees on the slopes. The campsite has great views of Alkapuri, the snout and starting point of Alaknanda river and the Balakun peak.
Laxmiban to Chakrateerth (13658 ft) - 7.0 km (Click to View GPS data)
The trail gets more challenging today. We will start with a sharp ascent through boulders and scree to Sahastra Dhar. As we climb up the valley, views of NIlkanth, Balakun and Chaukhamba open up. Once we reach Sahastra Dhar, we will cross a little stream and walk across a flat area with dozens of streams flowing and merging with each other. Then, we start traversing the left (true right) lateral moraine of the glacier coming down from Chaukhamba at the head of the valley. The trail climbs steeply again after Sahastra Dhar, followed by a short level walk across the upper snow slopes to reach our campsite at Chakrateerth. We will camp in Chakrateerth for the night.
Chakrateerth to Satopanth Lake (14258 ft) to Chakrateerth - 4.9 km (Click to View GPS data)
Although today's trail is short with an easy ascent, the trail goes through tricky boulder sections along the left (true right) lateral moraine. We will cross two spurs coming down from the slopes of Nilkanth to our left (true right) to reach Satopanth Lake - a beautiful blue triangular lake. Throughout the day, we will have imposing views of Chaukhamba and Nilkantha, and a bunch of small glacial lakes to our right. After spending some time at the lake, we will return to Chakrateerth for the night.
Chakrateerth to Chamtoli (11745 ft) - 8 km (Click to View GPS data)
We retrace our track today and reach Chamtoli, where we will camp for the night.
Chamtoli to Mana - 10.2 km. Drive to Joshimath. (Click to View GPS data)
We will finish the remaining descent today and then drive from Mana to Joshimath. Overnight stay in hotel/guest house
This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of high altitude environment.
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Uttarakhand
8 days
BRS 4
4460 m
Kashmir
7 Days
BRS 4
4024 m
Himachal
8 Days
BRS 4
3990 m