Detailed Route
Satopanth Bhagirath Kharak Traverse Expedition Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
Starts from Badrinath, tracking the origins of the Alaknanda river up to the sacred Satopanth Tal and beyond.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
8 Days
Total Distance
53 KM
Max Altitude
15,400 FT
Trek Type
linear
Altitude Profile
👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Joshimath / Badrinath
Documents
Passport/Aadhar, Medical Fitness Certificate, Passport size photos
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners need additional clearance from the District Magistrate, Chamoli.
One-Way Traverse Logistics
Day by Day Breakdown
Arrive in Badrinath & Acclimatization
Spend the day in Badrinath. Visit the temple and dip in the Tapt Kund (hot springs) to prepare.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Badrinath to Mana & Laxmiban
Enter the valley beyond the last village. Trek past the thundering Vasudhara Falls to camp in the birch forest of Laxmiban.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Laxmiban to Chakratirth
The trail gets tougher, walking over the terminal moraine of the Dhano Glacier. Huge peaks like Chaukhamba start revealing themselves.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Chakratirth to Satopanth Tal
A short but demanding walk over the maze of the Satopanth glacier to reach the sacred triangular lake.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Explore: Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier
Traverse the difficult glacial divide toward Bhagirathi Kharak glacier. Explore the snout and return to camp or camp nearby.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Descent: Bhagirathi Kharak / Satopanth to Chakratirth
Begin the return journey, retracing your steps over the moraine back to the meadows of Chakratirth.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Descent: Chakratirth to Mana and Badrinath
A long descent crossing Laxmiban, passing Vasudhara falls, and ending the trek at Mana village before driving to Badrinath.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Drive: Badrinath to Dehradun
Long 11-hour drive back to the plains.
Key Landmarks
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Camp-by-Camp Details
Badrinath
Start Town
Water
Piped Water
Night Temp
5°C
Toilet
Western
Laxmiban
intermediate_camp
Water
Stream
Wind
Medium
Night Temp
2°C
Toilet
Dry Pit
Chakratirth
High Camp
Water
Glacier melt
Wind
High
Night Temp
-5°C
Toilet
Dry Pit
Satopanth Tal
Summit Camp
Water
Lake/Glacier
Wind
High
Night Temp
-8°C
Toilet
Leave No Trace
Navigation & Route Data
Key Waypoints
Critical Navigation Notes
Trail vanishes over the moraine between Chakratirth and Satopanth. Cairns guide the way but are easily missed.
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This encyclopedia entry for Satopanth Bhagirath Kharak Traverse Expedition is curated from a mix of public survey records, first-hand climber accounts, and official permit logs. However, mountains are dynamic. If you have been on this route recently and noticed a change in terrain, water availability, or local regulations, we want to hear from you.
Community Vetted
Last Verified: May 2026
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