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Dodital – A Hidden Paradise
Dodital Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand. Dodital is an emerald lake nestled amidst high mountains at an altitude of 3310 mts above sea level. With its serene setting and tranquil environs, Dodi Tal is arguably one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes of North India.
Day 1 – Dehradun to Uttarkashi (4000 feet)
A drive takes one to Uttarkashi along the narrow Ganga and Bhagirathi valleys. The road goes past the sacred confluence of The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag where there is a Lord Rama temple called the RaghunathMandir visited by the great Hindu philosopher – AdiShankaracharya in 300CE. Uttarkashi is a town located in the wide Bhagirathi valley, and has been a center for learning and religion since the days of the Vedas! This sacred town has been home to some very famous sages and saints. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 – Uttarkashi to Bhebra via Sangam Chatti (7500 feet)
Set out for Sangam Chatti after breakfast on a half an hour drive. This is the starting point of the trek. From Sangam Chatti the trail is well marked and climbs to the true right of the valley and continues to the village of Agoda. From this point it is a 2 kilometer trek to the settlement at Bhebra – an idellic village set near a gushing mountain stream, and full of green fields growing potatoes, beans and the famous Rajma. Relax the aching muscles and straining backs, with a refreshing cup of tea, and a warm sleeping bag. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 3 – Bhebra to Dodital (10900 feet)
Ascending a zig zagging path and gaining altitude slowly, the gradual climb to Dodital is a shade milder than the previous day’s backbreaking climb. The view become more and more attractive and scenic with every step taken towards the famed lake. The trail becomes very spectacular, as the mountain transforms into a vertical cliff face, and the Asi Ganga looks like a thin thread snaking through its course in the valley below. The vertical drop of more than a thousand feet presents an unforgettable sight. A final descent and the presence of trees heralds the approach to the Dodital lake- known for the Brown Trout, and its religious significance. Overnight stay in Tents/ Rest house.
Day 4 – Dodital to Darwa Pass & Back to Dodital (13300 feet)
Early in the morning trek up to Darwa Top with packed breakfasts. The walk to Darwa top is 5 kms. The entire walk is an uphill climb. It starts with the climb along the feeder to Dodital breaking into a thick birch forest opening into the high meadows. A perfect setting for Himalayan wild flowers, Darwa top offers an amphi-theatre view of the Bandarpunch and Swargarohini range of peaks, and is the watershed for rivers Yamuna and Asi Ganga. Absorb the breathtaking views and start the downhill walk to reach the campsite for the hot lunch. One can also spend this day sipping tea, catching up with the local tales, walking around the lake sighting birds or just observing the clear waters of the lake with the trout making an occasional appearance. After exploring the Darwa Top trek back to Dodital for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – Dodital to Bhebra (10900 feet)
After breakfast trek down till Bhebra- a swift descent of 15 kms, retracing the same path back, but this time without the sweat and pain. Overnight camp at Bhebra.
Day 6 – Bhebra to Uttarkashi via Sangam Chatti (4000 feet)
We trek back to Uttarkashi via Sangam Chatti.
Day 7 – Uttarkashi to Dehradun
Drive back to Dehradun.
