- Explore
- Broadcast
- Activities
- Wildlife
- Historical Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Local Tours
- Adventure
- Blog
There is a strong and justified reason as to why explorers, adventure seekers and trekkers have been visiting India for centuries, and still cannot get their wits off it. The land is simple mystical with the rich amalgamation of cultures is a land of lakes, rivers and streams , so high up in the hills, that it is a mesmerizing it brings together, all enveloped in the perfect physical settings. This is a land of rivers, lakes, meadows and streams flowing from so high up in the mountains that it is a mesmerizing experience to witness them in their full glory. The Himalayan kingdom is scattered with beautiful lakes and sprouts of fresh water, which not just feeds the flora and fauna in the ecosystem, but makes it look like a scene straight from a pleasant dream.
The Dodital is one such fresh water lake, which is a miracle in itself being at such a height of about 3024 meters above sea level. Lying in the trail of the revered river Ganges, the lake is revered itself by the local dwellers, and is a perfect spot for some serene campsite fun for adventure and outdoor lovers. As like many places in this country where we worship our gods with all our hearts, the Dodital lake also has a mythological significance. It is believed that the lake was the preferred resting abode of the son of Shiva- Lord Ganesha himself and that the fresh water in the lake comes from his blessing. A small shrine to the side of the lake awaits trekkers who decide to come to the lake, dedicated to the elephant faced Hindu god.
The trek to this mesmerizing lake commences from the town of Uttarkashi in the state of Uttaranchal in India, and it takes 21 kilometers of decent hiking to reach the lake.
Throughout the trek birds like the Himalayan Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Tree Pie, Himalayan Babbler, Bush Robin, Pink Finch, Brown Fronted Woodpecker, Grey Tit, Munia, Common Chiffchaff, Red-Billed Blue Magpie, Grey Shrike, Tailor Bird, Himalayan Monal (Impeyan Pheasant) are commonly seen and Dodital Trek during December and January is considered best trek for birding, it’s a bird watching paradise during these months.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 We meet at Uttarkashi and drive to Sangamchatti, from here, we start our trek to Bhevra (Bebra)
Day 2 Trekking from Bhevra (Bebra) to Dodital Lake
Day 3 Day excursion from Dodital Lake to Darwa Pass top and return
Day 4 Trek from Dodital Lake to Bhevra
Day 5 Trek from Bhevra (Bebra) to road head and drive back to Uttarkashi or Haridwar
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
The very first day we will meet at Uttarkashi in the morning and leave for our journey to Sangamchatti. Today’s journey from Uttarkashi to Sangamchatti is about 16 kms long and will take us around 2 hours. In Sangamchatti you can roam around the village play with the cattle, check out the Hydro Powered atta chakki , spot the birds with our guide. The initial trek to Bevra is a gradual ascent through villages and paddy fields. Initially you will meet lot of villagers on the trail as this Dodital trek goes through various villages like Bhevra, Aghoda (Agoda) etc. The Villagers we come across are extremely helpful and you can greet and talk to them but avoid giving the children chocolates or toffees. On reaching Bhevra we will camp for the night on a lovely campsite surrounded by oak trees.There is a lovely stream next to the campsite where you can take a dip to refresh yourself.
Day 2
After a few stretching exercises and a Yoga session have a sumptuous breakfast and get ready. After breakfast your trek leader will brief you about today’s trek schedule. Today will trek for around 16 kms to Dodital Lake which should take us around 7 hours. The trek from Bhevra (Bebra) to Dodital is easy and there is a well laid path through Rhodendron, Pine and Oak trees. We will stop for our packed lunch at Manjhi a beautiful campsite.A few shops are open on this route to Dodital during the peak season of June. A further 2 hour trek from Manjhi will take us to our destination, the scenic lake called Dodital which is famous for its beauty and The Himalayan Trout fish. Dodital is a sacred lake and as per Hindu mythology this is the place where Lord Ganesh was born.The other name of this lake is Dhundital meaning Ganeshji’s Lake. Please note that fishing is not allowed in this lake but you can take a round of Dodital Lake and enjoy feeding the Himalayan trout fish.
Day 3
On Day 4 we will go trekking to Darwa Pass top(4150m) and have a packed breakfast on the way.We will trek to Darwa Pass with daypacks containing our packed lunch, a water bottle and Jackets. Darwa Pass top is around 5kms and takes around 3 hours to reach. Darwa pass trek starts beside the stream which feed’s Dodital lake. After few hours the route bifurcates into two, the left one leads to Darwa Pass top and the other one leads to basecamp of Bandarpunch Peak (Monkey’s Tail). From the Darwa Pass top one can get a breath-taking view of the Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges. After spending quality time at the Darwa Pass top absorbing the almost 360 degree view of Himalayan ranges we trek down and reach Dodital Lake where a scrumptious hot lunch awaits us.
Day 4
After having breakfast we trek downhill through the same route to Bhevra (Bebra) which takes around 6 hours. Enjoy the scrumptious dinner and savour local delicacies like Jhangora Ki Kheer or Gahat Rasmi Badi (Kofta).
Day 5
On our last day after breakfast we get ready for a small downhill trek and drive back to Uttarkashi which will take us around 2 hours. Our adventure ends here with a collection of beautiful memories to keep you company.
You can reach Haridwar by late evening and take part in Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri and after that catch your train/bus to your destination.
