located in Uttarakhand.Situated amidst the Garhwal Himalayas is this trek, asimple-to-do adventure possible for almost all. Adorned with foliage-coveredtrees and lush green meadows, the track takes one towards which open up to takeone to the bewitching Dodital lake. Perched at an altitude of 1,350 meters, thetrek passes through dense woods, and has a track that elevates to an altitudeof 4,150 meters to Darwa Top, begins in Bhagirati valley. Dodital is oftencalled Ganesh-ka-Tal. In the Garhwal Himalayan region, it is believed to be thebirthplace of the Hindu god Lord Ganesha.
This is the nomenclature explanation.The captivating natural ambience surrounding the peaceful lake is ideal forsetting up camp. The Dodital Lake is a mesmerizingly awesome viewpoint and awonderful place to pitch tents at as it is surrounded by coniferous trees andthere is also the fact that the Lake is a home to the Fresh Water GoldenMasheer, one of the most famous trout fish in the Himalayas. Snow-capped in theheart of the winter season and almost Savannah-like with its tall grasses andthe gushing rivulets, dense alpine forests bursting with foliage and splendidlyplenty quantity of flora, the Dodital Trek is one of the most picturesque treksin the Garhwal Himalayan region. And this then goes onto the Dwara Pass Top.This is at 4150 m and the trekker can enjoy beautiful visuals of excellentnatural beauty.
This includes views of the Dhauladhar and Greater HimalayanRanges. Just like the Kalindi Khaltrek, this trek is also a moderate-difficulty level one. The Dodital Trek, which is also one of the winter treks inthe Indian Himalayan region starts at Sangamchatti and goes towards Agodavillage situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters.
The trail tracks the route ofthe river Asi Ganga and is followed by gentle ascents and descent and passesthrough a quite village, Bhebra. From Agoda, a 16 km journey that passesthrough the beautiful forest of Rhododendrons leads to Manjhi, which is perchedat a great height. It offers such an environment that forms a haven fortrekkers to camp overnight.
Dodital is approximately 6 kilometers away fromManjhi which is located at a height of 3,307 meters. This is where the trekturns. The grandiose is illuminating and the nature and refreshing climate andlovely clear water of the freshwater lake are great factors in adding to thecamping’s glory. Further, a walk of 5 kilometers to Darwa Top that passesthrough narrow gorges, birch forest, rocky colonies, and involves a number ofrivulets which take you to the stunning Bandarpunch peak and Swargarohinirange.
Venturesome and enthusiastic trekkers can go out to explore the AsiGanga valley. There are several treks connecting one from Asi Ganga toBhagirathi Ganga valley and to the Yamuna valley and thence. In the period of winter, most of the trail has to becompleted over a thick bed of snow that expunges after crossing the village ofAgoda.
Full of abundant surprises anf a tasty fulfilment of yourescapist desires, the dodital trek is an one true getaway which is worth everypenny. Enjoy the chance to tread along wintry cool landscapes. At an altitudeof 3085 m along with the bonus of a freshwater lake, this trek is a win-win forall.
Legend has it that Lord Ganesha chose this place as his abode and there isa temple dedicated to him here. Known as The Land of Gods, one comes acrossdramatic terrain with beautiful lakes, peace-dweller rivers and mountains andhigh-up-there Himalayan peaks in this high-altitude land. The Dodital trek andDarwa Pass trek does not stand alone as there are several touristy things to dowhich include a visit to Sangam Chatti, an idyllic village and rifling throughthe history of the Gujar settlement. Trudge along meadows decorated withsnow, lined with pine trees and bask in the beauty of the awe-inspiring Himalayas.Ascension to the Dodital has a route which passes throughdeep, interconnected woods, as you are bewitched by the beauty of the greeneryaround that falls delightfully upon the eye.
As you continue trekking you willcome across the high mountain peaks and the distant valleys. The denseforests, clearings and the wide grasslands offer an array of good sights to thetrekker. The beautiful Dodital Lake and eventually the Dwara Pass Top at 4150Meters offers mesmerizing views of Dhauladhar and Greater Himalayan Ranges, asmentioned above. Also, during the trek, you will come across some of the bestcampsites surrounded by coniferous coverage. This trek is also very popularamong the trekker, nature-philiacs and the photography enthusiasts. This trekis haven especially for the camera-wielding public. Invest your time in gettingacquainted with mother nature that you have around you and bask in the glory,the beauty and the mesmerizing characteristics of all the wonderful things thatthis trek has to offer.
As mentioned above, this lake is also home to the freshWater Golden Masheer one of most famous trout fish in the Himalayas. The trekis also famous among the birdwatchers as well.Every trek stresses on the need and importance of bothacclimatization and fitness, which basically is a must for all trekkers. Oncehigh altitudes are surged, atmospheres and other factors vary greatly becauseas there is a gradual gain in the level and altitude, the oxygen lessens makingbreathing heavy and the atmosphere gets thinner. The trick is to graduallyascend with baby-steps (but not too slow either) as this makes adaptation andacclimatization easier and does not weary out the trekker. The trail is more orless a laid out path, with few steep ascents and descents, with theavailability of water being more or less frequent.
But not to face last minuteupsets we advise to keep certain things in mind. This means approximately 1.5 kmsin an hour. However given the terrain and the altitude it is considered to beequivalent of 3 km in 1 hour in Plains. If you can run or cover 3 km in 1 houryou are fairly fit for the trek, however it is advisable to keep up the fitnessgame.
Dodital Trek is at an approximate height of 13000 ft. It isan easy trek and is suitable for first time trekkers as it is not an extremelylong one. Some of the best highlights of this trek/trip are: FamousTemples at Haridwar and Rishikesh, Crystal Clear Lake and Himalayan trout, VerdantValley: Asi Ganga Valley, Bhagirathi Valley and Yamuna Valley, Snowcapped Himalayan Peaks: Bandarpunch peak and Swargarohini Peak, Lowaltitude trek with gorges, magnificent views, multiple hues, Dazzlingvariation in scenery, Lush green meadows and thick forests, Rareglimpses of an ancient culture of local people.
There are some things about this trek that need to be knowneven though at base condition it is an amazing trek. There are few treks inIndia that can qualify as a true winter trek. Dodital is one of them. For those looking to explore the Himalayas inwinter and experience snow, nothing is better than the Dodital trek. One enjoysrewarding sites of snow-white landscapes and gorgeous picturesque views. Thetrail type is a round trail, mostly covered in snow during winter and goesthrough rhododendron forests and villages. ITINERARY: Day 1 -Drive from Dehradun to Uttarkashi and further on to SangamChati (6-7hrs/175km)Begin your first day with a lovely drive from Dehradun afterbreakfast and have meals en route to reach Uttarkashi soon. Just as dusk beginsto overshadow the day, reach Sangam Chatti, an idyllic village market placethat will be the starting point of your trek.
· Day 2 -Trek from Sangam Chatti to Bhebra (2250 M) (3-4 hrs)Begin your day first with a hearty breakfast and prep forthe upcoming adrenaline rush as you gear up for the trek. Begin your journey with an initial steep climbthat will take you to the Agoda settlement. this is where you break ground foryour trek to Dodital and Darwa Pass. After that, set out on a free-flowing, gradualtrail to Bhebra which has plenty of lodges and tea-stops for resting aftercertain intervals of time.
Pitch your tent at the awesome campsite above the rivulet.From here on, be prepared for snow. Overnight stay in tents. Day 3 -Bhebra to Dodital trekking (3310 M) (5-6hrs)Relish again a good morning’s breakfast, after which you setout on a trail that goes up steadily from Bhebra through a huge forest. Thisone is located high above the Asi Ganga and is also a track that leads on toget one to Dodital.
Take a look at a Gujar settlement, just 5 kilometres awaylocated in Manjhi. Take a break here and dig into your packed lunch. Fromthere, you make way through a collection of rhododendrons and pines andconiferous foliage and beauty.In this section, know that it will snow a lot and that thissnow is one that comes along with some challenges and excitement. By lateafternoon, arrive at the serene lake. Set camp beside it and take in the beautythat abounds.
Overnight will be spent in tents. Day 4 -Dodital trek to Darwa Pass (4150 M) and back (6-7hrs)On this day, you can either choose to limit your trek andstay near Dodital exploring the beautiful lakeside area or you can choose tohike up to Darwa pass. In case you decide that you want to go to Darwa Pass,start early to ascend the summit that would require quite some strength andenergy. The initial part of the trek is a delightful one as you make waythrough meadows dusted with snow and lined decoratively with rhododendrontrees.
The pursuit of reaching the top is a challenging but arewarding one too. This is a tricky part but no big deal. Witness the majesticHimalayas. Once happy and satisfied, you can go back and retreat to Dodital.
When you are back at the camp, you can enjoy somerefreshments and delicacies to eat. Overnight will be spent in the tents. Day 5 -Trek from Dodital to Bhebra (2250 M) (4-5hrs)The easier of all the days that you are on this trek, youwill not be wearied out on day 5 since all you do is engage in a steep downhilldescent as you go back.Overnight will be spent in tents. Day 6 -Trek from Bhebra to Sangam Chatti (2-3hrs), drive fromSangam Chatti to Dehradun (175km / 6-7hrs)Once you have had breakfast, set out for destination Sangam Chatti. Enjoy the charming walk throughAgoda hamlet. Once you reach, board vehicle to drive down to Dehradun which youwill reach approximately round 6:00 PM (depending on if you begin early).
Youradventure comes to an end here. INCLUSIONS: Accommodation in tents during the trek Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner while on Trek Permits First Aid and Medical Kits Certified and experienced Trek Leaders Support Staff Experienced and well versed with the region Local GuidesMeals:-Freshly cooked delicious multi-cuisine breakfast, lunch anddinner (veg and non-veg) will be provided. THINGS TO BE CARRIED: Basic gear necessary such as backpack, rain cover (in case itdrizzles), head torch, a walking stick, a water bottle and a hydration pack andsnacks to nibble such as energy bars, dry fruits and ORS for hydration andrehydration. Also carry with self at least one thermos flask.To keep warm and be comfortable in an unforgivable weather, make sureyou carry comfy cotton T-shirts ,Fleece T-shirts, Fleece jackets, (Alternative: a woollen sweater), awindbreaker and a waterproof jacket, thermal inners (upper and lower, at leastone pair), Trek pants (two, avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris).Also keep handy a set of amenities for your personal usage that mightprove useful in the course of the trek such as Sunscreen cream, Hand sanitizer,Antibacterial powder, Toilet Paper & wipes, Toothbrush and toothpaste, Lipbalm, a quick-dry towel.
And the most important of all factors in a trek: SHOES. These ensurethe smooth flow of a strenuous trip and hence are very important.