Nature lover’s paradise. This is how one would describe this trek in short.The route is through thick forests of Oak, Rhododendron, Fir and Deodar. This high altitude lake is crystal clear, in the midst of thick forest at an altitude of about 3,030 mtrs. This deep lake is the starting point of several rivers in this region.
One side of the lake is guarded by a high ridge called the Darwa Top, which gives a panoramic view of high peaks of Garhwal. The region is very rich in flora and fauna. Traditionally Dodital route has been frequented by nomadic herdsmen for grazing their livestock, and by pilgrims on the Gangotri-Yamunotri route.
The lake is famous for its Himalayan trout, the exoticness rendered by surrounding forest and tranquility provided by the calm waters of the lake. This is an imposing destination with impeccable beauty and many a facts that are a lot adorable. Dodital provides a lot of opportunity to travelers to hang around in the Asi Ganga valley. There are subsidiary treks transporting one from Asi Ganga valley to Bhagirathi Ganga valley and to the Yamuna valley and vice versa. A part from a display of natural beauty there is an array of diversity in culture and heritage for which India is known for ages. The array of culture can be seen by travelers during their voyage through remote Himalayan settlements.
Day 1 Rishikesh
- Arrival at Rishikesh Stay at hotel or camp near the Ganga on the way to Rishikesh, visit to the Ashram on the bank of river Ganga, evening to Triveni ghat for Ganga Arti.
Day 2 Rishikesh – Uttarkashi
- The day starts with a beautiful drive towards Uttarkashi. The different colours of Himalayan beauty are displayed in different sects i.e. flora, landscape and local settlements. The drive takes you through the historic town of Narendranagar, goes past along the river Bhagirathi Ganga and continues to the holy town of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Hotel Uttarakashi.
Day 3 Uttarkashi – Sangamchatti – Manjhi
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Set out for Sangam Chatti after breakfast (14 kilometers) 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. Clibb a step incline as the final push towards Manjhi village set on the thickly wooded mountainside. 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 4 Manjhi – Dodital
- Ascending a zig zaging 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 in Tents/ Rest house.
Day 5 Dodital
- Day free to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Lake and surrounding dense forest. The scenic beauty of Dodital can compel any nature lover to camp here for days together, the lake, the surrounding pine forest, the towering Darwa Bugyal on one side and the valley on the other is serene and enticing. The circumference around the lake is roughly 1.5 kms. A few streams coming from Darwa Bugyal feed the lake situated at a height of 3,024 metres (9,921 ft )The trees around the lake add to its charm, as the mixed Oak and Rhododendron forest assumes amazing colours depending on the time of the year, and the quiet surroundings of the lake presents an ideal location for meditation! The lake is surrounded on three sides by forests and steep mountain sides, with an opening towards the Asiganga valley, with a magnificent view of the Dayara Bugyal area, across the valley.
Day 6 Dodital – Darwa Top
- Early in the morning trek up to Darwa Top with packed breakfasts. The walk to Darwa top is 5 kms (2-3 hrs). It is a pass at a height of 4150 mts. 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 7 Dodital – Agoda
- After breakfast trek down till Agoda- a swift descent of 17 kms, retracing the same path back, but this time without the sweat and pain!. Overnight in camp at Agoda.
Day 8 Agoda – Rishikesh
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After breakfast trek back to Sangamchatti 04 Kms, and thereafter, drive down to Rishikesh 140 Km away. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Visit the Ganga river bank for the spectacular and moving Aarti- spectacle of sights, sounds and chanting in the evening.. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8 Rishikesh
- After breakfast drive for onwards jurney. Tour end.
