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Dodital Trek

Lying at an altitude of 3010 m, Dodital is a pristine lake in Garhwal Himalayas surrounded by dense Oak, Pine and Deodar trees, precisely at the north of Uttarkashi and east of Hanuman Chatti. The Dodital lake brings a lively environ to the entire Uttarkashi area where the fishes and especially the Himalayan Golden Traut are its major attraction along with the wildlife and the forested areas. All these fascinating surroundings bring an impressive and resting location. This is the reason; the Dodital area is being visited often by tremendous tourists. And being located at a fantastic altitude, the area brings a captivating trekking opportunity for all including other recreational activities like boating, angling, bird-watching and so on.

Significance in the Name: Surrounded by natural beauty, the Dodital Lake is generally hexagonal in shape and is inhabited by the Golden trout. Locals call the trout as Dodi and so the lake has been named as Dodital. The legendary beliefs of Purana termed this lake as the holiest one; and the lake is the source of 80 rivulets that merge to form the Assi Ganga. This is the reason the valley is also called the Assi Ganga Valley. Further, the Assi Ganga meets Bhagirathi, the origin of River Ganges.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport meet with our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2 Delhi - Haridwar - Uttarkashi
In the morning board Shatabdi Express for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrive at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs, here meet our representative and drive to Uttarkashi which takes about 6 hours. On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay. Uttarkashi is a town located in the wide Bhagirati valley, and has been a centre 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). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi lies next to a hill named Varunavrat Parvat, and set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 185 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals (Astadhatu). It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali.

Day 3 Uttarkashi - Sangamchatti - Manjhi
In the morning after breakfast drive to Sangam Chatti (10 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. According to one of the popular legends Lord Ganesha chose this place as his abode. There is also a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha here. Another name for this lake is 'Dhundital' meaning Ganesh ka Tal or lake of Lord Ganesha. Legend has it that this was the lake where Goddess Parvati used to bathe, and Ganesha was beheaded by Lord Shiva in a fit of anger! Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

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
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.. Rishikesh is well known for its scenic beauty and the spiritual experience. Flanked by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. It is fabled that when Raibhya Rishi penance hard, God appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and this area thereafter came to be known as Rishikesh (Locks of the sage). Overnight in hotel.Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9 Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi
Early in the morning transfer to Haridwar railway station to catch a train for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi by afternoon.