India6 daysGroup We require a minimum group strength to operate the trek. In case minimum group strength is not met , we have the right to cancel the departure and suggest alternate trek option or make full refund.
Dodital Lake Trek — Winter in the Garhwal Himalayas, 6 Days
Alpine lake at 10,847 feet, snow-draped forests, and views across Bandarpunch Range from Sangam Chatti
The Dodital Lake Trek is a six-day winter trek through the Garhwal Himalayas, beginning at Sangam Chatti and rising to a high-altitude alpine lake ringed by oak, pine, and rhododendron forest. The route traverses remote hamlets, river gorges, and dense woodland before reaching Dodital at 10,847 feet—a freshwater lake fed by mountain springs and named for the Himalayan trout that inhabit it. In winter, the forests carry snow and the surrounding ridges stand white against clear skies. The trek culminates in an ascent to Darwa Top, which opens amphitheater views of the Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges. The route is moderate in difficulty and well-suited to trekkers with basic mountain experience; the combination of forest walking, meadow passages, and high-altitude views represents a compact version of a full Himalayan winter trek.
Highlights
- Trek from Sangam Chatti through villages and terraced fields to Bhebra village, 8 kilometers
- Walk through rhododendron, pine, and oak forests to Dodital Lake at 10,847 feet
- Ascent to Darwa Top for amphitheater views of Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges
- Winter landscape of snow-covered conifer forests and high-altitude meadows
- Dodital Lake's natural trout population and spring-fed freshwater system
Day by day
1Haridwar to UttarkashiHaridwar to Uttarkashi · Uttarkashi
Arrival in Haridwar marks the start of the journey. A six-hour drive by car carries trekkers through the foothills of the Shivalik Range to Uttarkashi, where overnight accommodation is provided. The drive itself follows the river valley northward into progressively higher terrain.
2Uttarkashi to Sangam Chatti to BhebraUttarkashi to Sangam Chatti · Sangam Chatti to Bhebra · Bhebra
An early-morning 30-minute drive from Uttarkashi leads to Sangam Chatti, the official trailhead. From there, the trek proceeds across paddy fields and through inhabited villages—a gradual introduction to the mountain landscape. The eight-kilometer walk to Bhebra descends slightly into a river valley and concludes at the first campsite. Trekkers encounter local residents and settle into a rhythm of mountain walking. Camp accommodation, dinner, and overnight stay.
3Bhebra to Dodital via ManjhiManjhi · dense rhododendron, pine, and oak forest · Dodital Lake
The ascent to Dodital begins with a walk through dense rhododendron, pine, and oak forest. The canopy remains thick enough to filter light even in winter. A stop at the settlement of Manjhi, roughly halfway, provides a lunch break. From Manjhi, the final two hours rise into more open terrain and higher elevation. Dodital Lake appears in a cirque surrounded by conifer forest and meadow. The water itself—freshwater, spring-fed, and roughly two hours' walk from Manjhi—reflects the surrounding ridges. Camp is established at the lake. Overnight stay.
4Dodital to Darwa Top and returnDarwa Top · Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges · Dodital Lake lakeshore · Dodital Lake · Dodital Lake water's edge
Before dawn or early morning, trekkers depart for Darwa Top, an ascent that climbs steeply through forest and then into high meadows dusted with snow. The summit sits high enough to command sweeping views across the Bandarpunch and Swargarohini ranges. The descent returns to the camp by afternoon or late afternoon. The remainder of the day is unscheduled—some trekkers walk around the lakeshore, others observe birds, and the sunset draws people to the water's edge with tea. Overnight at camp.
5Dodital to AgodaDodital · Agoda
A downhill trek to Agoda, a small hamlet at lower elevation. The descent is straightforward and takes several hours. Camp is pitched at Agoda. Overnight stay.
6Agoda to Sangam Chatti and return to HaridwarAgoda to Sangam Chatti · Agoda hamlet · Sangam Chatti to Haridwar
The final morning walk descends through the Agoda hamlet and returns to Sangam Chatti in approximately two hours. From there, a vehicle transport carries trekkers back down to Haridwar, ending the trek.
Included
- One night stay at Uttarkashi (Day 1) on sharing basis and dinner
- Car pickup from Uttarkashi to Sangam Chatti (Day 2) and back to Uttarkashi (Day 6)
- All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek (including eggs), breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup
- Excellent Mountain Guide, who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around
- Specialized Cook, Support staffs, Porters/Packed
- Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek
- The entire permit fee, camping charges, Forest levy required for the trek
- Stay at rest house/forest hut/tent as required in the trek
- Sleeping Mattress and Sleeping Bag
Not included
- Transportation from Haridwar to Uttarkashi and back
- The permit and the fee required for Angling in Dodital
- We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack/Backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your Rucksack and carried by our Pack Animal/Porter then you need to pay additional Rs 1500 for the entire duration of the trek
- The Rucksack should not weigh more than 10 Kg
- Any tip/gratuity to the supports staffs. If you are happy with the service, please tip them generously
- Any kind of insurance during the trek or transit
- Any cost which is not mentioned in Inclusions or expenses personal in nature
Activities: Trekking