A Pouplar Trek Route in Garhwal Himalaya

Dodital Yamunotri Trek is a classic trek for first-timers keen to discover the outdoors and experience the mighty Himalayas at high altitude. High up, beyond the valley of the Bhagirathi River, is the pristine and tranquil Dodital (tal means lake in Hindi). Beyond lies the Darwa Pass (3750m) between the major river valleys of the Ganga and the Yamuna. A little further up from the pass is Darwa Top (4150m), the highest point in the area from where it seems as though the mighty Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and other peaks are close enough to be touched by an outreached hand.

Dodital Yamunotri trek to the pass and beyond is the traditional route used by Gujjars (nomadic herdsmen), who take their cattle up to the meadows for grazing and also by sadhus (holy men) walking between the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri.

TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Chandrapur to Delhi (Train 3rd tier)

Day 02: Delhi to Rishikesh (Train 3^rd tier)

Day 03: Drive from Dehradun to Agoda

• Drive: 160 km, 7-8 km

• Altitude: 1,200 ft – 7,381 ft

• Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House

• Meals: Dinner

The drive from Dehradun to Agoda offers scenic beauty and takes about 7 to 8 hours. Enjoy the journey through Uttarakhand’s picturesque landscapes and reach Agoda, a quaint village, surrounded by nature.

Day 04: Trek from to Agoda to Manjhi

• Trek: 7 km, 8-9 hrs

• Altitude: 7,381 ft – 9,843 ft

• Accommodation: Alpine Tent

• Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and ensure you have enough water, as there are no water sources along the 5 km trail from Agoda village to Manjhi. Follow the clearly marked Dodital Trek Trail, with signs in the local language. The path becomes steeper with patches of mud and boulders. After 20-30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Dharkot. The final 5 km to Manjhi is a relatively flat path winding through a charming rhododendron forest. Manjhi greets you with a picturesque campsite, complemented by quaint shops and hotels nestled amidst oak trees. Take in the breathtaking views of Dayara’s towering peak

  Day 05: Manjhi to Dodital

• Trek: 5 km, 2-3 hrs

• Altitude: 9,843 ft – 10,850 ft

• Accommodation: Alpine Tent

• Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today’s walk to Dodital from Manjhi is easy. The path goes through different forests. Look for colorful Monal birds. Find streams for water. At the top, an old temple gives a great view of the Himalayas. As you get closer to Dodital, the view gets even better with a tall cliff and the winding Asi Ganga river. Dodital is a pretty lake, surrounded by thick forests and a grassy meadow called Darwa. You can stay at a guesthouse by the lake, or choose cabins or tents. There’s plenty of food and wood for a fire. Enjoy the calm with a campfire. The lake is hugged by green oak, pine, and rhododendron trees, with Darwa meadow on one side and a wide valley on the other. Small streams from Darwa meadow fill the lake. End the day with a special prayer at the Ganesha temple.

Day 06: Rest Day or Acclimatization at Dodital

• Trek: NA

• Accommodation: Alpine Tent

• Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Darwa Top is located at an altitude of 13,600 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular trekking destination, but it is important to acclimatize properly before attempting the hike to Darwa Top, especially if you are not used to high altitudes.

Once you arrive at Dodital Lake, you should rest for the day and allow your body to adjust to the higher altitude. You may experience some altitude sickness symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually mild and will pass after a few hour.

Day 07: Trek from Dodital to Darwa Top to Seema

• Trek: 15-16 km, 10-11 hrs

• Altitude: 10,850 ft – 13,600 ft – 12,000 ft

• Accommodation: Alpine Tent     Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

Today is a long day, start early. Choose between trekking to Darwa Top or camping near Gujjar’s settlements in Seema. Weather can be unpredictable. Follow the trail along Dodital’s edge. The climb is steep, with streams along the way. Reach an opening with boulders and a dead tree for rest. The final climb to the pass is short and steep. From Darwa Top, enjoy breathtaking views of peaks. Descend into Seema, a beautiful meadow with rhododendron bushes.

Day 08: Trek from Seema to Hanuman Chatti via Kandoli & Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun

• Trek: 13-14 km, 6-7 hrs

• Drive: 172 km, 7-8 hrs

• Altitude: 12,000 ft – 7,900 ft

• Meals: Breakfast

Today, a relatively easy descent of 4,100 feet awaits. The trail offers scenic views and streams for water. After a peaceful morning, head towards Kundola meadow. The path is well-defined and passes through woods. Reach Kundola, a lush green area where you can cook lunch. Continue through oak and bamboo forests to Nisu village. Enjoy the village scenery and potato terraces. Descend to Hanuman Chatti, where the Hanuman Ganga and Yamunotri rivers meet. The village turns lively during the pilgrimage season, offering accommodations and food options. From here, an easy, well-marked road with railings leads to the revered Yamunotri temple, the source of the Yamuna River. The route includes rivers, lakes, forests, and villages, and is frequented by pilgrims. You will opt for a drive to Dehradun after reaching Yamunotri. Alternatively, you can choose to return to Hanuman Chatti or stay at Yamunotri to extend the trek to Saptarishi Kund, a challenging ascent to the true source of the Yamuna River.

Day 09: Dehradun to Delhi (Train 3rd tier)

Day 10: Delhi to Chandrapur (Train 3rd tier)

Cost Per Person ₹23100 Chandrapur to Chandrapur

INCLUSIONS

• Transport support from Chandrapur to Chandrapur

• Pick-up location: DAV school, Sundervan

• Pick-up Time: According to arrangement

• All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day

• Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff

• First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder

• Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats

• Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required

• Forest entry charges

• Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage

• Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis

• Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis

• All applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.

• Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions

• Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)

• Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya.