Dodital Darwa Pass Trek 2024 | Explore the Birthplace of Lord Ganesh
Region: Uttarakhand
Base Camp: Agoda
Days: 6
Altitude: 12,500 ft
Grade: Easy – Moderate
Distance: 32 km
Min Age: 15 Years+
Best Season: April – Nov
Trek Description
Located in the Assi Ganga Valley of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Dodital Trek is famously known as the birthplace of lord Ganesh. Dodital trek starts from Agoda village now, earlier it used to start from Sangamchatti. But as the road has reached Agoda, the trek has become a bit easier. Agoda village is the last village of Assi Ganga valley and is situated at an elevation of 7,300 ft.
Dodital Lake is also known as Dhundhital. Assi Ganga River emerges from Dodital and merges with the Bhagirathi River at Gangori. Dodital also homes fresh water trouts. The interesting fact about Dodital is that no one knows its depth.
The journey starts from Dehradun via road journey and it takes you via small villages, deep forests, and water springs. Assi Ganga Valley is blessed with deep pine, cedar, oak, and rhodendron forests. At Agoda, you will get to experience the local culture, folklore, local cuisines, and friendly people.
At Dodital, there’s a temple dedicated to Goddess Annapurna and Lord Ganesh. 3 km before Dodital you will find Bhairav Devta Temple also. They are the protector of Dodital Temple and nearby forests.
Darwa Pass will also be covered in this trek. From Darwa Pass one can see a 180 degree view of Saraswati and Gangotri Ranges. Major peaks visible are Mt. Bandarpuch, Mt Srikanth, Black Peak, Jaonli, and peaks as well. From Darwa Pass there’s an old trail that connect to Hanuman Chatti and Yamunotri Dhaam.
Ready to experience the beauty of Assi Ganga Valley, Dodital and Local culture? Dodital trek will make you experience all these.
Itinerary
Drive Distance: 160 km
Drive Time: 6-8 hours
Altitude: 7,300 ft
Your journey to Dodital will start from Dehradun. Agoda from Dehradun is around 160 km and it takes around 6-8 hours of journey to reach there.
In between we will cross Landour, Moriana Top, Chinyalisour, Uttarkashi, and Khedi Waterfall. From Gangori we will take a route toward the right direction and continue our journey to Agoda. The road journey gets along with Assi Ganga.
Agoda is a small village which serves as the starting point of Dodital. From Agoda Dayara Top and Bakria Top are clearly visible.
By noon or evening, we will already be reaching Agoda. Explore the village in the evening. Night stay will be in Homestay.
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 9,750 ft
Altitude Gain: 2,450 ft
After breakfast, we will leave for our journey ahead. Today we will go via the deep forest of Pine, Cedar, Oak, and Rhododendron to reach our campsite, Manjhi. Manjhi is located at an elevation of 9750 ft and is 8 km away from Agoda and will take 5-6 hours to reach.
During our trek, we will cross multiple water streams, small bridges, and Bebra campsite.
The surrounding forests are famous for bird watching and local flora and fauna. Many people opt for the Dodital trek just to do birdwatching.
Make sure you walk quietly without much noise and enjoy the surroundings. By noon we will reach Manjhi Campsite where we will set up our campsite. Take a rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Trek Distance: 5 km
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Altitude: 10,100 ft
Today we will start our journey toward Dodital which we all have been waiting for. With gradual ascend and approximately 5 km of trek, today’s trail will again take you via deep forest.
By afternoon we will reach Dodital, the birthplace of lord Ganesh and the starting point of Assi Ganga. Dodital is quite a big tal compared to other tal in the nearby region. Darwa Pass is visible from Dodital.
We will set up our campsite not far away from Dodital. Have a darshan at Annapurna Temple and explore the local surroundings.
Trek Distance: 6 km
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 12,500 ft
After having breakfast, we will carry a packed lunch and leave for Darwa Pass. Situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft, Darwa Pass takes around 3 hours from Dodital. The steep terrain and altitude make it a bit challenging.
From Darwa Pass, you will be able to see the whole mountain peaks of the Saraswati and Gangotri ranges.
After spending our beautiful noon in Darwa pass we will descend down to Dodital.
Descend: 12 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 7,300 ft
Altitude Loss: 2,800 ft
After our wonderful adventure of Dodital and Darwa Pass, It’s time to move back to Agoda.
Today we will descend the same trail we came from. We will cross Manjhi and Bebra in between.
Cherish the memories and be grateful to god for making such places
Drive Distance: 160 km
Drive Time: 6-7 hours
Today we will leave for Dehradun in the morning. By noon or evening, we will reach Dehradun and from there you can continue your journey back home.
What’s Included?
Price Inclusion
- 2 Nights stay in Agoda
- 3 Nights camping
- Meals from day 1 dinner to day 6 breakfast
- All the required forest and camping permits
- Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, gaiters and spikes (if required)
- First aid kit
- Certified trek leader
- Trek completion certificate
Price Exclusion
- Travel Insurance
- Meals during the transportation
- 5% GST is not included
- Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered
- For backpack offloading additional fee of INR 1550 will be charged
- Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek
- Transportation from Dehradun to the base camp and back to Dehradun is not included
- Any personal expenses
Things to Carry
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
How To Reach Agoda
Road trip is one of the most exciting journeys to reach Dehradun and start the Dayara Bugyal Trek. It should not be any challenging matter since the city is connected with other major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by National Highways.
It might be time consuming but the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills will offer you a enjoyable experience.
Flight is the quickest and easiest means to reach Dehradun. Booking a flight to this destination is not a hard job, you can get a flight from most metro cities in India.
The nearest airport to Agoda is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airpor which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Several flight operators like Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara, and others operate flights to Dehradun, which makes your transportation easy and comfortable.
It is recommended to book a flight at least a month before traveling since the last moment flight booking is comparatively higher than the standard price. Considering the cost, we recommend you to take flights to Delhi, capital of India first. From there, you can take UTC, HRTC, buses, railway or hire a taxi to reach Dehradun.
Dehradun is one of the major cities in India and it is well-connected to other cities by train. So traveling here via train is another easiest way.
Your train transportation is served by the Dehradun Railway Station, which brings you directly to the destination from your hometown. You also can opt for Haridwar Railway Station to reach Dehradun. It is advised to make advanced bookings for trains but there are no issues in getting the service from any places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Road trip is one of the most exciting journeys to reach Dehradun and start the Dayara Bugyal Trek. It should not be any challenging matter since the city is connected with other major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by National Highways.
It might be time consuming but the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills will offer you a enjoyable experience.
Agoda is the point where we start our Dodital Trek. It is approximately 160 kilometers away from Dehradun, which takes around 6 to 7 hours by road journey. To reach Agoda you have to reach Uttarkashi first.
The bus to Uttarkashi leaves early in the morning around 5:30 am from Dehradun Hill station. You can also book your ticket online via the UTC portal. The average cost of the ticket is around 350 to 400 INR. Shared taxi option is also available.
If you are traveling via taxi, you will be charged around 400 to 500. You can hire a taxi from Rispana Pul and Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can rent another taxi to Agoda from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand. You must pay 100 to 150 INR to hire the taxi.
Agoda is the starting point of Dodital. It is approximately 160 kilometers away from Dehradun, which takes around 6 to 7 hours by public transportation. To reach Raithal you have to reach Uttarkashi first.
The bus to Uttarkashi leaves early in the morning around 5:30 am from Dehradun Hill station. You can also book your ticket online via the UTC portal. The average cost of the ticket is around 350 to 400 INR. Shared taxi option is also available.
If you are traveling via taxi, you will be charged around 400 to 500. You can hire a taxi from Rispana Pul and Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can rent another taxi to Agoda from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand. You must pay 100 to 150 INR to hire the taxi.
Note | Transportation Service: We also arrange transportation services for our trekkers, with the pickup point being Prince Chowk, Dehradun and pick-up time between 6 am and 7 am. An add on of INR 1,500 will be charged from trekkers.
Difficulty Level of Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
The Dodital Darwa Pass trek is generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty. While it’s not extremely challenging, it does require a level of fitness and it’s important for trekkers to be in good physical shape and adequately equipped to handle the challenges of high altitude trekking in the Himalayas.
The trail involves both ascents and descents, and the altitude can be a factor, especially when ascending to Darwa Pass, which reaches an elevation of 12,500 feet. The total distance from Agoda to Agoda is around 32 km.
The terrain can vary from well defined trails to rocky and steep sections, particularly as you ascend to Darwa Pass. Trekkers should be prepared for changing weather conditions, as it can get cold and unpredictable at higher altitudes. Proper acclimatization and physical preparation are essential to make the trek more enjoyable and manageable.
Best Time for Dodital-Darwa Pass Trek
The best time to visit Dodital is from April to November, offering a pleasant climate for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
However, for the more adventurous, Dodital can also be explored during the winter months when heavy snowfall transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, providing a unique and challenging trekking experience.
Whether you prefer spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Dodital has something to offer throughout the year.
More Info of Dodital-Darwa Pass Trek
Dodital, situated in between dense deodar forests, is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha graces one corner of the lake, attracting devotees who come to seek blessings. The lake is sometimes referred to as “Dhundhital,” which means “Ganesha’s lake” (‘Dhundhi’ is another name for Ganesha).
The trek from Dodital to Darwa Pass adds another layer of spiritual significance to the journey. This trek route connects pilgrims to Yamunotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and is revered as the seat of Goddess Yamuna.
The temple of Yamunotri, built by the King of Tehri, Pratap Shah, in 1919, is a focal point of religious devotion. The Surya Kund, a hot water spring, is where pilgrims cook rice and potatoes as offerings (prasad). Nearby, the Divya Shila, a rock slab, is worshipped before paying respects to the black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna.
In both Dodital and Darwa Pass, you’ll encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna. The flora includes alpine and subalpine vegetation like oak, cedar, rhododendron, and deodar trees, along with medicinal plants in Dodital.
As for fauna, these regions are home to a variety of wildlife. In Dodital, you can spot the Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, and Himalayan monal pheasant.
Yamunotri Dham: Yamunotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, is located in close proximity to the Dodital trek. It’s famous for the Yamunotri Temple and the origin of the Yamuna River.
Uttarkashi: The town of Uttarkashi is the district headquarters and a gateway to many treks in Uttarakhand. It has temples, ashrams, and is known for its scenic beauty along the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Mukta Top: Mukta Top is a beautiful trekking destination in the Uttarkashi district. It’s known for its meadows, lush green landscapes, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. It’s a great place for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
Nachiketa Tal: Nachiketa Tal is a high altitude lake located near Uttarkashi’s Chaurangi Khal. It’s named after Nachiketa, a figure from Hindu mythology.
Dayara Bugyal: High altitude meadow starting from Raithal
Bakria Top: Another meadow in the region starting from Gorsali Village.
Gallery
Map of Trail
FAQs
Dodital holds religious significance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, and it’s often referred to as “Dhundhital,” meaning “Ganesha’s lake” in Hindu mythology. Apart from its religious importance, Dodital is renowned for its natural beauty, serene environment, and pristine lake.
While trekking in the Dodital Darwa Pass region, you can enjoy stunning views of several Himalayan peaks, including Bandarpuch, Swargarohini, Srikanth, Draupadi ka Danda, and Jaonli Peak.
The nearest ATM to Agoda is typically located in the town of Uttarkashi. Trekkers are advised to withdraw cash and make necessary financial arrangements before starting the trek.
Charging points for electronic devices may not be available during the trek. It is advisable to carry power banks or portable solar chargers if you need to charge your devices. However, remember that access to electricity may be limited in remote areas.
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