Overview
Mount Satopanth stands at 7,075 metres as the second-highest peak in the Gangotri region of Uttarakhand, India. Its name derived from Sanskrit—‘Sato’ meaning truth and ‘Panth’ meaning path—translates to “The True Path,” reflecting its revered status among mountaineers and spiritual seekers. The peak is located within Gangotri National Park, offering a challenging yet spiritually enriching expedition.
Satopanth holds spiritual significance, believed to be the path traversed by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. It is also believed that the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva descend at the sacred Satopanth Tal, a high-altitude lake. The Satopanth expedition offers not only physical challenges but also a profound connection to Himalayan spirituality.
The expedition begins from Dehradun, progressing through Gangotri, Bhojbasa, Nandanvan, and Vasuki Tal. It also rewards you with views of Mt. Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Bhagirathi massif, Chaukhamba. The climb takes you through glaciers, crevasses, sharp ridges, and snow slopes, leading to a technical ascent to the summit. The terrain is challenging, requiring proficiency in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and high-altitude climbing techniques.
To undertake the Shivling Expedition, you will need to obtain permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF). We at Himalayan Dream Treks arrange the expedition with everything you’d need – you’re in safe hands. This guide puts together all the necessary information you need to know about the expedition.
Expedition History
Satopanth was first attempted by an Austrian team (R. Schwarzgruber) in 1938, from both the northeast and northwest ridges, but without success.
Mt Satopanth was successfully first climbed by a team of 3 Swiss alpinists – Rene Dittert, Alexander Graven, Andre Roch and 5 sherpas, in 1947, the year India got independence. The mountain is now known for its daunting ‘knife ridge’ at 6500m and the technical ice and rock glacial terrains.
The first attempts by Indians were made in 1968 and 1974. Biren Sarkar the leader of the 1974 expedition recounted that due to a series of avalanches on the North ridge prevented them from setting up a camp, given the situation the expedition was abandoned. Both the attempts unfortunately remained unsuccessful.
Itinerary
Drive Distance and Time: 245 km: 9-10 hours
Altitude: 10,300 ft
You will drive from Dehradun and reach the spiritual town of Gangotri, the source of the holy Ganges, located on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. This town is where Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the river from the locks of his hair. After you arrive in the evening, hit the bed and take rest.
Any high-altitude climb is incomplete without Acclimatization for all the right reasons. It is to train your body and mind to be accustomed to the altitude, temperature and the conditions. This helps avoid adverse health conditions like AMS, HACE. You will also take this time to prepare yourself for the challenging expedition ahead. You can take a walk around the town and pay a visit to the temple in the evening.
On day 3 you start with a 14km trek from Gangotri to Bhojwasa. Bhojwasa in the local language means ‘land of birch trees’ so on this stretch you will be crossing the famous Himalayan Birch trees. It then leads to Chirbasa, with an impressive line of tall pine trees. The trek on this day follows the mighty Bhagirathi River. After this the terrain gets barren, and you could expect to reach by early evening, where you will pitch tents by the river. As the day comes to a close, the sun goes behind the Bhagirathi range of peaks and the sky treats with a spread of stars.
On this day, with an early morning start you will be crossing glacial moraines. The trek begins with an ascent to Gaumukh Parvat, which is the source of the holy Ganges. After spending some time here you head towards Tapovan which is an expanse of meadows at the base of Mt. Shivling. You will then climb along the magnificent views of Shivling peak and Bhagirathi range of peaks.
After this you will trace your way towards Meru Glacier and reach Nandanvan via which is where the Gaumukh Glacier and Chaturangi Glacier meet. The campsite at Nandanvan serves breathtaking views of Mount Kedar Dome, Mount Meru and Mount Karcha Kund.
A short 6 km trek along the Chaturangi Glacier, with steady ascent will take you to Vasuki Tal. This is the basecamp for the expedition. After a quick ascent you will find yourself at the Vasuki Tal. The actual expedition lies ahead of this. Till then, admire the beauty of the majestic mountains around you.
A whole challenge of the expedition lies ahead of this. Rest your muscles, and acclimatize for your body to adapt to the significant altitude gain and the challenging terrains till the summit.
Like any other high altitude expeditions, there is no fixed itinerary for the summit push as the plans need to be adapted as per the weather conditions. As for most expeditions, it includes Acclimatization, rotation rounds between camps.
Walking along a ride with Chaturangi glacier to your left and Vasuki Parbat to your right, you catch your first look of the magical Mt. Satopanth. After climbing on the terrain of moraine, you reach Camp 1 located at 5,130 metres.
The next section will need you to go through ice and rock patches, vertical ascents, ice gullies which need the use of a fixed rope, and get you to Camp 2. After this is a technical climb to Camp 3 on the vertical ice face of the mountain. This is the Summit Camp.
After you settle into the camp, you push for the Summit. Apart from the huge boulder sections, crossing the knife ridge is the tricky part of the climb. And once you cross that successfully, you will find yourself at the top of Mt. Satopanth – mystical, rewarding, and everything beautiful!
These are kept as reserve days to help adjust with the bad weather conditions that can potentially put you off schedule, during the expedition.
This marks the last day of the journey, where you will come back with a lot from where you started – an experience that will stay with you for a very long time. Because, To climb is to surrender to the unknown, one step at a time.
Expedition Package
Price Inclusion
Transportation from Dehradun to Gangotri and back is included in the package.
Hotel/Guest house booking as per the itinerary
Meals: Meals from day to the end of the journey.
Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) Permit
All technical climbing equipment (Fix rope, Ice piton, carabiners, ice axe, etc.)
Camping equipment (Tents, mattress, solar charger, light & pillow)
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of all participants.
Trek Certificate & HDT Badges: Receive a trek certificate and HDT badges to celebrate your adventure.
Price Exclusion
Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included.
Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
Personal Luggage Carrying: Charges for mules or porters to carry personal luggage are not included.
Staff Tip
5% GST not included in the package.
Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusion
Check the booking procedure here, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Trek Essentials
- Base Layers (for moisture management): Thermal Base Layer Tops and pants, Quick-dry t-shirts and trek pants.
- Insulation Layers (for warmth): Heavy Down Jacket that works with minus temperature, Fleece Jacket, A windproof Jacket
- Outer Layers: Waterproof jackets and pants
- Other Accessories: Beanie, Balaclava, Gloves, Sun hat, Face mask, hand warmers
- High SPF Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Personal Toiletries (eco-friendly soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes)
- Toilet Paper (biodegradable)
- Quick Dry Towel
- Personal Medication (Diamox, painkillers, altitude medication, if prescribed)
- First Aid Kit (personal blister kit, band-aids, crepe bandage, antiseptic cream)
- Water Bottle
- Water purification tablets
- Power bank and personal electronics
- Personal Hygiene Kit
- Menstrual Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woolen or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/ Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/ Poncho
- 1 Pair of Thermal Inners (Upper and Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts and Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woolen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woolen Cap
- 4 Pairs of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair of Woollen Socks
- High-Altitude Double Layer Mountaineering Boots
- Trekking Shoes
- Camp Shoes (lightweight slippers/sandals for base camp)
- Gaiters (to prevent snow from entering boots)
- 5–6 pairs Trekking Socks (wool/synthetic)
- 2 pairs Heavy Thermal Socks (for summit days)
- Hand Sanitizer and Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm and Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
- Government ID Proof
- Medical Certificate
- Passport-sized Photos (2–3 copies)
- Permits
- Cash for emergency purposes
- Climbing Harness (adjustable, alpine style)
- Trekking poles
- Helmet (certified for mountaineering)
- Ice Axe (technical with leash)
- Crampons (compatible with your boots)
- Ascender/Jumar (for fixed rope climbs)
- Carabiners
- Belay/Rappel Device (ATC or figure 8)
- 5–6 meters Prusik Cord (for self-rescue)
- Safety Sling
- Mountaineering Gloves
Peak Map
Payment and Cancellation
Booking Confirmation:
A minimum of 50% of the expedition fee must be paid to reserve your slot.
Balance:
The remaining 50% must be paid at least 45 days before the expedition start date.
Delayed payments may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking.
Payment Modes Accepted
- UPI
- Bank Transfer (NEFT/IMPS/RTGS)
- Credit/Debit Cards (with applicable processing charges)
- International Transfers via Wise / PayPal / Bank Transfer (processing fees apply)
Payment Partner
- Razorpay
- PhonePay Business
- State Bank of India
- Wise
- PayPal
- Payoneer
Transaction Charges Based on Payment
Cancellation Terms
Expeditions organized by Himalayan Dreamtreks require extensive logistical planning, permits, and non-refundable arrangements made well in advance. Therefore, a separate cancellation policy applies for these high-altitude, high-effort treks.
Cancellation 60+ Days Before Expedition Start Date:
Voucher for 100% of the paid amount, valid for 1 year, redeemable against a future expedition.
Cancellation Between 60-30 Days Before Expedition Start Date:
Voucher for 90% of the paid amount, valid for 1 year, redeemable against a future expedition.
Cancellation Between 30-10 Days Before Expedition Start Date:
Voucher for 75% of the paid amount, valid for 1 year, redeemable against a future expedition.
Cancellation Less Than 10 Days Before Expedition Start Date:
No voucher will be issued.
No-show or Last-Minute Withdrawal:
No voucher or refund will be provided.
Trek Cancellation by HDT
In rare cases of cancellation due to natural disasters, government policies, or adverse weather:
- Voucher is valid for 1 year and can be used for any HDT trek
- A full trek voucher (100% of paid amount) will be issued
Dropout During Trek
If a trekker decides to drop out due to health reasons, lack of fitness, or personal reasons:
No refund will be issued
Trekker will bear all costs of returning/retreating from the trek route
Base Camp Weather
Temperatures at the base camp and summit are sub zero and below due to the altitudes. Brace yourself accordingly.
Gangotri to Nandanvan base camp Temperature:
Day: 5°C to 10°C
Night: -2° C to 6° C
Base camp 1 to Satopanth Peak Summit Temperature
Day: – 5°C to -8°C
Night: -2° C to -15° C
The temperatures can further drop based on the conditions in a given season, pack extra layers to help you keep warm.
GANGOTRI WEATHERSCL, Foreign Permit & Vehicle
HDT is registered with the IMF, and we can cater to the needs of SCL for Government Employees. According to the rule, the government of India provides its employees with a prospect where they’re allowed to apply for a 30-day special casual leave in a calendar year to do trekking, hiking, or whatever adventure pleases them.
Mail us at info@himalayandreamtreks.in or call us at +91 80896 93825, if you want to avail SCL.
For foreign nationals, permit charges are different, and hence the overall package price is different for foreign trekkers. Connect with us before booking your trek.
- For 4-6 people Ertiga/Bolero or equivalent vehicle.
- For 7 or more people, Force Traveller.
FAQs
It is located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The expedition starts from the sacred town of Gangotri.
It is ideal for experienced climbers who have previously climbed 5000 metre peaks comfortably.
This is an extremely challenging climb which needs mountaineering skills and knowledge of using the equipment to navigate the tricky ice terrains.
You should be physically fit and have a good level of endurance. If you are able to run 5kms in 25 mins, you are on track to consider doing this trek. However, as the climb is steep and spans over 18-20 days, you should have prior experience with high altitude climbs and the challenges it brings. It is advised to follow a training routine before doing the climb, to prepare yourself thoroughly.
The height of Shivling Peak is 22,212 feet (7,075 metres)
The climb takes you through terrain which is a combination of ice walls, alpine meadows, crevasses, glaciers, rocky moraines, serac barrier. The climb is challenging and requires using mountaineering equipment like ice axe, ropes etc.
The network is available till the town of Gangotri, after which there is none. The nearest ATM is also available here, be sure to withdraw some emergency cash.
All the necessary expedition equipment and gear will be provided by Himalayan Dream Treks.
You can also rent gear from us, please notify us prior. If the gear is damaged or lost a fine will be charged based on the damage level as assessed by our store-in-charge.
All the necessary expedition equipment and gear will be provided by Himalayan Dream Treks.
You can also rent gear from us, please notify us prior. If the gear is damaged or lost a fine will be charged based on the damage level as assessed by our store-in-charge.
Yes, a permit from the IMF is required. We will apply and obtain the permits on your behalf after submission of the relevant documents.
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