Satopanth Tal (Lake):..... Route to Heaven.....From Mana To Satopanth...The Vivacious Path..

                            Journey on the way of Pandavas
DAY 3....

We Started our final journey from Chakrateerth to Satopanth Tal(Lake).Clouds removed from the sky and weather became so beautiful.Balakun was amazing @ Sun rise,stunning... was also very bright.Looking like a 24 karet Gold peak...We were so much tempted to have as much as possible photos of both Balakun and Chaukhamba...
 

Balakun Just After Sunrise....

When we walked from Chakratirtha to Satopant Tal,It was Ekadasi, when it is believed that Lord Narayana Himself bathes in these sacred waters. Climbing diagonally up a rocky sharply inclined wall face, it took us about an hour to reach the top of the first ridge. Climbing down the precipice-like slope was very dangerous. From here the entire region of sheer glacier was visible.

Surrounded by lofty snow peaks, Chakratirtha, a well shaped circular green meadow, around 2 kms in length and 1.5 kms in breath, was a relief amidst the harsh environment.

We watched crevasses in the valley. It was impossible to make out the way through the valley. Our able guide, Devendra Rana, along with his porters, worked a way down to the moraine or small rocks lying over old glacier. This work was done with an ice axe. The path was constructed diagonally by the wall of the ridge and required careful maneuvering. 
 

It took us about an hour to reach the top of this ridge.

Again we saw some footprints which some claimed are the rare snow leopard believed to be occasionally sighted in these regions.

Pug Marks Of A Snow Leopard...

From here till Satopanth Tal we had to walk over the unseen glacier. At some places the glaciers was visible as the layer of boulders had moved away due to avalanches. We followed the route by the markings previously laid down of rocks placed vertically one on top of the other, at various places over the glacier.
 

path was constructed diagonally by the wall of the ridge.

On our way to Satopanth lake we saw huge rock structures..Devendra showed us those structures and said it is called as Bhim Bar or Bhima's Gada...At Bhimbar, the rock pillar commemorates Bhima’s release from earthly life....

It Is called Bhim bar Or Bhima's Gada...

The Path On Which We Walked..

We moved up slowly and steadily, one by one, negotiating dangerous crevasses. At last we saw the welcome flag at the top of a ridge. Below the flag on the other side of the ridge is Satopanth Tal. By this time we were all exhausted. Scarcity of oxygen had slowed us. The last 1 km was much tougher, as we were moving through avalanche zone. 
 

Walking On Satopanth Glacier....Most dangerous Path...

Ultimately, one by one we came up at the bottom of the last ridge. Here the rocky soil was very slippery and the gradient of the ridge was also steep. Everyone kept calm and we succeeded in reaching the top of the ridge at 12 noon.On The way we saw an old lady walking towards Mana...We were utmost surprised to see an old lady walking alone on this path...For some time we were speechless...
 

An Old lady Alone Walking Towards Mana.

Walking On The Last Gradient Of The Ridge Was Also Steep.

Devendra is trying to have a short cut by crossing this small rivulet...

After three hours of hard trekking on the treacherous glacier we reached under the last ridge and could see the red flag flying on top of the ridge indicating the site of the lake. We simply dragged ourselves to the top.
 

Red flag flying on top of the ridge indicating the site of the lake

Here we had a magnificent view of the Lake: Satopanth Tal. It's a triangular shaped lake with each side about 1 Km. long. The crystal clear water had a greenish colour and all around the lake stands mighty Himalayan snow peaks. From left to right, they are Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet), Mt. Satopanth (23,206 feet), Mt. Swargarohini (20507 feet), Mt. Chaukhamba I (23413 feet) and Mt. Balakun (20040 feet). 
 

clouded chaukhamba massif rising above satopant lake.As the name suggests Chaukhamba, means four pillars. The four peaks are situated at an average elevation of 7138 metres, 7088 metres, 6995 metres and 6854 metres respectively above mean sea level. .

The first thing that struck me squarely was the strange ethereal ambience of the lake. It had such calm and soothing effect; probably because it’s an achievement of hard labour or may be the legends, ultimately got me! But I had to admit, our suicidal efforts were amply rewarded. The perfectly triangle shaped lake at the base of the snow crested Chaukhamba I peak, surrounded by lofty mountains reflected an azure sky. A small green field in its eastern side, dotted with alpine flowers accentuates the harsh surrounding. As I feasted on the spellbinding scenery, for the first time I became aware of the complete lack of sound around it. It’s eerie! Except the sound of occasional avalanches that were coming down the Chaukhamba peak, as it is already mid-day and the snow on the peak has started to melt, coming down as huge avalanches, the silence was all encompassing. 
 

We ran into him on the bank of Satopanth Tal (14300 fts) - a small triangular, almost inaccessible, glacial lake in the hidden depths of the Himalayas. Indeed, it is the right place for a vow of silence. According to the Skanda Purana, this silence is guarded by Bramha, Vishnu & Maheshwar - the holy trinity who sit in meditation on the vertices of the triangular lake. No-one dares to break this silence.

As we came down at the bank of the lake we saw the reflection of Mt. Chaukhamba on the water. It was beautiful beyond expression. We offered worship, both silent personal prayers and puja to Lord Bramha, Vishnu & Maheshwar, breaking a coconut . Soon after the snowfall which began at 1:30 p.m. continued till late midnight.At Satopanth Tal there is a room which had been constructed by a pilgrim from the South. This room is still used by visiting sadhus and trekkers alike.

Sagas @ Satopanth Lake...

The sound of the avalanches – alike the sound of a thunder, only accentuates this all-embracing, all-pervading silences. The emerald green water of triangular lake mirrors the snow crested Chaukhamba I peak. The image has been repeatedly broken by the waves of the lake forming due to the pleasantly cold gentle breeze that wafted from the snow crested Chaukhamba peak. The broken image re-forms immediately only to be broken again.
 

In the morning darkness still enveloped us till quite suddenly the first rays of sunlight bathed the tip of Mt. Chaukhamba.

I was resting on the grassy bank of the lake when Devendra Singh showed me a path towards the Chaukhamba I peak and told me, that was the path traversed by the Pancha Pandavs on their last journey to the heaven. He said, even today, ascetics who want to leave this painful world to enter the other world of supreme bliss, often take that path never to return
.

Satopanth Tal. It's a triangular shaped lake with each side about 1 Km. long. The crystal clear water had a greenish colour and all around the lake stands mighty Himalayan snow peaks. As we came down at the bank of the lake we saw the reflection of Mt. Chaukhamba on the water. It was beautiful beyond expression.

From the bank of the lake, I could see a clear path like trail leading to the peak of Chaukhamba. But as the sun rose high, avalanches after avalanches started to roll down that path. It’s definitely a sure path to the other world; whether that path goes to heaven or hell that I am not very sure.

It's not an ice cream,Head of Chaukhamba Massiff @ Satopanth lake.

A rare dragon cloud on mount Chaukhamba.

The clearness of the lake-water was surprising. It’s crystal clear. Standing on its bank, I could see almost its bottom. Legends has it, whenever something falls in the water, small birds would come flying and pick it up from the water. Some small grey birds were hopping around me on the bank of the Satopanth Lake.
 

Satopanth (left 7075m) and Chandra Parbat (right 6739m). Eastern part of the Western Garwhal Himal on the Satopanth Lake Trek, Uttaranchal, India.

As the evening descended, my silent ascetic came and sat beside me. It seemed that he is in a mood to talk. Immediately, I started to fire my questions. Smilingly he took up a pen and started to write down his answers in my diary.

I asked, ‘why did he come to this god forsaken place?’

He simply replied, ‘to meditate’.

‘But that can be done in ones home.’

He said, ‘yes. But you know, milk comes out only from the nipples of the cow and not from its horn or hoop.’

Closer view of Swargarohini(Path to Heaven).A myth or belief is Yudhishthir,the jyeshtha pandav was taken to Heaven By GODs in a rath(chariot)from this path.there are said to be 7 steps built up by Ravana to conquer the Heaven.because of melting of the dangerous glaciers the steps aren't clearly visible,only ice is seen

We talked about god, religion, spirituality, laws of nature, almost on every thing under the sun except on his person. He refused to answer any personal query; not even from where he came from. He had magnificent clarity of though, deep insight, strong opinion – a bit religious may be, but nevertheless strong belief backed by logical argument. 
 

Swargarohini Base,Can you see the Stairs To Heven?Closer view of Swargarohini(Path to Heaven).A myth or belief is Yudhishthir,the jyeshtha pandav was taken to Heaven By GODs in a rath(chariot)from this path.there are said to be 7 steps built up by Ravana to conquer the Heaven.because of melting of the dangerous glaciers the steps aren't clearly visible,only ice is seen

At the end of it he asked me, ‘why did you come?’

I said, ‘to see and to experience this fantastic world of myth and reality; to see this breathtaking beauty.’

He said, ‘me too. But to see the mountain within the mountain; to see the tal

within the tal; to experience the world within this world of myth.’

Some small grey and blue birds were hopping around us.

The evening passed into a starry night, I have never seen so many stars in the night sky before and the night into a glorious dawn.

Our Tents near Chaukhamba and Balakun...

In the morning darkness still enveloped us till quite suddenly the first rays of sunlight bathed the tip of Mt. Chaukhamba. Then started the fantastic colour changes on the snow. Initially pink, the colurs turned to shades of vermillion, red, orange, ochre and yellow until the sunlight shed its radiance on the entire region.

Mt.Chaukambha .. next to swargarohini.. scores have lost their lives trying to ascend this peak. Had more than 5 avalanches in one night.

Every one of us stood still in awe the half hour and more that nature revealed its finest hour of morning glory. We stayed at Satopanth Tal till 9 a.m. before we began our return trek to Badrinath via Mana.
 

Chaukhamba Masiff rising above Satopanth Lake.Reflection of Choukhamba III in Satopanth Taal's water

It was time to depart from this world of splendor and legend. As we clambered up the ridge, our silent ascetic stood on the bank of lake biding us farewell. I turned back to have a last look. I, certainly, will not be coming again. Seeing me turn back, he waived. I felt his gaze on me — full of compassion and tolerance, silently caressing me like the soft touch of a caring mother. Again something wailed inside me, and again I felt like crying aloud.

We did not know anything about him. Mortals like us are not comfortable with unanswered queries and unexplained phenomena. There were so many unanswered questions– thousands of it that were never going to be answered, smothered by the omnipotent silence. Perhaps he was right to take the vow of silence. This is certainly the right place for taking such a vow.

It is said, Bramha-Bishnu-Maheswar – the holiest of the Gods, the Holy Trinity, are in perpetual meditation on the three vertices of the triangular shaped Satopanth Tal (Lake). That’s why its ambience is so ethereal. Nobody dares to break the all-pervading cloak of silence around here.


                                                             ||शुभम भवतु ||

Satopanth Tal (Lake):..... Route to Heaven.....From Mana To Satopanth...The Vivacious Path.

.  ........ Journey on the way of Pandavas .........

DAY......2

The Satopanth Lake, 25 kms from Badrinath, could be reached after a difficult trek of two-day with night rest at Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha. Caves in those stopovers are used as the night shelter. Around Badrinath every place is steeped in legends so are Lakshmi Van and Chakratirtha. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi ( goddess of wealth)and her husband Narayan ( the preserver) meditated in Lakshmiban and Chakratirtha respectively and while meditating Narayan kept his famous Sudarshan Chraka on the valley which depressed by the weight of that Chakra to form a beautiful round shaped meadow surrounded by lofty mountains.

Flora @ Chamtoli BUgyal...

It was still dark, around 5 in the morning, when I woke up. As I fell asleep around 8 in the night, an early rise was obvious. Even dog-tired souls just cannot sleep more than 9 hours. As I looked with some trepidation towards the dangerous trail that lay ahead that we have to traverse, the first few sunrays touched the snow crested peaks of Himalayas and the peaks erupted into a blaze. Stunned, I devour the sight — a prodigious fire on snow peaks. All of yesterdays’ hassles and hardships have turned into a beautiful gift.

Sun Rays Kissing The Himalayan Peaks @ Dawn...

Himalaya takes a lot but gives back plenty; one could not hold it in ones palm, it always overflows. These blessed mountains were so compactly filled with God's beauty of Sunshine....

Sun rays Kissing The Himalayan Peaks @ Dawn..

I felt Nature is the most thrifty thing in the world; she never wastes anything;she undergoes change, but there's no annihilation - the essence remains.The first act of awe,I was strucked with the beauty or wonder of Nature, was the first spiritual experience."

Fire Ablaze On The Himalayan peaks...

The most sad part of the trek. Prasad has to return back to Badrinath. Previous night he had severe breathing problem and his pulse was dropped to 60. He got fever also. In the morning we made the decision and he returned back and Me,Vishram,Sanjay,Vish,Ana ,Sunil stayed there to proceed further. Everybody was crying at that time.Our guides went with him to guide him up to the Vasudhara trail and after that he was about l return back and start for Chakrateerth.

Prasad and Devendra Rana Back To Vasudhara Falls..

This day was expected to be a hard day as we planned to cover the additional distance of the previous day's shortfall to reach Chakratirtha in the evening, as scheduled. As the valley is inside towering mountain walls, we had to wait for the sun to dry our tents. At nine a.m. Devendra came back and we walked along trackless paths and over large boulders.

This is path towards Banglung glacier....Boulders and Glaciers..

Clambering up the loose moraine, going two steps forward and sliding one step down, with a few water falls and snow peaks giving company; it is laborious and event less except a few land slides and rock falls that nearly killed us. But by that time, such happenings were ‘all in a days’ work’!

Pathless journey...

While approaching Lakshmi Van, just opposite the Banglung Glacier snout point at Alkapuri ,On the way Devendra Sing showed us a valley, high up on the mountain and said, “ O dekhiye Alakapuri”( See there is Alakapuri)”! Alakapuri, the abode of Kuber, the God of wealth, was immortalized by Kalidas – the great ancient poet, in his book of verse “Meghdutam..

The Alaknanda rises at the confluence and feet of the Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand.opposite the snout point of Banglung Glacier..

Alaknanda Becomes Broad Here...On The left Bank...The Trees Are Laxmi Van...

At Lakshmi Van we saw Bhuj Plants that grow in the Himalayan region at altitudes over 10000 feet. In ancient days, the leaves of the bark of these plants were used for manuscripts.it is here Sahdev breathed his last..

Laxmi Van...Lakshmi-van. This is an amazing spot, believed to the place where goddess Lakshmi is supposed to have meditated.contains Bhurj Patra trees..

At Bandhar we got the first view of the Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier which emerges from Mt. Bhagirathi I, II & III and continues to meet the Banglung Glacier at Alkapuri. Mt. Bhagirathi I (22488 feet), II (21359 feet) & III (21169 feet) were visible from here. From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.

(L to R) Bhagirathi II,III and I.Bhagirathi are the group of three high peaks namely Bhagirathi - I,II,III with the height of 6856,6512,6454 in garhwal himalayas.

Taking rest in between hopping over the bolders.That was a powerful stream we crossed.At Bandhar Nakul was released from his earthly life.

The Glacier Zone Begins.At Bandhar we got the first view of the Bhagirathi Kharak Glacier which emerges from Mt. Bhagirathi I, II & III and continues to meet the Banglung Glacier at Alkapuri.

By the time we reached Sahashradhara at 2:30 pm, the weather was rapidly deteriorating, as it is wont to do in the late afternoons. We decided to pitch our tents at the bank of a narrow stream. As it was not a proper camping site, the wind at this altitude of some 14,000 feet was harsh and biting cold. Most members were feeling the ill-affects of high altitude. The west face of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) was visible from here. From Badrinath we can view the East face.

Beautiful cloud formation from Neelkanth.

At Sahastradhara lots of streams were coming down and those were very powerful.Eventually, on the verge of collapse, we reached our destination. As we collapsed on the last ridge – the valley laying under us,Ana, my companion uttered a full sentence of the day, she was too busy to save his life. She said wearily, “Well, we are saved

Sahastradhara falls,15 kms from Mana.From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.

Icy winds blew through the night and it was biting cold. As is often so at higher altitudes, we could not sleep properly. We awoke to the thick layer of fresh snow on the narrow stream beside which we pitched our tents. There were footprints which some claimed are the rare snow leopard believed to be occasionally sighted in these regions

Sahastradhara falls,15 kms from Mana.From Bandhar upto Sahashradhara the path was entirely over boulders strewn over a narrow ridge.

It was a clear morning and we were mesmerized by the spell-binding views of the snow capped peaks of Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet), Mt. Chaukhamba (23413 feet) and Mt. Balakun (20040 feet). As this place was behind Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet) in the east, we had the same problem of not getting sun rays early in the morning. We also waited for the chilled wind to stop.At last,We started at 9 a.m.,climbing long distances over boulders, short of breath and stamina, keenly aware of the scarcity of oxygen in the air.We took 1.5 hours to cross 2 km. The most dangerous part I encountered during the trek.

We decided to cross the region over this knife ridge and that was a terrible decision.One side of this ridge(R) is the glacier zone and to the left is the valley...

We reached Chakratirtha at about 12 noon to snack on our supply of dry foods, hoping to continue upto Satopanth Tal, but some members reached after 1 p.m., so we decided to camp at Chakratirtha. The valley at 15,000 feet has a large grassland and we basked in the afternoon sun, here.

camp at Chakratirtha.here the great Yogi,Nar and Great Warrior breathed his last...

Surrounded by lofty snow peaks, Chakratirtha, a well shaped circular green meadow, around 2 kms in length and 1.5 kms in breath, was a relief amidst the harsh environment. A small rivulet of about three feet wide divided the meadow in two halves. We witnessed terrifying avalanches off Mt. Satopanth (23206 feet) & Mt. Parvati and heard the gigantic sounds of glaciers breaking. Quite suddenly the sun vanished and it was entirely white, far in the distance. The snowfall which started at about 3 p.m. did not last long.

Sunset on Balakun.. Balakun Peak is located at the distance of 16 km from Badrinath. Balakun is situated north west to Badrinath. Balakun is situated between Bhagirathi Kharak glacier and Satopanth glacier.The peak is situated north east of Nilkanth peak. The Alaknanda river originates from below this peak by the melting of these two glaciers at an altitude of 3641 mts. The two glaciers rise from the eastern slopes of Chaukhamba (7140 mts) peak and wrapped around the Balakun peak..

At Chakrateertha, The Great yogi and The Great Warrior Arjun Breathed his last..At Chakrateerth only it is said that Arjun did penance for Lord Shiva before the Mahabharat war to have the great Pashupatastra...

We witnessed terrifying avalanches off Mt. Satopanth (23206 feet) & Mt. Parvati and heard the gigantic sounds of glaciers breaking. Quite suddenly the sun vanished and it was entirely white, far in the distance. The snowfall which started at about 3 p.m. did not last long. It is mount satopanth at sunset.

Next day morning clouds removed from the sky and weather became so beautiful.Balakun was bright,Parvati peak was also visible.

Stunning Balakun(20040 feet)-After sunrise,Balakun.

Parvati Peak visible

We were now about to start our last climb towards the holy Satopanth Lake surrounded by lofty mountain from .Chakratirtha to Satopant Tal. It was Ekadasi, when it is believed that Lord Narayana Himself bathes in these sacred waters.An unknown power was dragging us towards the holy lake and we were walking in solitude,silence as no body wanted to ruin the Divine silence created by Nature.....We Walked Towards That Unseen,Divine Power.

In the morning darkness still enveloped us till quite suddenly the first rays of sunlight bathed the tip of Mt. Chaukhamba. Then started the fantastic colour changes on the snow. Initially pink, the colurs turned to shades of vermillion, red, orange, ochre and yellow until the sunlight shed its radiance on the entire region.

Satopanth Tal (Lake):..... Route to Heaven.....From Mana To Satopanth...The Vivacious Path...

.......... Journey on the way of Pandavas .........

DAY:1....

Finally On 6th September 2000 we were on our hazardous journey towards Satopanth Lake....Swargarohini....The Way Pandavas traveled....It was my dream to trek to the trail the Pandavas undertook to reach Heaven - a spiritual journey. it was the toughest trek of all - days and days on rocks/boulders/glaciers/ridges/moraines.....
 

Satopanth Tal. It's a triangular shaped lake with each side about 1 Km. long. The crystal clear water had a greenish colour and all around the lake stands mighty Himalayan snow peaks. From left to right, they are Mt. Neelkanth (21638 feet), Mt. Satopanth (23,206 feet), Mt. Swargarohini (20507 feet), Mt. Chaukhamba I (23413 feet) and Mt. Balakun (20040 feet). As we came down at the bank of the lake we saw the reflection of Mt. Chaukhamba on the water. It was beautiful beyond expression.

This was my dream destination from many years and was now thrilled to be on the way on my dream to reach my dream destination...though it was really toughest we gathered courage and strength to complete it..We reached @ Mana Again @ 8 a.m....Before we started ,we took tea in "India's last tea Shop" at Mana..At the end of mana each tourist stops to have tea at this last tea shop of India.chandra Sinh Badwal is running this tea shop from last 20 years and we can get many types of tea here...from common to herbal tea..
 

Last Tea Shop Of India...@ Mana...

I am giving here the description of this destination for those who have not read the first part of this path...Satopanth...Swargar ohini(Stairs to Heaven)...

According to Hindu mythology, Satopanth Tal is on the route taken by the Panch Pandavas on their Swarga Yatra. At various places their name remains as a memorial of this sacred journey. At the starting point at Mana, 3 km away from Badrinath, is the natural rock bridge, Bhima Pul. Here, Bhima is believed to have made the bridge over the river Saraswati so Draupadi could cross. At Lakshmi Ban, Draupadi is believed to have breathed her last. In the austere barren landscape at an altitude of 12600 feet, strewn with huge boulders, bhuj plants grow in the small patch of Lakshmi Ban. At Bandhar, it is said that Yudhishthir's thirst was quenched by the baan or arrow shot by Arjun which caused a stream of water to gush forth from the very Earth. At Bhimbar, the rock pillar commemorates Bhima's release from earthly life. At Chakratirtha the great yogi and warrior, Arjun gave up his body. Ahead, only Yudhishthir with his dog, who was indeed Dharma Raja himself, went in his mortal form, negotiating dangerous glaciers and hidden crevasses. At Satopanth Tal, the celestial rath or vehicle received him.

With us were high altitude guide Devendra Rana of Joshimath, who has accompanied expeditions to various Himalayan summits in the Himalayas. The rest of the team, all from Joshimath included Dilawar Singh Rana, one of the most able porters. Surendra Singh Rawat was the oldest and most experienced porter. Harendra Singh Rawat was the youngest which was compensated by his enthusiasm and good cheer.

This trek generally takes 5 days. We scheduled an extra day staying overnight at Satopath. The trek begins at Mana, 10500 feet, 3 Km from Badrinath.
# Day 1: Mana to Chamtoli (12000 feet) 8 Km.
# Day 2: Chamtoli to Lakshmi Ban (12600 feet) 1 Km.
Lakshmi Ban to Bandhar (13000 feet) 2 Km.
Bandhar to Shahasra Dhara (14000 feet) 4 Km.
# Day 3: Sahasra Dhara to Chakratirtha (15000 feet) 5 Km.
# Day 4: Chakratirtha to Satopanth Tal (16000 feet) 5 Km.
# Day 5: Satopanth Tal to Bandhar (13000 feet) 14 Km.
# Day 6: Bandhar to Mana (10500 feet) 11 Km.

The Bridge On Alaknanda From Which We Started Our Journey...

Our first days trek was from Mana to Chamtoli. The pre-arranged guide and porters reported on time. We had planned on leaving at 8 a.m. but had to wait because of a new regulation for trekkers to Satopanth Tal. As this area is close to the Indo-China Border, we needed a permit from the DM"s office at Joshimath. Necessary permission is only issued after verification of Indian Citizenship on producing a valid Photo Identity Card. Our able guide cum High Altitude porter, Devendra Rana, who was familiar with the route also knew the officer-incharge at Mana ITBP (Indo-Tibet Border Police) check post. After considerable argument we were given permission on producing a written application stating that all responsibility for any mishaps on the Satopanth Tal route were squarely ours.

Mountain opposite the town which can be reached by crossing the river Alaknanda...

After crossing Alaknanda I took this image of sun rays which were protruding from where we came...

We finally started our trek at 11 a.m. Unlike the mythological route, we had to cross the river Alkananda at Mana by a rope bridge. We were walking along the right bank of the river till we reached a landslide zone. This area was at least half km and has to be covered without taking any rest in between. Every now and then rock pieces fell from the top on our left. We had to cross the area cautiously yet rapidly. On our right side the raging waters of the Alkananda flowed downstream. Thereafter, we had to climb a loose boulder wall of some 500 feet having a gradient of at least 75 degrees. This was a tiresome haul on the first day. 
 

The Land Slide Zone Towards Vasudhara Falls...

Vasudhara Falls were visible from distance.Vasudhara falls.....in memory of Ashta Vasus who Did A Penance Here... A few minutes walk on the Vasudhara trail will take you to a small temple, one dedicated to Draupadi or Shakthi (whose reincarnation was Draupadi). According to the story, this is the place where Draupadi fell. Like the Pandavas, we carried on towards our destination.We were watching the amazing mana Peak From Mana pass...

Duet Mana Peak Viewed From Mana Pass...

Northeast of Badrinath is another impressive cluster of mountain peaks. The mountains rise almost on the Indo-Tibetan border with Mana and Kamet as the principal peaks. Mana itself marks the eastern extremity of the Zanskar range. It lies between the pass of the same name and the Niti Pass.

There views are awesome as you walk towards Vasudhara falls.The Trail Towards Vasudhara...

There views are awesome as you walk towards Vasudhara falls. There were some bushes all along the otherwise barren landscape, with bright red and orange berries on them. Though the signboard said 5 kms to Vasudhara, we felt it was more than that.. probably it was just our legs complaining. This trek was relatively easy without any steep climbs. The falls was visible at a distance and we thought its just a hill away. But we had to walk across atleast another 4 hills and a stream before we could finally reach it.

The trail Surrounded By Mountain Peaks Embedded With Snow...

Vasudhara falls drops from a height of 125 meters, but due to the height the water falls down like a shower of droplets. It was really cold out there and only Jayan managed to take a shower. The rest of us sat there watching the falls and the mist covered valley below. The tranquility of the place was amazing, no wonder why all the yogis choose to go to the Himalayas to meditate.

Distant View of Vasudhara Falls...

A myth or belief is that the Ashtavasus did Tap for 1000 yrs here,and the holy water of this fall dont fall on head of a person who has done tremendous sins..The moment seemed to be freeze forever as we were completely immersed in the immense beauty of the nature..

Vasudhara Falls and Draupadi Temple...

At vasudhara falls Draupadi Breathed her last...At her memory a small temple is built here and dedicated to her as Shakti....An idol of Draupadi is worshipped in this temple...

An Idol Of Draupadi

Vasudhara Falls...A Rainbow...

Ahead, the path till Chamtoli Bugyal (Meadows or Mat Of Grass) was reasonable. Though we had planned on a night halt further on at Bandhar, the mornings delay saw us pitching tent at Chamtoli at 3 p.m. This is a beautiful green flat valley just opposite the Vasudhara Falls..Far away from vasudhara falls the glacier divider was visible. Satopanth glacier (left) and Vagirath Kharga glacier (right) made Alkapuri here.

Satopanth glacier (left) and Bhagirath Kharga glacier (right) made Alkapuri here.

We were on the way to Chamtoli Bugyal...but the path was risky as we had to cross Dhano glacier which ice flow was making us like ice skeletons...

Dhano Glacier...

Crossing Dhano Glacier was a thrilling experience as to walk on a glacier is a life and death situation...If a glacier starts melting or bursting there is no chance of survival...

Crossing Dhano Glacier...

We took a bit rest and started walking towards the beautiful Chamtolo Bugyal..Neelaknth came from clouds and was at its full glow...What a beauty it was...Also snow capped Mt.Kuber was visible from clouds...It was a divine beauty of the Himalayas that we were stunned to see the peaks and their glory..We almost forget to breath by this amazing scene and beauty of Nature...

Mount Kuber @ Sun Set...visible from Chamtoli Bugyal...

Snow capped mountains,Glaciers,rugged paths,fresh green meadow of Chamtoli bygyal,And a variety of flowers...We almost forgot our strain of steep climbs,crossing risky Dhano glacier.Our Porters started to pitch tents and our preparing for the dinner..

Neelkanth @ Sun Set...

At Chamtoli Bugyal we found so many varieties of beautiful flowers,lush green meadows of grass.i could not resist myself from taking photographs of these awesome beautiful macros.Till tents were pitched up and dinner being prepared we took as many as photographs we can.

Amazing Flora @ chamtoli Bugyal...

Amazing Flora @ chamtoli Bugyal...

Amazing Flora @ chamtoli Bugyal...

Amazing Flora @ chamtoli Bugyal...

The Place where Ved Vyas has said to Split the 4 Vedas...This rock represents the split vedas...

this is a photograph where Ved vyas has said to split the 4 vedas...the rock is been divided in 2 parts...it is said that one split of the rock represents Rigveda and yajurveda and the other split represents the atharva and Saam vedas.

Our tents...Engulfing Clouds and Vasudhara falls @ Far Distance..

The weather was deteriorating...The clouds were engulfing....the snow fall began...temperature began to fall below sub zero..Chilly winds started blowing...Sun light began to fade fast...and the Night started falling..We started becoming ice skeletons and the porters reminded us to safe guard us from the AMS(Altitude Mountain Sickness.)..it was only 7.30 in the evening but the darkness was coming closer so fast..We had Rice Khichadi,Maggi...made by the porters.

Moon rise Over Chamtoli Bugyal...

We had no other substitute other than sleeping early as we had to start early in the morning towards Bandhar...the next Pit Stop...our journey continued...