Hidden in the depths of Uttarakhand is a freshwater lake called Dodital that is surrounded by oak, deodar and rhododendron forests and the Himalayas. Locally known as Dodi, it is situated at 3,657 metres above sea level and is the habitat of freshwater trout, Himalayan monal and other birds. The Assi Ganga River emerges from Dodital Lake and joins the Bhagirathi River at the confluence of Gangotri in the Uttarkashi district. Visitors to the lake, which has many legends linked to Lord Ganesh, can enjoy recreational activities like angling, boating and birdwatching, but getting there is where the fun is at. Trekkers will make their way through meadows and green fields in the summer while the winter brings snow and a deep solitude.

　　If you’re considering going on a winter hike soon, here’s a day-by-day itinerary of the Dodital Lake Trek.

　　Day 1: Uttarkashi – Sangamchatti – Agoda – Bebra

　　The starting point of the Dodital Trek is at Sangamchatti, a 39-minute drive from Uttarkashi town. Sangamchatti lies beside the Assi Ganga River, and the winding trail is steep and rocky from here. About five kilometres into the trek, you will arrive at the village of Agoda. From here, you can see Bakra Top and Dayara Bugyal in the distance. The trail from Agoda to Bebra is not very steep compared to that from Sangamchatti to Agoda. The downhill route to Bebra is located in a valley, and the walk down is dotted with tea shacks. Expect to reach Bebra by early evening and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at one of the local food joints.

　　Day 2: Bebra To Manjhi

　　If you are going in winter, the nine-kilometre trail from Bebra to Manjhi will be covered in snow, and the lake will be frozen over. On the way, you will find beautiful views of alpine trees set against a blue sky with the Dayara Bugyal in the background. After approximately four and a half hours, you will reach Manjhi, where you can see the Bandarpunch massif of the Garhwal Himalayas.

　　Day 3: Manjhi To Dodital Lake

　　Today’s trek will be a leisurely six-kilometre walk to Dodital Lake. The path to it passes through frozen streams where you can take in the beauty of the winter landscape. The view of Dodital Lake begins to expand as you inch closer to the end of the trail. The vast expanse of the mountains and the tranquil environs of the lake will fill you with a sense of serenity and tranquility, an elusive feeling if you live in a city. Make camp by the shore of Dodital, visit the Ganesh Temple that is located near the lake, explore the surroundings and stargaze at night.

　　Day 4: Dodital Lake – Darwa Top – Dodital Lake

　　After taking in the beautiful view of the lake and that of the Bandarpunch massif, trek to Darwa Pass, which is situated at an altitude of over 4,000 metres. The five-kilometre hike to reach it is steep, but the views are worth it. Rhododendron trees dot the landscape and as you keep gaining altitude towards the summit, the treeline starts to fade away and mountain views begin to open up. The last leg of the trek is particularly difficult as you have to trudge on a steep and long trail. From Darwa Top, you can clearly see the Bandarpunch massif and some other peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Draupadi Ka Danda (approximately 5,600 metres), Srikantha (6,133 metres), Jaonli (6,632 metres), Kalanag (6,387 metres) and the Swargarohini group (6,252 metres). After spending some time at the top and relishing the views, return to Dodital Lake. Keep in mind that it may be impossible to go beyond Dodital Lake in the winter due to the heavy snow.

　　Day 5: Dodital Lake To Sangamchatti

　　The last day of your trek you will involve traversing 22 kilometres, the longest distance in one day. From Manjhi, it is a rapid decline, so be mindful of rocky paths. You can expect to reach Sangamchatti by early evening. Once there, head back to Uttarkashi town.

　　Getting There

　　Take a flight to Dehradun Airport (DED) or the train to Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH). From these places, take a bus or taxi to the town of Uttarkashi, which is well-connected by road to major cities like Dehradun (144 kilometres), Rishikesh (162 kilometres) and Haridwar (187 kilometres).