Article Published On - 18-12-2024
The Dodital-Darwa Pass trek takes us deep into the Assi Ganga Valley’s lush forest landscapes. Starting from Agoda village, this 40km journey through Uttarakhand’s dense jungles culminates with breathtaking Dodital Lake at 3,024 meters and climbs to reach the lofty Darwa Pass at 4,151 meters – offering an exhilarating journey! Locals revere Dodital Lake – commonly referred to as Dhundi-tal or Ganesha-katal – as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha, his sacred birthplace and place of rest. As the primary source of the Assi Ganga River, which eventually flows into the Bhagirathi River, this pristine freshwater lake becomes an exquisite winter wonderland during the cold months, blanketed by the majestic Barahat Range. A serene Ganpati Temple can be found nestled on its right bank.
The path to the lake offers breathtaking vistas, from rustic mountain hamlets and dense foliage to vibrant green landscapes dotted with bubbling brooks and earth-toned rock formations. As travellers progress along their ascent, the landscape morphs into a breathtaking tapestry of pine, deodar, golden oak trees, and silver oaks, providing a truly magnificent vista on their journey towards Dodital. The Darwa Pass, a difficult ascent of over 1,100 meters, offers trekkers spectacular views of majestic mountains like Mt. Bandarpoonch, Srikanth, and Black Peak. Trekking this mountain gateway has been used for centuries as part of their pilgrimage route from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri via Darwa Pass; during winter months, its steep slopes become covered in deep snowfall. Reaching Darwa Pass can present some acclimatization difficulties due to its rapid elevation gain and winter snow conditions, making the journey both exhilarating and action-packed.
Day 1: Arrival at Agoda Village
On Day One of this trek, participants travel from Dehradun to Agoda Village, located within Bhatwari Tehsil of Uttarkashi, which serves as our trek’s starting point. Trekup India transportation begins the day early at a designated meeting point in Dehradun and heads along a stunning scenic route that passes through the Garhwal region via Dhanaulti on Mussoorie road en route to Agoda with breathtaking mountain views en route. Along the way, the Bhagirathi River comes into view; its jade-colored waters flowing from Chinyalisaur to Maneri among towering pine trees. A smaller trek divides off here and leads towards Sangamchetti, where the Assi Ganga River meets Varna River before winding its way up through Sangamchetti onto Agoda via a steep dirt path and an Agoda settlement where an official briefing will be given outlining the trek itinerary, essential information, and environmental guidelines.
Day 2: Agoda to Manjhi
Today’s journey starts early after an invigorating breakfast. From Agoda, we head toward Dodital via narrow pathways before stopping mid-journey in Manjhi to set up camp and spend the night. As we ascend, the trek opens into a stunning oak forest before leading us along steep stone steps carved into the side of a massive rock outcrop. Following these, the silver oak jungle greeted us as we moved deeper into the Uttarkashi region. The sweet fragrance of oak trees creates a relaxing environment as we travel towards Bhebra village. En route, we pass crystal-clear streams that converge into an amazing emerald-green pool – truly breathtaking sights to behold. After traversing numerous streams and boulder-strewn terrains, the trek becomes steeper for approximately 4km before leading us directly to our campsite for the night.
Day 3: Manjhi to Dodital Lake
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast in Manjhi, our day will begin in a relaxed fashion with a gentle stroll through dense woodland punctuated by small streams gurgling softly nearby. As we near the end of our journey, the path gradually slopes downwards until reaching Annapurna Temple and Dodital via Lord Ganesha Temple; at our campsite boasting stunning views of Dodital Lake with plenty of time before sunset to unwind and take in our surroundings – refreshments and dinner will be served before retiring to sleep prepared for temperatures that could drop as low as -15degC depending on weather patterns during December months!
Day 4: Dodital Lake to Darwa Pass (4,151M) back to Dodital Lake
Today is our day to reach the summit! We will start our climb early this morning towards Darwa Pass, which involves climbing more than 1,127 meters from our current campsite. Once we’ve enjoyed a delicious breakfast and made sure we are dressed accordingly, we will begin heading towards the snow-covered pass. To lighten our load further, only essential items will be carried in a day pack, leaving our backpacks at camp since we will return later. As we ascend from Dodital to Darwa Pass, the trek is lined with golden oak trees and lush vegetation, as well as streams formed from melting snow that run alongside our path. As we make progress uphill, the landscape changes from lakes to towering peaks of the Garhwal range. Water becomes scarcer as we progress upward, making the final stretch to Darwa Pass an especially steep ascent. From there, we will have breathtaking views of Mt. Srikanth Peak, Deoli, Bandarpoonch, Draupadika Danda, Hanuman Ganga Valley, and Hanuman Ganga Valley before returning downhill towards Dodital for lunch and camping overnight.
Day 5: Dodital to Agoda
Today, we journey down through familiar terrain, following the beautiful trek that winds through forests and along the Assi Ganga river. Reliving highlights of our mountain adventure while sharing stories and memories with fellow trekkers is sure to keep your spirits up as time seems to fly by quickly! After stopping off for lunch in Bhebra, we continue towards Agoda, where time seems to pass swiftly before gathering together at dinner for debriefing and reflection, before enjoying some restful relaxation before beginning our road journey tomorrow morning.
Day 6: Agoda to Dehradun
Following breakfast, we’ll board our cab and head toward Dehradun on an approximately 7-hour journey, including a potential lunch break along the way.
Dodital Darwa Pass Trek should be experienced between April and June, and September and November for optimal conditions. In spring and early summer months, you will find blooming rhododendrons along with lush forests, while after monsoon, the skies become clear with crisp, cool air that offers stunning views of mountains like Bandarpunch and Swargarohini.
On Air: Fly into Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 160km from Uttarkashi. Drive then drive towards Agoda.
By Rail: Dehradun or Rishikesh are your nearest railway stations, with bus or taxi service to Uttarkashi available from here.
By Road: Taxis/buses regularly depart Dehradun/Rishikesh and Uttarkashi/Sangam Chatti for Agoda Village.
Head Of Mountain Experts
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