Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is popular among trekkers as they are exposed not only to the hiking trails and dense forests but also to the beauty of Dodital Lake. In Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a freshwater lake named Dodital Lake is situated. This sacred lake is named after Sage Dodi, who seems to have meditated here. A holy river named Assi Ganga emerges from this lake and merges with the Bhagirathi River at Uttarkashi. The trekking trails take the trekkers through beautiful landscapes and make them witness the diverse fauna and flora that are hidden in the mountains.
Route Of Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
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This trek starts from a tiny village in Uttarkashi district in the Northern Indian State of Uttarakhand. Sangam Chetti is exactly where trekkers arrive to start the Dodital Darwa Pass Trek. This village is easily accessible from the city of Uttarkashi via a small road trip covering dense forests and shady canopies. About 11 km from Sangam Chetti, after covering a trail of wood and pine trees, trekkers arrive at Agoda Village, where the trekking for Dodital Lake begins. This lake is a basecamp for all the trekkers proceeding ahead to a higher altitude than this lake which is 3024 metres above the sea level. The trek’s highest point is Darwa Pass Point, which is at an altitude of 4150 metres.
Renowned peaks such as Bandarpunch and Swargarohini are snow-clad.
Must Read: Uttarkashi Resorts
Places To Visit Nearby Dodital Darwa Pass
This trek offers an amazing trekking experience and hands over an opportunity to explore the surrounding villages each renowned for a reason. Here is a list of places that you can explore:
1. Uttarkashi
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As the name reveals, Kashi of the North, Uttarkashi, is a tiny village located in Uttarakhand. The place is of utmost significance to Hindus and is also known as Somya Kashi. Located on the banks of River Bhagirathi, this place is a gateway for numerous trekking routes. These trek routes fall particularly in the Garhwal Region, which is famous for its Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other attractions in Uttarkashi include the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering which teaches the very famous mountaineering history and training facilities. Uttarkashi is one of the most sacred places and mediational grounds where sages are believed to gain solace.
Location: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India – 249193
Distance From The Starting Point Of Dodital Darwa Pass Trek: 16 km
2. Gangotri
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Gangotri is an important center for Hindu Pilgrimage on the banks of River Bhagirathi. This place is about a hundred kilometers away from Uttarkashi which is the main district headquarters. Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Mythology conveys that Lord Shiva released the sacred river from his locked hair and hence, the origin of the Ganges River. Beautiful Himalayan mountains surround the temple. Gangotri attracts not only visitors but trekkers alike. A preferred trek to this place called the Gaumukh Trek takes the experiencers to one of the glaciers of the Ganges which offers outstanding views of the peaks.
Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand – 249135
Distance From The Starting Point Of Dodital Darwa Pass Trek: 116 km
Suggested Read: Hill stations In Uttrakhand
3. Harsil
Image Credit: Harsil for Wikimedia Commons
Harsil village also comprises an army area which guards the area around it. The village comes in the way while visiting the center of the Hindu Pilgrimage, Gangotri. The tiny village doesn’t have much of a religious significance but is renowned for its lush apple orchards. Visitors can spot the Bhagirathi River flowing alongside this picturesque town. It serves as a basecamp and gateway for trekking routes to multiple places like Dharali, Sat, and Tal. One of the popular peaks of Kalanag is visible from Harsil. Another tourist spot in the proximity to this village is the Gangotri National Park which is 30 km away.
Location: Harsil Village, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India – 249141
Distance From The Starting Point Of Dodital Darwa Pass Trek: 81 km
Things To Do At The Trek
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Several exciting things are to be done while trekking on the route. The trek provides a wholesome experience that is worth the penny.
- Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting
A diverse range of flora and fauna are spotted in between the trekking trails. Birdwatching activity is the most preferred activity by nature lovers during the trek. - Darwa Pass
Darwa Pass is located at a height of 4150 meters and overlooks majestic valleys and huge mountain peaks. The views are simply breathtaking. - Camping
It is recommended to stay by the campsites that are set up surrounded by alpine meadows. Beautiful flowers can be seen with evenings spent under the starlit sky. - Local Culture
To know about the local lifestyle of the residents of villages like Sangam Chetti and Agoda, visitors and trekkers shall stay by. Learn about the traditions, culture, rituals, and daily chores of these Himalayan Villages.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Uttarkashi
Local Cuisine Of The Region
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The local cuisine depicts the region’s simplicity and hearty lifestyle. These are some fine dishes that trekkers might encounter on their way.
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- Urad Dal
This is a common black lentil preparation in the region. This dal is cooked with minimal spices and seasoned with ghee and garlic. It is served with steamed rice or roti. - Chainsoo
This is a form of Urad Dal. The dal is crushed and made into a thick paste, then cooked with mustard seeds and cumin. This protein-rich dish is eaten with rice and roti. - Buransh Juice
This is a tangy drink made from the rhododendron flowers. It is served chilled and has a medicinal purpose. - Phaanu
Phaanu is a traditional lentil stew made from a mixture of gram seeds, kidney beans, etc. The seeds are crushed into a thick paste, slow-cooked with cumin seeds and asafoetida, and served with rice.
- Urad Dal
Further Read: Places To Visit In Uttarkashi
Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is truly an expedition that trekkers must try. It leaves them with an experience that is simply unmatched. The trek brings you so close to nature that it leaves a mark on your soul. Dodital Darwa Pass Trek is a mixture of trekking trails that hold strategic importance and reflect this sacred place’s religious aspect. Whether you explore the nearby worth-visiting places or dive into an experience that this trek promises you, your trip to Uttarkashi will leave you with innumerable memories that bring you back to this place.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dodital Darwa Pass Trek
Where is the starting point of the Dodital trek?
Dodital Darwa Pass Trek starts from a tiny village named Sangam Chetti. The trekking route passes through dense forests and high-altitude areas. It finally arrives at Dodital Lake at the end.
How high is the Dodital Darwa Pass trek?
Dodital Darwa Pass Trek ends on a point that is almost 4151 meters above sea level. A sacred lake called Dodital Lake is perched at an altitude of 3024 meters. This trek takes you through the deep jungles of Uttarkashi.
Which trek is hardest?
One of the hardest treks done in India is the Chadar Trek. This trek takes the trekkers through an enchanting frozen river in Ladakh’s Zanskar area. The temperatures decrease up to -30 degrees Celsius.
How tall is the Darwa top?
The Darwa Top is perched at 4131 meters above sea level. This point is the highest when trekking through the Dodital Darwa Pass. This place offers amazing views of the snow-clad mountains.
What is Dodital famous for?
Mythologically it is believed that Dodital is famous as it is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. It is also the place of the emergence of Assi Ganga. Assi Ganga is a tributary to the Bhagirathi River.
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