Trek difficulty
Easy
Trek duration
22 Days
Trek altitude
7075 meters
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
79 KM
Basecamp
Uttarakhand
Best Time
May and June | September and October
Pickup Point
Dehradun
The Mt. Satopanth Expedition is one of the most demanding mountain expeditions in India. Many respect it for its sharp pyramid shape. It features technical climbing routes that attract experienced mountaineers. These climbers come to test their endurance. They test their skills at extreme altitude. Good decision making is necessary for this climb.
Satopanth means ‘true path’ that stands tall in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is located near Badrinath and Kedarnanth. The peak has a rich mountaineering legacy. A Swiss expedition led by André Roch first scaled it in 1947. This was one of the early successful climbs of a major Himalayan peak.
The mountain rises above vast glaciers. Rugged icefalls and knife edge ridges surround it. Satopanth is historically important. It is also technically formidable. This is not a trekking peak. It demands advanced climbing skills. You need strong acclimatization. Prior high altitude expedition experience is necessary.
Height: 7,075 meters (23,212 feet)
Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, near Badrinath
Mountain Range: Central Himalayas
Mt. Satopanth is among the notable 7000 meter peaks in India. This height bracket pushes climbers into the true high altitude zone. The mountain holds spiritual significance. It is close to Satopanth Tal. This is a revered glacial lake linked to Hindu mythology.
Day 1: Drive From Dehradun to Gangotri
Day 2: Acclimatization in Gangotri
Day 3: Trek from Gangotri to Bhojwasa
Day 4: Trek from Bhojwasa to Tapovan
Day 5: Trek from Tapovan to Nandanvan
Day 6: Trek from Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (base camp)
Day 7: Acclimatisation at Base Camp
Day 8 to 19: Base Camp to Satopanth Peak Summit and back to Base camp
Day 20: Trek From Vasuki Taal to Bhojwasa
Day 21: Trek From Bhojwasa to Gangotri
Day 22: Drive From Gangotri to Dehradun
Mt. Satopanth is a very difficult climb. It is one of the more demanding mountain expeditions in India. This serious 7000 meter peak in India requires advanced mountaineering techniques. You need strong acclimatization. You must have prior high altitude climbing experience.
Climbers face steep sections. Ridges are exposed. Fatigue is a major factor above 6,500 meters because oxygen levels drop.
Overall Alpine Grade: Alpine PD+ to AD (varies by route and season) which means the difficulty level of Mt. Satopanth Peak is difficult to very difficult. The expedition has crampon and rope use and steep ice climbing which needs experienced climber
Expedition Style: Traditional Himalayan expedition with fixed ropes and multiple camps
Altitude Category: Extreme High Altitude (above 7,000 m)
The route to the summit includes several challenges. You will navigate crevasses across the Satopanth Glacier. Upper sections have steep snow slopes with 45° to 60° gradients. Ice walls and mixed terrain require fixed ropes. The summit ridge is narrow. It is often very windy. These features make Satopanth a technical Himalayan mountaineering expedition. It is not just a high altitude trek.
To attempt the Mt. Satopanth expedition, climbers need specific skills. You should have experience on 6000m to 6500m peaks. You must be proficient with an ice axe. You need to know crampon techniques. You must be able to use a jumar on fixed ropes. You need to know how to rappel. Crevasse rescue knowledge is necessary. You need strong endurance for long days. You must understand high altitude acclimatization.
Satopanth has technical terrain. It is only for trained mountaineers who want to climb a challenging 7000 meter peak in India.
The Mount Satopanth Expedition is best undertaken during two primary climbing windows in the year, pre-monsoon (May–June) and post-monsoon (September–early October).
The pre-monsoon period is considered the best time to climb Mount Satopanth.
Base Camp: -5°C to 10°C
Higher Camps: -15°C to -5°C
Summit Push: Can drop below -20°C
This season is highly recommended for commercial expeditions and climbers attempting Satopanth for the first time.
The post-monsoon season is another good window for the Satopanth Peak Expedition, especially for experienced climbers.
Base Camp: -8°C to 8°C
Higher Camps: -18°C to -8°C
Summit Night: Can go below -20°C
This is a list of trek essentials. Items that you need to carry by participants. These items will not be provided by the company. In this list some items are also marked as optional. We have divided this by 5 categories.
Rucksack (1) – A sturdy trekking backpack with a rain cover.
Day Pack (Optional) – Useful for summit day or short acclimatization walks.
Head Torch (1) – With extra batteries for early morning or night movement.
UV-Protected Sunglasses (1) – Essential for protection against strong sunlight and snow glare.
Water Bottles – Two 1-liter reusable bottles.
Trekking Pole(optional)
Footwear
High-Ankle Trekking Shoes (1 Pair) – Non-slip sole with deep grip and ankle support.
Lightweight Slippers/Sandals (1 Pair) – For campsite comfort.
Clothing
Layering is the key at high altitude. Carry the following:
Quick-Dry Trek Pants (2)
Full-Sleeve T-Shirts / Sweatshirts – 1 for every 2 days of trekking.
Woolen Socks – 1 pair for every 2 days.
Thermal Innerwear (Upper & Lower) (1 Set)
Undergarments – 1 per day.
Warm Jacket (1) – Insulated, properly fitted at wrist and neck.
Full-Sleeve Sweater / Fleece (1)
Rain Protection (1 Set) – Waterproof jacket and pants.
Waterproof Warm Gloves (1 Pair)
Woolen Cap (1)
Sun Hat / Cap (1) – For daytime sunlight protection.
Personal Toiletries
Carry travel-sized items only.
Small towel
Toilet paper
Soap / Paper soap
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Moisturizer / Cold cream
Sunscreen (small pack)
Lip balm
Lightweight, leak-proof lunch box (1)
Plate (1)
Spoon (1)
Plastic tea/coffee mug (1)
Camera (optional)
Personal medications (carry sufficient quantity and consult your doctor before the trek)
Dry fruits, energy bars, nuts, or chocolates (optional but recommended for quick energy)
Guest house stay at Gangotri on Day 1 and Day 21 (triple/quad sharing basis).
High-quality camping arrangements from Day 2 to Day 20 during the expedition period.
2. Meals (Vegetarian)
Nutritious vegetarian meals starting from Gangotri and continuing until return to Gangotri.
Dinner on Day 1 through dinner on Day 21 is included.
Freshly prepared meals at base camp and higher camps.
3. Expedition Support Team
Dedicated Base Camp Manager to coordinate logistics, communication, and emergency response.
Certified Mountaineering & First Aid qualified Expedition Leader.
Experienced High-Altitude Chef.
Skilled local mountain guides (guide strength depends on group size).
Adequate support staff for smooth expedition operations.
4. Camping & Technical Equipment
Sleeping bags and liners (if required)
Mattress
Dining utensils
3-person all-season trekking tents (twin sharing basis)
Separate kitchen, dining, and toilet tents
Camping stools
Walkie-talkie communication devices
Ropes
Helmets
Ice axe
Harness
Gaiters
Crampons
5. Medical & Safety Support
Comprehensive medical kit
Oxygen cylinder
Stretcher
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse oximeter
Stethoscope
6. Transportation
Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri and return, as per itinerary.
7. Additional Services
Cloakroom facility at Base Camp.
Porters for carrying central expedition equipment.
All necessary permits and entry fees (applicable for Indian nationals up to standard charges).
Complete expedition services from Dehradun to Dehradun.
Expedition Completion Certificate.
What Is Not Included
Personal insurance (mandatory for all participants).
Meals during transit.
Personal expenses of any nature.
Porter or mule services for carrying personal luggage.
Emergency evacuation, hospitalization, or rescue expenses.
Any service not specifically mentioned under the “Inclusions” section.
Optional Add-On Services (Available on Request)
These can be arranged on prior request and subject to availability. Additional charges apply.
A satellite-based communication device that works in remote regions where regular mobile networks are unavailable.
A portable chamber used for the emergency treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and high-altitude complications.
A portable device used to respond to sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore heart rhythm.
Mt. Satopanth stands at an elevation of approximately 7,075 meters (23,212 ft) in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India.
Mt. Satopanth is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, near Badrinath, inside the Gangotri National Park area of the Indian Himalayas.
The Mt. Satopanth Expedition is considered a technical and challenging 7000-meter peak. It involves steep snow slopes, glacier travel, crevasses, ice sections, and exposed summit ridges. Prior high-altitude climbing experience is strongly recommended.
The best time for Mt. Satopanth Expedition is:
May to June (Pre-monsoon)
September to early October (Post-monsoon)
These months offer stable weather and safer summit conditions.
Yes. Climbers should have:
Completed an Advanced Mountaineering Course (AMC)
Experience on 6000m+ peaks
Strong glacier travel and rope-fixing skills
This is not suitable for beginners.
Climbers need:
Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) permit
Forest entry permits
Liaison officer clearance
Medical fitness certificate
All permits are usually arranged by the expedition operator.
The full Mt. Satopanth Expedition usually takes 18–22 days, including travel, acclimatization, load ferry, and summit attempt.
Major challenges include:
Crevasse-prone glaciers
Technical ice walls
Steep summit ridge
High altitude exposure
Rapid weather changes
Climbers must have:
Excellent cardiovascular endurance
Ability to carry 15–20 kg load
Prior high-altitude trekking or climbing experience
Climber Should be Mentally and Physically fit
No. Mt. Satopanth is a technical 7000m expedition peak and is recommended only for experienced mountaineers with prior Himalayan climbing experience.
The expedition usually starts from Gangotri, Uttarakhand. The nearest major airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), followed by a road journey to Badrinath.
ID proof and Medical certificate is mandatory to carry by participants for Mt Satopanth peak expedition. Before starting the expedition, a soft copy will be asked by the team and then one copy you need to carry on trek.
Yes, we strongly recommend taking insurance for any high-altitude trek or expedition. It helps cover unexpected expenses like rescue, evacuation, emergency assistance, and medical treatment in case of injury or illness during the journey.
You’re free to purchase a suitable high-altitude insurance policy on your own. If you’d prefer, we can also arrange it for you, simply select the insurance add-on while booking your trek, and we’ll take care of the process.
₹94000 | $1036
16 Days
Uttarakhand
95 km
May and June|September
₹90000 | $993
11-12 Days
Uttarakhand
61 km
May to June & September
₹38000 | $500
8 Days
Himachal Pradesh
22 km
June to September
₹40000 | $442
8 Days
Himachal Pradesh
42 Km
July & August
₹90000 | $982
9-10 Days
Ladakh
72
July to September
₹70000 | $800
15 Days
Uttarakhand
72 Km
May to June and September to October
Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
