From exploring the beauty of nature to spending some tranquil moments of solace, going for trekking adventures is always adventurous and soothing at the same time. You get to come across many beautiful and scenic locations while allowing your body to get some exercise at the same time. Trekking is certainly a perfect activity and one of the most perfect trekking spots happens to be Dodital which can also be referred to as Dodi Lake. Situated in the north of Uttarkashi, Dodi Lake stands at a height of 3024 meters. It is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s birthplace and therefore, is considered to be a sacred lake. A trek through this beautiful location will allow you to explore the vast lands flocked by exotic and vibrant rhododendrons and dense oak trees. The trekking session is relatively easy even though you may have to go for a long walk.
About Dodital Darwa Trek
Rare fish species like the Golden Trout are also found in Lake Dodi which is referred to as ‘Dodi’ in the local language. The lake is famous for the same and the pristine waters that are surrounded by the diversity of deodar, pine, oak wood, and rhododendron. Near the lake stands a small Ganesha temple which is ideal for taking a short break from your trek and resting for a while. In this temple, you can also engage in some recreational activities such as angling, boating, and bird watching.
The Darwa top is 5 Km away from Dodital at an elevated height of 13,300 feet and you can be prepared for an uphill climb during the trek. During the climb, you can witness some open meadows and birch forests and once you reach the top, the Swargarohini and Bandarpunch ranges will leave you mesmerized and breathless with their panoramic views. You can complete the trek from Dodital to Hanumanchatti through Darwa in two days and following this, you can ascend towards Yamunotri trekking through the upper stretches of the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas. During this part of the trek, you can walk through high reaching grasslands and exotic dense virgin forests.
Average Duration Of The Dodital Darwa Trek
The average duration of the Dodital Darwa trek is considered to be 8-10 days.
Best Time For The Dodital Darwa Trek
For the most of the year, the Darwa Top is usually covered with snow but from May to October, there is relatively less snow, making these months the perfect time to opt for the Dodital Darwa trek and extend the same to other virgin trails like Kantal, Bakaria Top, Yamunotri, Dayara Bugyal, and more.
Dodital Darwa Trekking Necessities
- Backpack: Carry a good quality backpack with a supporting frame and sturdy straps so that it will be easy for you to store your other necessities like a water bottle, food, and the like. Be sure to protect it with a rain cover as the weather can get unpredictable.
- Warm Layers: Because the Darwa Top is prone to snowfall and is located at a high altitude, you must always carry warm clothes that are suitable for the climatic conditions. It can get colder at the top so to keep yourself protected, be sure to carry at least two or three layers to bear the cold.
- Trekking Pants: A high-quality trekking pant specifically designed for the activity is recommended so that you can feel comfortable and convenient when you are walking. If needed, you can also carry spare trekking pants as they can come in handy.
- Thermals: This is optional but if you are someone who cannot tolerate the cold at all but also does not want to miss out on the thrilling trekking session, wearing a thermal can keep you warm from within. Moreover, they can be very useful at night, which is the time when the temperature decreases to a huge extent.
- Trekking Shoes: Along with comfortable trekking pants, you cannot rule out comfortable trekking shoes as you will be walking for a long time and the roads can get tricky too. With comfortable trekking shoes, it will be easier for you to cover the long distances so be sure to pack them as well.
- Accessories: Depending on the season you’re trekking in, you may witness some snow so sunglasses can come in handy for preventing snow blindness. Other useful accessories that you can tag along include hand gloves, balaclava or woolen scarves, socks, a torch, suncap, and a trekking pole.
Final Words
Be ready to enrapture yourself in an amalgam of experiences as you trek through some of the most scenic spots and engage in activities like bird watching, boating, photographing, and most of all indulging in nature. The Dodital Darwa Trek, therefore, is sure to let you have a memorable and thrilling trip.
