There was no defined source. And there was no defined route. I decided to follow the river. This was my exploring attempt to the source of river Alaknanda, one of the headstreams of Ganga.
As per Hindu mythology, Bhagirathi river is Ganga but called as Bhagirathi until Devprayag where Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda and named Ganga, thereafter.
During my epic journey on foot along Ganga in 2021, I had extensively explored the glacier source of the sacred river.
After completing my Ganga walkathon I wished to explore the source of river Alaknanda as well. But this turned out to be a puzzle when I started researching. Some studies quoted the source as Alkapuri glacier. Other studies quoted the confluence of two streams from Satopanth glacier and Bhagirarthi Kharak glacier as the origin. Few named Satopanth glacier as the source of Alaknanda.
I decided to go to Alkapuri glacier valley and then explore the sources of both streams at Satopanth glacier and Bhagirarthi Kharak glacier. Finalized one expert guide along with his experienced assistants.
Trek started from Mana village, also known as the last village of India, near Badrinath in Uttarakhand state of India. Up to mid way of Satopanth trek, the route was defined. Scenic trail. With plenty of mountain streams to cross. Few patches were landslide prone with boulders scattered all around. There was very little vegetation on the route.
My base camp was erected at Laxmivan, a popular camping site with flat ground. A cluster of Bhojpatra trees on the bank of Alaknanda river, with a stunning backdrop of Kuntibhandar glacier, looked magnificent.
Chasing the Satopanth glacier …
After trekking around 4 km from Laxmivan base camp, I along with my trek guide Bharat and his assistant Ramesh left the defined trail. Navigating through boulders, shrubs, then steep climbs to steep slopes, all was happening. And there it was, the magnificent sight of confluence of two streams creating Alaknanda at the Alkapuri glacier valley. I stood for a while beaming with joy. But my ultimate destination was the origin of both streams.
Next focus was to discover the origin of one stream and thereafter the other stream. Excitement did not let the body feel tired. I didn’t rest. Kept moving in search of the glacier mouth where one stream originates in the direction of Bhagirarthi Kharak glacier. My trek guide and his assistant remained ahead to find the way. One of them would assist me on dangerous stretches. A long hunt resulted in sweet success. My eyes lit up at the sight of stream source in glacier. Kept gazing in jubilation.
Now the time to search for other stream source at Satopanth glacier. That turned out to be an endless chase. At one point I considered to return to base camp and resume the search next day. I discussed with guide, he suggested to try little more. As per his calculation we were quite close to the source. Motivated by his words, I paced ahead. After an hour’s further trek on risky glacier, I shrieked at the long awaited sight of the Satopanth glacier stream source of Alaknanda.
Heavenly feel discovering the both stream sources that make the Alaknanda, a river who gives us Ganga after merging in Bhagirathi at the confluence of Devprayag in Uttarakhand.
My goodness, it looks so beautiful there! This looks like a wonderful place to visit!
Wonderful indeed.
Wow, these pictures are gorgeous! I love seeing where other people go on hikes. It’s so interesting to see the world from a different point of view.
Absolutely so. We see the world from different point of view when we explore new places.
Even with a guide I’m sure it’s an adventure. Your pictures are very nice.
Experienced guide is mandatory for such terrains.
This is such a beautiful place to trek. It must have been great to do this. I would love to go myself.
Exploratory and invigorating trek.
My God, India is so incredibly varied. Actually, those lovely pictures don’t even look like what we are used to when thinking about India. Totally fascinating.
Immensely varied terrains.
Wow, what a beautiful place! Just the views are mind-blowing! I am a nature lover and I love this alot!
Thank you.
That is so amazing! I love the natural beauty, and they mythology surrounding it is fantastic.
Being in virgin land is awesome experience to treasure.
Thanks for touring us here! The place is so beautiful and peaceful. I wish I could explore this beautiful river too!
Pristine river to walk along and explore.
What incredible views! It looks like a truly awe-inspiring place to visit.
Awe inspiring absolutely.
The place is stunning wow!!! I love going to similar experiences, making memories…Just amazing…
Making memories matter most in life.
WOW! This looks like such a powerful place to visit.
Indeed powerful.
That’s what I call a once in a lifetime experience. I can’t imagine going on an adventure like that.
It sounds like the research part was a bit of a pain, but I am glad you had a nice time anyways and were able to explore some of the spots you wanted.
I love going on adventures with you, even if it is virtually! Lovely pictures and excellent post.
Truly so. Thank you.
What amazing scenery! Good for you for not returning to camp and continuing on.
Yes. Else had to restart whole distance again.
Thanks for such an amazing tour! This place is so beautiful. I would love to explore this beautiful river too!
Amazing trek indeed.