Dodital

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Dodital Tourism Trekking Guide

Dodital is a mysterious lake holding fresh water and offering tranquil environs. Dodital is one of the very few water bodies where Himalayan Trout’s are found. This picturesque lake is named after the rare Himalayan Trout’s known as Dodi in local language. Dodital is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes of India and it is extremely popular with nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. The origin of this Tal is from the natural springs and the source of river 'Asi Ganga'.

Dodital is situated amidst dense forest of deodar trees at an altitude of 3,310 mts above sea level in Uttarkashi District. The circumference of the lake is 1.5 kms. A Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is situated at one corner of the lake. The route to Dodi Tal goes through dense forest rich in diversified flora and fauna. The best time to visit Dodi Tal is from April to November, but some avid trekkers also visit this place during winters.

Dodital Legend

According to mythological history, Dodital is the birthplace of Lord Ganesha. The other name of the lake is Dhundhital which means Ganesh-ka-tal (Dhundhi is synonym of Ganesha).

How to reach Dodital?

The 22 kms easy trek to Dodi Tal from Sangam Chatti ends up at Dodi Tal. But if you are planning a further visit to Darwa Top (high altitude pass) then be prepared for a moderate route. Sangam Chatti is connected by motorable roads with Uttarkashi.

Road Route from Delhi:

Delhi – Meerut – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba - Uttarkashi – Kalyani - Sangam Chatti – Trekking (22 kms) – Dodital

Accommodation in Dodital?

There is a Forest Rest House and couple of other huts which provide with accommodation options at Dodi Tal.

Dodital Nearby Tourist Places

Apart from Dodital you can visit the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is situated at one corner of the lake. Do visit Darwa Top, Numerous named and unnamed Himalayan peaks are distinctly visible from Darwa Top. If you want to trek down by a different route then you can travel to Dayara Bugyal.

Dodital Sample Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi – Kalyani – Sangam Chatti - Agoda
Altitude for the Day: Rishikesh (340mts) – Agoda (2,250mts)
Driving – 164kms, 6hrs
Trekking – 6kms & 3hrs
Level – Moderate
After breakfast in Rishikesh, drive towards Uttarkashi. Drive via Narendranagar and Tehri to Uttarkashi. Buy all necessary items from Uttarkashi that you forgot to carry with you. You can hire taxi on shared basis or on your own to Sangam Chatti. Porters and guides can also be hired from Uttarkashi. Drive to Sangam Chatti, the nearest point on the road to Dodital. Sangam Chatti is situated 15kms from Uttarkashi at an elevation of 1,350mts above sea level. The trek to Dodital commences from Sangam Chatti. After lunch start the moderate trek of 6km from Sangam Chatti to Agoda. Cross the bridge over a small stream and commence steep trek through dense forest. The last bit of the climb for the day near Agoda is quite strenuous and tiring. After reaching Agoda enjoy a cup of tea. The locals are very helpful and they provide food at very nominal costs. They will provide you with campsite for pitching tents. Listen to the chirping of birds and gushing sound of Asi Ganga flowing below and watch the enchanting sunset from Agoda. Overnight in tents.

Day 02: Agoda - Dodital
Altitude for the Day: Agoda (2,250mts) – Dodital (3,310mts)
Trekking – 16kms & 7-8hrs
Level – Moderate
After having early breakfast at Agoda, head towards Dodital. The moderate trek to Dodital goes through dense oak and deodar forest rich in varied flora and fauna. The trail is entirely surrounded with dense forest and you can see villagers grazing their cattle’s. Rhododendron trees are also found in abundant here. The trek offers mystical views and tranquility with broad and narrow paths. After reaching halfway turn right from the bridge to Manghi. It is perfect place to have lunch. After lunch pull your socks and head towards the crystal clear Dodital. After praising the splendid beauty of Dodital plan for the best suited location for camping. Overnight in tents.

Day 03: Dodital
Explore the beauty of Dodital and do experiments with photography. Visit the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Dodital is an angler’s paradise, so do angling if you have brought your kit. Catch and release Himalayan trout’s as they are very rarely found in India. Complete the parikrama of the lake to see the view of this mysterious lake from each end. The parikrama is a total of 1.5kms.Take rest for rest of the day in Dodital. Overnight in tents.

Day 04: Dodital – Darwa Top – Dodital
Altitude for the Day: Dodital (3,310mts) – Darwa Top (4,150mts)
Trekking – 10kms & 6hrs
Level – Moderate
Start 5km trek to Darwa Top after breakfast. The moderate trek to Darwa Top is actually steep. The route goes via scenic Darwa meadow. Darwa Top is perched at an elevation of 4,150mts above sea level. Massive peaks of Gangotri group, Banderpoonch and Chaukhamba are distinctly visible from Darwa Top. Darwa is a high altitude pass and the weather I unpredictable here. Trek back to Dodital after lunch. Overnight in tents.

Day 05: Dodital - Agoda
Altitude for the Day: Dodital (3,310mts) - Agoda (2,250mts)
Trekking – 16kms & 6hrs
Level – Moderate to Easy
Trek back to the village of Agoda. Don’t be in a hurry and walk slowly as when you are walking down the hill your speed increases with more stress on your legs. After reaching Agoda have evening tea and dinner. Overnight in tents.

Day 06: Agoda - Sangam Chatti – Uttarkashi - Rishikesh
Altitude for the Day: Agoda (2,250mts) - Rishikesh (340mts)
Driving – 164kms, 6hrs
Trekking – 6kms & 2hrs
Level – Easy
It will be hard for you to leave from such heavenly place. Trek back to Sangam Chatti, from where you started your trek to Dodital. After reaching Sangam Chatti drive to the Yoga capital, Rishikesh. Take a holy dip in sacred water of Ganga.