Credit: Prasanna Bandargall
About Satopanth Glacier
A source of the Alaknanda River, Satopanth glacier lies in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The term sato means truth, while panth means pathway, so it’s the pathway of truth. At an altitude of 4,600 meters, the glacier length is 13 km and poses a difficult challenge to mountaineers.
In hindu mythology the lake is considered very pious and the abode of Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
If we talk about the geography of the glacier then it is surrounded by numerous peaks all around. Saopanth glacier is divided from Bhagirath Kharak Glacier by Balkun Peak which stand to a height of 6,471 meters.
In the northwest, Neelkanth Mountain is situated, while other famous peaks like Chaukambha and Badrinath lie nearby.
How to reach
The trek to the Satopanth glacier starts from Mana village, which is situated 45 km from Joshimath. A Vasundhara waterfall falls on the route on the right bank of the Alaknanda River. After crossing the waterfall, the snout of the Satopanth glacier comes up after trekking 5 km upward.
Melting of Glacier
It’s been claimed by many scientists that the Satopanth glacier is melting due to climate change. But the effect is less noticeable as compared to the Gangotri glacier.