The short version
- 16 days, about 54 km on foot, topping out at 4,150m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Nov.
- 3Starts from Sangam Chatti, reached via Dehradun.
- 4The itinerary gains height gently: no night above 3,000 m is more than 500 m higher than the one before.
- 5Operators charge ₹11,500 per person; 1 listed, 1 verified.
The trek
Overview
Dodital is one of Uttarakhand's most sacred freshwater lakes, said to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha — clear, serene water framed by dense forest and snow peaks. The trek weaves through magnificent oak, rhododendron and walnut forest to the lake, then adds real mountain drama over Darwa Pass (4,150m), whose views of Bandarpunch and Black Peak are among the finest in the Uttarkashi region.
Right for you if
- You like forest walking that opens out to a 4,150m pass with Bandarpunch views
- You can walk 5–6 hours a day with a daypack
- Tent camping is fine: cold nights near the pass
- A shorter drive suits you: Uttarkashi is about 6 hours from Rishikesh
Think twice if
- You want the lake to yourself in May–Jun: pilgrims crowd Dodital
- You're going before late May without snow gear: Darwa Pass can still hold deep snow
- Wobbly log bridges over streams bother you
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Dehradun
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Dehradun
By road
Dehradun to Uttarkashi, about 6 hours, then an hour to Sangam Chatti
Most operators run a shared pickup from Dehradun early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 18 km with about 2,430 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 2, climbing 940 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Sangam Chatti → Agoda
Up from the road through fields to Agoda village
≈4.6 km630 m0 msleep at 2,261 m
- Day2
Agoda → Manjhi
Into thick oak and rhododendron forest
6.9 km940 m230 msleep at 2,956 m
- Day3
Manjhi → Dodital
A short walk to the lake, said to be Ganesha's birthplace, ringed by forest
4.1 km220 m80 msleep at 3,071 m
- Day4
Dodital → Dodital
via Darwa Pass
Up to Darwa Pass for Bandarpoonch and the Yamunotri valley, and back to the lake
5.5 km650 m650 msleep at 3,071 m
- Day5
Dodital → Manjhi
Down through the forest
4.1 km80 m210 msleep at 2,956 m
- Day6
Manjhi → Sangam Chatti
Down to the road
11.6 km260 m1,590 msleep at 1,615 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
1,615 m
Highest night
3,071 m
Highest point
3,764 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Sunglasses rated UV400, worn all day on snow, and SPF 50 for your face and lips
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
1 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹11,500 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹11,500
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 4,150m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Nov. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek take?
6 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 6 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek?
Most groups meet in Dehradun. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Dehradun. Dehradun to Uttarkashi, about 6 hours, then an hour to Sangam Chatti.
How much does the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹11,500 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Dodital – Darwa Pass Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.