The
Satopanth Glacier is situated in the
Indian state of
Uttarakhand.
The term ‘Satopanth’ is perhaps derived from two words – ‘Sato’ meaning heaven, and ‘Panth’ meaning path or way. The glacier is one of the popular glaciers of Uttarakhand. Mountaineers consider it a bit tough to scale.
Scientists claim that the Satopanth Glacier is retreating, though unlike as fast as the Gangotri Glacier. So, a number of preventive measures have been taken. Also since the glacier lies quite near the Indo-Tibet Border so photography is strictly prohibited.
Geography
It lies on the northwest side of
Nilkantha, a major peak of the
Garhwal division of the
Himalayas. It sits below a 2,500 m (8,200 ft) face of the peak.
Originating at a height of 7000 meters from the peaks of the
Chaukhamba (7068m) and the Badrinath (6974m) mountains, the glacier spreads over a vast expanse of 13 km, this glacier melts into water at an altitude of 3810 meters. The Narayan Parvat and the foot of Balkun or
Balakun peak, touches the glacier.
Other Informations
The Satopanth Glacier can be aproached from
Joshimath in the
Chamoli sub-division, by following the
Badrinath and
Mana (3128m) road. From Mana, the route follows the course of the
Alaknanda River. At an elevation of 145 km, on the route, you will come across a water fall named Vasudhara, lying on the right bank of the Alaknanda River. The snout of Satopanth Glacier opens at about 5 km upwards from
Vasudhara. 2 km down the valley, the left bank of the river offers good conditions for camping.
Satopanth Glacier can only be approached in summer months. Treks to this glacier is a very sought after adventure, for tourists in
Uttaranchal.
The nearest airport is at Jollygrant, about 221 km, the nearest rail head is at Rishikesh and is well-connected by roads with Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nanital, & Almora.
See also
Satopanth Tal
References
Category:Glaciers of Uttarakhand
![Karn Prayag (30°16′N 79°15′E / 30.27°N 79.25°E / 30.27; 79.25[11]) is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi hill range.[2](http://web.archive.org./web/20110412022509im_/http://cdn.wn.com/pd/da/06/652fcb87911f9aeef3a3d1e31d1f_grande.jpg "Karn Prayag (30°16′N 79°15′E / 30.27°N 79.25°E / 30.27; 79.25[11]) is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi hill range.[2")
![Karn Prayag (30°16′N 79°15′E / 30.27°N 79.25°E / 30.27; 79.25[11]) is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi hill range.[2](http://web.archive.org./web/20110412022509im_/http://cdn.wn.com/pd/da/06/652fcb87911f9aeef3a3d1e31d1f_thumb.jpg "Karn Prayag (30°16′N 79°15′E / 30.27°N 79.25°E / 30.27; 79.25[11]) is the location where Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar glacier, below the Nanda Devi hill range.[2")
