Satopanth Glacier

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Satopanth
Mount Balakun viewed from Basudhara.jpg
Balkun Peak dividing Satopanth Glacier in the left and Bhagirath Kharak Glacier in the right.
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Satopanth
Location in India
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Satopanth
Satopanth (India)
TypeMountain glacier
Location Uttarakhand, India
Coordinates 30°45′12.2″N79°21′51.1″E / 30.753389°N 79.364194°E / 30.753389; 79.364194
Satopanth Glacier

The Satopanth glacier is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The river Alaknanda, one of the primary headstreams of the Ganges, has its origin in the Satopanth glacier. The glacier is one of the most popular glaciers in Uttarakhand among tourists. Mountaineers consider it somewhat challenging to scale.

Contents

Name origin

The term ‘Satopanth’ is perhaps derived from two words – ‘Sat-o’ meaning of truth, and ‘Panth’ meaning path or way. So its literal meaning is the path of truth.

Geography

Satopanth glacier 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.

Scientists claim that the Satopanth Glacier is retreating, though not as fast as the Gangotri Glacier. So, a number of preventive measures have been taken.[ citation needed ] Also, as the glacier lies quite near the Indo-Tibet Border, photography is strictly prohibited.

Tourist Information

The Satopanth Glacier can be approached from Joshimath in the Chamoli sub-division, by following the Badrinath and Mana (3128 m above sea level) road. From Mana, the route follows the course of the Alaknanda River. On the route, you will come across a waterfall named Vasudhara Falls, lying on the right bank of the Alaknanda River. The snout of Satopanth Glacier opens at about 5 km upwards from Vasudhara Falls. Two kilometers 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 Uttarakhand.

The nearest airport is at Jollygrant, about 221 km, the nearest rail station is at Rishikesh and is well-connected by roads with Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nanital, and Almora. [1]

See also

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Satopanth South West also called P. 6770 is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Satopanth south west is 6,770 metres (22,211 ft) and its prominence is 195 metres (640 ft). It is 40th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies in the same connecting ridge that joins Satopanth and Bhagirathi Parbat I. It lies 1.8 km SW of Satopanth. Its nearest higher neighbor Satopanth 7,075 metres (23,212 ft). It is located 3.4 km SE of Vasuki South 6,702 metres (21,988 ft) and 5.2 km NNW lies Bhagirathi I 6,856 metres (22,493 ft).

Vasuki Parbat South is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, India. The elevation of Vasuki Parbat South is 6,702 metres (21,988 ft) and its prominence is 280 metres (919 ft). It is 49th highest located entirely within the Uttrakhand. Nanda Devi, is the highest mountain in this category. It lies 1.6 km south of Vasuki Parbat its nearest higher neighbor 6,792 metres (22,283 ft) and 2.7 km east of Bhagirathi Parbat I 6,856 metres (22,493 ft). It is located 4.6 km SE of Bhagirathi Parbat II 6,512 metres (21,365 ft) and 4.1 km SE lies Satopanth 7,075 metres (23,212 ft).

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Kalindi is a mountain of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand India. The elevation of Kalindi is 6,102 metres (20,020 ft). It lies 1.1 km North of Avalanche Peak (India) 6,196 metres (20,328 ft) its nearest higher neighbor. Mana Parbat II 6,771 metres (22,215 ft) lies 4.2 km NNW and it is 6.1 km NNE of Chandra Parbat I 6,739 metres (22,110 ft).

References

  1. "Frozen Delights - Glaciers". Archived from the original on 24 June 2001. Retrieved 9 June 2010.