History
Saptarishi Kund is a natural lake
sitting at an elevation of 14,504 feet above sea level on the lap of the
mighty, towering Bandarpoonch mountain peak. Situated at a distance of 10 km
from the main shrine of Yamunotri Dham this lake is being fed by its source of Champasar
Glacier, which is located on the top massif of Bandarpoonch Mountain. People
visit this place not only during their pilgrimage journey but also during their
trekking expeditions. Almost half a kilometer in diameter the Kund’s water is
clear dark blue and the only home to the famous Brahma lotus which works as the
primary attraction here. It is believed that the seven greatest rishis -
Kashyap, Atri, Bhardwaj, Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vashisth had performed
their penance at this very lake during the ancient ages. The lofty, magnificent
and enchanting surrounding gives the place a surreal feel and is also
considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the entire Himalayan
region.
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| Saptarishi Kund (source) |
Location
The location of this Kund is set amidst
the enchantingly glorious surroundings and the famous 8 kms of trek to
Yamunotri Dham commences from here. situated in the holy district of Uttarkashi
this scenic spot is extremely difficult to cover and is visited by a very few
number of visitors since it is located among the giant glacial rocks and uneven
paths which makes reaching this place extremely difficult. The entire route to Saptarishi
Kund mostly remains covered in snow and is very treacherous to cover where you
will need a guide. This trek will take you through some of the most thick and
dense forest covers along with experiencing some of the most rugged and
mountainous terrain. After covering a steep journey of 5 km up the hill you
will be setting up your camp site, this is also considered to be extremely risky
due to the roaring heavy winds. Along with being one of the prime pilgrimage
and tourist destinations this lake is also a popular natural source for high
quality of sapphire (an extremely precious gemstone).
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| Shiva Temple at the Satopanth Lake (source) |
How to Reach
By
Air - The nearest airport for Saptarishi Kund
is located in Dehradun at a distance of 210 kms. Once you reach here you will
be required to hire or book a cab or get on the shared taxi which will head on
to the last motorable road destination of Hanuman Chatti. From here Saptarishi Kund
is located at a mere distance of almost 7 to 8 kms.
By
Road - Yamunotri is well connected by a dense
network of roads on which a number of buses run till Hanuman Chatti. All the
major and minor neighboring towns are well connected with an intricate network
of roadways.
By
Rail - the closes railway station for Saptarishi
Kund is located in Dehradun which is at a distance of 172 km from the holy town
of Yamunotri. After you disembark you have the option of hailing a bus which
heads on towards the last motorable road of Hanuman Chatti.
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| Saptarishi Kund Trek (source) |
Best Time to Visit
Being situated at a whopping altitude Saptarishi
Kund experiences extremely harsh weather conditions. During the winter season
months the region get covered in snow fall and the overall temperature also
drops below freezing point. Summer time is mostly considered to be an ideal
time for paying a visit to this enchanting land when the temperature is
pleasant and comfortable, preferably during the months of April and May. The
remaining monsoon months are not an ideal situation to go for exploration
expeditions on the hills due to the risk of unexpected landslides.
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