Swargarohini: World’s First Spiritual Trek from Where Pandav Went to Heaven

A huge mountain cliff located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Swargarohini is a combination of four beautiful peaks. Swargarohini is believed to be one of the best trekking trails in Uttarakhand and is also considered the only trekking trail that allows you to reach deep into the great Himalayan Ranges. The challenging conditions and the enchanting rocky views are the key attractions of Swargarohini. Among the group of four mountain peaks, Swargarohini is the most notable and important due to its dramatic topography and terrain, and it consists of two peaks: the western summit and the eastern summit. If you are planning a trip to the Swargarohini trek, then this article is for you.

History

After various failed attempts to climb this high mountain peak, finally, in 1974, Charles Clarke from England succeeded in reaching the western summit of the mountain. Later, in 1990, on May 3rd, a group of instructors from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering succeeded in climbing the peak. The southern summit of the mountain was attempted unsuccessfully in 1990, but on June 3rd, 1993, a group from Sweden succeeded in reaching the summit. Also called the “Way to Heaven,” Swargarohini is steeped in legends, one of the most interesting being the story of the Pandavas. According to this legend, the mighty Pandavas were on their way to heaven. However, only one Pandava, Yudhishthira, succeeded in reaching heaven, accompanied by a dog. The name of this place is derived from this legend and other fascinating tales.

Location

Swargarohini lies at an elevation of approximately 6,252 meters above sea level and is about 35 km from Mana Village and 38 kilometers from Badrinath temple. This beautiful cliff stands majestically amidst the Garhwal Himalayas in the Saraswati Ranges.

Places to Visit in and around Swargarohini

1- Badrinath Dham

One of the most important destinations for Vishnu worshippers, Badrinath is located at an elevation of 3,233 meters above sea level. It is enlisted as part of Char Dham in India and Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand, and holds great religious significance in Hinduism.

2- Mana Village

Also called the last village in India, Mana Village is located just a few kilometers ahead of the Indo-Tibet border at an altitude of 3,219 meters above sea level. The Bhotias, an Indo-Mongolian tribe, are the residents of this small yet beautiful village.

How to Reach Swargarohini?

The nearest accessible road to reach the destination is Badrinath Dham, which has excellent connectivity with other major cities in the state, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, and many others. Haridwar is another well-connected city in the state and serves as a starting point for reaching Badrinath.

Brief Route to Reach Swargarohini:

Badrinath → Mana → Laxmivan → Chakratirtha → Satopanth Lake → Satopanth Base Camp

Reaching Swargarohini by Air

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Swargarohini. From the airport, you can either take a taxi or catch a bus to reach Badrinath.

By Rail

• Badrinath does not have a specific railhead. The nearest railway station is located in Haridwar, which is well-connected with other major cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Dehradun.

By Road

• Due to its high altitude, Swargarohini is covered in thick snow during the winter, making it inaccessible for travelers. Therefore, the months from May to October are considered the best time to plan your trip. Try to avoid the monsoon months, as heavy rainfall can cause road blockages.

Best Time to Visit Swargarohini

Being located on an extreme altitude, Swargarohini gets covered with thick sheets of snow during the winter season which makes it inaccessible for the travelers. So, May to October months is considered to be the most ideal to plan your Swargarohini plan. Try avoiding monsoon months if possible as you may find obstacle like road blockage due to heavy rainfall.

Things to Keep in Mind

When planning your Swargarohini trekking trail, there are several important things to keep in mind:

• Being located at a high altitude, Swargarohini experiences unpredictable weather conditions. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, and carrying woolen clothes is essential.
• Carry high-quality trekking shoes and a trekking stick to make your trek easier and smoother.
• Apply sunscreen lotion, and carry a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from direct sun exposure. Wearing sunglasses is also a good idea during your trek.