Deoriatal - Chandrashila Trek
The peak of Chandrashila is a viewpoint that stands it has no parallels among our treks. From the top of the peak, you will see perhaps the greatest view of the mountains of our Indian Himalayas. It’s like a big feast. It is an experience of many tourists cannot forget.
What do you see? On the left are the Gangotri row peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, Kedarnath, and Kedar dome. Mandani Parbat and Janhukut. Impressive Chaukhamba is right in front. Most of them are over 7000 meters high.On the right are Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri. And then right in front of us standing against the horizon in India the highest mountain, Mt Nanda Devi.
Every year many tourists undertake this Tungnath snow trek to experience breathtaking and mesmerizing panoramic views of the Himalayas. This trek passes by many small villages located on the peak like Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Sari village. Deoriatal lake in between is the best place of this trek. The shimmering and shimmering waters of the lake look inviting, but the water is freezing cold. Get a chance to explore the forest trails, massive maples, oaks and pines along the lake.
The best time for this trek starts from April to November when heavy snowfall falls on Chopta. Tungnath and Chandrashila will be fully snow covered from December to March sarting. September to November are the best months to visit and experience clear views of the Himalayan peaks. The temperature drops into the negatives as the entire region is surrounded by snow and remains mostly cold.
The trek itself is special. The trail meanders through the soft snow under the canopy of oaks and rhododendrons is almost dreamy. Deoriatal lake is surrounded by snow but the Chaukhamba mountain rises above the lake.
After all, the biggest thrill of the trek has to be the climb from Chopta to Chandrashila peak. In winter with snow all around, climbing to the top is an adventure that people never forget in life. We noticed the trekkers breaking down in tears at the top feeling enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment.There are only a few winter treks here. Deoriatal Chandrashila would be one of the better ones on our list. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Drive from Rishikesh to Sari and Trek to Deoriatal
- Drive Distance: 190 km, Duration: 7-8 hours
- Trek distance: 2.3 km, Trek Duration: 1.5 hours
- Altitude: 7841 ft
Highlight:
- In Hindi (Manzil Se Sundar Rasta)
- The journey is picturesque, as you pass through Devprayag, the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forms the river Ganga. The entire journey traverses the mountainside, with the river flowing.
- Sari is a small village with around 100 houses. If you reach Sari when the sun is still out, go down to the village and walk around. The paddy fields are so prettily laid out that they almost beckon to you. The views around the village are gorgeous. This is also where you’ll get your first glimpse of the summit of Chandrashila.
- Trek starts from the village by climbing a few stairs, followed by a gradual climb on a well-defined rocky trail. A short walk on even terrain after an hour of climbing takes you to the campsite.
- Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands as you start your ascent from Sari. Watch out for the first sights of rhododendron trees. Do not miss the sunset at Deoriatal with the mighty Chaukhambha massif looming in the background.
- Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands as you start your ascent from Sari. Watch out for the first sights of rhododendron trees. Do not miss the sunset at Deoriatal with the mighty Chaukhambha massif looming in the background.
Day 2 • Deoriatal to Sari & Drive to Chopta to Chandrashila
- Drive Distance: 19.5 km, Duration: 1 hour
- Trek distance: 4 km, Trek Duration: 3 hours
- Altitude: 13,123 ft
Highlight:
- On this day you will start trekking down towards sari village and road head.
- From sari village to Chopta you’ll be in a 1-hour drive.
- The big day of the summit to Chandrashila. Look out for Monals nesting in the trees or on the ground. The sunrise and sunset view from Chandrashila are the best, you will get to see them in all of the Himalayas.
- Gradual ascent to Tungnath followed by a steep climb to Chandrashila for about an hour.
- Just above the temple complex is the Chandrashila peak and you can reach it from behind the complex. A trail with many scissor bends begins here, which is completely covered in snow in winter.
- At the steep end of the exhilarating and tolled climb, we would reach our destination by reaching the summit with a 360-degree view of the Garhwal and Kumaon mountains. A few peaks that you will undoubtedly notice from this peak are Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Doom
Day 3 • Chopta to Dehradun
- Drive Distance: 190 km,
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Altitude: 2099 ft
Highlight:
- We usually plan to drive back to Dehradun directly from Chopta. The journey through mountains and valleys takes about 8-9 hours.
- You’ll cross Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Rishikesh and then Dehradun.
What's Included
- Accommodation – On the trek, you will live in tents/guesthouses on a sharing basis.
- Meals – Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food for all days of the trek.
- Camping Fees – All trekking permits and forest camping fees are included in the price.
- Trekking equipment – Quality tents and sleeping bags in all camps. Sleeping bags withstand temperatures down to -10 ºC.
- Safety equipment – First aid kit, oximeter, etc. will be with the trek guide/leader and also at the camp to deal with emergencies.
- Expert Trek Leaders – All our trek leaders have at least basic/advanced mountaineering qualifications and a first aid course.
- Expert Trek Support Team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
- Transfers – Transport from Dehradun to Sari on Day 1st to Chopta to Dehradun on Day 3rd is included.
What's Not Included
- Food is purchased by individuals at local canteens on the trek or while driving.
- Any travel or accommodation costs for early return excluding days as per itinerary.
- Any cost of medical treatment for injuries or accidents before, during or after the trek.
- All cutlery (mugs, spoons, plates, snacks, etc.)