Chpota Chandrasila Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey from Rishikesh to the serene Sari Village, the base for your Deoriatal trek, starting at 6:00 AM. As the vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, with every turn presenting a new perspective of the towering peaks. En route, you'll pass through the sacred town of Devprayag, where the Alakananda and Bhagirathi rivers converge. This picturesque spot is not only a visual delight but also holds deep spiritual significance as a major pilgrimage site in Hinduism.

Throughout the journey, the vehicle will make stops, giving you the chance to take a break and enjoy breakfast or lunch at your own expense, all while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the landscape. It’s a perfect way to start your trek, with scenic moments that set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with tea and a briefing of the trek ahead. The evening is free for you to relax and settle into your guesthouse. The Sari village provides a peaceful ambiance surrounded by meadows and terraced fields. If time permits, you can explore the village or simply unwind. Stay the night in a comfortable guesthouse, where you'll be well-rested for the days ahead.

Your adventure truly begins today as you embark on a 3 km trek from Sari to Deoriatal. The trek is relatively easy with gradual ascents, setting the perfect pace for the day ahead.

The trail starts as a well-defined rocky path, gradually ascending through the mountains. About 30 minutes into your trek, you’ll reach the first major viewpoint. An ideal spot to pause and soak in the breathtaking views of surrounding valleys. The trail continues into a beautiful forest of maple and rhododendron trees. If you happen to visit during the spring season, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom, painting the forest with striking hues of red.

After approximately another hour of trekking, you’ll arrive at Deoriatal, an alpine lake that creates an enchanting setting for your campsite. Nestled in a clearing surrounded by the towering Garhwal Himalayas, this spot is truly magical. The crown jewel is Mt. Chaukhamba, casting its reflection on the lake’s clear waters.

From the trail, you’ll also catch glimpses of the Chandrashila summit and the Tungnath temple perched below it. Tiny dots that come into focus with binoculars. Deoriatal is not only a place of stunning natural beauty but also an important Green-Trail hotspot, so remember to use your eco bags and help keep the area pristine by collecting any litter you find.

Upon reaching Deoriatal, you will be provided a hearty lunch. With the rest of the day at your leisure, take the chance to explore the serene surroundings and acclimatize. Birdwatchers will especially love this area, as it’s known for sightings of rare Himalayan bird species too. Stroll the trails around the campsite, let the mountain air fill your lungs, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the Himalayas.

Today's journey is a visual delight, giving trekkers an enchanting experience filled with natural beauty. The trail from Deoriatal to Baniyakund showcases the dense covers of vibrant rhododendrons, gradually increasing as you ascend. During spring, the path is adorned with the fiery red and pink blooms that set the trail aglow. Even in winter, the scene remains equally mesmerizing, with snow-covered trees standing tall against the serene, white landscape, creating a peaceful and untouched atmosphere. As you hike, the Kedarnath Main and Chaukhamba peaks intermittently peek through the lush forest canopy, adding to the captivating scenery.

The trail also traverses the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, providing the possibility of spotting Himalayan wildlife such as red foxes and various bird species like Griffon Vultures, Verditer Flycatchers, and Himalayan Woodpeckers, Monal. You may also come across small shrines adorned with prayer flags, built by local villagers as spiritual landmarks.

The trek is moderate, beginning with a steady ascent that transitions into a gentle descent before gradually climbing to reach Rohini Bugyal. This meadow, encircled by rhododendron trees, is a serene spot perfect for taking a break and absorbing the panoramic mountain views. After leaving Rohini Bugyal, the trail descends toward the Shyalmi meadows. After the Shyalmi meadows, the route continues with a mix of ascents and descents leading to Tala village. Now from Tala village roadhead, you will be driving to Baniyakund, where the Chandrashila peak becomes a prominent feature on the horizon.

Today is the summit day of your adventure, and you will begin early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise from Tungnath, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The day begins with a short drive from Baniyakund to Chopta, where you’ll start your trek to Tungnath.

The path from Chopta to Tungnath is a well-defined, concrete trail that winds through meadows and forests. The trek is about 4-5 km long and ascends gradually with a few bends, making it a manageable climb. The views improve as you approach Tungnath, and you can spot Tungnath temple from the last bend. The trail also provides great birdwatching opportunities, with glimpses of birds like the Monal and Griffon Vultures.

Once you reach the Tungnath temple, you’ll feel the weight of history and mythology. This sacred shrine, one of the revered Panch Kedars, holds deep spiritual significance and is steeped in ancient folklore. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas in their search for Lord Shiva. Standing at an impressive altitude, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and remains a significant spiritual destination for pilgrims and trekkers alike. The ancient stone structure, coupled with the temple’s peaceful surroundings, creates an atmosphere that feels timeless and reverent. The rich history and mythology of Tungnath infuses the journey with a sense of deep spirituality and reverence, making it a memorable highlight of the trek.

From Tungnath, the trek to Chandrashila summit is a short but moderate climb. In winter, crampons and gaiters are essential for safety, and TTH will take care of providing them for you.The trail ascends steeply behind the temple and climbs 500 feet. Once at the base of Chandrashila, the peak is visible, and a final 30-45 minutes of steep climbing will lead you to the summit. The panoramic views from here are absolutely breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Gangotri ranges, Kedar Dome, and other sights.

The sunrise from Chandrashila is truly a sight to behold, a moment that will stay with you long after your trek. The first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, and the surrounding peaks, bathed in soft golden hues, come to life, casting a serene glow over the entire landscape. The sky transitions through shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a breathtaking contrast against the snow-capped peaks. From this vantage point, you can see the towering mountains. This magical moment is the perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the Himalayas in all their glory, so don’t forget to take plenty of photos to preserve the memory of this awe-inspiring experience.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, retrace your steps back to Chopta. Once there, you’ll drive back to your campsite at Baniyakund to rest and rejuvenate after an exhilarating day.

Today will be the last day of your journey in the mountains. In the morning you will wake up to splendid views and have morning tea. After a relaxing morning tea, you’ll begin the drive from Baniyakund back to Rishikesh, which will take around 7-8 hours. As you retrace the scenic mountain roads, you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had—the stunning views, the challenging climbs, and the peaceful moments surrounded by nature.

The vehicle will make stops for breakfast and lunch along the way, which you can enjoy at your own expense.The drive back provides one last chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Garhwal, where the winding roads, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks will remain etched in your memory.

You will arrive in Rishikesh, where we will drop you off at the designated spot near Nainital Bank, Tapovan. From Rishikesh, you can make your onward travel arrangements, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.

This marks the end of your incredible journey, but the mountain magic will surely stay with you long after you leave.

Note:

• Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
• If buffer day is not used in the travel then it can be used to Explore Rishikesh.
• Read the article Things to do in Rishikesh.
• Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate and rounded off.
• Keep the original and copy of ID proof handy.
• Come one day early if planning to come by plane.