Chandrashila Peak

If you are like me who loves spending time in the Lap of nature, then the trek from Deoriatal to Chandrashila Peak going to be rather memorable. The Chopta Chandrashila Trek runs through one of the most interesting Forests that are Abundantly blessed with larger-than-life Pines, Oaks, and Blossoming Rhododendrons. These are enough reasons to Ditch the alternative motorable road access to Chopta via Sari which can be covered within 1.5 to two hours.

This trail to the mountains stands witness to the most beautiful pink-dressed Rhodendron trees that welcome the trekkers by their sheer vibrance of spectacular colours that nature has bestowed upon them. The trek is rather easy and accents from 2430 meters to 2480 meters gradually covering a distance of about 15 kms.

Chopta is where the campsite is located. For those covering the Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila trek, this would be the second campsite after the experience of camping by the Deoriatal Lake.

Camping at Chopta during the clear night skies it is treat to the eyes. Once the moonlight washes over the earth and the Stars start to shine, it’s a sight to behold. We feel wrapped in a blanket of nature with intricate patterns, known as “Nakshatras” in Hindu Astrology, as we gaze upon the countless stars and galaxies visible to the naked eye.

Little did I know that the morning after the camp night at Chopta , was about to change my life in a way a could never have imagined.

As you approach the gateway that welcomes you to the Winding Serpent-like clad rocky pathways leading up to the Tungnath Temple, which is 3,680 meters away, your heart swells with enthusiasm. During the winter months, the trail becomes covered with ice or snow, making the ascent moderately steep and more challenging for climbers. You start to get a glimpse of what it could be like as your lungs adjust to the rising altitude. But well you just don’t know yet.

We pay our Gratitude and continue to ascend towards Chandrashila Peak – literally meaning the “Moon Rock” . The Path towards the peak gets a little more challenging from this point. Especially when the mountain is covered in deep know. The Sunrays wash over the snow that makes it sparkle almost resembling what one would imagine to be the floor on the moon. The trek culminates on this Peak (3680 m) that has a magnificent 360 degree view of several Himalayan jewels like the Thalaysagar (6,904 m), Kedar Dome (6,832 m), Kedarnath (6,940 m), Sumeru (6,350 m), Neelkanth (6,596 m), Janhukut(6,805 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m), Kalanka, Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Trishul (7,120 m).

I extend my gratitude towards you Lord Shiva. Its you who gave me strength and the resilience to build my own endurance both emotional and Physical

Meenakshi Chauhan

It feels like Chandrashila peak is adorned with a beautiful necklace of precious gems tied around its neck. As you stand on this peak a sense of accomplishment washes over you. The peace and tranquility relinquishes all worries and anxieties of your Hustled city life as it momentarily seduces you to join the Silent song of your true desires that connect you back to your truest self.

It would not be an overstatement to say that Chandrashila Peak is truly is a Journey to the Moon and Back.

I wonder how could I describe the beauty that is you, the magnificence that is you, the power that you exuberate and the energy that you radiate. I don’t have words that could Justify your true Nature. All I can Say is Thank you Universe ,for this experience where I truly found myself“