Chenap Valley Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
8 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15580 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
60 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
April to June and September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Chenap Valley Trek
The Chenap Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of our country. This beautiful valley is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The trek to Chenap Valley is very magnificent. The trail is full of beautiful forests, meadows, and majestic Himalayan views. Chenab Valley is less explored compared to the Valley of Flowers. The Chenap Valley is located near various popular destinations such as Badrinath, Auli, Tapovan, etc. The trek to Chenap Valley is rated as Moderate to Difficult. The average altitude is about 4000 m, which makes it a bit difficult to trek but offers gorgeous views of peaks like Kamet, Dunagiri, Nanda Devi, etc.
This trek is untouched by tourists due to its difficulty, which makes it a perfect destination for trekkers. Its raw beauty and cultural richness offer a lot to the trekkers. The trial passes through big forests, meadows, and small streams. In the Rhododendron blooming season, the trail becomes a red carpet. Trekkers can also witness rare flora and fauna. The traditional architecture of houses and temples provides a glimpse of Garhwali culture. Chenap Valley Trek is a blend of beauty, adventure, and culture.
Although in close proximity, the Chenap Valley Trek might not be as popular as its cousin, the Valley of Flowers in Bhuyandar valley and thus remains pristine. En route there are high altitude lakes of Swanu, Nandu and Chenap by whose shores one can easily camp and stay.Visitors are strictly forbidden from camping inside the Valley of Flowers. An ancient temple of Raj Rajeshwari Mohan Nanda delights visitors and is located there. Strewn with a few hamlets here and there the valley looks like God’s own paradise on Earth.
Among all the trekking trails in Uttarakhand, this place deserves a special mention owing to its beauty. Between mid-May and mid-October, during or post-monsoon, is the best time for you to visit this place. The wildflowers bloom in full splendour, and the greenery comes alive.
First-time trekkers will enjoy a gradual and relatively easy to moderate altitude gain of approximately 2000m to 4000m around Numb Peak. The total trekking distance is around 60 km. This is the valley where Mother Durga fought the forceful battle with Mahisasura to protect her son.
Starting form Dehradun/ Rishikesh/Haridwar you can take a car to reach Vishnuprayag which is around 263 km away. It is a very scenic drive for around 8/9 hour that takes you through the holy towns of Devprayag (confluence point between Alaknanda, Saraswati and Bhagirathi rivers beyond which they flow as Ganga), Srinagar, Dhari Devi, Rudraprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Mandakini river), Gauchar, Karnaprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Pindar river), Nandprayag (confluences between Alaknanda and Nandakini river), Chamoli, Pipalkoti, Dwing, Joshimath and Vishnuprayag (Alaknanda is met by the Dhauliganga River).
You need to get down from the car at Vishnuprayag and cross the Marwari Pool steel bridge over Alaknanda and thereafter the trek starts. 0After walking for 4-5 hours the trail gradually takes you to the beautiful village of Thaing (2,438m), 8km away crossing the Chaien village en-route. You can camp here or choose a home-stay for the night. The villagers are quite warm hearted in welcoming you, sharing their local cuisine, culture and telling you stories about ancient kingdom whose relics are still there.
Next morning you will need to start early after filling up your water bottles as water resources are scarce on the trail. The trail gradually ascends up to Dhar Kharak or Baidwa Kharak and takes you through wild forest with rare flora and fauna, and rare root fruits (kandmol). Small hamlets and infrequent human settlements, including Sunalgatha, Pilpar, and Pandari Gala, trail the path. After walking for 4 to 5 hours and a distance of around 6km the trail leads you to Dhar Kharak. After camping there overnight next day after trekking for about 3 to 4 hours and a distance of around 4km you will reach the picturesque Chenap meadows (3048m). Here you can rest for a day to explore the surroundings.
The lush greenery and blooming wildflowers will keep you amazed and mesmerized. Next day, as the sun rises, you will behold breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Dronagiri, and Sona Sikhar peaks. Fulna and Maskyani bugyal (alpine meadows) are located 8km away, where you can trek up to the base of Sona Sikhar peaks.
After staying for another night at camp as with all round treks, you need to follow the same trail to come down to Thaing village and Vishnuprayag. This trail's enchanting views will rejuvenate your soul and leave you enthralled, ensuring you return for another fantastic Himalayan trail experience.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath. Drive distance is 240 km.
Day 2: Drive from Joshimath to Thaing Village via Vishnu Prayag. Drive distance is 10 km and trek distance is 8 km.
Day 3: Start your trek from Thaing Village to Dhar Kharak. Trek distance is 6 km.
Day 4: Trek from Dhar Kharak to Chenap Meadow. Trek distance is 4 km.
Day 5: Spend your whole day in Chenap Valley.
Day 6: Trek from Chenap Valley to Thaing Village
Day 7: Trek from Thaing Village to Vishnu Prayag and drive to Joshimath.
Day 8: Drive back from Joshimath to Dehradun.
Plan your trek to this offbeat destination with Himalaya Shelter (HS). Our team is offering you a customized and well-planned trek to Chenap Valley. This beautiful valley is situated in the heart of Uttarakhand. Chenap Valley Trek is a perfect escape from the city crowd. This hidden gem will make your heart flutter. Our team will make your trek perfect in every way.
Himalaya Shelter is a team of mountain lovers. Our guides are highly skilled and experienced. We can plan your Chenap Valley Trek as per your demands. You can customize your accommodation, meals, and group size. We also provide tailored routes and flexible dates that suit the group’s interests. If you are trekking with family, we can customize the trek itinerary depending on your fitness levels. With us, forget all the worries and enjoy your Chenap Valley Trek to the fullest.
Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Chenap is a beautiful valley. This valley is situated near various popular spots. However, Chenap Valley Trek is not a very well-known place among tourists. It is not listed among the top popular treks of Uttarakhand, but it has a deep connection to the local history. The valley is located in the Chamoli district, which is known for its traditional migratory routes. Shepherds have been migrating with their cattle in these areas for centuries. Earlier, this route was used by traders to trade between high-altitude and low-altitude areas. This is also an important route among pilgrims. For centuries, locals from villages like Tapovan, Lata, etc, have been taking their cattle to Chenap Bugyal for grazing in the summer.
Chenap Valley Trek is also a huge part of the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route. Traders often used this route for trading between India and Tibet. It was an important route for bartering salt, wool, metal, and other items. This Indo-Tibet route has been closed since the 1962 Indo-China war, but the trails leading to the valleys are still gems among the trekkers. Explorers and trekkers walk on these trails to find a connection with nature and spirituality
Beautiful Chenap Bugyal
The most beautiful highlight of the Chenap Valley Trek is the Bugyal itself. The Chenap Bugyal is a vast alpine meadow that looks magical during the summer. After winter, the Chenap Bugyal starts turning green. If you trek during late summer, you can see a beautiful carpet of various flowers like blue poppies, primulas, etc.
Majestic Himalayan Views
When you start ascending to the Chenap Valley, you will get a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. You can see peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Dunagiri, etc. These peaks stand in front of you as if you can touch them. The sunrises and sunsets in these peaks are incredible.
Less crowd
Most people choose the Valley of Flowers for trekking as it is the most beautiful trek in Uttarakhand. However, the Valley of Flowers opens for only four months and can be highly crowded. People who want an intimate experience with nature should go for the Chenap Valley Trek. It is a peaceful and perfect trek for people who want to disconnect from the modern noise.
Beautiful Trail
The trek starts from Thaing, which is a remote village of Uttarakhand. It is a beautiful village, and the locals are very humble. The trek takes you through dense forests of pine and oak trees. Rhododendron blooms will steal your heart as you will be surrounded by red flowers. The peace you found in the Chenap Valley Trek is unmatchable.
The difficulty level of Chenap Valley Trek is rated as Moderate to Difficult. This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers. However, fit beginners can also do this trek without any difficulty. It is a high-altitude trek and requires good physical and mental fitness.
- High-Altitude
The Chenap Valley Trek starts from 2000 m and reaches around 4000 m in a few days. The Chenap Valley is located at an altitude of 13000 feet. Your body needs proper acclimatization for this much altitude gain. Trekkers may experience symptoms of AMS, such as headache, fatigue, etc.
- Navigation challenges
The Chenap Valley Trek is like a hidden gem. It is very beautiful but not well-marked. You barely find signboards or visible trails on the trek. Plan your Chenap Valley Trek with a local guide or trekking company. Trekking to Chenap Valley solo without any guidance is not recommended.
- Trail and weather conditions
The weather in high-altitude zones is unpredictable. When you cross 3000 m, the weather may change unexpectedly. Sudden rain or snowfall is common in the high-altitude areas. In heavy rain, the trail becomes muddy and slippery. Rain can increase the difficulty level of the trek.
The best time to visit Chenap Valley Trek is during the summer season. The meadows become green and beautiful. Post-monsoon weather is also a good time to trek Chenap Valley. However, trekking in winter is not recommended due to heavy snowfall. Winter trek to Chenap Valley is only for experienced trekkers.
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Chenap Valley Trek from Mid-May to Early July
Summer is the best time to plan your trek to Chenap Valley. In early May, you can see snow in the high-altitude areas. The valley starts turning from white to green. In pre-monsoon, like early July, the valley turns colorful due to the varieties of flowers blooming,
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Chenap Valley Trek from Mid-July to August
Trekking in the monsoon is very risky. Chamoli district receives high amounts of rainfall, which often leads to landslides. The trails become very muddy and risky. Sometimes, reaching the base village becomes difficult. The valley will be covered with flowers in the monsoon. But the visibility will be poor due to clouds and fog.
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Chenap Valley Trek from September to Mid-October
Post-monsoon is also a good time to trek to Chenap Valley. The views start getting clearer. You can see the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The green meadows will start turning golden. Autumn is also very beautiful in Chenap Valley.
For the Chenap Valley Trek, you have to reach Thaing village. This is a small village in the Chamoli district. The major city near Thaing village is Joshimath.
- Joshimath via Road
Joshimath is one of the major cities of the Garhwal division. You can find direct buses to Joshimath from various locations. Firstly, reach Delhi and look for buses to Dehradun or Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can find direct buses to Joshimath.
- Joshimath via Train
The nearest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh. This popular city is well-connected from various locations. If you can’t find a direct train, then look for trains to Dehradun. Else, book a train to Delhi as you can easily find trains to Delhi from your city. Now book a train ticket from Delhi to Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, continue your journey by road.
- Joshimath via Air
The nearest airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. You can find flights to Dehradun from various big cities. After reaching Dehradun airport, take a shared taxi to Rishikesh. Now take a direct bus to Joshimath.
After reaching Joshimath, you can take shared taxis to Thaing village. The road distance is 18 km and will take about an hour.
Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek
Clothing and Backpack
Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.
Footwear
You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.
Personal Care
For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.
Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:
To overcome the difficulty level of trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.
Overview
Foundation
Strength Building
Power & Stamina
Endurance & Recovery
Day 1: Dehradun - Joshimath (240km/ 8-9h)
Reach Dehradun early in the morning. After breakfast, drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. Witness the union of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda; the divine formation of Ganga. Reach Joshimath by the evening and have a rest.
Day 2: Joshimath - Vishnu Prayag (10 kms by road) - Thaing Village (8 kms trek)
Start your journey from Joshimath to Thaing village via Vishnuprayag. You will drive to Vishnuprayag (10 km) and then start the trek to Thaing Village. The trek distance is 8 km and will take about 3 hours.
Day 3: Thaing Village - Dhar Kharak (6 kms trek)
Today, we shall start trekking early in the morning. Our trek will be to Dhar Kharak or Baidwa Kharak. Packed lunch will be taken to serve you on the way. The trek will pass through dense forests and along the course of several streams. We shall set our camp at Dhar Kharak for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Dhar Kharak - Chenap Meadow (4 kms)
Post breakfast, we shall trek to Chenap Valley. There are around 500 species of flowers and numerous medicinal plants found here. From Chenap, one can head to Badrinath via Neelkanth Base Camp. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 5: Chenap Valley
The day is free for exploration. Overnight stay in the tent.
Optional: One can Trek towards Sona Shikhar which is 8 kms via Fulna and Maskyani Bugyal. In Sona Shikhar one can see the Braham Kamal and Fan Kamal.
Day 6: Chenap Valley – Thaing Village
Post breakfast, we shall trek back to Thaing Village. Overnight stay in a camp.
Day 7: Thaing Village - Vishnu Prayag - Srinagar (160km/5-6 hours)
Early in the morning, post breakfast, we shall trek down to Vishnu Prayag and from there will drive to Joshimath/Chamoli.
Day 8: Joshimath/Chamoli - Dehradun
After the breakfast, we will drive to Dehradun.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you, creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region, whilst on the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Trek Package Inclusions
- Transport - Pickup time: 7:30 am, Prince Chowk, Near Dehradun Railway Station
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals. (INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek)
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
A hidden gem in Uttarakhands Chamoli district Chenap Valley is tucked away at an elevation of about 13000 feet (3960 meters). The alpine meadows that bloom there are well-known for providing a stunning display of rare Himalayan flowers such as the Brahma Kamal. Encircled by towering peaks such as Nanda Devi and Trishul the valley is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for an unusual location.
Trekkers with previous high-altitude trekking experience can tackle the moderate to challenging Chenap Valley Trek. The 25–30 km journey includes river crossings rough terrain and steep ascents. To prevent altitude sickness adequate acclimatization is crucial due to the altitude gain. The trail has breathtaking views but it takes endurance and physical fitness to finish.
Between June and September when the valley is ablaze with vibrant alpine flowers is the best time of year to trek to Chenap Valley. The weather is still pleasant during this time with highs of 5°C to 18°C. The journey is inaccessible due to the bitterly cold and snowy winters (October to April). As the monsoon season (July to August) approaches there is a chance of landslides and slick paths.
Joshimath which is conveniently located near important cities is where the trek begins.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport located 272 kilometers away.
By Rail: Rishikesh is the closest train station 250 kilometers away.
By Road: From Rishikesh (250 km) Haridwar (270 km) and Delhi (500 km) Joshimath can be reached by road. You must make the quick drive from Joshimath to Dronagiri Village the treks base camp.
Although bringing a legitimate form of identification is advised no special permits are needed for the Chenap Valley Trek. Accommodation options include homestays in Dronagiri Village and campsites along the trekking route. Since this is a remote trek it is advisable to carry essential camping gear food supplies and medical kits for a comfortable experience.
You can find shops only in the Thaing village. Buy all your essentials from Thaing village before heading forward.
Trekking to Chenap valley in the winter is possible but not recommended due to heavy snowfall.
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