Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila Trek

A beginner's trek with a forest, panoramic Himalayan views and a seven thousander up close!
Duration
5 Days
Trek Altitude
12,083 Feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
27 KM
Group Size
12
Best Time
All Year

Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila Trek

This all-season trek is known for its scenic beauty. The Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila Trek passes through some beautiful forests and affords excellent views of the snow-clad peaks. The trek gives one the opportunity to visit the 1000-year-old Tungnath temple, which is the highest shrine of Lord Shiva. It is one of the Panch-Kdars and is believed to have been built by Arjuna himself. Chandrashila Peak is famous for its breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. It is one of the few peaks that can also be climbed in the winter months.



We also visit the picturesque Deoriatal which is famous for mirroring the Chaukhamba peak in its waters. A lake shrouded in legends, it is believed the Devas (Gods) bathed in this lake hence the name. Some say that it was the place from where the mighty Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata were asked queries by Yaksha. The lake is also believed to be the "Indra Sarovar" referred to in the Puranas by wandering Sadhus.



Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek in various months-

Even though Chopta Chandrashila or Deoriatal Chandrashila is a high-altitude trek, it can be done for all year except during monsoon season.

Deoriatal Chandrashila in Winter

You will find snow from the base camp towards January. The entire landscape and valley will be in white from December to the end of February. During the winter, temperature ranges between 8 °C and 14 °C in day time, and ranges from -6 °C to -10 °C in night time.

Deoriatal Chandrashila in Spring

Usually, Spring in Deoriatal Chandrashila begins in early March and lasts until the end of April. The higher parts of Chandrashila and Tungnath are still covered in snow during this time. As the snow starts melting in the upper regions, the grass begins turning green in the lower meadows. Spring is a wonderful time to witness colorful contrasts on the meadows, with a mix of snow, greenery, and blooming flowers. During Spring, the daytime temperature ranges between 13 °C and 17 °C, it can.

Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek in Summer

The trek is at its most relaxed, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat of the plains. The forests and meadows appear vibrant and sunny during May and June. In early June. This is an ideal time to introduce children and families to the Himalayas during the summer vacations. During Spring, temperatures range between 18 °C and 24 °C during the day and drop to around 3-8 °C at night.



Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek in Autumn

This is also the best time to embark on the trek during Autumn. Following the monsoon season, the sky becomes clear and free from any mist or fog. In autumn, you can relish the most unobstructed views of the mountains. During Spring, temperatures range between 10 °C and 15 °C during the day and drop to around zero at night.

Rhododendron arboreum

Among the most enchanting floral episodes is Rhododendron arboreum. Nicknamed Burans or Laligurans, these cheerful blooming rhododendrons illuminate the trekking paths and turn it into a natural gallery.

A Splash of Scarlet: Rhododendron arboreum is well-known for its magnificent scarlet red flowers. In the spring season, generally from March to May these vibrant blooms cover the trekking trails around Chopta and Chandrashila. Against the green background, the scarlet colors come to highlight making hiking a visual treat. Rhododendron arboreum represents a vividly living symbol of intricacy realized by nature for flora in Himalayas. Regardless of whether you are hiking to appreciate the joyous red blossoms in spring or enjoy the evergreen vegetation during winter, the presence of these alpine flowers lends a sense of magical mystique that transforms this adventure into something more than just exercise.

Difficulty level of Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek-

The Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek is an easy-moderate one and climbs up to 12,083 ft. Deoriatal-Chandrashila is a safe trek. The altitude of 12,083 feet is covered over a span of 3 to 4 days providing enough time for your body to acclimatize. Even though the trek is of easy-to-moderate difficulty, it's still important to be mindful of potential mistakes during the trekking. Here are some key pointers to ensure your safety on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek:

  1. Hard snow can be highly slippery without microspikes or crampons, so make sure to wear your microspikes before stepping onto the snow. A minor slip could lead to injuries such as a sprained ankle or even a fracture.
  2. Step where other trekkers have walked before, using their footholds. Watch out for deep ones and avoid creating new paths on your own.

Effect of Weather on the Difficulty of the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

At heights above 10,000 ft, snowfall is possible at any time. If it rains on the lower slopes, it often leads to light or heavy snowfall in the higher areas. Weather conditions can change suddenly at these altitudes, leading to rain or snow. Rain can create slushy conditions, making walking unsafe and some usual paths may become very slippery.

Customize Your Trek:

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

Itinerary

Drive: 226 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 6,561 ft (2,000 m)

Accommodation: Homestay/Guest House

Meals: Dinner

 

We start early and drive through the towns of Devprayag and Rudraprayag to reach Sari village. The route follows the river Ganges till Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. From here, we follow Alaknanda till Rudraprayag, where Alaknanda and Mandakini merge into one. Rudraprayag has been mentioned in the book ‘The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag’ by the famous big cat hunter Jim Corbett. He managed to hunt down the leopard which had killed about 125 people in the area. The river Mandakini is followed upstream from here. We reach Sari by early evening. Overnight in tents near the village.

Trek: 3.5 km, 3-4 hrs

Altitude: 6,561 ft (2,000 m) – 7,972 ft (2,430 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

On this day, we embark on the trail, up the hill to Deoria Tal. The pretty walk through rhododendrons takes one to the ridge above the village. Deoria Tal is a small lake with a meadow beside it. The view of the mountain ranges from here are fabulous. The Chaukhamba massif gets reflected on the clear water at times. Since, the trek is short, one can spend the day soaking in the peaceful forest environment and can also go for short walks around the lake.

Trek: 16 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 7,972 ft (2,430 m) – 8,556 ft (2,608 m)

Accommodation: Hotel/Luxury Tents

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

 

The walk on this day is fairly level and through some beautiful forest and meadows. The trail starts from the forest department cottages near Deoriatal. It enters the forest and soon reaches close to a ridge from where the village of Sari is visible far below on our right. We enter the forest again from here. The rhododendron flowers here bloom in spring and one gets the feel of walking through a park. The colors range from red to various shades of pink. If we are trekking in the winter months, some snow can be present in the shadowy areas. There are two camping options, either camp short of Chopta near a stream, or at the meadows below the shops at Chopta.

Trek: 8 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude: 8,556 ft (2,608 m) – 12,073 ft (3,680 m) – 12,960 ft (3,950 m) – 8,556 ft (2,608 m)

Accommodation: Hotel/Luxury Tents

Meals: Breakfast + Packed Lunch + Evening Snacks+ Dinner

 

 

We start early today. Form the picturesque environs of Chopta, we take the path through the arch leading up to the temple. The path is a paved one having handrails at places. At times, one can catch a glimpse of the monal bird in the forest on the left side of the path. Monal is type of pheasant and the state bird of Uttarakhand. Tungnath is a short 2 km trek from Chopta. The temple is only visible in the last few hundred metres. After a visit to the age old temple, we head up to the peak. Soaking in the stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas from Chandrashila, we begin heading down to Chopta and reach by late afternoon.

Drive: 205 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 8,556 ft (2,608 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)

Meals: Breakfast

 

On this day, we can visit Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. It is the winter abode of the idol of Kedarnath temple. We drive back to Dehradun and reach by early evening.

Upcoming Treks

  • April open

  • May open

  • June open

  • July open

FAQ's about Deoriatal chopta chandrashila trek

  • The trek is easy- moderate.It does not have too many steep climbs (except the summit push to chandrashila). It is a good trek for beginners families and children and is easily one of the most preferred treks for newbies. however, it is a trek in the Himalayas, thus, you should train for atleast a month before trekking.
  • Children above 8 years of age can trek depending upon health factors and fitness.

  • The section from Baniyakund to Tungnath- chandrashila, especially when you are trekking in snow could be difficult.
  • Hard snow can be slippery so one should where microspikes before stepping on snow. Small slip change result in injuries like a ligament tear, a sprain ankle or even a fracture.
  • It is important to put foot on foot holes made by earlier trekkers. do not try to make new paths of your own and look out for deep foot holes.
  • Check for sections with feebles no that may require ropes.
  • Chopta is situated within the Kedarnath Reserve National Park. There have been sightings of foxes and jackals in the past. But they do not usually come in when there is a lot of tourist activity.

Spring and autumn.

  • The trek is mostly open all year round.
  • The trekking route through Chopta gets closed during winter post December due to heavy snowfall. Thus, the best time to Trek is during spring and autumn upto December.
  • It is strongly recommended against trekking in the winters.

  • In autumn, you get the most stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
  • Chandrashila offers splendid views of the majestic Himalayan peaks including Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Kamet, Gangotri Ranges & more.

  • The trek is very popular for the 1000 year old temple in Tungnath which is the highest shrine of lord Shiva
  • It is believed that Devas (Gods) bathed in this lake and hence the name Deoriatal
  • Some say that was the place from where the mighty Pandavas of the Epic Mahabharata were asked queries by Yaksha
  • The lake is also believed to be the “Indra Sarovar” referred to in the puranas by wandering Sadhus, elf.
  • Chandrashila is one of the few treks that can also be climbed  in the winter months

Ukhimath is where you’ll find the last ATM

  • All network signals along with the internet are available at Sari village and Deoriatal (sometimes sketchy).
  • At Chopta, signals remain sketchy most of the time. Sometimes Airtel and BSNL work.

Electricity is luckily available at base camp Sari.

Ukhimath is the nearest hospital. Ukhimath is almost an hour’s drive from Baniyakund.

Reviews

1 review for Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila Trek

  1. Avatar

    zoritoler imol –

    Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

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Inclusion
  1. Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  4. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  5. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  6. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  7. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱