Overview
Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal is a window into Himalaya’s spring color vibrancy. A well-loved trek for mountain goers of all kinds, this trek flourishes with blossoms, especially rhododendrons red and pink, in summer time while winters are a hazy shade with enough scopes to have a ball in spilling snow. The whole tour covers a swoop to the Chandrashila Peak, passing by the enchanting Deoriatal lake side, and opens up a gallery of stunning snow peaks all the way. This 5-day plan is unmatched in nature’s beauty, exhilarating challenges, time-efficiency and convenience. The highlights of the trek range from awe-inspiring summit views to warmth of the forest greens, piquing up interests in all sorts of mountain lovers. You could be a nature treasurer, bird watching amateur, or a shutterbug with a dream of capturing the drama in the highlands, Chopt-Chandrashila-Deorital is a trek for all and fails none.
The first big stop on the trek comes with Deoriatal. Situated at a good height of 7, 800 feet, the lake is gripped with forests all around. At a short distance ahead, the Chaukhamba massif glistens and the reflection of it is caught in the crystal-like waters of the lake. The effect is striking. The site is steeped in myths. As goes the story, the five pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, once thirsty, had come to the waters of Deoriatal and faced a test of wisdom. Camping here the first night under a stardusted sky makes the mellowest of memories on a trek. Next up on the line of visual ecstasies are the extensive meadows that turn to snow fields along the way to Chopta. As one furthers up the trail, great peaks jump to view—Bandarppoonch, Kedar, and Chaukhamba to name a few. These stellar features of Garhwal Himalayas promise to get more elucidated from the zenith of Chandrashila, so the motivation is never lost and one goes on until the end of the summit stretch at the Tunganath temple.
Trek Highlight
- Trek to one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and discover utmost tranquility
- Capture a chance to explore unique villages, forests trails, massive maple, oak and pine trees, crystal clear lakeside, and much more
- Hike to 12,072 ft. and admire breathtaking views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpuch, and Chaukhamba Peaks
Itinerary
Our tour guides will expect you at Haridwar railway station at 6:30 in the morning today. You can arrange an overnight bus journey from Delhi, reaching Haridwar in the morning or reach a couple of days earlier to the starting day of the trek. Haridwar-Rishikesh by the Ganges is a famous site on the pilgrim trail of Uttarakhand. You can spend your time in Rishikesh immersing in cultural activities and adventure sports in the choppy waters of Ganga. We can pick you up alternatively from Rishikesh as well.
From this point to Sari village is a journey of 7-8 hours. Take in the beautiful vista of lower Garhwal Himalayas as the drive turns uphill. The most picturesquely notable stop on the way will be at Devaprayag- a town marking the gorgeous confluence of Alakananda and Bhagirathi. The river will keep you company throughout, reaching you at Sari by 6:00 in the evening. The village is a pretty picture composed of little houses sketched across a mountain backdrop and lined with green patches of agricultural fields. If you are missing any minor requisite for the journey ahead, visit the market area in Sari, just might find something useful!
The trek on the first day is easy with mixed ascent and descent. A well-defined rocky trail will show you to the end, from where the Chandrashila summit is clearly visible and the Tunganath temple is a speck of color. After this point, it’s a steep uphill bend on the ridge back of the mountain. Get ready for an acutely laborious climb, giving you the first taste of challenge. Soon, you will reach the Forest Department built resting stop. Clocked timely by your Trek Leader, you can afford a 20 minutes break here. An excellent view the way of the mountain fall waits here.
Post-rest, the trail will bend through a forest of rhododendrons. Spring treks here in the crimson shadow rhododendron blossoms make it memorable more than ever. We go steadily up. At 7, 434 ft. village localities vanish from sight. Nearly 20 minutes from this point, we will be standing with the waters of Deoriatal glistening down a lurching gentle slope.
A grand vista of Chaukhamba massifs is unveiled in the background of the lake. It will be mid-noon by the time you reach the spot. Wait for the morning when the cloud cover lifts and a diamond-crushed sunlight elucidate the outlines of Chaukhamba, making for the ultimate striking frame. Having the entire day to yourself, explore the deep nooks of the forests lying out around, a paradise for bird-watcher’s and nature lovers. Hot lunch on this day will be served on reaching our lakeside camp in Deorital.
Today’s trail will familiarize you more with the Chaukhamba massif and Mount Kedar summit, rising closely as you process. Rhododendron and maples eclipse the forest path, spreading a cool and rejuvenating vibe. In these thickets you will find two prominent varieties of rhododendrons—red and pink, the concentration of them thickens as you move pass the first forest stretch.
The trail is sprinkled with little shrines that stand out in the greenness by the red and yellow flags tied on them. After crossing a clearing in the forest lined with scarlet blossoms, we are directly ushered up an ascending path towards Rohgini Bugyal and Chopta. The ascending trail gives way to a level land and some leeway in the rigorous uphill hike. A resplendent view of the Chandrashila awaits on the other side of the forest margin. After the level-land, you will have to re-enter the forest now characterized with old oaks and maple besides the rhododendrons. This forms part of the Kedarnath Sanctuary, and with some luck, trekkers can spot red fox and other small wild things.
More 25 minutes of trekking in the Kedarnath Sanctuary trail and you will reach the Bhagdwal temple. This is a junction point for three trek routes. One connects to Sari village, another towards Ukhimath, and the central one descending to the meadows of Rohini Bugyal. Along this line, Chandrashila and flanked by the adjoining Kala Parvat Peak gain prominence. You can find the way bending from here to Bisuri Tal lake and a small tarn named Nandikund, situated at the base of Kala Parvat. Further down as you progress, a silvery rivulet coming from Chandrashila meets your way. Here, you can fill your water supplies and move on taking a small wooden bridge on the stream.
A little way up, the meadows start. Here, you will find a cluster of huts. Shepards from local villages come here to graze their livestock. Not far from here, you will find a road head at the margin of a jungle trail. In this area in the vicinity of Chopta village, we have our campsite at a clearing in the forests.
We commence the hike today early morning. Starting in the wee hours of dark will let us have a beautiful sunrise experience from Tunganath top. The trek runs on a well-defined concrete-bound trail from Chopta to the temple. Today,the hike will be fraught with steep climbing challenges with sharp turns to cross by. There will be other shrines on the way, of which a particular temple with a flagpole is notable. This one comes after the 10th bend of the road and marks the opening of a splendid view of Chandrashila up ahead. From here, you will also get a clear vision of a connecting peak to Chandrashila. This one is named Ravanshila.
In the winters, you will find snow from here. The 11th bend marks the entryway to Tunganath above which the splendid Chandrashila peak towers at 12, 083 ft. The route to the peak bends from behind the temple complex. Beware of thick snow on this summit stretch after December till the end of April. Crampons and gaiters are highly recommended for the snow climb and your trek lead is expected top make the path through the cover of snow sludge with the help of an ice axe.
At the end of a steep and arduous climb, the summit will be reached with a 360 degree view of the Garhwal and Kumaon mountains welcomingly lying ahead. Notable peaks in this panorama of grandeur are—Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and Kedar. Glimpses of the Thalaysagar and Gangotri ranges too could be made out at the edges.
The downhill journey is relatively less time consuming and smoother. It will take you about 3 hours to climb down to the Baniyakund campsite.
A ride back from the Chopta road head to Haridwar is scheduled for day 5. After this 7 hour journey full of mellow reminisces of the hills, you will be reaching Haridwar in the evening. An overnight journey to Delhi will hopefully work out best.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
- 2.Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
- 3.Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
- 4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
- 5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
- 6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
1.Any kind of personal expenses. 2. Food during the transit. 3. Insurance. 4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage. 5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Bag pack
Basic Trek Essentials
Rucksack (60-70 ltr with cover)
Down Jacket
Fleece
Gloves (Woollen and Waterproof)
Poncho or a Rain Coat
Trekking Pole
Head Torch
Trek Shoes – Men or Women
Trek Pant – 2 Nos. Preferred
Day Pack ( 20-30 litres)
Clothes :
A pair of Thermals
Warm Socks and cotton socks ( 2-3 pair)
Woollen Cap
Sun Cap
Gloves ( Woollen and waterproof)
Extra Layering of Warm Clothing as per necessity
Extra lowers for Nights
Utensils : Plates, Spoon and Coffee Mug
Photo ID proof
Balaclava
Personal Utilities :
Sun Glasses ( UV Protected )
Hand Towel
Sun Screen Lotion (Min SPF- 30 min)
Moisturiser
Lunch box, Coffee mug and spoon
Water bottle or Hydration Bag
Sandals
Basic First Aid
Energy Bars
Power Banks
Toiletries :
Toilet paper rolls
Towels
Wet wipes (unscented)
Zip Lock Bags
Sanitizing Toilet Spray
Soap and Handwash (pocket sized)
Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush
A.1.1. Process – The cancellation process is completely automated. Please login to you’re Trekstory account and find relevant instructions on your dashboard. You can choose your preferred mode of refund (Instant/Cash) as per the policy below and your refund would automatically be processed by the system.
A.1.2. Replacement of participant(s) – Our system allows you to seamlessly replace any of the participants in your booking through the Trekstory login account dashboard. Please note that this feature is applicable only when the status of the Booking is “Paid” and there are at least 5 days remaining prior to the departure date (departure date minus 5). If you are unable to replace a participant through your dashboard, then, drop an email to infotrekstory@gmail.com the screenshot of the error. The new participant needs to print, sign, scan and send the undertaking form to infotrekstory@gmail.com
Please note that the replacement would not be applicable on any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant. The same would be automatically cancelled. This is simply because the seats booked in such transport mediums are not transferrable.
A.1.3. Cash Refund: Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers. Also, the cash refunds would not be applicable in case of shifted batch bookings & if the status of the Booking is “Booked”.
The Refund of the amount would be processed as per deduction guidelines outlined below:
- Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date – 5% deduction
- Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure – 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days of departure – No Cash Refund
All cancellation refunds will be processed back to the bank account or the credit card account from which the event fee has been paid. The amount for refund processing would always be calculated basis the net amount paid* for booking the event w.r.t the Base Price of the event (excluding additional components like transport, insurance, rent, portage, etc.).
A.1.4. Voucher Refund: This option is available for all types of bookings including the bookings made under promotional offers.
The Trekstory would offer you a short term voucher that would enable you with a flexibility to book any other The Trekstory Hike event using the voucher. The option of claiming a voucher is available till 5 day prior to the departure of the event. The Refund of the amount would be processed as per deduction guidelines outlined below:
- Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date – No deduction
- Less than 5 days prior to departure – No Refund
The amount for refund processing would always be calculated basis the net amount paid* for booking the event w.r.t the Base Price of the event (excluding additional components like transport, insurance, rent, portage, etc.). Please note that the voucher issued would not include the service tax amount paid while making the booking. However, when you use the voucher to book again on our website, service tax would not be applicable on the voucher amount. Validity of the voucher would be 10 months from the date of issue.*Net Amount Paid would be the amount paid to The Mountain Hike Ak at the time of booking after adjusting for all rebates provided by applying vouchers.
Please note that any additional transport bookings are completely non-refundable, be it cash or voucher refund. For e.g. If you have booked Monal Top Trek by paying a base prices of INR 6,950 along with the transportation from Dehradun to Village Wan and back, and with portage and insurance, then in case of postponement or cancellation, only the base price of INR 6,950 would be considered for calculations of refund as per the slabs defined above or for the matter of issuing a voucher (for postponement cases). The additional transport fee deposited is completely non-refundable.A.2. In case of Cancellation or change initiated by The Mountain Hike
The Mountain Hike reserves the right to cancel your booking or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in our brochures or website. We will endeavour to advise you of any changes known at the time of booking. We plan the arrangements for your events many months in advance and may occasionally have to make minor changes..Transport timings and carriers shown or communicated on our website are for guidance only and are subject to change.
However in the field of adventure activities, there are many variables beyond our control like weather conditions, landslides, road situations and any other force majeure conditions. Circumstances amounting to “force majeure” include any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not even with all due care, foresee or forestall such as (by way of example and not by way of limitation) war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, industrial disputes, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, ban by local authorities, acts of God, unavoidable and unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential adverse weather conditions, and any other similar events. In such situations we might be forced to change the itinerary or even cancel an event. In case of a change /cancellation, you will have the choice of either:
Accepting a replacement event from us of equivalent or similar standard and price (at the date of the change), if we are able to offer you one; or Cancelling your event, in which case you shall receive a full refund*, including all the components paid by you (transport, base fee, taxes).
*The refund would always be in the form of a voucher (validity 6 months) if the change or cancellation arises from circumstances amounting to “force majeure” or from any other reason beyond our control. However, for cancellations made otherwise (low participation due to cancellation by other participants), the participant would have a choice between voucher of 6 month validity or cash refund. Please note that in case you have made the booking using a voucher, cash refund would only be made for the part paid in cash. However, we will reactivate your consumed voucher with an additional validity of 6 month.A.3 In case of changes/cancellation of the event after departure
A.3.1. When the change or cancellation arise from circumstances amounting to “force majeure” or for any other reason beyond our control The Mountain Hike shall not be liable to refund the amount already deposited.
A.3.2. When the change or cancellation arising otherwise: We will, wherever possible, make suitable alternative arrangements. If we are unable to make such alternative arrangements, or you reject the same for good reason then we will return you to your point of departure and refund you for any unused services, as appropriate. The refund would be primarily made in the form of a voucher (6 month validity). However, in case the participant desires, the same amount can also be refunded in cash.
A.4. In case of drop out by the participant in between the event We shall not be liable to make any refund in such situation. The participant would also have to pay additionally for unplanned expenses on planning and executing the retreat of the participant on actual basis. In case suitable arrangements for retreat are not possible, The Mountain Hike reserves the right to deny such drop out in between the event.
A.5. In case of early return from an event In situations wherein the participant(s) return early from the event due to the event being completed earlier than estimated or wherein due to force majeur conditions, the participant(s) had to return early, in such cases, any extra service(s) availed or extra night(s) accommodation booked, etc., the participant will have to bear the expenses incurred.
A.6. In case of Emergency Evacuation While we do have first aid and experts available on all our events but still there might be situations under which an emergency evacuation might be needed. We are committed to make a safe evacuation for you in case of an emergency. We would make necessary and adequate arrangements for your evacuation till the nearest road head that is well connected by road, and would also help you in boarding a vehicle to the nearest Hospital or any other facility so required. Any additional expenses incurred, that of porters, vehicle, ambulance, hospitalization, or any other expense incurred for evacuation, would be covered by the participant
