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 allows one 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 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 them 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 the 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 throughout 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 Tourmyholiday, 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.

A thali like this will cost you around 80 Rupees per person, with unlimited rotis and rice too.

Drinking water is available in plenty in Chopta as pipelines have been laid down by the government. There are no menus in the dhabas and eateries of Chopta and it is better to ask the prices of food before ordering to avoid an unpleasant situation. Remember to keep a lot of water with you on the trek and not empty it before you reach Tungnath. It is recommended to carry some candies with you, they help the throat to not get dry on uphill climbs. The dhaba guys near the start of the trek in Chopta have started charging insane amounts of money for breakfast (update: March 2018) and hence it is better to go to a reasonable restaurant.

There are 3-4 general stores in Chopta. It is recommended to carry a power bank to recharge your electronic devices. ATMs on the route are available in Rudraprayag, Srinagar, and Ukhimath, but it is advised to keep the required cash with you. Try to carry as little weight as possible with you in the backpack, and leave the excess stuff at Chopta or the Guesthouse you are staying at.

Pretty in pink… rhododendron blossoms are an added charm of the Chopta to Tungnath Trek.

The basic idea of the costs from Delhi (per person): Janrath AC tickets from Delhi to Haridwar & back  – Rs. 800/-. GMOU Bus from Haridwar to Ukhimath & back – Rs. 600/-. Shared taxis from Ukhimath to Sari/Chopta and back – Rs. 200/-. Stay at Sari/Chopta/Tungnath/Ukhimath – Rs. 250 per person per day. Food: 300 Rupees per person per day.

So for a 3-day trip, the expenses can be roughly worked out to around 2500-3500 Rupees per person.

Please ensure that as responsible travelers and trekkers, you don’t litter the place, and try to keep it as clean as possible.

Excellent valley view halfway on the way back, the descent can be covered in a relaxed manner to see as much of the scenery as possible.

Bus connections to come back from Chopta to Ukhimath and then back to Haridwar/Rishikesh

There is a solitary bus every day from Gopeshwar to Ukhimath that goes through Chopta; the time of crossing Chopta is 2 pm. According to the locals, this bus service is erratic and it is better to go to Ukhimath by shared sumo. Shared taxis run all day from Chopta to Ukhimath and cost around 50 Rupees.

A closer look at the rhododendron flower. A tasty local juice is made of them, called ‘buransh ka sharbat’.

From Ukhimath to Haridwar, the earliest bus is a GMOU service which leaves at 05:30 am and reaches Rishikesh at around 11:30 am and Haridwar at 12:30 pm. Most buses to Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun leave from Ukhimath in the morning hours. The locals told me that the last bus for Haridwar is at around 1 or 2 in the afternoon.

Read: Chopta Uttarakhand: A Journey to the Mini Switzerland of India

Slow and steady, always your best buddy 

Since most of you who read this are likely to be city dwellers; a sedentary lifestyle has left us in a not-so-fit position health-wise. Remember to keep it simple, take less weight on your back, and progress slowly and steadily on the trek. Fall in love with nature and let your mind take a break from the busy everyday schedule. Make friends with unknown strangers and keep the trail and surroundings pristine.

Beautifully described by this signboard; ‘Stop and see – nature’s bounty!’

If I’ve left out any details in this detailed travel guide to Chopta, please do let me know in the comments section. Always happy to hear feedback.

Chopta Chandrashila Trek in Winter (December, January, February): A Complete Guide

The winter season provides a significant timeframe for contemplating travel decisions and relishing the enchanting snow-covered landscapes of hilly regions. There are too many sites but Chopta and Chandrashila are some of the best because it is near Delhi.

If you're considering embarking on the Chopta Tungnath trek, you've come to the right place for comprehensive information. The best part about the Chandrashila Trek is, that you can do it any time of the year because there is a level of fun, thrill, and excitement in every season. But you can get different vibes in winter sessions from December to Feb.

Most of people are going in autumn and winter treks. This is the most popular trek in this season. This Chopta Tungnath trek has a moderate Level. If you want to go for a real adventurer, this trek will certainly put your strength to work.

The Chandrashila Trek reaches an elevation of approximately 3,690 meters (12,110 feet) above sea level, treating trekkers to breathtaking vistas of renowned peaks such as Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba.

This expedition encompasses all the elements you desire in a Himalayan Trek. It offers breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, serene strolls through forests adorned with Rhododendron flowers in shades of pink and red, and nights spent gazing at a star-studded sky.

The highlight comes at sunrise when reaching the summit, witnessing the sky undergo a mesmerizing transformation through various shades in just a matter of minutes. Learn more about the incredible Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, a journey that introduces you to two remarkable destinations: Deoriatal and Chandrashila Peak.

Best Time to Visit Chandrashila Trek

This eye-catching Chopta Tungnath weekend trip landscape is situated in the starting from Chopta and offers a breathtaking adventure for nature enthusiasts and avid trekkers.

• While Chopta is a year-round destination, the best time to embark on the Chandrashila Trek is from November to May. You can embark on your journey during the winter session for many reasons.
• During the winter months of November to February, Chopta transforms into a winter wonderland, adorned with a blanket of pristine snow.
• The trek becomes a mesmerizing journey through snow-covered landscapes, offering a unique and enchanting experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush and stunning vistas.
• The snow-clad trails lead to the summit of Chandrashila, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi.
• Choosing the right time to visit Chopta for the Chandrashila Trek is crucial for an optimal experience. Whether it's the magical winter landscapes or the vibrant springtime blossoms, each season offers a unique charm.

November to May emerges as the prime window, presenting trekkers with diverse landscapes, comfortable weather, and the opportunity to witness the majestic Himalayan peaks in their full glory.

Chopta: The Gateway to Serenity

Chopta, a perfect destination you can get in this Chandrashila Trek package, is often known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," and serves as the perfect base for the thrilling Chopta Tungnath Trek. It is at an altitude of around 2,680 meters, this enchanting destination is characterized by its picturesque meadows and dense forests, creating an idyllic setting for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

1. The Chopta region is renowned for its pristine beauty and tranquility, attracting visitors throughout the year. Whether it's the snow-clad landscapes during winter, the vibrant blossoms in spring, or the lush greenery in summer, Chopta offers a diverse and captivating experience.
2. The Chopta Tungnath Trek showcases breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including the revered Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi. With its natural charm and accessibility, Chopta stands as an inviting gateway to the mesmerizing world of Uttarakhand's Himalayas.

Tungnath: A Sacred Destination

Ascending from Chopta, the trail unfolds a spiritual and scenic journey, culminating in Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple globally, perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters.

• Tungnath holds profound religious significance, drawing pilgrims and trekkers alike. The Chopta Tungnath Trek not only promises a connection with divinity but also unveils mesmerizing panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
• The Tungnath temple is an ancient abode of Lord Shiva, is a sacred destination, and a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the region.
• Pilgrims and devotees undertake the Chopta Tungnath Trek to seek blessings and immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of this revered site.
• The temple's elevated location allows visitors to witness the grandeur of peaks like Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi, creating a harmonious blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
• The journey to Tungnath from Chopta is not merely a physical ascent; it is a soul-stirring experience that combines reverence for the divine with awe-inspiring views, making it a pilgrimage of both the heart and the senses.