The trails of Garhwal Himalayas stir up excitement and a sense of adventure. The lofty terrains that lead to the summit offer an incredible and enchanting experience. One of the most thrilling and challenging trails in Uttarakhand is the Chandrashila Trek with Chopta and Tungnath. Reaching an elevation of 13,000 feet, this trek is surrounded by mist, coniferous forests, and snow, making it an unforgettable journey.
Located in the heart of Uttarakhand, the Chandrashila Trek is an adventure that can be undertaken year-round. Walking on snow-covered trails and staying in picturesque campsites with breathtaking views is truly a remarkable experience. Deoria Tal, Chopta, Tungnath, and the Chandrashila summit bring you closer to nature, transforming your escape into an unforgettable excursion. Embark on this journey and create cherished memories.
What Makes Chandrashila Trek With Chopta And Tungnath Special
Are you planning a trek to Chopta Chandrashila? The remarkable aspect of the Chandrashila Trek is its year-round availability, offering unique fun, thrill, and excitement in every season. Autumn and winter treks are particularly popular. If you seek to unleash your inner adventurer, this trail will test your strength as you immerse yourself in the mighty Himalayas. The Chandrashila trek reaches a height of approximately 3,690 meters (12,110 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of well-known peaks such as Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba.
Ideal duration: 4 days; can also be completed in 5 or 6 days Difficulty level: Moderate Maximum altitude: 12,100 feet
Explore 20 Breathtaking Winter Treks in the Himalayas
How to Reach Chandrashila Trek
By air: The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It takes around 6.5 hours by road in a private vehicle to cover the 211-kilometer distance from the airport to Sari Village, near Chopta.
By rail: Haridwar is the closest railhead, well-connected to major Indian cities. From Haridwar, you can choose to travel to Sari Village, the base camp for the Chandrashila Trek, by taxi or local bus.
By road: There are private buses, government buses, and taxis available from Haridwar to Chopta, covering a distance of approximately 200 kilometers in a little less than 8 hours.
Chandrashila Trek Route Map
Chandrashila Trek route: Haridwar – Sari (base camp) – Deoria Tal – Chopta – Circuit (Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila Peak – Chopta) – Haridwar
Chandrashila Trek Itinerary
There are several recommended routes for Chandrashila Treks, each offering different facilities and accommodations. Kund Camp and Sari Village serve as starting points for these routes. It’s important to note that the routes do not follow a specific order, so it’s best not to rely solely on the map. If you are not comfortable with reading maps, you can either follow the route suggested by your tour operator or fellow trekkers, or choose the one I recommend. After carefully considering the trail and nature views, I suggest taking the Sari to Chandrashila route.
Day 1 – Arrival in Sari from Haridwar
Sari is a beautiful base camp for the Chandrashila trek and is located in the Rudraprayag district. It takes approximately 8 hours to drive from Haridwar to Sari. There are various campsites, homestays, and guest houses available for trekkers.
Sari is typically used as an overnight stop before proceeding to Deoria Tal the next day. The elevated landscape of the village and the stunning mountains surrounding it create a breathtaking sight. Make sure to take in the beauty of this place.
Altitude: 6600 feet
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Day 2 – Trek from Sari to Deoria Tal
The enchanting campsite of Deoria Tal is located about 3 km away from Sari. The entire trek involves an elevation gain of approximately 1300 feet and takes about 1 hour to complete. Along the way, as you pass through the maple forest, you will come across a Hawa Ghar, which is a resting place built by the forest department for trekkers. The emerald lake at 8000 feet is a stunning sight surrounded by majestic peaks.
During the trek, you will encounter beautiful farmlands, ancient temples, and a few village houses. Upon reaching Deoria Tal, you will be greeted by mesmerizing viewpoints that will soothe your eyes. Overnight accommodation is arranged in tents near the lake.
Altitude: 7850 feet
Day 3 – Deoria Tal to Chopta
As you bid farewell to Mount Chaukhamba which overlooks the pristine Deoria Tal Lake, you embark on the third day of the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. This is a challenging day as you gain another 1000 feet in elevation. The path ahead includes treacherous trails through dense forests and rugged alleyways. The 14 km journey from Deoria Tal to Chopta takes approximately 9 hours.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent, followed by a steep descent. Along the way, there are several water points located near Rohini Bugyal, Akash Kamini Waterfall, and Bhrujgali. As you continue on the trail and leave behind the Forest Guest Lodge and maple trees, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Himalayan region with the melodious chirping of birds. Bugyal region is also famous for its stunning sunsets. Along the trail, you will also come across small huts belonging to shepherds.
Remember to be prepared for an exciting but challenging adventure during the Chandrashila trek.
Despite their apparent beauty, it is worth stopping by and engaging with the locals to recharge for the ongoing journey. After a full day of walking, you finally arrive in Chopta around 5 pm in the evening. At Chopta, you will find a delightful campsite that awaits you. Before moving forward, make sure to partake in the incredible activities that Chopta has to offer!
Elevation: 8800 feet
For a delightful weekend in the mountains, consider going camping in Chopta. Find more details in the article: “Go Camping In Chopta For A Lovely Weekend In The Mountains.”
Day 4 – Chopta to Chandrashila via Tungnath and back to Chopta
Prepare for more adventure on day 4. The Chopta Tungnath trek is a highlight of this circuit as it takes you past a 1000-year-old Shiva temple. The steep climb and sharp ascent will lead you on an 8 km journey from Chopta to Chandrashila, taking approximately 5 hours. Along this route, you will encounter the iconic Tungnath Temple, situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Tungnath Range and holds the distinction of being the highest Shiva Temple in the world.
Make sure to carry enough water and stay hydrated. From the Tungnath Temple complex, it is a 600-feet ascent to reach the Chandrashila Peak, which is located 1.5 km away.
Once you reach the Upper Chandrashila base, it will take 45 minutes to finally reach the summit. At the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. From here, you can spot prominent peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, and Jahanukut.
Returning to Chopta via the same route will take around 2 hours. Enjoy an overnight stay in Chopta, where you will find comfortable guesthouses available.
Elevation: 12,100 feet
Day 5 – Chopta to Haridwar
On this day, after a satisfying breakfast, you will head back to Haridwar. By evening, you will comfortably arrive at Haridwar Railway Station. Carry the memories of one of the most thrilling treks in the Himalayas as you return home.
Elevation: 7,000 feet
For more information, refer to the article “The Ultimate List of Adventure Holidays In India For Summer.”
Stays and Accommodation During Chandrashila Trek
For the perfect stay during your Chandrashila trek, refer to the following section.
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Accommodations such as tents, guest houses, and lodges are readily available to ensure a comfortable stay during your trek, whether you choose to go solo or share the experience. You will find campsites in Sari, Chandra Tal, Chopta, and Chandrashila, although the number of lodges in the area is limited. However, Sari and Chopta do offer a few excellent guesthouses.
If you have made arrangements through a tour operator, rest assured that they will take care of all your accommodation needs. For those traveling independently, it is advisable to carry a tent and sleeping bag in your rucksack to ensure you are prepared. Even if you encounter any difficulty finding suitable accommodations, you will never feel abandoned.
Essential Items for the Chandrashila Trek
Important Tips
1. A trekking pole is essential; never venture into the mountains without one.
2. Opt for lightweight and quick-drying clothing, avoiding jeans or tight-fitting attire.
3. If you are unfamiliar with the area, always have a guide with you as mountains can be unpredictable.
4. Carry an ample amount of water to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
5. Ensure you have a raincoat at all times while in the mountains.
6. Invest in proper trekking shoes to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
7. Descend with a flat-footed walk and dig your heels in while ascending, especially during rainy or snowy conditions.
8. Always consult your trek guides before taking any medication.
