Chandrashila Trek – A Journey of a Lifetime
Chandrashila trek is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and those seeking solitude and tranquillity. The Chopta valley is surrounded by stunning peaks, and the Chandrashila Summit Trek offers panoramic views of the Himalayas that are simply breathtaking.
The trekking trail passes through verdant forests, alpine meadows, and gurgling streams. The forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan birds, and the sight of blooming rhododendrons in spring is a treat to the eyes. The valley is also home to several small villages and hamlets, where you can interact with the locals and get a glimpse of their way of life.
The Chandrashila Trek distance is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires a good level of fitness and stamina. However, the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit make it all worth it. So, pack your bags and head to Chopta valley for an adventure of a lifetime!
Why is the Chandrashila trek so famous?
Are you thinking of embarking on a thrilling journey through the stunning landscapes of Chopta Chandrashila? This trek is an all-year adventure that promises an unparalleled level of excitement, no matter what season you choose to go in. Whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush or just looking to challenge yourself, the Chandrashila Trek is the perfect way to unleash your internal daredevil.
Chandrashila trek is particularly popular during autumn and winter when the level of fun and thrill reaches its peak. Brace yourself to be mesmerised by the majestic Himalayan ranges and the breathtaking views that await you. At an altitude of 3690 metres (12110 feet) above the sea deck, the Chandrashila trek offers scenic vistas of some of the most famous peaks in the region.
The best part is that this trek can be wrapped in 4 days, but if you wish to take it easy, you can stretch it to 5 or 6 days. Although the difficulty level is moderate, it still demands a certain level of strength and stamina, so get ready to push yourself to your limits. So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and get ready to conquer the Chandrashila trek!
Chandrashila Trek Tour
There are several recommended paths for the Chandrashila trek, each with its own itinerary based on the desired amenities and accommodations. The Sari Village and Kund Camp are both commencing junctures for various routes, so it is important to keep that in mind when selecting your preferred path. It’s worth noting that the routes do not necessarily follow a particular sequence, so it’s easy to get confused when looking at the map. If you are not particularly adept at reading maps, do not fret too much. You can either rely on the guidance of the chandrashila trek package or fellow hikers, or you can opt for the path that we are recommending here.
Day 1: Reach the Sari village from Haridwar
Serving as the stunning starting point for the incredible journey to Chandrashila, Sari is a scenic base camp situated in the Rudraprayag neighbourhood. Although it is approximately an eight-hour-long drive away from Haridwar, this location offers a variety of options for trekkers seeking guest houses, campsites, and homestays.
Typically, Sari is utilised as a one-night stopover before embarking on the Chandrashila trek to Deoria Tal on successive days. As you take in the breathtaking beauty of the elevated terrain and levying mountains that surround the village, be sure to relish every moment of this unforgettable experience.
At an altitude of 6600 feet, the landscape of Sari will undoubtedly leave you in awe of the natural world.
Day 2: Sari village to Deoria Tal
Nestled approximately 3 kilometres away from Sari lies the gorgeous Deoria Tal campsite. The trek to this enchanting location involves an elevation gain of around 1300 ft. and takes approximately an hour to finish. While traversing through the maple woods, you will encounter Hawa Ghar which the department of the forest has constructed for the comfort of trekkers. This halfway point offers a great spot to catch your breath from the Chandrashila trek and take in the scenery.
At an altitude of 8000 feet, Deoria Tal is a breathtaking emerald lake surrounded by towering peaks that will leave you speechless. Along the way, you’ll encounter stretches of idyllic farmland, ancient shrines, and quaint village houses, each adding to the charm of the journey.
Once you reach Deoria Tal, get treated to spectacular viewpoints that are sure to relieve your senses. For an unforgettable experience, spend the night in the camp around the lake.
Day 3: Deoria Tal To village Chopta
On the third day of the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek, bid farewell to the magnificent Mount Chaukhamba as it reflects in the immaculate Deoria Tal river, and begin your trek. It is the day when you’ll achieve an elevation gain of 1000 ft., and you’ll need to navigate through dangerous pathways that cut through heavy forests and jammed alleys. The journey of Deoria Tal and a village called Chopta covers a distance of 14 kilometres and takes around nine hours.
The hike starts with a constant incline pursued by an immediate descent. Along the way, you will come across two to three water points, just before Bhrujgali, Rohini Bugyal, and Akash Kamini Waterfalls. As you leave the maple trees and Wood Guest Lodge behind, the trail continues, taking you across Rohini Bugyal and forest ridges, where you will be treated to stupendous views of the Himalayas and the sweet sound of birds found in the Himalayas chirping in the background.
The Bugyal province is also famous for its astonishing sunsets, and as you walk along the route, you will find small huts belonging to shepherds perched on the mountains. Although they may appear small, they are home to friendly locals who are always happy to engage in conversation and share their experiences. Take a moment to rejuvenate and soak in the experience before continuing your journey.
After a full day of trekking, you will finally arrive at Chopta village around five in dusk time, where a terrific campsite waits for you. Be sure to participate in the incredible activities in Chopta village before embarking on the next leg of your Chandrashila trek journey!
Day 4: Chopta village to Chandrashila
Prepare yourself for a thrilling experience on the fourth day of your trek. As you set out from Chopta, you’ll embark on the Tungnath Trek, which is a highlight of this course. The trek path takes you past the ancient Shiva temple, which is over a thousand years old. The route to Chandrashila covers a distance of eight kilometres and takes about 5 hours to complete due to the steep climb.
You will pass by the Tungnath Temple, which is located in the Tungnath Range and is dedicated to God Shiva. This shrine is the elevated Shiva shrine in the whole world and is situated at an altitude of 12000 feet. Make sure to carry enough water throughout the trek.
After passing the Tungnath Temple, you will continue towards Chandrashila mountain, which is located one and a half kilometres above the temple complex. It’s a steep ascent of 600 feet from here to reach the summit. Once you reach the Upper Chandrashila ground, it takes around 45 minutes to reach the top.
At the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kumaon and Garhwal ranges. Some of the prominent peaks visible from here include Jahanukut, Nanda Devi, Gangotri ranges, Dunagiri, Kedar dome, Trishul, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Thalaysagar and Nanda Ghunti.
Retracing your steps backwards to Chopta through the exact route should take you no more than two hours. Spend the night in Chopta, where some guesthouses offer comfortable accommodations.
Day 5: Chopta village to Haridwar
On the final day of your deoriatal Chandrashila trek, after a hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid adieu to the stunning mountains and make your way to Haridwar. The journey back will take you through scenic routes with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Take in the last glimpses of the majestic peaks and valleys as you head back to the Haridwar Railway Station. With a heart full of cherished memories and the satisfaction of conquering the challenging terrain, you can board your train back home.
How to reach Chandrashila trek?
Travelling to Chopta is a multi-faceted experience that offers several transportation options to choose from. For those who prefer air travel, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 211 km away from Sari town near Chopta. From the airport, it takes about 6.5 hours to reach the base camp in your vehicle by road.
Opting for rail travel to reach Chopta? The nearest railhead is Haridwar, which boasts excellent connectivity with major cities across India. Once you reach Haridwar, take a local bus or taxi to the village called Sari, which is the starting point of the Chandrashila Trek.
For those who prefer the convenience of road travel, there are taxis, government buses, and private buses available that operate from Haridwar all the way to Chopta. The distance covered is approximately 200 km, and it takes a little less than eight hours to reach your destination.