Chandrashila is known for being one of the all season trek in Chopta, Uttarakhand. Its total trekking distance is around 18 km with maximum elevation is 3925m (12877 ft) at the Chandrashila Peak.
Though there is no major equipment and gears needed for this basic trek, some of the items are listed below in things to carry for trekkers comfort. It is the best destination for people looking for weekend getaways, beginners in trekking and adventure junkies.
Sari is the starting point of the trek. You can go around different markets in Sari and enjoy the colourful sunset. The summit of Tungnath Chandrashila peak provides a breathtaking 360-degree view.
Located on the bank of river Mandakini with the view of Kedarnath peak, trekkers can't ask for more. Chopta, Uttarakhand is popularly referred to as the Mini-Switzerland of India because of its undulating green meadows and a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
From here we will trek up to the Tungnath temple, which at an altitude of 3680m is the highest Shiva shrine in the world. All along the route, in addition to the abundant flora and fauna, one gets wonderful views of the Himalayan giant including Bandarpoonch, Kedar, Chaukhamba peak and many more.
From Tungnath you can trek up a further 1 km to the summit of Chandrashilla peak at about 4000 m and accomplish the Chandrashila Trek. The 360-degree view of the snow-capped peaks and the underlying valleys all around make Chopta Chandrashila trek well worth it.
Location & How to Reach
Getting From/To: To begin Chopta trekking, you need to reach Chopta. Chopta is a small village connected to Dehradun and is about 8 hours travel by road. Chopta is the starting point of the trek. The trek to Chandrashila peak goes via Tungnath temple. You may reach Chopta by following two routes.
- Chopta By Rail: The nearest railhead to Chopta is Rishikesh situated 209 km away. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. Buses and Taxis to Chopta and Ukhimath are easily available from Rishikesh.
- Chopta By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport of Chopta, situated 226kms away in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. The remaining journey has to be covered either in a taxi or in a bus. Taxis are easily available to Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath and Chopta from Jolly Grant Airport.
Itinerary
3 Days | 2 Nights
Day 01: Dehradun to Sari to Deoriatal (Altitude 2400 m | 200 km drive and 3 km trek)
We start early and drive through the towns of Devprayag and Rudraprayag to reach Sari village. Start your trek from Sari to Deoriatal. Visit the famous temple at Ukhimath before embarking on the trail through the town, heading east, up the hill to Deoriatal.
The pretty walk through rhododendrons takes you to the ridge above the town. Deoriaal is a small lake with two tea shops around it. The views of the mountain ranges from here are fabulous. Stay overnight in tents near the Deoriatal. You will notice the buzz of trekking enthusiast coming all the way to experience the glory of Himalayas, trekking in Uttarakhand.
Day 02: Deoriatal to Chopta (2680 m |10 km trek | 7 hours)
Wake up early morning, have breakfast and trek to Chopta. Walk through some beautiful forest and meadows. If you are trekking in the winter months, expect some snow in the shadow areas. Overnight stay in the camps at Chopta.
Day 03: Chopta to Tungnath Temple (3680 m) to Chandrashila (3950 m) and back to Chopta (2680 m) 8 km | 8 hours
Wake up early, freshen up and have breakfast. Start your trek to Tungnath Temple. From the picturesque environment of Chopta, we take the path through the arch leading up to the temple. Tungnath is a short 3 km trek from Chopta. The temple is only visible in the last few hundred meters. We head up past the temple to the peak.
Once at the peak, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the Himalayan mountain range, the effort of trekking all along will increase the overall satisfaction and happiness level achieved by doing this trek on the same day. Soaking in the beautiful 360-degree views, we resume back our trek to Chopta.
Start your journey back to Dehradun. We embarked on the road journey to Dehradun. You will have time to cherish the moments captured all through the trek.
Difficulty Level
The Deoriatal Chopta Chandrashila trek is relatively easy compared to another trek to Himalayas destinations, trekking in Uttarakhand.
Weather
Winter temperatures can dip to -5 ⁰C at night. The trail can be quite windy, especially in the higher areas which are open.
Accommodation
Tented accommodation throughout the trek.
Meal
All veg meals starting from day 1 dinner to day 3 lunch. On trekking days, packed lunch will be provided.
Inclusions
- Forest entry charges
- Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment. Please note that personal luggage can be carried by mules and/or porters on chargeable basis
- All veg meals starting from day 1 dinner to day 3 lunch
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek
Exclusions
- Transport to reach Dehradun from hometown.
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
- Personal luggage with mass not exceeding 12 kg per bag per person can be carried by porters/mules @ Rs 250 per day per bag.
ATM Points and Connectivity
There is No atm facility in Chopta. The nearest ATM is in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi where plenty of ATM are available.
Permissions/Passes/Permit
There are required entry fees at a certain checkpoint, permit for trek and obligatory forest camping charges in the region for the entire length of the trek.
Things to carry
Following are the list of items which should be carried personally.
- Backpack and rain cover
- Walking stick
- Water bottle
- Winter clothes like thermal wear, jackets and hand clubs.
- Personal utility products like moisturiser, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, lip balm.
