Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek with Deorital 2024

Are you looking for a rejuvenating trek offering a beautiful trekking experience amidst the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand? The trek to Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath, along with Deoria Tal Lake, is among the most sought-after treks in the Himalayas. The trek is known for its breathtaking appeal, rich biodiversity, and spiritual significance. The Tungnath temple is the highest Lord Shiva temple, where you can seek blessings and awaken your spiritual side. Chandrashila Peak offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley, ensuring your trek has immersive views and beauty. Let’s learn more about this trek below.

More Details: Chopta-Chandrashila Tungnath Trek

Overview of the Trek

A trek ideal for beginners but also alluring seasoned trekkers—the Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath trek and the Deoria Tal trek are a must for all. You can complete the trek in 4-5 days, but you can always stay for more days, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. Trekking to Chandrashila means heading to a height of 12,100 feet and enjoying panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.

What is the best season for the Chopta-Chandrashila Tungnath Trek? 

The ideal season for going on a trek to Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath and Deoria Tal is either between March-June or September-November. Between these months, the weather is extremely pleasant with no heavy snow. Trekking enthusiasts usually prefer to trek here in the winter season (December-February) amidst the snowy mountains for a magical adventure.  

Short Itinerary of the Trek

Day 1: Arrival at Sari Village and Trek to Deoria Tal

The Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath trek starts from Sari village, a quaint village at a height of 6,600 ft. It is the starting point for Deoria Tal Lake, the high-altitude lake in the region. Sari is connected by road to Haridwar and Rishikesh (6–8 hours of drive). The drive is scenic, as the trail is full of lush greenery and sightings of rivers like Mandakini and Alaknanda. From Sari village, the distance to Deoria Tal Lake is 2.3 kilometers, which you can cover in 1.5 to 2 hours.

The trail is well defined and is easy to trek. While ascending, you will walk across rhododendrons and oak forests, providing shade, and hear the sounds of birds like the Himalayan Monal keeping you company. It is the national bird of India, and hearing its sound in the Himalayas is a beautiful memory. 

As you reach the Deoria Tal Lake, you will see the still waters reflecting the view of Chaukhamba Peak, a beautiful sight. Near the lake, there is a thick forest offering a camping spot for anyone looking for a peaceful adventure. Enjoy the sunset or sunrise amidst the snow-clad peaks and their reflection in the waters, the highlight of coming to Deoria Tal Lake. 

Day 2: Trek from Deoria Tal to Chopta

On day 2, you will trek from Deoria Tal Lake to Chopta, a scenic meadow serving as the starting point for both the Chandrashila and Tungnath treks. The trail is beautiful and is 14 km long, which you cover in 6 or 7 hours, passing through small streams, meadows, and dense forests. The forest is known for its species of flora and fauna, ideal for birds and nature lovers. The trail is both ascent and descent, making this leg of the trek a bit challenging. But it is worth it as you trek past rhododendron forests with vibrant pink and red colors springing at you in the spring season. As you reach Chopta, you will see breathtaking Himalayan mountain views; for this reason, Chopta is also called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’ Set up camp, stay in the lodges, or be a houseguest here. 

Day 3: Trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila

On day 3, you will ascend to Tungnath, the place with the highest Shiva temple. The distance from Chopta to Tungnath is 3.5 km, and you can cover it in an hour or so depending on your pace. The trail is well-defined, steep, and short. The temple, situated at a height of 12,073 feet, is years old, and its architecture is unique, creating an aura of mystery and excitement.

The distance from Tungnath to Chandrashila is 1.5 km, with a steep trail requiring you to be careful. The climb is exhausting, especially for beginners, but as you reach the summit, you see beautiful views of the Kumaon and Garhwal ranges. Here you can witness peaks like Kedar Dome, Bandarpunch, Nanda Devi, and more. These majestic views of the Himalayan peaks make your journey unforgettable. 

Day 4: Heading back to Chopta and departure

View one of the most beautiful sunrises from Chandrashila Peak and then descend to Chopta. The descent is easy, offering you more opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the nearby forests. After reaching Chopta, rest and head back to your destination, or you can stay back a day in Sari to explore this beautiful region. 

Unique Features of the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek With Deoria Tal Lake 

It is a spiritual journey. 

One of the unique features of this trek is the presence of Tungnath temple. Heading to the highest Lord Shiva temple, part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, surely adds a spiritual touch to your journey. The energy here is contiguous, and the trek to Tungnath is short and easy, so ensure you see the temple. 

Easy accessibility 

It is a high-altitude trek, but it is also easy to access from most cities in Uttarakhand. It is a short but relatively easy trek in the Himalayas. 

Conclusion

A trek significant in its own right, the Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath with Deoria Tal trek offers a unique mix of natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality. Irrespective of your experience in trekking in the mighty Himalayas., this trek is known to offer something to everyone. Seeking blessings from the Tungnath temple or spending a few peaceful moments near the lake to witness the views of the peak from Chandrashila, every second on this trek is memorable.