Chopta Chandrashila - Big on Rewards, Easy on the Challenges
Dear Trekkers,
If you are looking for a winter trek that is less on challenges but big on the rewards, then you are on the right page. In today’s edition let us take you on a virtual journey to the Chopta Chadrashila Deoriatal trek, a trekker’s delight. We welcome you to the final chapter of our Winter Trek series today, the well-kept secret of Uttrakhand that will mesmerize even the most seasoned trekkers.
Nestled within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal Trek offers one of Uttarakhand's most captivating hiking experiences. This trek combines easy trails with magnificent landscapes, all immersed in the pristine wilderness of this remote sanctuary. This 5-day trek is ideal for beginners seeking both adventure and serenity, while seasoned trekkers will appreciate the rewarding views, solitude, and a touch of local charm.
Sari Village to Deoriatal – A Short Walk to Serenity
The journey begins from Sari, a quaint village where the trek officially commences. This first stretch is an easy walk, leading you through well-defined trails and gradually climbing towards the beautiful Deoriatal. It’s a manageable trek, especially for beginners, yet gives everyone a taste of Himalayan trekking with the sights and sounds of the forest all around. The sense of calm and the earthy aroma of pine add a refreshing start to the adventure.
Upon reaching Deoriatal, trekkers are greeted with a visual treat—the lake that’s known for its strikingly clear reflections of Mount Chaukhamba. As the sun dips into the horizon, the lake mirrors the warm colors of the sunset, creating an enchanting effect. Stargazing from this campsite is exceptional, with clear skies on most nights offering breathtaking views of constellations undisturbed by city lights.
Deoriatal to Baniyakund via Rohini Bugyal – An Isolated Forest Stroll
As you continue from Deoriatal, the trail offers an isolated walk through thick forests, a haven of peaceful solitude rarely found on other popular Himalayan treks. The quietness here is magical, and during winter, sunlight filters gently through the trees, casting warm, golden hues that make the forest feel almost ethereal.
The Deoriatal to Rohini Bugyal section is like walking through a portal where time stops! The trek’s popularity may not rival some of Uttarakhand’s other routes, but the deep peace and tranquillity it offers make it worth every step. As you walk, listen to the whispering leaves and the chirping of mountain birds—nature’s symphony performed just for you.
Arriving at Rohini Bugyal, a beautiful meadow nestled within the forest, another treasure of this trek. Surrounded by lush greenery in summer and blanketed by snow in winter, the Bugyal is an excellent spot to pause and soak in the surroundings before you reach the next campsite, Baniyakund.
From Rohini Bugyal, the path meanders towards Baniya Kund, where you’ll be staying in a cozy cottage. Baniya Kund itself is a fantastic spot to catch the sunset, with a grand view of Chaukhamba and Kedarnath Peak. Watching the sun set behind these majestic mountains, especially from a warm and comfortable cottage, adds a homely feel to the trek. Each sunset paints the peaks in shades of orange and pink, a memory to cherish.
Staying overnight here, you get to experience the mountain air at its crispest and cleanest. The cottage stay at Baniya Kund is a unique experience on this trek, blending rustic charm with cozy comfort, providing you with the rest needed for the final ascent to Chandrashila.
Sunrise at Chandrashila Peak – Where Every Effort is Rewarded
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The trek’s finale is a sunrise ascent from Baniya Kund to the Chandrashila peak via the world’s highest Shiva Temple at Tunganath. The height you will reach at Tunganath is 11,500 ft and from there 1.5 km far lies the Chandrashila peak at a height of 12,100 ft, the trek’s highest point!
The trek is a modest climb with the promise of breathtaking rewards. The pre-dawn start may feel challenging, but it’s worth every ounce of energy for the sunrise that awaits. As you reach the top, the sky begins to blush with the first rays of morning light, and the panorama that unfolds is simply spectacular.
From this peak, you’ll be greeted by views of some of India’s most iconic mountains: Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Neelkanth, and Chaukhamba among the who’s who! The sheer grandeur of these peaks bathed in early sunlight makes this moment feel surreal as if the mountains are performing a private dawn show for you.
Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal trek is known for its less strenuous yet highly rewarding grandeurs, making it perfect for those who want to experience the high-altitude beauty of the Himalayas without an extreme climb. The satisfaction and exhilaration of standing at the summit as the world below lights up is nothing short of magical.
Major Attractions
Tunganath - The World’s Highest Shiva Temple
Soak in the mythological splendour at the Tunganath temple. Situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft this is the world’s highest Shiva temple and one of the Paanch Kedars.
The legend according to Mahabharata goes that the Panch Kedars was built by the Pandavas, asking for Lord Shiva’s forgiveness and atonement of their sins incurred by killing their kins in the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva appeared in a bull form and parts of the bull appeared in these five locations, where the shrines were built. Tungnath is where the limbs and chest of the bull appeared.
Chopta – The Mini Switzerland of India
After descending from Chandrashila, take some time to explore Chopta, fondly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Surrounded by undulating meadows, dense forests, and towering mountains, Chopta exudes a charm that’s hard to match. It’s a small hamlet, but the landscape here rivals some of Europe’s best alpine scenes.
In winter, Chopta’s snow-covered landscapes give it an even more enchanting aura, while in spring and summer, the meadows come alive with wildflowers, transforming the area into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
The Chopta Chandrashila Deoriatal Trek is a gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, peaceful trails, and panoramic views. It’s not only about reaching the summit but experiencing the journey through quiet forests, sparkling lakes, and blooming meadows. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary provides a pristine environment where trekkers can escape the crowds and reconnect with nature in its most untouched form.
𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞! Check out our best winter treks.
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