Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Arrive at UkhimathDeoria Chopta Chandrashila trek begins at Ukhimath, which at a height of 1,311 m. is famous for its Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. When heavy snowfall occurs in the region, cutting routes to high-altitude temples, idols from the famous shrines of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought here for worship. Ukhimath is well-connected by road with the nearest railheads of Rishikesh (181 km.) and Haridwar (204 km.) and the closest airport of Dehradun (196 km.). On arrival, check in at the campsite near the town and stay overnight.
Day 2: Ukhimath – Saari (12 km. by road) – Devariyatal (3 km. trek) – Saari – Chopta (18 km. by road)Have to breakfast and begin to drive to Saari Village, the starting point of the trek to Devariyatal. At a height of about 2,377 m., Saari (or Sari) is blessed with picturesque orchards of peach and apples. It is a pleasure to admire the beauty of dense woods of oaks and rhododendrons all around the place. Begin the trek from the village after a short rest. Trek to Devariyatal (or Deoria Tal, height 2,438 m.). Soon, the mighty Himalayan peaks dressed in white and dwarfing everything around comes into view and your excitement escalates. You may stop at a small Shiva Temple on the way.
Please Note:
Horses are available (INR 200-250) for carrying people/luggage, though you are advised to enjoy the route by trekking only. Small eateries are available within 1 km. of a trek and near the lake too. These shop owners charge about 20% more than the normal rates for every item. If you plan to return here for camping in future, the charges include INR 150/600 as entry fee and INR 50-500/ 100-1,000 for camps for Indians/foreigners.
Legends state that the lake gets its name from the belief that Devas take bath here. It is also believed to be the lake where the eldest of the Pandava brothers, Yudhishtra, answered Yaksha’s questions. Apart from the mythological significance, it is the unbeatable splendor of the lake that mesmerizes one and all. Dense forest canopies on one side and verdant meadows on the other, while hoary peaks of Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch and others peeping into the water – everything is extremely overwhelming.
After spending some quality moments near the lake, descend back to Sari and drive to Chopta for overnight stay.
Day 3: Chopta – Tungnath (3.5 km. trek) –Chandrashila (1 km. trek) - ChoptaSet amidst meadows and evergreen forests, Chopta boasts of unspoiled and explored charm at an elevation of 2,680 m. Popular as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, it provides incredible views of pine, rhododendron and deodar forests with the backdrop of sky-reaching peaks. You would be lucky if you spot the state bird monal or high-altitude species musk deer over here.
Post breakfast, we begin the trek to Tungnath, one of the five Panch Kedars that are homes to shrines of Lord Shiva. Mythology states that when Shiva disguised as a bull to hide into the ground from Pandavas, his body appeared in parts at these five locations. It was at Tungnath that his arms appeared and Pandavas built a temple here.
Do you know?
At the elevation of 3,680 m., Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple.
During the trek, you would be enchanted to view terraced fields, alpine meadows, blooming rhododendrons and serpentine journeys of Rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda. On arrival, pray at the temple and continue the trek to Chandrashila Peak.
Chandrashila (meaning moon rock), at the height of 4,000 m. is a wonderful vantage point with fascinating views of Nanda Devi Peak (elevation 7,816 m.; highest in Uttarakhand, second highest in India) and many other peaks like Bandarpunch, Kedar, and Chaukhamba. It is believed that Lord Rama and Moon God performed penance over this peak. Enjoy the panorama all around and start the trek back to Chopta. Stay overnight in camp.
Day 4: DepartureCheck out from the camp in the morning and begin your journey back to home.
What to Carry
- Backpack (preferably with waterproof lining)
- Thermal inners, waterproof trekking pants and gloves
- Woollens, jacket (rainproof)
- Scarf/cap (prefer woollen), muffler, socks (carry both regular and woollen)
- Raincoat, bag cover
- Waterproof trekking shoes (prefer high ankle with great grip)
- Sunglasses, sunscreens, moisturizers, lip protection
- Water (in adequate quality)
- Basic medical kit; if possible carry hydration pack
- Torch and batteries
- Extra bag for collecting waste