About Chopta Chandrashila Trek
The spell bound Chopta Chandrashila Summit Trek is also characterized by grandeur of its Himalayan Peak. Keeping away the clamour of the city life, Chopta valley is also perched at an elevation of 2,680 meters and is surrounded by an imposing forest of Oak, deodar and rhododendron that shadow a rich bed of flowering plants. One of the most beautiful treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, the Chandrashila Summit Trek, also maneuvers through beautiful meadows and the unpaved trails. At reaching the summit, feast your eyes on the spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi at 7,817 meters, Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,831 meters, Bandarpunch at 6,316 meters and Chaukhamba at 7,138 meters.
It is also best to start early in the morning from Chopta to Tungnath, which is the highest Shiva Temple in the world, located at a height of 3,680 meters. The temple is also one of the Panch Kedars and is tucked in the lap of the Chandrashila peak. It is believed that Tungnath is more than 1000 years old and holds a legend that corroborates some of the incidents depicted in the Mahabharata epic. From Tungnath temple, a further ascent of an hour terminates atop the Chandrashila summit wherefrom one can capture the silvery sheen of the Himalayan range dotted with several peaks and also of all the green valleys and deep gorges.
The Chopta Chandrashila summit trek, which can be journeyed all throughout the year, is considered as one of the moderate treks in the Indian Himalayan region that is located in Uttarakhand. The duration of the trail is also approximately 3-6 days. The journey displays rare glimpses of an ancient culture of the Garhwal Himalaya along with the natural hues.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trip Highlights
- Famous Temples at Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhimgoda Temple, Bharat Mata Temple
- Famous Temple at Rishikesh: Nilkanth Mahadev, Kunjapuri Temple, Parmarth Niketan Temple, Bharat Mandir, Tera Manzil Temple, Raghunath Temple
- Tungnath Temple
- Confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag
- Crystal Clear Lake: Deoriatal
- Snow capped Himalayan Peaks: Nanda Devi at 7,817 meters, Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,831 meters, Bandarpunch at 6,316 meters and Chaukhamba at 7,138 meters.
- Low altitude trek with cavernous gorges.
- Murmuring Waterfalls, along with lush green meadows & Mountain Goats.
- Glimpse of an ancient culture of local people.
- Possible sightings of some wildlife
- Nights in Hotel, Guest House and Tents
Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Best time to travel to Chopta is in summers (April – June) and winters (Oct – Dec). Winter treks are also conducted in Chopta and the best months to trek are between Jan and March.
In Summers: The weather of Chopta remains salubrious during summers. The Himalayas are also distinctly visible and the cool breeze can felt early in the morning and in the late evening. Carrying light woolens is also advised.
In Monsoon: Chopta turns greener during the monsoon season. Although trekking becomes challenging and there are chances of getting roads blocked for a couple of hours due to landslides, the scenic beauty of Chopta during monsoons is worth taking the risk for. Carrying raincoats is advised.
In Winters: The region gets blanketed in snow during the winter season and the accommodation options are also restricted to few. But Chopta looks the best during winters and indeed the trek becomes more difficult. Carrying heavy woolens is advised.
Where is the Chopta Chandrashila?
Chopta is also a village located some 36kms from Gopeshwar and 254 kms from Rishikesh and approximately 450 kms from the capital Delhi. From Chopta, a trek of approximately 3kms leads to Tugnath and from there a kilometer trek further terminates at Chandrashila peak. An ideal route Chopta Chandrashila from Delhi would be:
Delhi > Haridwar > Devprayag > Rudraprayag > Ukhimath > Chopta > Tungnath > Chandrashila
Chopta Chandrashila Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01
Delhi – Haridwar – Ukhimath (225 kms/7 hrs)
Other Benfits (On Arrival)
- Breakfast
- Transfers
- Stay Included
In the morning from Delhi railway station also take a train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar meet our guide and transfer to Ukhimath via Devprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi and Rudraprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini River). Arrival at Ukhimath by evening. Check into hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Ukhimath (1370 mts / 4500 ft) is on the other side of the Mandakini River Valley from Guptkashi a relatively short steep walk. Ukhimath is the winter seat of Kedarnath, as well as the winter home of the priest who is appointed for the worship. After the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, a movable image of Kedarnath is brought in procession to Ukhimath, where it resides until the Kedarnath temple reopens in late April or early May.
Day 02
Ukhimath – Deoria Tal (2438 mts / 7998 ft)
In the morning you can see snow capped Himalayan ranges. After breakfast start your trek to Deoria Tal through the dense forest of Rhododendron along with wild flowers and ferns. The trek will also take 3- 4 hrs. Upon arrival at Deoria Tal set out the tents for overnight stay.
Day 03
Deoria Tal – Chopta
In the morning trek to Chopta through dense forest and meadows. It’s a 12km trek. Upon arrival at Chopta set out your tents for overnight stay. In the evening explore the magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Day 04
Chopta – Tungnath (3680 ft / 12070 ft) – Chandrashila (4090 mts / 13415 ft) – Chopta
After an early breakfast trek to Tungnath with packed lunch. Tungnath is situated at the height of 3680mts above the sea level. The trek is 3kms upward and en route you will find lush green meadows. You can also witness a wide range of snow capped Himalayas. Upon arriving, pay a visit to Tungnath Temple. After resting for a while, you can head out for Chandrashila peak, which is a kilometer away from Tungnath. Later trek back to Chopta for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05
Chopta – Haridwar – Delhi
After an early breakfast, drive to Haridwar and from here catch train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival Delhi by 22:45 hrs.
Inclusions
star hotel Accommodation
transport Transfer
Meals
Sightseeing