Deoriatal Chandrashila
The Best Trek For Summit Views
Dates full? Check out the alternative - Kuari Pass Trek
Kuari Pass trek gives you spectacular mountain views right from Day 1! You even see the entire face of Mt Nanda Devi - India's highest mountain.Read about the trek here.
The Best Trek For Summit Views
Seeing great mountain views on a winter trek is not easy. You have to get to a high vantage point to catch such a view. In winter, most such vantage points are rare and even if accessible, they are usually buried under deep snow.
This is why at Indiahikes we treasure the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek so much.
The Chandrashila summit is a vantage point that stands unparalleled among our treks. From the top of the summit, you see perhaps the greatest mountain views of our Indian Himalayas. It is like a grand feast — there is so much to take in that you cannot take all of it in. It is an experience many trekkers cannot forget.
Campsites at a Glance
At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.
The beautiful campsite of Baniya Kund in a forest setting. Picture by Jothiranjan
Syalmi Campsite is in a field overlooking the hills. You are the only team camping at this location. You get the freedom to explore around and be with yourself. Picture by Jothiranjan
Banniya Kund campsite comes after a good day's climb. Don't miss walking barefoot or sitting on this lush green grass near the campsite. Picture by Vinayak Oak
The Sunset from Syalmi Campsite is something all trekkers are left in awe of. Picture by Anupa Saxena
If you are trekking during a full moon, at Syalmi Campsite, you get to see sunset happening from one side and the big moon rising. Picture by Tribhuvan
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has changed my life completely. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has changed my life completely. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
Expert Speak
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of the Best Treks for Summit Views in the country.
What I Like and Don’t Like About the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
What I Like About the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO
Arjun Majumdar, the Founder of Indiahikes, went on this exploratory trek almost a decade ago. He is a veteran of the trekking community in India. He’s an expert when it comes to the trek. Here’s Arjun talking about one of the Best Treks for Summit Views in the country.
1. My First Unexpected Experience of Chandrashila
Much before we started Indiahikes, I had read a couple of trek journals about the trek. I knew it was a pilgrim trail from Chopta until the Tungnath temple, only a 4 km walk.
I had read people would stay overnight at the Tungnath temple premises. In the early morning, they would go to Chandrashila to catch the sunrise.
In my mind, Chandrashila was a two-kilometre further trek from Tungnath. There were some good views to offer but that was it. And yes, I had heard a lot about the beautiful meadows around Chopta. I didn’t know how this qualified for a trek.
I think my innocent pre-Indiahikes mind didn’t fathom what was written in these journals. Because none of them painted the correct picture of the trek. And none of them talked about the combination of two treks, the Deoriatal and the Chandrashila, and how put together, it creates one of the best treks in our country.
I curse myself and these journals roundly now. I wish I had done this trek earlier, much earlier.
Note: Tungnath temple opens only in summer and closes by Diwali.
Tungnath Temple is one of the highest Shiva Temple in the world. Picture by the Indiahikes Team
2. A trail blazing with rhododendrons
I timed the trek for spring the first time I did the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. The moment I stepped on the trek, I knew I was onto something special. The Deoriatal Chandrashila here was the Goechala trek of the west. Pink, red and scarlet Rhododendrons bloomed in vivid colours all along the trek.
I was a bit stunned at the density of the rhododendrons on the trek.
Near Chopta, at some spots an entire section of the mountainside was red. We ran other great treks in the Himalayas. But none of them came close to the amount of rhodos that I saw on this trek. It was a feast!
Pink Rhododendrons are in full bloom along the Chandrashila trail. Picture by Yogesh Shinde
3. Birdlife on the trek
I still have an old video that I was recording at Deoriatal. We have never published that video. Because in that video you cannot hear me at all. My voice is drowned by the chirping of birds. We tried changing locations for that video, but we gave up soon. The birds were everywhere!
Later, after we talked a lot about the birds on this trek, many of our birder trekkers went on this trek. They have only one thing to say about this trek. This is the trek to see birds. It is one of the Best Himalayan treks for Bird Watching.
Other treks have birds. But none of them will come close to what you see on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. There are at least 30 – 40 varieties to see on this trek.
I am not a birder, but I have done this trek thrice — in all seasons. Every time, I have seen Monals very close to the trail. For me, Monals, the state bird of Uttarakhand, are prettier than the peacock and perhaps even more colourful.
Getting a chance to see Monals would be a good reason for me to do the trek again. I have rarely seen Monals on other treks.
A collage of a few of the impressive Himalayan birds spotted on the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek. Picture by the Indiahikes Team
4. I remember the moment. I had just stepped on the edges of Deoriatal.
And there it was right in front as if rising from the edges of the lake the entire massif of Mt Chaukhamba. I looked around. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the same sight. No one could take their eyes off Mt Chaukhamba.
You can ask me to do a lot of treks. But the sight of Mt Chaukhamba from the shores of Deoriatal is something I am not willing to exchange for any other views.
A picture of the Chaukhamba Massif was taken from the Deoriatal lake. Picture by Manas Chowdhury
5. The climb to Chandrashila summit from Tungnath is anything but a walk.
I am not saying it is difficult, but it is a nice thrill to top the summit. It took me a moment to grapple with the sight of the summit.
Right in front of me, at a touching distance, were not one, not two, but all the major summits of our Greater Himalayas.
I ticked them off. Jaunli, Mt Jogin, Mt Thalaysagar, Kedarnath and the Kedar Dome, Sumeru, Bhagirathi I , Mandani Parbat, of course Mt Chaukhamba I, II, III and IV. These were 7,000-meter summits!
When I turned my head to the other side, there she was India’s highest mountain — Mt Nanda Devi right in front. Then, to almost add a cherry on top was our eternal favourite Mt Trishul along with Mt Nanda Ghunti. To the left were Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat, Dunagiri.
For a long time, I stood transfixed on the spot.
On other treks, I had seen great mountain views. But never so many of them, so close and from such a great vantage point.
The trail is covered with snow towards Tungnath temple during the winter and spring seasons. Picture by Avijit Jamloki
What I Don't Like About the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
1. The trek had better campsites earlier
When we could camp at Rohini Bugyal and the Deoriatal lake premises. But now, because of government regulations, camping at all our old and great campsites is not allowed.
That’s something I miss about this trek. On the other hand, the new campsite at Syalmi is not bad.
2. I have mixed feelings about the crowd on the trail
I’ll be honest, I was expecting the crowd of pilgrims moving towards Tungnath to be a bother. But strangely, it felt nice to be the trekker in this motley group. I would often be asked about the distance and how long it would take to get to Tungnath. Those small conversations made that section of the trek a whole lot of fun.
While I don’t like crowds on a trail, here, somehow I was ok with it.
Deoriatal Chandrashila is Best Discovered Through Pictures
The Climb towards Tungnath and entire slope covered in snow
Picture by: Indiahikes trekker
Summit Push during Winters
A blooming Rhododendron tree on the way from Chopta to Tungnath. The contrast between the white snow and the pink rhododendron is simply stunning.
Picture by: Yogesh Shinde
Rhododendron Show in Spring
A heartfelt moment on the summit of Chandrashila.
Picture by: Vivek Saini
A Moment to Remember
The magnificent view from Chandrashila summit. The summit views with sunrise or sunset are one the best you can ask for.
Picture by: Vivek Saini
The Best Summit Views
The charming forest section after Akashkamini river towards Baniya Kund campsite.
Picture by: Jothiranjan
Forest Section
Deoriatal, pronounced as 'Dev'riyatal has multiple legendary stories connected to our epics.
Picture by: Rupendra Yadav
Deoriatal Lake with Mythological Stories
The sun rising behind Mt. Nanda Devi is a spectacle to witness from the Chandrashilla summit.
Picture by: Gautam Pardake
Sunrise from the Summit
One of the most beautiful birds, The Himalayan Monal is a state bird of Uttarakhand, and can be spotted often on this trek.
Picture by: Ajit Kumar Hota
Birdlife on Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
The Climb towards Tungnath and entire slope covered in snow
Picture by: Indiahikes trekker
Summit Push during Winters
A blooming Rhododendron tree on the way from Chopta to Tungnath. The contrast between the white snow and the pink rhododendron is simply stunning.
Picture by: Yogesh Shinde
Rhododendron Show in Spring
A heartfelt moment on the summit of Chandrashila.
Picture by: Vivek Saini
A Moment to Remember
The magnificent view from Chandrashila summit. The summit views with sunrise or sunset are one the best you can ask for.
Picture by: Vivek Saini
The Best Summit Views
The charming forest section after Akashkamini river towards Baniya Kund campsite.
Picture by: Jothiranjan
Forest Section
Deoriatal, pronounced as 'Dev'riyatal has multiple legendary stories connected to our epics.
Picture by: Rupendra Yadav
Deoriatal Lake with Mythological Stories
The sun rising behind Mt. Nanda Devi is a spectacle to witness from the Chandrashilla summit.
Picture by: Gautam Pardake
Sunrise from the Summit
One of the most beautiful birds, The Himalayan Monal is a state bird of Uttarakhand, and can be spotted often on this trek.
Picture by: Ajit Kumar Hota
Birdlife on Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
The Climb towards Tungnath and entire slope covered in snow
Picture by: Indiahikes trekker
Summit Push during Winters
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Rishikesh to Sari
Drive Duration: 7-8 hours drive | Drive Distance: 190 km
Altitude: 6,601 ft
Driving Distance: 190 km
Highlights: The journey is picturesque, as you pass through Devprayag, the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi forms the river Ganga. The entire journey traverses the mountainside, with the river flowing.
Sari is a small village that you can explore. You can spend time at the campus and to getting to know more about your team members or the story of how the campus was built.
Sari, the base camp of the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, is an 8-hour drive from Rishikesh. The journey is picturesque, as you pass through Devaprayag, the confluence of rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi to form the river Ganga. The entire journey traverses the mountainside, with the river flowing below you. A quick tip: Pick the window seat on the right to enjoy the views!
Sari is a small village with around 100 houses. If you reach Sari when the sun is still out, go down to the village and walk around. The paddy fields are so prettily laid out that they almost beckon to you. There is a small school amidst the fields. This school was built in 1947 and is the only school at Sari. The views around the village are gorgeous. This is also where you’ll get your first glimpse of the summit of Chandrashila!
You arrive at our Indiahikes Basecamp of Sari.
Sari, the base camp of the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek, is an 8-hour drive from Rishikesh. The journey is picturesque, as you pass through Devaprayag, the confluence of rivers Alakananda and Bhagirathi to form the river Ganga. The entire journey traverses the mountainside, with the river flowing below you. A quick tip: Pick the window seat on the right to enjoy the views!
Sari is a small village with around 100 houses. If you reach Sari when the sun is still out, go down to the village and walk around. The paddy fields are so prettily laid out that they almost beckon to you. There is a small school amidst the fields. This school was built in 1947 and is the only school at Sari. The views around the village are gorgeous. This is also where you’ll get your first glimpse of the summit of Chandrashila!
You arrive at our Indiahikes Basecamp of Sari.
Day 2: Trek from Sari to Deoriatal
Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Trek Distance: 4.1km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 1,240 ft (6,601 ft to 7,841 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. The day starts from the village by climbing a few stairs, followed by a gradual climb on a well-defined rocky trail. A short walk on even terrain after an hour of climbing takes you to the campsite.
Highlights: Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands as you start your ascent from Sari. Watch out for the first sights of rhododendron trees. Do not miss the sunset at Deoriatal with the mighty Chaukhambha massif looming in the background.
The adventure starts at Sari. There is a signboard indicating the trek route to Deoriatal in the heart of the small market in Sari, next to Hira and Murali Singh Negi Tourist House. The signboard says Devariya Tal, which is an alternative name for the lake.
It’s called so because it’s believed that devis (Goddesses) once came to the lake to take a dip. Alternatively, one can also start the trek from Ukhimath by taking another trekking route over the mountain for an 8 km steep incline trek to Sari. However, if you are short of time, this can be avoided. You can instead proceed to Sari via road.
A well-defined rocky trail is laid here. This trail begins with a gradual climb up the mountain. After approximately 15 minutes, you will come across village houses and an old local temple. Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands from here.
Ten minutes into the hike, the trail starts to become steeper. The forest has been cleared here, so you will get a good view all around. At the valley facing the end, you can see the summit of Chandrashila and below it, the holy Tungnath temple. You may need binoculars to spot the temple.
Note: Tungnath temple opens only in summer and closes by Diwali.
The trail is well-defined to Deoriatal. Ensure that you take the trail towards the left.
From here, you will need to follow the trail that winds up the mountain ridge. After a steady uphill trek for about 20-30 minutes, you will reach the first viewpoint. The Forest Department has constructed a Hawa Ghar for the travellers here. This spot is ideally located to relax and feast your eyes with a grand view of the mountains and the valley.
From here, take the trail that goes by a beautiful rhododendron and maple forest. After a steady hike of ten minutes, you will reach the second viewpoint.
Now, at 7,434 feet, Sari is no longer visible. With only a kilometre left, you will find yourself at the backside of the mountain and you will get a view of the Ukhimath side of the valley, though only for a while. You are now nearing your destination.
Another 20 minutes later, you reach a dhaba. Deoriatal is just two minutes away from here.
After a very short downhill trek, your surroundings open up to a grand view of Deoriatal, with Mt. Chaukhambha massifs looming in the background.
You have almost the entire day to yourself. That’s great because this is a picturesque campsite, a treat for the shutterbugs. You can go around the campsite and explore the trails around. The forests around here are lovely. You’ll be able to see and hear several rare Himalayan birds.
Photo Point: There’s a watchtower close to the lake that gives you grand views of the surrounding mountains.
Camp beside Deoriatal for the night. The beauty of the view generally intensifies in the morning, when the clouds have cleared to offer unreal views of the hills.
The adventure starts at Sari. There is a signboard indicating the trek route to Deoriatal in the heart of the small market in Sari, next to Hira and Murali Singh Negi Tourist House. The signboard says Devariya Tal, which is an alternative name for the lake.
It’s called so because it’s believed that devis (Goddesses) once came to the lake to take a dip. Alternatively, one can also start the trek from Ukhimath by taking another trekking route over the mountain for an 8 km steep incline trek to Sari. However, if you are short of time, this can be avoided. You can instead proceed to Sari via road.
A well-defined rocky trail is laid here. This trail begins with a gradual climb up the mountain. After approximately 15 minutes, you will come across village houses and an old local temple. Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands from here.
Ten minutes into the hike, the trail starts to become steeper. The forest has been cleared here, so you will get a good view all around. At the valley facing the end, you can see the summit of Chandrashila and below it, the holy Tungnath temple. You may need binoculars to spot the temple.
Note: Tungnath temple opens only in summer and closes by Diwali.
The trail is well-defined to Deoriatal. Ensure that you take the trail towards the left.
From here, you will need to follow the trail that winds up the mountain ridge. After a steady uphill trek for about 20-30 minutes, you will reach the first viewpoint. The Forest Department has constructed a Hawa Ghar for the travellers here. This spot is ideally located to relax and feast your eyes with a grand view of the mountains and the valley.
From here, take the trail that goes by a beautiful rhododendron and maple forest. After a steady hike of ten minutes, you will reach the second viewpoint.
Now, at 7,434 feet, Sari is no longer visible. With only a kilometre left, you will find yourself at the backside of the mountain and you will get a view of the Ukhimath side of the valley, though only for a while. You are now nearing your destination.
Another 20 minutes later, you reach a dhaba. Deoriatal is just two minutes away from here.
After a very short downhill trek, your surroundings open up to a grand view of Deoriatal, with Mt. Chaukhambha massifs looming in the background.
You have almost the entire day to yourself. That’s great because this is a picturesque campsite, a treat for the shutterbugs. You can go around the campsite and explore the trails around. The forests around here are lovely. You’ll be able to see and hear several rare Himalayan birds.
Photo Point: There’s a watchtower close to the lake that gives you grand views of the surrounding mountains.
Camp beside Deoriatal for the night. The beauty of the view generally intensifies in the morning, when the clouds have cleared to offer unreal views of the hills.
Day 2: Trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 9.1 km
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 131 ft (7,841 ft to 7,710 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Gradual ascent followed by 45 minutes of steep descent, easing off after an hour of ascent to reach Rohini Bugyal. After 10 minutes of graduate ascent, comes the steeper descent for an hour and a half to the Syalmi campsite.
Highlights: Enjoy the trail through the thick forest cover till you reach Syalmi, your campsite for the day. This is a quiet section of the forest with an abundance of birds. Now and then, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks peek at you through the trees on your left. Rohini Bugyal is a beautiful clearing to spend some time on your way.
Walk along the left side of the lake towards the Forest Guest Lodge. Pass by a watchtower and proceed from behind the Forest Lodge from your right. A lovely forest trail awaits you. Full of rhododendron and maple trees, the trail is a picturesque one. Now and then, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks peek at you through the trees on your left.
After 15 minutes of forest walk from the guest house, look for a small clearing as you exit the forest. In front of you, the Chandrashila peak is visible. Below, towards your right, you can see Sari village again. Observe the open expanse and a view of the forested ridge. This is the logical route of the forest ridge trek to the base of Chandrashila Peak.
Take the ascending trail ahead of you as you get much better views from both sides of the valley. Towards your left, you can see the mountain ridge, from where a trail to Madhmaheshwar and Nandikund trek passes.
Photo Point: After 15 minutes of climbing the ridge, look out for the highest point of the ridge nearest to you. This hill-top has a flag post. This is Jhandi Dhar.
In March and April, the trail is blazing with red and pink flowers of rhododendron. After 15 minutes of following the laid trail, you reach the top of Jhandi Dhar. The ridge has a small flat ground with unobstructed views from all sides. The forest continues to thicken throughout the trek. If you thought the forests until now were dense, you haven’t seen the start of it.
From here, proceed and take the trail that descends rapidly and connects with the forest ridge below. The descent is sharp but pleasant. After 10-15 minutes, the trail takes an eventful turn as you enter the forest ridge from the left. The flora of the region is stupendous.
Now and then, you might come across small shrines with bright yellow flags tied to them. These are all made by tourists and locals. You can use them as landmarks to ensure you’re on the right trail. Also, keep an eye out for wild animals such as foxes and leopards.
Keep walking on a leisurely downhill trail inside a generous cover of the forest, which will give you respite from the late morning sun. This is a quiet section of the forest with an abundance of birds. The Himalayan woodpecker and Verditer Flycatcher can easily be spotted here. Walk for another 20 minutes, until you see three trails branching out.
Take the centre trail that ascends gradually. This is the trail to Rohini Bugyal.
After 20 minutes of gradual ascent, you’ll walk on level land for around 10 minutes. From here, the trail opens to small pasture land. You exit the forest even as the view of Chandrashila peak greets you upfront. Just before you, you see the second forest ridge that needs to be traversed.
Take the trail from the right side of the connecting ridge. It passes by a small grassland. The trail ascends sharply as you re-enter the forest once. This part of the forest has some of the oldest oak, maple, and rhododendron trees of the Kedarnath Sanctuary.
Another 20 minutes of trekking will have you reach the next landmark of the day, which is next to a small temple. This is known as Bhagdwal by the locals.
By now, you have trekked approximately 5 km. Three trails are branching out from here. The one towards the right descends sharply and reconnects with Sari Village. The one that descends from the left goes to a local village near Ukhimath. Take the centre trail and walk for 15-20 minutes till you reach a small meadow.
From here, you can see Kala Parvat, which is a peak located on the right of Chandrashila peak. Below Kala, Parvat is a small glacial lake, called Bisuri Tal. Legend has it, the Pandavas hid their weapons here.
The trail from here is a leisurely walk ahead for about 30 minutes as you pass a small rivulet. The stream is the only source of water and it is advisable to fill your bottles here. Rohini Bugyal is now only a 40 meter climb up from your right side.
Photo Point: Rohini Bugyal is a small meadow surrounded by beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar Dome and the Kala Parvat peaks. The sunset view from here is incomparable!
The Syalmi campsite is across the small valley that’s just in front of the Rohini Bugyal campsite. It takes another 20-30 minutes to reach the campsite.
Walk along the left side of the lake towards the Forest Guest Lodge. Pass by a watchtower and proceed from behind the Forest Lodge from your right. A lovely forest trail awaits you. Full of rhododendron and maple trees, the trail is a picturesque one. Now and then, the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks peek at you through the trees on your left.
After 15 minutes of forest walk from the guest house, look for a small clearing as you exit the forest. In front of you, the Chandrashila peak is visible. Below, towards your right, you can see Sari village again. Observe the open expanse and a view of the forested ridge. This is the logical route of the forest ridge trek to the base of Chandrashila Peak.
Take the ascending trail ahead of you as you get much better views from both sides of the valley. Towards your left, you can see the mountain ridge, from where a trail to Madhmaheshwar and Nandikund trek passes.
Photo Point: After 15 minutes of climbing the ridge, look out for the highest point of the ridge nearest to you. This hill-top has a flag post. This is Jhandi Dhar.
In March and April, the trail is blazing with red and pink flowers of rhododendron. After 15 minutes of following the laid trail, you reach the top of Jhandi Dhar. The ridge has a small flat ground with unobstructed views from all sides. The forest continues to thicken throughout the trek. If you thought the forests until now were dense, you haven’t seen the start of it.
From here, proceed and take the trail that descends rapidly and connects with the forest ridge below. The descent is sharp but pleasant. After 10-15 minutes, the trail takes an eventful turn as you enter the forest ridge from the left. The flora of the region is stupendous.
Now and then, you might come across small shrines with bright yellow flags tied to them. These are all made by tourists and locals. You can use them as landmarks to ensure you’re on the right trail. Also, keep an eye out for wild animals such as foxes and leopards.
Keep walking on a leisurely downhill trail inside a generous cover of the forest, which will give you respite from the late morning sun. This is a quiet section of the forest with an abundance of birds. The Himalayan woodpecker and Verditer Flycatcher can easily be spotted here. Walk for another 20 minutes, until you see three trails branching out.
Take the centre trail that ascends gradually. This is the trail to Rohini Bugyal.
After 20 minutes of gradual ascent, you’ll walk on level land for around 10 minutes. From here, the trail opens to small pasture land. You exit the forest even as the view of Chandrashila peak greets you upfront. Just before you, you see the second forest ridge that needs to be traversed.
Take the trail from the right side of the connecting ridge. It passes by a small grassland. The trail ascends sharply as you re-enter the forest once. This part of the forest has some of the oldest oak, maple, and rhododendron trees of the Kedarnath Sanctuary.
Another 20 minutes of trekking will have you reach the next landmark of the day, which is next to a small temple. This is known as Bhagdwal by the locals.
By now, you have trekked approximately 5 km. Three trails are branching out from here. The one towards the right descends sharply and reconnects with Sari Village. The one that descends from the left goes to a local village near Ukhimath. Take the centre trail and walk for 15-20 minutes till you reach a small meadow.
From here, you can see Kala Parvat, which is a peak located on the right of Chandrashila peak. Below Kala, Parvat is a small glacial lake, called Bisuri Tal. Legend has it, the Pandavas hid their weapons here.
The trail from here is a leisurely walk ahead for about 30 minutes as you pass a small rivulet. The stream is the only source of water and it is advisable to fill your bottles here. Rohini Bugyal is now only a 40 meter climb up from your right side.
Photo Point: Rohini Bugyal is a small meadow surrounded by beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar Dome and the Kala Parvat peaks. The sunset view from here is incomparable!
The Syalmi campsite is across the small valley that’s just in front of the Rohini Bugyal campsite. It takes another 20-30 minutes to reach the campsite.
Day 3: Trek from Syalmi to Baniya Kund
Trek Duration: 6 hours | Trek DIstance: 5.4km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 852 ft (7,710 ft to 8,562 ft)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. An hour of descending till Akashkamini river, followed by a steep ascent through dense forest. And after an hour of climbing, you will see the first Chaniya and from there, it’s a series of ascent and descend till Baniya Kund.
Highlights: The whole day's setting is so pretty, that you might want to take some time to soak it in. The forest again is very dense. Fill in your water bottles and drink from the cold natural streams of the Akashkamini river.
Next, you traverse the ridge of Rohini Bughyal to enter the meadows of Bhrujgali. From Rohini Bughyal, proceed towards the connecting forest ridge from your right. Observe a tall rhododendron tree, which is just a five-minute walk from the campsite.
Enter the forest of upper Rohini Bugyal and reconnect with the old trail to Chopta. Follow the trail that ascends gradually to the top of the forested ridge. It takes 30 minutes to reach the ridge top, which is covered in dense forest cover.
The locals call this spot Tikidi Khal. From here, there are two trails. One goes straight ahead towards Kala Parvat. This trail goes all the way to Bisuri Tal and Nandikund.
Photo Point: The other trail takes a sharp right turn and descends rapidly to Akash Kamini, a rivulet coming from Chandrashila. Pause here and take some photos by this gurgling stream.
Take the second trail and descend 500 ft to reach the stream crossing. It takes 20-30 minutes to reach the stream. It’s a good idea to refill your water bottles here. There is a small bridge that needs to be crossed.
From here, take the trail that now ascends gradually with a series of three scissor bends. As you climb up, the view of the valley gets better and better. Around 20 minutes of the steady climb will take you to a small meadow.
There is a series of shepherd huts here made of stones. In summer, you will find locals occupying the huts with their livestock. As you enter the meadow, look for a path that diverts towards your right and after around 20 minutes of descent through a jungle trail, you would come upon a road head. Walk for about a kilometre to reach the Baniya Kund campsite.
Next, you traverse the ridge of Rohini Bughyal to enter the meadows of Bhrujgali. From Rohini Bughyal, proceed towards the connecting forest ridge from your right. Observe a tall rhododendron tree, which is just a five-minute walk from the campsite.
Enter the forest of upper Rohini Bugyal and reconnect with the old trail to Chopta. Follow the trail that ascends gradually to the top of the forested ridge. It takes 30 minutes to reach the ridge top, which is covered in dense forest cover.
The locals call this spot Tikidi Khal. From here, there are two trails. One goes straight ahead towards Kala Parvat. This trail goes all the way to Bisuri Tal and Nandikund.
Photo Point: The other trail takes a sharp right turn and descends rapidly to Akash Kamini, a rivulet coming from Chandrashila. Pause here and take some photos by this gurgling stream.
Take the second trail and descend 500 ft to reach the stream crossing. It takes 20-30 minutes to reach the stream. It’s a good idea to refill your water bottles here. There is a small bridge that needs to be crossed.
From here, take the trail that now ascends gradually with a series of three scissor bends. As you climb up, the view of the valley gets better and better. Around 20 minutes of the steady climb will take you to a small meadow.
There is a series of shepherd huts here made of stones. In summer, you will find locals occupying the huts with their livestock. As you enter the meadow, look for a path that diverts towards your right and after around 20 minutes of descent through a jungle trail, you would come upon a road head. Walk for about a kilometre to reach the Baniya Kund campsite.
Day 5: Trek from Baniya Kund to Chandrashila Peak via Tungnath and back to Sari
Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Trek Distance: 8.7 km
Drive Duration: 40 mins drive
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 3,521 ft ⇘ 1,013 ft (8,562 ft to 12,083 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate. Gradual ascent to Tungnath followed by a steep climb to Chandrashila for about an hour. The descent on the same path takes around an hour and a half to reach back to Chopta.
Highlights: The big day of the summit to Chandrashila. Look out for Monals nesting in the trees or on the ground. The sunrise and the sunset view from Chandrashila are the best you will get to see in all of the Himalayas.
Start the trek early, preferably before sunrise, so that you can treat yourself to a sunrise view from Tungnath and the Chandrashila peak. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is accessible via a cemented pilgrim trail. From your campsite, take this trail. It ascends sharply via a series of 11 scissor bends. The walk is pleasant but is a very steep climb.
The trek up to Tungnath temple is approximately 3 km. After you reach the 10th scissor bend, look for a flag and a small open temple towards your right side.
You can now see Chandrashila peak and the Tungnath temple complex at the base of the peak. The views from here onwards are incredible. A connecting peak leading to Chandrashila, known as Ravanshila, is visible to your right. Tungnath temple is only half a kilometre away from here.
Towards your left, overlooking the valley is a section of Birch trees (Bhojpatra). This is a haven for birds like Monal and Griffin vulture. Take the 11th and last bend to reach the famous and holy Tungnath temple. The temple is closed in winter and you will find snow here from late December until around April.
Folklore: Tungnath temple is the third of the Panch Kedars. These are 5 temples believed to have been built by the Pandavas to atone for the sins of killing their kin and Brahmins in the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, whose forgiveness they sought, disguised himself as a bull. Parts of this bull appeared in 5 different places, each of these identified as a Panch Kedar. Tungnath is where his hands and chest are said to have appeared. This place has the distinction of being the only temple in the world to be located at such a high altitude (12,083 ft).
Chandrashila peak is 1.5 km above the temple complex. The route to Chandrashila peak is from behind the temple complex. Pass by the local dormitories and take the trail that winds from the right side of the base of Chandrashila peak. A trail goes by from here and takes a series of scissor bends.
During winter, expect this trail to be completely buried in snow. Those planning to do a winter trek here are strongly advised to carry crampons/micro-spikes and an ice axe. The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is a 600 ft ascent and is a very steep climb.
After you negotiate a series of switchbacks, you will reach the upper base of Chandrashila Peak. From here, the summit of Chandrashila is visible. The climb up to the summit takes 30-45 minutes.
Once at the top of the peak, you get a 360-degree view of the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon. Walk past a temple and see some great mountains of Uttarakhand, like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and more.
Photo Point: The sunrise view from this spot is the best you will get to see in all of the Himalayas.
At Chandrashila, you find another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to have been built by Rama to atone for the sin of killing Ravana. This temple is open from April to October.
The deity is moved to Ukhimath in winter.
The trek back to Chopta is via the same route taken to reach here. It takes 20-30 minutes to reach Tungnath and another 60 minutes to reach Chopta from Tungnath.
Start the trek early, preferably before sunrise, so that you can treat yourself to a sunrise view from Tungnath and the Chandrashila peak. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is accessible via a cemented pilgrim trail. From your campsite, take this trail. It ascends sharply via a series of 11 scissor bends. The walk is pleasant but is a very steep climb.
The trek up to Tungnath temple is approximately 3 km. After you reach the 10th scissor bend, look for a flag and a small open temple towards your right side.
You can now see Chandrashila peak and the Tungnath temple complex at the base of the peak. The views from here onwards are incredible. A connecting peak leading to Chandrashila, known as Ravanshila, is visible to your right. Tungnath temple is only half a kilometre away from here.
Towards your left, overlooking the valley is a section of Birch trees (Bhojpatra). This is a haven for birds like Monal and Griffin vulture. Take the 11th and last bend to reach the famous and holy Tungnath temple. The temple is closed in winter and you will find snow here from late December until around April.
Folklore: Tungnath temple is the third of the Panch Kedars. These are 5 temples believed to have been built by the Pandavas to atone for the sins of killing their kin and Brahmins in the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, whose forgiveness they sought, disguised himself as a bull. Parts of this bull appeared in 5 different places, each of these identified as a Panch Kedar. Tungnath is where his hands and chest are said to have appeared. This place has the distinction of being the only temple in the world to be located at such a high altitude (12,083 ft).
Chandrashila peak is 1.5 km above the temple complex. The route to Chandrashila peak is from behind the temple complex. Pass by the local dormitories and take the trail that winds from the right side of the base of Chandrashila peak. A trail goes by from here and takes a series of scissor bends.
During winter, expect this trail to be completely buried in snow. Those planning to do a winter trek here are strongly advised to carry crampons/micro-spikes and an ice axe. The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is a 600 ft ascent and is a very steep climb.
After you negotiate a series of switchbacks, you will reach the upper base of Chandrashila Peak. From here, the summit of Chandrashila is visible. The climb up to the summit takes 30-45 minutes.
Once at the top of the peak, you get a 360-degree view of the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon. Walk past a temple and see some great mountains of Uttarakhand, like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and more.
Photo Point: The sunrise view from this spot is the best you will get to see in all of the Himalayas.
At Chandrashila, you find another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to have been built by Rama to atone for the sin of killing Ravana. This temple is open from April to October.
The deity is moved to Ukhimath in winter.
The trek back to Chopta is via the same route taken to reach here. It takes 20-30 minutes to reach Tungnath and another 60 minutes to reach Chopta from Tungnath.
Day 6: Drive from Sari to Rishikesh
Drive Duration: 7-8 hours | Driving Distance: 190 km
Driving Distance: 190 km
Board your cabs from here for a drive back to Rishikesh. You will reach Rishikesh between 6.00 and 7.00 pm.
Cab costs will be approximately Rs 7,000 per Bolero and Rs 10,000 per Tempo Traveler on the way back.
Board your cabs from here for a drive back to Rishikesh. You will reach Rishikesh between 6.00 and 7.00 pm.
Cab costs will be approximately Rs 7,000 per Bolero and Rs 10,000 per Tempo Traveler on the way back.
Easy-Moderate Trek
Suitable for Fit Beginners
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include, altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
The Deoriatal-Chandrashila Trek is an easy-moderate one. Frankly, out of all our high altitude treks, Deoriatal-Chandrashila is the safest one. It gains altitude slowly so your body has enough time to acclimatize. We have seldom seen any cases of altitude sickness on this trek. Nevertheless, it is a high-altitude trek that climbs up to 12,083 ft. At Indiahikes, we don’t let our guard down at high altitudes, no matter what the altitude is.
While we do our bit to ensure a trekker’s life is safe, we also expect any trekker who is enrolling with us to know what could go wrong, and if it does, how to tackle it. To have a safe trek here is some information that you must know if you have registered for this trek. At Indiahikes, we believe that as long as you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can survive easily at high altitudes.
Safety on the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
You will trek a total distance of 27 km over three days. Some days will be longer than others.
On Day 3, you will trek approximately 10 km and on the summit day — the most challenging day of the trek — you will trek 8 km as you climb from Baniyakund (8,562 ft) to Chandrashila peak (12,083 ft).
During this climb, you will encounter a risky section traversing from Tungnath to Chandrashila, where there is a lot of snow on the trail, particularly in the snowy months of December, March and April.
This must be done only with the help of technical safety equipment and a competent technical safety team.
Your summit day from Baniyakund to Chandrashila is steep and gets steeper from the Tungnath temple complex. The entire stretch of 4.5 km is on the snow and there are sections with hard snow that is likely frozen overnight. You will descend the same route.
And there are certain pointers you need to keep in mind to stay safe on the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek:
1. Hard snow can be slippery, so wear your microspikes before you step on snow. A small slip can result in injuries like a ligament tear, a sprained ankle, or even a fracture.
2. Always put your foot on footholds made by earlier trekkers. Look out for deep footholds. Do not try to make new paths of your own.
3. Check for sections with feeble snow that may require ropes.
Note: If you are trekking with Indiahikes, your Trek Leader will tell you when to wear the microspikes. Indiahikes technical team will lead in this section to make the footholds required for trekkers to step on.
At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first timer and an experienced trekker. Even experienced trekkers can get affected.
Fitness helps in making your trek easier. But do not forget that even a fit person climbing too high too soon runs an equal risk of developing AMS.
Some symptoms to watch out for: (a) Persistent headache (b) Feeling fatigued or weak (c) Feel nauseous or vomit (d) Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, often while sitting up or standing suddenly (e) You don’t feel like eating, you have a loss of appetite (f) You don’t sleep very well at night.
The itinerary of the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek allows you to acclimate well. And yet, you must stay alert for any signs of AMS.
Here’s a Complete guide to Acute Mountains Sickness:
Weather plays a big role in your safety on the trek. Here are some of the weather-related issues that can play an important role in your Deoriatal Chandrashila
At altitudes above 10,000 ft, snowfall can happen anytime. A spell of rain on the lower slopes almost usually leads to light or heavy snow in the upper regions.
It can rain or snow abruptly at any time at such high altitudes. A rainfall or snowfall that lasts more than four hours can change your trek plans. Rain can flood the trails or make them too slushy to walk safely on. Some normal sections can become very slippery.
The Indiahikes technical team along with the Trek Leader takes a call on when to proceed with the trek and when to stay back. A team may have to turn around from the highest camp if the weather turns worse.
Emergency Exits: From the first camp – Deoriatal, retrace your steps back to Sari to exit. If you have moved ahead to Syalmi, come back to Sari or Tali village. But if you have moved towards Baniyakund, that itself is a roadhead. So, exit from Baniyakund.
Closest Hospital: If a medical emergency occurs before or after the summit climb, then Ukhimath is where you would need to go to get to a hospital. Ukhimath is almost an hour’s drive from Baniyakund.
Even though Chopta Chandrashila or Deoriatal Chandrashila is a high-altitude trek, it can be done for almost 8-9 months in the year. The trek is accessible for 10 months of the year except for July and August (the peak rainy in Uttarakhand).
If we take out the monsoons, we get 4 distinct seasons to experience Deoriatal Chandrashila – Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Each season is different and lovely in its way.
Deoriatal Chandrashila in Winter
Day time: Between 8 °C and 14 °C | Night time: Will drop to temperatures between -6 °C and -10 °C.
Presence of snow: You will find snow from the base camp towards January. The entire landscape and valley will be in white from December to the end of February
No. of warm layers required: 5 warm layers
In winter, people trek to Deoriatal Chandrashila to experience snow and the mighty views from the trek. The landscape again changes colour when draped in the white snow. Soft, powdery snowflakes loosely hang from pine trees offering a tinge of Christmas-y feel. Perfect for snowball fights and an experience of snowfall if you’re lucky. However, snow raises the difficulty of the trek by a notch. So, prepare well if you are going in winter.
Deoriatal Chandrashila in Spring
Day time temperature: Between 13 °C and 17 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to zero
Great time to experience the last of the winter snow. The snow starts to recede from the lower campsites when spring sets. The upper reaches of Chandrashila and Tungnath are still under snow.
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
Spring in Deoriatal Chandrashila starts in early March and goes on till the end of April. The snows start to melt in the upper reaches while the grass begins to turn green in the lower meadows. Tiny flowers make their heads out of the grass while rhododendrons bloom on the trees The upper reaches of the trek are usually under snow until mid-April.
Spring is a great time to experience colour contrasts on the meadows. You see snow, greenery and the colour of flowers altogether.
Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in Summer
Day time temperature: Between 18 °C and 24 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop around 3-8 °C
No. of warm layers required: 2 warm layers
Summers bring out a green colour palette on this trek, one that you might not witness in any other season.
The forests and meadows look bright and sunny during May-June. Early in June, slopes may receive light summer showers and the flora turns lush.
The trek is at its easiest and is a great getaway from the summer heat of the plains. It also makes for the perfect time to introduce children to the Himalayas during the summer vacations.
Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek in Autumn
Day time temperature: Between 10 °C and 15 °C | Night time temperature: Will drop to zero
No. of warm layers required: 3-4 warm layers
The next best time to do the trek would be in the post-monsoon months of September, October and November. Post monsoon, the sky is washed clean of all the haze.
And it’s a perfect time for the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek which is known for the stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is in autumn that you get the clearest views of these mountains.
It is great to see you going on the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek. While it is a great trek to do, you need to get your travel plan worked out perfectly.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do next. Use this guide and nothing else to plan your travel.
1. Here’s a quick view of how to plan your travel.
Book your air ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. If Dehradun, proceed to Rishikesh. If Delhi, book a night train/bus to Haridwar. Click here for more explanation.
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Rishikesh to Sari drive. It is an 8-9 hour drive from Rishikesh. Sari is the base camp for your trek.
Day 2: Trek Sari (6,600 ft) to Deoriatal (7,840 ft); 2 hours, 3 km
Day 3: Trek Deoriatal (7,840 ft) to Syalmi (8,790 ft) via Rohini Bugyal; 10 km, 6-7 hours
Day 4: Trek Syalmi to Baniya Kund; 6 km, 4 hours
Day 5: Trek Baniya Kund (8,790 ft) to Tungnath and Chandrashila (12,080 ft) and back to Sari; 7-8 hours, 8 km
| Note: Tungnath temple opens only in summer and closes by Diwali.
Day 6 (Drive-back Day): Drive from Sari to Rishikesh. Start at 9.00 am for the drive.
Day 7: Book a return train ticket to Delhi from Haridwar (Nanda Devi or Mussoorie express). Or book a direct air ticket from Dehradun.
|Note:
- While getting to Sari, we recommend you arrive a day earlier and stay at Rishikesh (Day Minus One). Our vehicles can pick you up at Rishikesh as it falls on the way (on Day 1). Staying at Rishikesh gives you a well-deserved rest for the night. Plus some bonus sightseeing.
- On your return from the trek, you can get off at Rishikesh. If you do not want to get off at Rishikesh, the final stop of the vehicle is at Rishikesh. You reach Rishikesh between 6.00 and 7.00 pm.
Your travel route to the Sari basecamp passes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimat.
2. Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your
air tickets for Day Minus One, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 25 August, book your air tickets for 24 August to either Delhi/Dehradun.
There are two options for your flight booking.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Rishikesh. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Rishikesh by train/bus.
Tip: Dehradun Airport is Jolly Grant is closer to Rishikesh than Dehradun. It is 20 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from Dehradun.
The Dehradun airport is somewhat inconvenient when it comes to city connectivity (either to Rishikesh or Dehradun). Airport buses that ply between Rishikesh to Dehradun via the airport run every hour. In our experience, the hour can stretch to even 1½ hours.
Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant. They usually charge between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 to Rishikesh.
Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Pro Tip: If you want to save real money try to catch an auto just outside the airport terminal complex. They usually come there to drop passengers off. Autos are not allowed to enter the airport complex. They charge approximately Rs 300 to Rishikesh.
If autos are not available, walk for a further 1.5 km to get to the Rishikesh Dehradun highway. From the highway, you can flag down regular town buses or shared autos (shared autos are called Vikram's). Bus fare is about Rs 30 to Rishikesh. Shared autos charge about Rs 20.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Next, book yourself on the Kota Express to Haridwar (Train No: 12401). It is a fully AC train that leaves at 23.45 hrs from Hazrat Nizamuddin and gets to Haridwar at 3.50 am.
Note: Earlier the Kota Express would depart from the New Delhi railway station. From 26 Aug 2019, it leaves from Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train now comes from Kota. So expect about 15 to 30 mins delay in arrival. The train number has changed too from 12206 to 12401.
For Metro train connectivity from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, take a metro to Dhaula Kuan metro station. Get off and walk down to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus metro station (there are convenient traveller belts over a skywalk). Take a metro to Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station over the pink line. It takes about 45 mins to an hour to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin over the metro.
At Rishikesh, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 5.30 am. Contact your driver by 5.00 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week before your departure.
Caution: Do not book on any other train except the Kota Express. The other option, Mussoorie express, is notorious for its delay. Your pickup vehicle may leave without you. If you do not get tickets on the Kota Express, take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, but do not book on the Mussoorie express.
Bus
If in case you do not get a train ticket, there are regular Volvo AC buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh. You also get Non-AC buses. Buses are frequent and not usually crowded. You can get a bus almost every half hour. Buses take 7-8 hours to get to Rishikesh from Delhi. AC bus tickets cost about Rs.700.
3. Planning your return flight/train booking
Next, if your onward flight departs from Delhi, then book flight tickets for Day 8.
Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 8. Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time.
How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight.
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train: Take the Kota Express from Haridwar (12402) that leaves Haridwar slightly past midnight (00.17 hrs) to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 4.50 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. For the Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to the Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient travelator belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get the metro train to the airport.
Note: Earlier Kota Express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. The train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.
Bus: The other option is to take a bus from Rishikesh. It is about a 5½ – 6 hrs journey to Delhi. From Rishikesh add another hour to the journey. So if you take a bus that leaves around 9.00 pm, then expect to reach Delhi at around 3.00 am (ISBT Kashmiri Gate). A bus that leaves at 10 pm will reach Delhi around 4.00 am. AC Volvo buses are the fastest, so opt for them. Non AC buses can take up to 7-8 hrs for the journey.
From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.
Note: Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself on Day 7. Most metros are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.
4. Planning your hotel/stay
Hotel options at Rishikesh
➤ Zostel is a modern backpackers hostel, excellent for women travelling alone. It has basic amenities such as bunk beds, towels, good bathroom. The entire premises is quite hygienic. Bathrooms are shared. The average cost is Rs 400 – 800 per bed. Rooms start at about Rs 1,200 https://www.zostel.com/ (for online booking). Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugqLXUBcbgxnFt638
➤ SK International which is next to Zostel is another good option. It has clean rooms with good amenities. Charges are about Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,200 per night. Phone: 013-524-42943. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3nWu58ynjFyNn6on8
Shiv Shakti Hostel is another good, decent option at a similar price range to Zostel. This is a hostel like Zostel. They also have rooms. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qLs5wAThyyP8cmfR8
Hotel options at Haridwar
➤ Bedhubs are a good bunk bed stay in Haridwar — which is rare amongst the Dharamshalas and Ashrams of Haridwar. It is quite close to the heart of the action at Haridwar, approximately 500 m from Har Ki Pauri, Ram Ghat. Charges are around Rs 800 -1,000. Phone: 01334 224 567. Location: https://g.page/bedhubs?share
➤ Hotel Radiant near the Haridwar railway station has decent spacious rooms. Room rates are around Rs 750 for a non AC room and Rs 1,050 for an AC room. Contact person – Nitin Sharma – 9557155557. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1AdiMiTtnAeGfF4Y8
➤ Hotel Rahi, a government-owned GMVN property is fairly decent. Spacious but old building. Almost opposite the Haridwar railway station, just past the bus stop. Prices start at around Rs 700 for a room. Phone: +91-135-2431793 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bH25Zp8Di9SE3p757
Hotel options at Dehradun
➤ Hotel Drona, which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is an old, but large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750. Phone: +91-135-2746847. Book online http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/online_reservation/ Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA
➤ MyRoom252 is a new backpacker facility in Dehradun. Modern, colourful and clean. Bunk beds start at Rs 300. Rooms are available too. It is not too far from the Dehradun Railway station. Shared autos (which are called Vikrams) can get you there. For online booking: http://www.myroom252.com/. Phone: 086308 81083. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5xkbMyUF4X5VHwx9
Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House. Phone: 9760596464 Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share
5. What if you miss the Indiahikes pickup? Getting to Sari on your own.
If you miss the Indiahikes pick up from Rishikesh. Here is how you can get to Sari base camp on your own.
If you are at Haridwar, take a bus to Rishikesh as quickly as you can. A bus generally leaves every 15 mins from Haridwar to Rishikesh.
From Rishikesh take the first available bus to Rudraprayag. Buses leave at 6.00 am and 8.00 am. Generally, all buses headed in the Badrinath direction pass by Rudraprayag. If you do not get a bus at the government bus stand, try the private bus stand, which is right next to it.
Rudraprayag is about 5 hours by bus from Rishikesh. On the way, the bus passes Devprayag and Srinagar (the Uttarakhand Srinagar, not the Kashmir one).
At Rudraprayag, from the main market buses leave for Ukhimat every two hours. The last bus is at 2.00 pm. You also get shared taxis from the main market, but after 2 pm vehicles are scarce.
It takes about 3 hours to get to Ukhimat. Ukhimat is 15 km prior to Sari. So it is almost there. From Ukhimat you get the last bus to Sari at 6.00 pm.
Tip: While this bus hopping may sound cumbersome, we do it regularly at Indiahikes. They are a fun and a good way to know the real Uttarakhand. You also get to meet very interesting local people. So while no one wants to miss a pick-up, don’t be too disheartened if it happens. You may just experience one of your best travel moments!
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate. This is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during the registration at the base camp – Download the PDF
- Medical certificate. There are two sections in this. The first part must be filled by a practising doctor. The second part must be filled by you. Without the medical certificate, the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download PDF
Please carry the above documents with you. Documents need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.
PRO TIPS
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet. Please note there is no facility to get printouts and photocopies at Sari.
First, The Essentials. You cannot do the trek without these.
1. Trekking Shoes:
Deoriatal Chandrashila requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, has ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.
| Buying Tip: The Trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.
| Rental: We have the Trek series and the MH series by Decathlon available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean.
2. Backpack:
For a trek like Deoriatal Chandrashila, you need a 40-50 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.
| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon, and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from.
| Rental: The 48-litre backpack by Adventure Worx is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack.
3. Clothes:
Wearing layers is the mantra in the mountains. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required.
Base layer:
3 T-shirts:
Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.
Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat, they are easy to wash and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are ok, but collared ones are better.
| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)
| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them.
3 insulation layers:
The highest altitude you reach on this trek is 15,000 ft. At these altitudes, it can get cold even in the middle of summer. You will need at least 3 insulation layers for this trek.
You will need 2 light fleece layers and 1 full-sleeve light sweater. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can fold into compact rolls.
1 Outer layer:
A padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.
| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.
Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.
| Rental: Padded jackets made by Fort Collins are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. They are custom made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter.
Two trek pants:
Two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry two just in case it rains. Trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon in case of small stream crossings/rain.
| Buying tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.
| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants are not trekking pants — so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup.
Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.
These accessories are mandatory. Don’t go to Deoriatal Chandrashila without them. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories for the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first.
1. Sunglasses:
Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. On a trek like Deoriatal – Chandrashila, you will find snow all over the trail during winter. Expect to walk on long stretches of snow. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection.
| Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.
Wear sunglasses if the trekking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.
| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.
| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens.
2. Suncap:
A sun cap is mandatory. Trekking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in trekking performance.
| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.
| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way.
3. Synthetic hand gloves:
On a trek like Deoriatal – Chandrashila you are going to be handling snow quite a bit during winters. You’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself in snow. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.
4. Woollen cap or Balaclava:
Ensure these cover your ears. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold trekking day are when you must use your woollen cap.
Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. Do not get a woollen cap that only covers your head.
5. Socks (3 pairs):
Apart from two sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry. As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well.
6. Headlamp:
Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. On the Deoriatal – Chandrashila trek you’ll need your hands free to wash dishes, pitch tents and hold your trek poles.
| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as much as ahead of you.
7. Trekking pole (a pair):
Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. On the Deoriatal – Chandrashila trek there are gradual ascents and descents and some steep sections too. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous trek. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.
| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.
8. Rainwear:
On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing.
Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly even if soaking wet.
| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.
9. Rain cover for your backpack:
Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get a rain cover by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) or cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.
| Pro tip: It’s good practice to compartmentalise your clothes, accessories and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.
10. Daypack (20-30 ltrs, optional):
Some trekkers opt to offload their bags to a porter on the Deoriatal – Chandrashila trek. While we do not encourage this practice, in case you opt for offloading, then carrying a daypack is mandatory. In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks and a warm layer. Your main backpack that carries most of your equipment is accessible only at the campsites.
A day pack is a smaller backpack that is usually of 20-30 ltr capacity. Laptop bags are not day packs. Do not get them.
Other mandatory requirements
1. A toilet kit:
Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics — toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturiser, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to have a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.
| Pro tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re travelling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.
Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for a trek like Deoriatal Chandrashila
| For women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.
2. Cutlery:
Carry a lunch box, a mug and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. Trekkers often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs, and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.
| Pro tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove and hygiene is at its highest. Watch this video on why steel cutlery is better than plastic.
3. Plastic covers:
Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this and do not buy new ones.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Deoriatal Chandrashila
Did you know Deoriatal Chandrashila is one of the best treks for birders?
Given that the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek is in the heart of the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, it has a few of the most heavily forested trails. Along with the forests, come a plethora of birds!
Most of our birders choose this trail to catch sight of a few rare birds -- including the gorgeous Himalayan Monal! The section from Chopta to Chandrashila is especially well-known for monal sightings.
Watch the video here, where we interview expert bird photographer, Ajit Hota, who shares tips on when and where to spot these birds!
Lord Rama’s Meditation on the peak
An interesting myth is the story of Lord Rama meditating on top of the Chandrashila peak.
After defeating Ravana in the battle of Lanka, Lord Rama was finding a way to atone for his sins. It is believed that he decided to meditate on the Chandrashila peak.
This was Lord Rama’s way of engaging in severe penance after the Ramayana.
Origin of the Tunganath temple
Another fascinating legend is that of the Tunganath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
After the Mahabharata war, Lord Shiva was upset with the Pandavas for their gruesome killing. The Pandavas found a way to please, venerate and celebrate Lord Shiva; they built the blissful Tunganath temple.
The Pandavas were thus freed from their sins.
Story of the Deoriatal Lake
Anyone on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek would notice the captivating Deoriatal Lake which has a unique story of its own.
As the legend goes, four brothers of the Pandava clan once visited the pristine lake during their exile. The lake was then a bathing spot for gods, guarded by a crane - Yaksha. Despite Yaksha’s warnings, the brothers decided to sip water. As a consequence, Yaksha punished them, leading to their immediate death.
The four brothers were then resurrected back to life, only when the fifth brother, Yudishtir, arrived and apologized to the crane.
Leaving Mountains Better
Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.
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