TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy Moderate | Level 3
TREK DURATION
6 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
12,083 ft
AGE LIMIT
10 to 62 years
The Best Summit Views Out Of All Treks
Seeing great mountain views is not easy. You have to get to a high vantage point to catch such a view. In Spring and summer, most such vantage points are rare. 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.
What do you see? From your left are the Gangotri range of peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, the Kedarnath and the Kedar dome. Mandani Parbat and Janhukut. The imposing Chaukhamba is right in front. Most of them are over 7,000 meters tall.
On your right are the Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri. And then right ahead standing against the skyline in India’s tallest mountain, Mt Nanda Devi. Trekkers find it hard to believe that they are seeing Mt Nanda Devi.
If that’s not enough, to Mt Nanda Devi’s right, etched against the skyline are Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul. Two of the most beautiful mountain summits in our country.
It is not just the grand views. In Spring, the trek in itself is special. The trail snaking through goes through the canopy of oak and rhododendron trees is almost dream-like. This trek is picture-perfect and you have one of the best rhodo forests which set the mountains ablaze with colours during March, April!
For us, just to catch the sight of Mt Chaukhamba from the shores of the Deoriatal is worth doing the entire trek. The Deoriatal lake glittering with green meadow around. But looming and towering over the lake is Mt Chaukhamba.
Besides Deoriatal, camping at the campsite of Baniya Kund is a delight. The dense forests leading to the campsite are something that we don’t get on other treks. And everything changes with the canopy of white everywhere.
Having said all that, the biggest thrill of the trek has to be the climb from Chopta to the Chandrashila summit. Climbing to the summit is an adventure that people do not forget in a lifetime. We have noticed trekkers breaking down in tears at the summit, such as the feeling of elation and a sense of accomplishment.
Deoriatal Chandrashila would be one of the better ones on our list for any beginners. Do not miss out on this opportunity.
Deoriatal Chandrashila Videos
Recommended Videos Before Going For The Trek
Quick Itinerary
A trek map of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek
Day 1
Drive from Rishikesh to Sari
Drive Distance: 190 km | Drive Duration: 7-8 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh | Pick up Time: 7.30 am | Location of Indiahikes basecamp: Sari
Transport will be arranged at 7.30 am sharp. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. The cost of the cab is Rs 7,000 per vehicle (5-6 seater) and Rs 10,500 per Tempo Traveller (12 seaters) for the transport one way.
Note: The process of your registration, health screening, and document verification starts at 4 pm. Ensure you reach Sari on time if you are travelling on your own.
Day 2
Trek from Sari to Deoriatal
Trek Distance: 4.1 km | Trek Duration: 2.5 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,560 ft to 7810 ft
Day 3
Trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
Trek Distance: 9.10 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Loss: 7810 ft to 7600 ft via 9,020 ft
Day 4
Trek from Syalmi to Baniya Kund
Trek Distance: 5.40 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude Gain: 7600 ft to 8,520 ft
Day 5
Trek from Baniya Kund to Chandrashila via Tungnath and back to Sari
Trek Distance: 13 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 8,520 ft to 12,083 ft via 11410 ft
Day 6
Drive from Sari to Rishikesh
Drive Distance: 190 kms | Drive Duration: 7-8 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers:: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh | Drop off Time: 7 pm
You will reach Rishikesh between 6 and 7 pm. The cab costs will be Rs 8,000 per SUV(5-6 seater) and Rs 12,000 per Tempo Traveler (12-13 seater)
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
A trek map of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek
PRO-TIPS
Download the GPX file for your Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
We go to great lengths to ensure you have a safe trek. So here’s a GPX file to help you navigate without getting lost.
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: 6,560 ft
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.
Day 2: Trek from Sari to Deoriatal
Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours | Trek Distance: 4.1km
Altitude Gain: 6,560 ft to 7810 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. Exit the campsite and take the left trail that you took to reach the campsite the day before. After about 100 meters, take a trail that goes straight towards Deoriatal. This is a well-defined rocky trail and is quite steep. After approximately 15 minutes, you will come across a road head. Spot the village houses around. Take in the pretty view of vast farmlands from here.
After about 45 minutes of a hike, the trail becomes less steep. 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.
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 Ropini Bugyal. This spot is ideally located to relax and feast your eyes with a grand view of the mountains and the Ukhimat side of the valley. Turn back and witness the magnificent sight of Mt Chaukhamba from here.
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.
After a very short downhill trek, your surroundings open up to a grand view of Deoriatal, with Mt. Chaukhambha massif looming in the background.
The lake is also called Devariya Tal 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.
Photo Point: There’s a watchtower close to the lake that gives you grand views of the surrounding mountains.
Camping beside Deoriatal is not allowed anymore. So you will need to camp ahead where camping is allowed by the forest department. About 400 metres of ascent through a forest section lead you to the campsite space. The beauty of the view generally intensifies in the morning, when the clouds have cleared to offer unreal views of the hills.
Note: Do not miss the sunset from Deoriatal. The alpen glow of Mt Chaukhamba and the reflections of it over the lake is a beautiful sight to behold.
Day 3: Trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Trek Distance: 9.1 km
Altitude Loss: 7810 ft to 7600 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 from the campsite towards Jhandi Top in the south-east direction. 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/ Jhandi Top.
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. You can see the Sari side of the valley, Mt Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and other snow-clad peaks. 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/Bisudi 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 about 500 meters of a climb 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!
After a bit of an ascent in the forest section from Rohini Bugyal, we reach the highest point for the day. Later it’s a steep descent to the Syalmi meadow. It's a wildlife hotspot! You can spot foxes, snakes and griffons; Another 20 minutes of a descent from here takes you to the Syalmi Campsite.
Day 4: Trek from Syalmi to Baniya Kund
Trek Duration: 6 hours | Trek DIstance: 5.4 km
Altitude Gain: 7600 ft to 8,520 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.
Start off in the south-east direction from the Syalmi campsite. The trail descends rapidly to Akash Kamini, a rivulet coming from Chandrashila. Pause here and take some photos by this gurgling stream. It takes 20-30 minutes to reach the stream. Replenish your water supplies here. There is a small bridge to cross.
Note: This bridge gets washed away in case of heavy rains. But if the water level is low, it can be crossed without the help of a bridge.
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 called Shamkhudi Bugyal.
There is a series of shepherd huts here made of stones. In summer, you will find locals occupying the huts with their livestock. Continue further to reach a nursery of medicinal plants. After about 10 minutes of descent through a jungle trail, you would come upon a road head. Walk for another 100 metres 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: 13 km
Drive Duration: 40 mins drive
Altitude Gain: 8,520 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.
From Baniya Kund campsite, you need to trek first until Chopta which is around 1.5 km. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is accessible via a cemented pilgrim trail.
About 100 meters of the climb from Chopta is where you have the forest checkpost. You can obtain the trekking slip by paying a fee (Free for children below 5 years of age, Rs 38 for students between 5 and 18 years of age, Rs 150 for an adult, Rs 75 for seniors or students above 18 years and Rs 600 if you are a foreigner) that is valid for 3 days.
Note: You are not allowed to go trek before 8 am during the winter season. And you cannot start your trek after 2 pm. So plan your start time accordingly.
The trek up to Tungnath temple is approximately 3 km. It ascends sharply via a series of 11 scissor bends. The walk is pleasant but is a very steep climb. 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/microspikes and an ice axe (Registered Indiahikes trekkers get microspikes as part of their trek). 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, Nanda Ghunti, 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 Makkumath in winter.
The trek back to Baniya Kund is via the same route taken to reach here. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Tungnath and another hour and a half to reach Baniyakund 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 8,000 per Bolero and Rs 12,000 per Tempo Traveler on the way back.
Easy-Moderate Trek | Level 3
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. 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 day or two 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.
Note: The last metro from airport to New delhi is 23:15. Metro fare is Rs 60.
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
1. Hostel Live Free
Hostel Live Free is situated on the prominent Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. It offers decent accommodation options in dorms and also in private rooms.
Contact number: 099990 20248
Book online: Book online through Booking.com or Trip Advisor
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9H8Xakmt8p2TpYFS6
2. Zostel, 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
Book Online: https://www.zostel.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugqLXUBcbgxnFt638
3. Joey's Hostel is another good option. The bunk beds cost Rs 550. The rooms cost Rs 2,800.
Location: https://g.page/joey-s-hostel-rishikesh?share
Phone : +91 - 7217482824
4. 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 near Jolly Grant Airport
1. Sun n Soil Backpackers hostel is a great option, if you want to stay near Jolly Grant airport. It's a great place for the backpackers and travellers as it has a different ambience. Bunk beds start at Rs 450, rooms start at Rs 1,000.
Location: https://g.page/sun-n-soil-backpacker-hostel?share
Phone: +91 - 9634570743
Hotel options at Haridwar
1. Hotel Famous is a good option for a stay at Haridwar. It's very close to the railway station. It's a descent hotel with good amneties.
Phone: +91-8273158441
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8BFpDFz3asN5cMjUA
2. 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
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. There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download PDF
- Medical certificate. The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download PDF
Note: Please carry the above document with you. Document needs to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed, and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp. Please print these back-to-back on two sheets. Do not print separately and help in reducing paper usage.
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.
Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Indiahikes rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost. Rental of gear opens one month in advance of your trek date. You need to book them before the stock running out.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit the store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
- Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sun cap with flaps (Available for purchase)
- Waterproof gloves
- Balaclava
- Socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp (Available on rent)
- Trekking pole (Available on rent)
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
Cutlery:
- Steel lunch box, spoon and mug
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
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): It is important to carry Diamox as part of the Live Saving Drugs. Read more about Diamox here on how it reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the trek.
- 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.
The Deoriatal Chandrashila covers around 27 km in 4 days. (6 days including the drive to and from the trek). The altitude ranges from 6,560 ft in Sari all the way to Chandrashila top at 12,083 ft.
The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is an easy-moderate one. It does not have too many steep climbs (except the summit push to Chandrashila). It does not have many long days.
Compared to all our Himalayan treks, this is perhaps the easiest one. It’s a good trek for beginners, families and children.
Having said that, it is still a trek in the Himalayas with difficulties in terrain, temperatures and weather.
The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is great all year round. But the best time to do the trek is hands-down, the months of March and April. This is when you’ll still see snow on the trek, but you’ll also see blossoming Himalayan rhododendrons.
The next best time to do the trek would be in the post-monsoon months of September, October and November. The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is known for stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas, and after the monsoon, when the sky is squeaky clean, devoid of any mist/clouds, you get the clearest views of these big mountains.
Another great time for a snow experience on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is the month of December. This is the onset of winter when it just starts snowing. The snow isn’t too thick to block the trail. It isn’t so thin that it disappears within a few days either.
It’s a wonderful time to camp in the snow and trek in the snow. Perfect for snowball fights and an experience of snowfall if you’re lucky.
There is snow on the Chandrashila trek from December to the end of April. The first winter snowfalls by mid-December, and the trail usually remains accessible till the end of December.
Between January and February, which are peak winter months, the trails become difficult to access because of very high snow. We would suggest the Chandrashila trek in these months if snow is what you are looking for.
At the beginning of March, when the snow starts melting slightly, it is one of the best times to do the trek. The best time to do the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek would be the months of March and April when there is still a lot of snow, lush greenery and flowering rhododendron forests.
A trek like Deoriatal Chandrashila requires a good fitness level. There are gradual ascents, steep ascent to the top and 5-6 hours of trekking every day. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 38 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 20 km a week or 80 km in a month. It's our minimum mandatory requirement.
OR
Alternatively, cycle for at least 22 km in 60 minutes. Aim to cycle 110 km a week or 440 km in a month. However, running is better suited for your trek preparation.
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
Chopta is safe for trekkers and tourists. It is quite trekker-friendly, with guesthouses and homestays. Since it is in a remote location, expect basic facilities here.
Having said that, trekkers wonder about the safety of Chopta because of the presence of wild animals. Chopta is situated within the Kedarnath Reserve National Park. There have been sightings of foxes and jackals in the past. But they do not usually come in when there is a lot of tourist activity.
At Indiahikes, we have been trekking from Chopta to Chandrashila since 2015 and have not seen any danger to trekkers. Since the road ends at Chopta, it’s quite populated and does not have too many wild animals.
If your child is above 10 years, yes, we would highly recommend the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek. They will have a mix of easy and challenging trails.
On the other hand, if your child is below 10, avoid this trek. The second day and the summit day are very long. We have seen very young children below 10 struggle or fail to complete the trek because of the exertion.
On the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, we usually take around 20- 23 trekkers in total.
Our Campus at Sari will have concrete toilets. On Trek days, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. There will be a room freshener as well. It’s the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild.
Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
What Happens To Your Poop in the Mountains? | Green Trails | Indiahikes
When it comes to a mobile phone network and an internet connection, you’ll find a good network all across your trek. You will get a 4G network even at Chandrashila Top!
As for electricity, Sari Campus is the last point with electricity. At the Indiahikes base camp in Sari, all the rooms are equipped with plug points for trekkers to charge their electronic devices.
However, once you leave the base camp, there is no electricity. We suggest you bring additional batteries for your cameras and a power bank with more than 10,000 mAh to last you the entire trek.
Yes, you can keep the extra luggage at the base camp. Once the trek ends, you will be able to collect the luggage. Our team will arrange for this.
Ensure you do not keep any valuables at the base. Laptops, mobile phones, cash or any important items cannot be kept here.
Deoriatal Chandrashila is a 6-day trek. You will be staying at our campus in Sari and in tents on other days of the trek. Each tent accommodates 3 trekkers.
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Having more footprint through porters, horses or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.
But if — due to a medical condition — you are unable to carry your own backpack, you may offload your backpack.
The cost of offloading on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is Rs 1,260 for the trek.
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 38 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 38 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 38 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
We also recommend strength training to carry your backpack and climb uphill comfortably.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
Photo Gallery
The trek starts from Sari. Indiahikes campus at Sari located amidst the fields is designed for trekkers to come together and spend quality time with each other. Picture by Akshay Kevin.
From Sari to Deoriatal, you trek in the charming forests of oak, rhododendrons and a few maple trees. Picture by Jothiranjan.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to witness clear reflections of the Chaukhamba massif and associated ranges over Deoriatal. Alpine glow on these is an added bonus! Picture by Ravi Ranjan.
What I Like and Don’t Like About the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
What I Like About the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek
3D Trail
Green Trails
Leaving the mountains better than we find them
At Indiahikes, we focus on bringing in new practices that can reduce our impact on the environment. This is done through constant R&D. Once these new practices are implemented we focus on achieving the results consistently on all our treks. You will see this as part of our G6 practices.
Golden 1: Green Sweep - Clean the trail of visible litter. We have collected more than 1,00,000 kgs of waste since 2016.
Golden 2: Segregation At Source - Segregate all waste collected so that we do not add all this waste to the landfill. We have diverted 50% of the waste from landfill through segregation
Golden 3: Food Composting - All our kitchen waste is composted into useful humus for the mountain soil. All food waste is either eaten by mules or composted at source.
Golden 4: Biotoilets - All our human waste is composted at source through our specially designed dry toilet pits.
Golden 5: Water efficient dispenser - We have reduced our waste used per trekker by 70% through specially designed water dispenser systems.
Golden 6: Save energy - We use solar panels for our energy use at our campsites. We are also in the process of redesigning our stove and menu to reduce the amount of gas used on our treks.
Our trekkers are a big part of us keeping our promise to leave the mountains better than we found them.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not carry anything that can harm the environment - be it wet wipes, or any packaged food on the trek. In fact they practice a zero waste trek.
- Indiahikes trekkers do not buy any packaged food in the dhabas on the trek - they do not take part in feeding the demand for packaged food
- Indiahikes trekkers clean the trails of waste using the eco bag as part of the Green Sweep Initiattive
- Indiaihikes trekkers carry their own backpack on the trek. They do not offload unless absolutely necessary
- Indiahikes trekkers do not pee/poop near any water source
- Indiahikes trekkers do not stray away from the marked trail
Trekkers who sign up with us pledge to follow these practices. When you sign up with us, you do too.
How you can be a Green Trails Crusader on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek? - There are 3 major waste hotspots which you can collect and leave the mountains better. One is near Chopta before the summit climb to Chandrashila, the second would be on the summit and close to Tungnath and the third spot is Burj Gali meadows.
Everything you do on a trek creates an impact. The trail you trek on, the water you use, the waste you generate, how you poop, how you cook, what you eat — everything has an impact. The higher the impact, the greater the damage to the environment.
Yet, when done sustainably, trekking is one of the most environment-friendly sports.
When you trek with Indiahikes, you trek to leave the mountains better than we found them. This is part of our Green Trails promise.
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 locals believe that it is beside this lake that the famous question-and-answer dialogue between Yudishtira and a Yaksha in the mountains ensued -- also known as Yaksha Prashana.
The legend goes that: One day, towards the end of their 12-year exile, the Pandavas were in search of a runaway deer in the forests. During their search, the oldest brother of them all, Yudishtira was overcome by thirst. His youngest brother set out looking for water. He chanced upon a lovely lake. Here, a crane that was sitting close by, warned Nakula, saying the water would turn into poison if he drank it without answering some questions he had.
Ignoring the crane, Nakula drank water from the lake. He immediately died. Three of his brothers, Sahadeva, Bhima and Arjuna followed the same fate -- all of them drinking water without paying heed to the crane's words.
When Yudishtira finally approached the lake, he was distraught seeing that his brothers had passed. The crane warned him too about the poisonous water. When he paused to talk to the crane, it revealed itself to be a Yaksha (a celestial demon). The Yaksha offered to bring one of the Pandavas back to life if Yudishtira could answer all his questions.
What ensued was an epic dialogue of over 125 questions about life, dharma, philosophy and more.
Impressed by Yudishtira's answers, the Yaksha finally revealed himself to be Yama Dharma, Yudishtira's own father! He brought back not only one Pandava to life but all of them.
The locals believe that this whole episode occurred on the soil of Deoriatal (or Devariyatal), which when translated, becomes "the lake of the gods."
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