Trekking the Chopta Chandrashila: Reaching the Pinnacle of Adventure and Divinity In the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Chopta Chandrashila walk offers hikers stunning scenery, a diverse cultural experience, and a spiritual bond with the mountains. The Chopta region, also referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, thick forests, and breathtakingly beautiful high-altitude meadows that captivate hikers. The journey comes to an end at the summit of Chandrashila, which provides an unmatched 360-degree vista of some of the most revered Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba. The existence of the highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath Temple, adds even more significance to this walk.
Highlights of the Panoramic Chopta Chandrashila Trek Enormous views of the Himalayas The panorama from the 13,100-foot Chandrashila Summit, which presents hikers with an incredible view of some of the most magnificent peaks in the Indian Himalayas, is without a doubt the highlight of this journey. Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and a few other peaks are visible on a clear day. Every step of the journey is rewarded with the sight of these massive peaks rising high against the clear blue sky.
Tungnath Temple: A Refuge for the Soul One of the five Kedars (Panch Kedar) and the highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath Temple is situated at a height of 12,073 feet. The temple at Tungnath is thought to be over a millennium old, adding to the pilgrimage’s profound spiritual significance. Trekkers and pilgrims alike come to the temple to experience the peace of the surroundings and ask for blessings. There are lovely views of the Himalayan mountains and alpine meadows along the well-paved trail leading to the shrine.
The Charm of Chopta, Uttarakhand’s Switzerland The trip to Tungnath and Chandrashila begins in Chopta, a tiny area in Uttarakhand. Its immaculate beauty has earned it the moniker “Mini Switzerland” numerous times. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Chopta is the perfect place to visit because of its verdant meadows, thick forests of oak and rhododendron, and snow-capped summits. Trekkers can enjoy isolation and serenity in this area because it is comparatively untouched.
With its abundant biodiversity, Chopta is also known as Birdwatcher’s Paradise. Numerous bird species can be seen in the area, such as the Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Minivet, Hill Partridge, and Himalayan Monal. For those who love the outdoors, the walk is even more captivating because of the birds’ vibrant plumage against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains.
The Experience of Trekking Because the Chopta Chandrashila trek is moderate in difficulty, hikers of all skill levels can tackle it. From Chopta to Chandrashila, the hike is roughly 5 kilometers long and passes via the revered Tungnath Temple. There are several gentle climbs along the well-marked trail, culminating in a hard final ascent to the top of Chandrashila. The lush pine, deodar, and rhododendron forests that encircle the entire trail provide hikers with a calm and peaceful setting.
Itinerary for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village (6,600 ft)
- Drive: 7-8 hours, 200 km
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village, the starting point for the trek. The drive takes you through lush green valleys, past the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, with beautiful views of terraced fields and traditional Garhwali villages. After reaching Sari, you can explore the village and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Overnight stay in a guesthouse or camp at Sari.
Day 2: Trek from Sari to Deoriatal Lake (7,800 ft) – 3 km
- Trek:5-2 hours, 3 km
After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek to the pristine Deoriatal Lake, which is just a short 3 km hike from Sari. The trail is a steady ascent through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees, offering glimpses of Himalayan peaks as you climb. The lake is known for its serene, mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains, including Chaukhamba. Spend the day exploring the lake area and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Deoriatal is a great place for photography and birdwatching. Set up camp by the lake and spend the night under the stars.
Day 3: Trek from Deoriatal to Chopta (8,790 ft) via Rohini Bugyal – 14 km
- Trek: 6-7 hours, 14 km
On Day 3, you’ll embark on a longer trek from Deoriatal to Chopta via the scenic meadows of Rohini Bugyal. The trail takes you through beautiful alpine forests, meadows, and ridges, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks throughout the journey. The climb is gradual, and you’ll pass through dense forests, occasional streams, and open grasslands where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” is known for its lush green meadows and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. You’ll camp at Chopta for the night.
Day 4: Trek from Chopta to Chandrashila (13,100 ft) via Tungnath Temple (12,073 ft) – 5 km
- Trek: 4-5 hours, 5 km (round trip)
Start early to experience the sunrise from the Chandrashila Summit. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is a 3.5 km uphill climb on a well-paved trail. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five Panch Kedars. After offering prayers and enjoying the beautiful architecture of the temple, continue your ascent to Chandrashila, which is a steep 1.5 km climb. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of some of the most famous Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. After spending time at the summit, return to Chopta/Sari for the night.
Day5: Sari/Chopta to Rishikesh
This the last day of our trek.
Best time:- Although you may do the Chopta Chandrashila trek virtually any time of year, March through June and September through November are the finest times to go. The trail is covered in snow in the winter, transforming the area into a winter wonderland, while the rhododendron forests blossom with vivid red and pink blooms in the spring.
Difficulty:- The walk is easy to moderate in difficulty, so it’s perfect for first-timers who want to feel the rush of hiking in the Himalayas. But the last part to Chandrashila is a strenuous ascent that can be difficult, particularly in the winter when the trail is blanketed with snow.
In summary The Chopta Chandrashila trip is the ideal fusion of adventure, spirituality, and scenic beauty. This walk gives an incredible experience in the middle of the Himalayas, regardless of expertise level. With its expansive views, abundant wildlife, and spiritual importance, the Chopta Chandrashila walk is sure to leave you feeling deeply at ease and with enduring memories. It’s a great hike for anyone looking for a quick yet thrilling trip into the high mountains; it’s the ideal retreat for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.
