Chopta Chandrashila Trek – If you're looking for one of the top family-friendly treks in India, Chopta in Uttarakhand is sure to be a standout choice. Even if you are a sobbing 10-year-old child or a cranky 70-year-old grandma, Chopta trek will ease you out with a perfect tinch of adventures. It gives you a not so difficult terrain but a splendid view of the entire Himalayan region. A trek with an apt amount of adventure to savor, utmost comfort to snug, and breathtaking views to seep in.
Chandrashila peak has a famous legend attached to it. Stories say, when moon-god Chadra was kicked out of the Devlok, he came to this peak to undertake his penance, giving the peak its name and fame. Mythology also says, Lord Ram too meditated at this famous peak after defeating the demon king - Ravana. This trek is more than just an expedition, it's a journey through vibrant mythological stories and legends.
A beginner’s delight, chandrashila trek (Also sometimes known as Chopta Tungnath Trek, Chopta Chandrashila trek and Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek ) is an ideal trek for those who want to start with the adventures of this spectacular world of the trek. Offering not much sturdiness and difficulty, one who wishes to enjoy panoramic views of India’s highest peak Mt. Nanda Devi and other peaks such as Mt. Trishul and Mt. Chaukhamba, this trek gives you all. Right from the start, it will be a rollercoaster of incredible experiences and marvellous thrills.
One of the highlights of this trek is the 'Tungnath Temple'. According to the legends, this temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples and literally means Lord of the peaks. Indian mythology says that when Vyas Rishi informed the Pandavas that they are guilty of slaying their own brother - Kauravas, only Lord Shiva can liberate them from this guilt. Hence Pandavas embarked on the journey to find Lord Shiva who had already taken the form of a bull to avoid the Pandavas. Later, five different body parts of Lord Shiva were found at five different locations where then temples were erected. Hence Tugnath is the most revered temple in Panch Kedar, making this trek extremely holy.
Tugnath is the highest Shiva temples at an astounding altitude of 12,000 ft. Sitting quietly on a large clearing with a blanket of snow covering the above part, it resonates with an environment of peace and self-fulfilment. The Tungnath trek distance of 4 km from Chopta to Tugnath is absolutely easy and accessible by all. After only a few hours of a stroll through the narrow trails and open valleys, you will reach the famous site of Tungnath temple.
The very opening of this entire journey is camping in the middle of pure lush green meadows. Unlike other treks, you don't have to take on a difficult expedition to find such an amazing place to camp, right on the first day you will drive down from Rishikesh to the campsite in Chopta. Other than driving being extremely pleasing, one of the unique things to witness is the Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Both being confluence points of multiple rivers gifts you a chance to spot an astonishing sight.
Doesn’t it look like a perfect place to plan a quirky little picnic here with your friends and enjoy a peal of good old laughter? Indeed, even Chopta in December remains verdant and gives you an experience of camping in the middle of a large garden. How about taking a morning stroll with chirping birds and splendid views of mighty mountains? Isn’t it too thrilling to miss?
The next exciting thing which comes on your way is the trek to the highest point of the journey - the chandrashila peak. Standing at an altitude of 13,100 ft, it takes quite a good level of effort to conquer the peak. Though the trail is majorly steep and snowy, it is absolutely fine for all kinds of people. The best thing about this trek is that it offers the enjoyment of both - leisure and adventure at two different times during the trek. Chopta is the ultimate place to chill and relax, whereas chandrashila is full of adventures, thrills, and funny stories. Chopta to Chandrashila trek distance is only about 9 km, which will hardly take about 4-5 hours to complete.
The Chadrashila summit is too difficult, to sum up in a few sets of words. As it is a perfect family trek, chandrashila places astonishing views of the Himalayas and the valley without even taking so much pain. It's like experiencing a real adventurous high altitude trek on a lesser altitude. A secret tip - The magnificent views of Mt. Nanda Devi is an eye-catcher. When you are standing on the top of Chandrashila, Mt. Nanda Devi seems to be hugging the entire range. It looks like you are standing almost in front of it and you can trace the entire length from the foothills to the very top of the mountain.
From Chandrashila, you then get transferred to another thrilling experience of trekking through the forests of Deoria Tal. The route from Sari to Deoria Tal is a very different kind of trail. Taking you through beautifully colored meadows and oak forests, the trail will offer you a remarkable experience to trudge through rhododendrons and bright-colored plants.
But the highlight of this entire trek from Sari to Deoria Tal is, of course, the glittering Deoria Tal lake. The trek takes you to a place resting in the middle of mountains with a large sparkling lake surrounded by lush green plants and meadows.
That is how this entire journey will be - a perfect blend of comfortability with the thrills of mountains. The Chandrashila weather and Tungnath weather remains very pleasant throughout the summers but a little colder during the winters. Both the Chandrashila temperature and Tungnath temperature depend much on the season you are visiting. In summers the temperature will dangle between 10 to 15 degrees and 1 - 7 degrees in winters. The best time to visit Chopta or Tungnath depends on the level of adventure and the kind of weather you like. But despite all these nitty-gritty, this trek is a must for someone who is a die-hard mountain lover.
Please note: Chopta and Chandrashila treks are not two different treks, but are two different components of a single trek. Book yourself a seat with us for Chopta Chandrashila trek package today!
Altitude: 8,556 ft.
Meal Included: Dinner
Stay Type: Stay in swiss tents on a double/triple sharing basis.
Altitude: 8,556 ft to 13,120 ft and back to 8,556 ft
Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner
Stay Type: Stay in swiss tents on a double/triple sharing basis.
Trek: 9 km (4-5 hrs)
Altitude: 8,556 ft to 6,600 ft and to 8,000 ft
Meals included: Breakfast
Trek: 3 km (90 min)
On Request
Air: You can book your flights for Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport) and from there take a shared or private cab to chopta.
Road: You can take a bus to reach the Rishikesh bus stand and from take a private / shared cab to reach Chopta.
Rail: Book a train to Rishikesh railway station and from take a private / shared cab to reach Chopta.