Chopta - Christmas - New Year Special

Private Vehicle

Traveller

Stay Not Applicable

Meals Not Applicable

The journey commences in Delhi, where we advise travelers to assemble at the designated Pick-up Point to maximize their trekking experience. Chopta, our destination, is approximately 450 km away from Delhi and takes around 14 hours to reach. Our route takes us through the scenic towns of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath before arriving in Chopta the next day.

The initial overnight journey to Rishikesh sets the tone for the adventure, followed by another 8 hours of a slightly strenuous yet breathtaking mountain drive. Most of the journey winds through the mountainside, with the river flowing below, offering stunning scenery and photo opportunities. Be sure to capture the moment at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag, a truly unforgettable sight.

Private Vehicle

Traveller

Tents

Swiss Camps/Homestay

Dinner

About 35 km after Rudraprayag, we take the road to Kedarnath. Continuing on this road, we arrive at Chopta via Agastyamuni (named after the famous saint Agastya and also a small marketplace for nearby villages) and Ukhimath (a tiny hamlet and winter seat of Kedarnath, Omkareshwar Temple). Our estimated arrival time is around lunch.

After a long journey, this early arrival allows you to relax and rejuvenate. For those not too tired, our picturesque campsite  is a treat, especially for photography enthusiasts. Feel free to explore the campsite and surrounding trails, which resemble a movie set amidst the beautiful forests. We recommend an early night's sleep to ensure you're well-rested for the next day's adventure to Chandrashila, affectionately known as Moonpeak.

Trek

Homestay

Breakfast, Dinner

Up, Up, and Away! As we gear up for the most enthralling day of the Chopta Chandrashila trek, we attempt to climb the summit, one of the most captivating and unparalleled of any summits you may have witnessed (if the weather gods permit). This reminds us of the various legends associated with this place. According to a popular folklore, this is where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the demon-king Ravana. Another legend says that the moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.

The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is approximately 3.5 km, followed by a 1.5 km steep ascent to the summit of Chandrashila. The trail from Chopta to Tungnath is a well-paved cemented path, but from Tungnath to Chandrashila, it becomes a bit rocky. For history enthusiasts, the Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is considered the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world.

Legend has it that sage Vyas Rishi advised the Pandavas that since they were responsible for killing their own kin, the Kauravas, during the Kurukshetra war in Mahabharat, their act could only be pardoned by Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva, disguised as a bull, appeared in five different places, each identified as a Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built temples at each location to seek penance, worship, blessings, and pardon from Lord Shiva. Tungnath is where the arms appeared.

The trek is pleasant but steep, ascending sharply towards the end. You'll notice a change in landscape due to the increase in altitude. The tree line ends before the Tungnath temple, and after that, you'll find only shrubs. It takes around 3 hours to reach the Tungnath temple from Chopta and another hour to reach the Chandrashila summit from the temple.

Once at the top, you'll get a panoramic view of the Garhwal and Kumaon mountains. The Chandrashila Peak, at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, offers perfect panoramic views of remarkable peaks like Kedarnath, Mandani, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi, Ghodi, etc. After capturing some beautiful shots at the summit, the trek back to Chopta follows the same route, taking approximately 30 minutes to reach Tungnath and another 60-90 minutes to reach Chopta from Tungnath.

 

Private Vehicle

Traveller

Stay Not Applicable

Breakfast

The day embarks from Sari which is a small and quaint village situated at a height of 6,601 feet. We depart from Chopta early morning at 8 am to reach the village post breakfast. The trek to Deoriatal is about 2.3 km. The trail is mildly steep and completely paved with stones. As we walk on the trail, we come across a temple and a few houses on the way. The site of Deoriatal, like that of Chandrashila, is steeped in local folklore as well. According to it, the pandavas, once thirsty, had come to the waters of Deoriatal and had to face a test of wisdom. 1 km into the trail and we turn around and witness the bird’s eye view of the beautiful Sari village. There are few shelters available on the trek where one can take a breather. Though the Deoriatal trek from Sari is easy, it can be a bit tiring for first-timers. The trail passes through the scenic forest of Rhododendron and Oak. After reaching the lake, you see a forest check post. The lake is gripped with forests all around. On a clear sky day the reflection of the surrounding mountain is caught in the crystal-like waters of the lake. As a result the effect is strikingly stunning. Trek down to Sari and start your return journey to Delhi with your heart and soul full. You would reach Delhi early morning the following day.