CHOPTA CHANDRASHILA Trek
Deoria Tal is a lake located about 2 km on an uphill from the village of Sari, on the Ukhimath-Chopta road. Valley is perched at an elevation 2438 meters rich flora & fauna like oak, deodar, rhododendron musk dear and monal with snow-covered mountains Chaukhamba, Mandani valley and Kedarnath in the backdrop.
According to legendary folk tales, in the Mahabharata period, five Pandavas brother once visited this lake and got tested for their wisdom by a natural spirit called Yaksa.
Chopta is very popular among trekkers & tourists, mainly because of the number of options it provides for exploring. Chopta is also called "Mini Switzerland" and is getting prominent visitors year after year.
The Tungnath temple is located at an altitude of about 3680 meters above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva Shrine among the Panch Kedar, 4 km s uphill from Chopta. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the second in the order of the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata epic. And it is also believed that the present temple is built by the Pandavas to please the Lord Shiva.
Situated at altitude of over 4090 meters above sea level, Chandrashila offers a panoramic 360 degree view of the some of the very majestic Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba and Kedar Peak. Chandrashila is a steep 1 km trek from Tungnath temple. Chandrashila and Tungnath are covered with snow during the winters. According to one of the popular legend, Chandrashila is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god “Chandra” spent time here in penance. Chandrashila literally means “Moon Rock”.
ITENARY
Day 01: Drive Haridwar-Sari 7-8 h (216 km) - Deoriatal 3 km Trek
our representative will expect you at Rishikesh railway station at 6:30 in the morning today. Pick up can also be done alternatively from Rishikesh as well. We will drive uphills from Rishikesh along the mighty Ganga River flowing downwards. We will have our lunch on the way. We will reach Sari in afternoon and soon we will start trekking to Deoriatal. The trek ascends on a well defined path of stones and goes into the beautiful forest of Rhododendron and Cedar. As we climb higher the Himalayan mountain starts appearing. We keep going steadily up and then a level walk in the dense forest takes us to the Deoriatal. We will be welcomed by a grand vista of Chaukhamba massifs unveiled in the lake water. The rest of the day is spending in exploration and capturing pictures of the lake side. We will camp near the lake side for the night.
Day 02: Deoriatal to Chopta through Rohini Bugyal
In the morning, the cloud cover removes from the Himalayan peaks and diamond-crusted sunlights elucidate the outlines of Chaukhamba in the lake water. This is the marvellous view of this trek which you can not miss. Make sure to take pictures of this beautiful scenery. Post breakfast we will start trekking. This trail is sprinkled with the variety of vegetation most notably the two type of Rhododendron red and pink. As we ascend towards Rohini Bugyal, Chaukhamba massif and Mount Kedar summit, rises closely. On the further walk, we will come across some shrine and a three-way root. We will take the centre one towards Chopta village.
Day 03: Chopta to Tungnath, Chandrashilla Top and back to Chopta
we will start trekking in the wee hours of the dark, which will let us have a beautiful sunrise from Tungnath Top. The trek is a well defined from Chopta, runs on a well-defined concrete-bound trail. There are 11 scissors bend on this trail and the 10th bend of the trail marks the opening of a splendid view of Chandrashila and a connecting peak called “Ravanshila”. In the winter these trails are covered with white snow thus making the trek a little bit difficult. From Tungnath temple, the route to Chandrashila peak bends from behind the temple complex. The 500 meters steep climb can be covered in 45-60 minute. The top of Chandrashila welcome you with a 360 degree panaromic view of the notable peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and Kedar. We will spend some time here and descend down to Chopta. It will take you about 3 hours to climb down to the campsite.
Day 04: Chopta to Rishikesh/Haridwar 7 Hrs (183.6 km)
on last day of the journey we will ride back from the Chopta to Haridwar.The 7 hour’s journey will pass through the forests, small mountain villages and towns. You will be reaching Haridwar in the evening; fro Advisory :keep Himalayan Regions clean and green, free from all kind of plastic garbage