Overview
Chandrashila Trek, nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a captivating blend of religious pilgrimage, scenic beauty, and moderate physical challenge. This iconic trek takes you through verdant meadows, past ancient temples, and culminates at the sacred peak of Chandrashila, offering panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayan giants.
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Distance: 5-7 km (total)
- Altitude: 3,680 m (Chandrashila Peak)
- Best Season: April to June & September to November
- Highlights: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Deoriatal Lake, panoramic Himalayan viewss.
Description:
Chandrashila Trek starts in the quaint village of Sari, followed by a scenic ascent to Chopta, known as “Mini Switzerland” for its breathtaking meadows. Day 2 involves conquering the moderate climb to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. From here, a final push leads you to Chandrashila Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath Peak, and other Himalayan giants.
- Chandrashila Trek, nestled amidst the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a captivating blend of religious pilgrimage, scenic beauty, and moderate physical challenge. This iconic trek takes you through verdant meadows, past ancient temples, and culminates at the sacred peak of Chandrashila, offering panoramic vistas of the majestic Himalayan giants.
- Tungnath Temple: Tungnath (तुङ्गनाथ) is one of the world’s tallest Shiva temples, at 3,680 meters (12,070 ft). It is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
Chandrashila Trek Highlights
- Experience the thrill of trekking to Chandrashila Peak and enjoy the stunning views of snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
- Explore Chopta, known as the Mini Switzerland of India, and admire the beauty of the surrounding mountain peaks from the campsite.
- Visit the famous Tunganath Temple, one of the Panch Kedar temples, and offer your prayers to the sacred idol of Lord Shiva.
- Relax by the peaceful Deoria Tal Lake, known for its serene surroundings and religious importance
Complete Trek Information
- Season: The ideal time to embark on the Chandrashila Trek is between April and June before the monsoon arrives. Alternatively, September to November offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (240 km). From there, take a taxi or shared jeep to Sari village.
- Permits: No permits are required for this trek.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses and campsites are available in Sari village and Chopta. You can also stay at the Tungnath temple premises.
- Guides: Hiring a local guide is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers.
How to Reach:
The Chandrashila trek starts from Chopta, a base camp in Uttarakhand. To get to Chopta, first, you need to reach Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. From there, you can take a bus, car, or taxi to Chopta.
- By Air:
The nearest major airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can fly to Dehradun from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Mumbai. The flight takes around 4 to 8 hours, depending on your city and layovers. Once in Dehradun, you can travel to Chopta by car or taxi, which takes about 6 hours and covers 198 kilometers. - By Train:
You can take a direct train to Haridwar from major cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Amritsar. Some of the main trains to Haridwar are Yoga Express, Doon Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Upasana Express. After reaching Haridwar, you can take a taxi or car to Chopta, which is about 187 kilometers away and takes around 5.5 hours. - By Bus:
You can take a bus to Rishikesh from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Saharanpur, Amritsar, and others. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation and Uttarakhand Transport Corporation run daily buses. Once in Rishikesh, take a taxi to Chopta, which is 161 kilometers away and takes about 5 hours. - By Road:
You can also drive directly to Chopta from nearby cities. The drive offers beautiful views of Uttarakhand, especially as you travel through the mountains. You can use major highways like NH 58 and NH 72A for the road trip.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation from specified pick-up point to Sari village and back
- Accommodation in guesthouses or campsites
- All meals during the trek
- Guide fees
- Camping equipment (if opted for)
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees (if applicable)
- Horse riding charges
- Tips and gratuities
