The Chopta-Chandrashila Winter Trek beckons adventurers to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Uttarakhand, India. Recognized for its breathtaking vistas, spiritual significance, and formidable challenges, this trek promises an unforgettable Himalayan experience. The journey begins with a visit to the unparalleled Chandrashila summit, offering panoramic views of the majestic Indian Himalayas – a visual feast capturing the Gangotri range, Mt Nanda Devi, and the imposing Chaukhamba. Beyond the scenic grandeur, the trek transforms into a winter wonderland, with the trail winding through soft snow under the sheltering canopy of oak and rhododendron trees. The Deoriatal lake, surrounded by snow, and the Baniya Kund campsite enhance the enchantment, providing a dream-like setting that elevates the trek to extraordinary heights.
As the trek progresses, the climax unfolds with the exhilarating ascent from Chopta to the Chandrashila summit. The snow-covered trails intensify the adventure, leaving trekkers with indelible memories of elation and accomplishment. Amidst a handful of winter treks in the country, the Chopta-Chandrashila trek stands out as a must-do experience, seamlessly blending spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure. The journey also unfolds a series of captivating highlights, including the pristine Deoriatal Lake with its reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks, the serene winter landscape of Chopta, and the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath, shrouded in a spiritual aura even in winter. The trek’s pinnacle, Chandrashila Peak, awaits with breathtaking panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Trishul, and more.
In essence, the Chopta-Chandrashila Winter Trek presents a sequential journey that transcends the ordinary, inviting adventurers to immerse themselves in a Himalayan adventure where every step unfolds a new dimension of natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and thrilling accomplishment.
Detail Itinenrary
Day 1 (Dehradun to Sari Village)
- Distance: 225 kms
- Duration: 7-8 hours
- Assembly at meeting point by 7 AM
- Early start for a long drive to Sari
- Reasons for early departure:
- Ensure early arrival for ample rest
- Account for unpredictable mountain roads
- Avoid traveling in the dark
- Sari: Picturesque hamlet in Rudraprayag
- Bordered with oak and rhododendrons
- Declared eco-tourist village by Uttarakhand
- Neat design of paddy fields on mountain slopes
- Expected arrival in Sari by early evening, greeted with warm smiles.
Day 2 (Sari to Deoriatal)
- Distance: 4 kms
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Short and easy day with gradual ascent
- Campsite next to an alpine lake (Deoriatal)
- First highlight of the trek
- Trail through thick oak and rhododendron forests
- Well-laid path leading to Deoriatal
- Opportunity to gaze at the lake’s changing hues
- Overnight stay in tents.
Day 3 (Deoriatal to Baniya Kund via Rohini Bugyal
- Distance: 18 kms
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Long day filled with immaculate beauty
- Walk through thick rhododendron forests
- Increasing density of vibrant hues
- Path goes through Kedarnath Sanctuary
- Chance to spot regional animals and birds
- Magnificent views of big peaks
- Clearing leads to meadows of Rohini Bugyal
- Destination: Baniya Kund, our home for tonight and tomorrow night
- Long distance but not very strenuous climb, covering a total of 200M ascent.
Day 4 (Baniya Kund to Chandrashila via Tungnath to Baniya Kund)
- Distance: 7-8 kms
- Duration: 6 hours
- Two high-points in one day on well-marked trails
- Early start to catch the first rays of the sun from Tunganath Temple
- Alternating trail between birch trees and meadows
- Trek to Tunganath and onwards to Chandrashila Top
- Chandrashila Top at 3,700M offers glorious views of Garhwal Range
- Steep climb from Tunganath to Chandrashila Top
- Otherwise gradual trail for the day
- Return to Baniya Kund for the night after the day’s venture.
Day 5 (Baniya Kund to Dehradun via Sari)
- Distance:
- 4 kms (Trek)
- 225 kms (Drive)
- Duration:
- 2 hours (Trek)
- 7-8 hours (Drive)
- Retrace steps back to Sari
- Drive from Sari to Dehradun
- Expected arrival in Dehradun by late evening.