Chopta Tungnath Trek

Chopta Chandrashila combined with Deoriatal Trek Day one will have you traveling from Rishikesh to Chopta – a base camp for your trek. Rishikesh in the Indian state of Uttarakhand is where you begin your trek. At an altitude of 2,680 meters or 8,790 feet above sea level, this is where your trek begins at Chopta.

While going to Chopta from Rishikesh, you will cover approximately 220 kms of distance. The road to Chopta from Rishikesh involves taking a taxi or bus to Ukhimath, the nearest town to Chopta. You have to take another taxi or shared jeep from Ukhimath to go ahead and reach to Chopta.

The drive from Rishikesh to Chopta normally takes about 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. Here, you will drive via some pictorial towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath, giving you breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road is narrow and serpentine, hence it is highly advisable to go in for an experienced driver who knows the route.

Upon arrival in Chopta, check into a hotel/camp/guest house. The rest of the day is to acclimatize as the height here is much higher compared to the cities. Village Chopta is very beautiful and surrounded by thick forests of rhododendron and oak. You can walk in the village or visit the nearby market area.

Keep in mind that during winters, the night temperatures in Chopta may dip below zero. So, take sufficient warm clothes and blankets along with you. On Day 1, take complete rest, hydrate and go for a gradual build-up for the much-awaited Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek on the next day. An excellent night’s sleep shall prepare you for a proper and enjoyable trek ahead.

Day 3 of the Chopta Chandrashila trek with Deoriatal: The movement today will be in a vehicle from Chopta to Sari and then from Sari to Deoriatal. On this day, a total distance of 5 km will be covered on a round trip trek. At the end, drive back to Rishikesh.

Have breakfast in Chopta and proceed for the 15-kilometre drive to Sari. Reach Sari and commence the trek to Deoriatal. The distance would be about 2.5 kilometres, which generally takes 1-2 hours. The route twists through thick forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees with the picturesque surroundings of the Himalayas.

Deoriatal is a beautiful emerald lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks at 2,438 ft (7,999 m). Take your time around the lake and absorb the serenity. Click some snaps. After a little rest, trace your route back to Sari.

After reaching Sari, drive back to Rishikesh, which takes around 7-8 hours. This drive is through exquisite scenery and completes your trek.

Day 3 is really a piece of cake: just a small trek to Deoriatal and then a long drive back to Rishikesh. The trek to Deoriatal is quite easy and can be done by any age group with any fitness level, which gives them an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lake and the Himalayas. Do not forget to carry enough water and snacks because there are no shops or eating places on the way. Carry comfortable shoes with bone grip and also wear warm clothes as the temperature can fall during the night.

Upon arrival at Rishikesh, check into the hotel and retire for the night. On day three, end the Chopta Chandrashila trek with Deoriatal carrying a memory of unforgettable breathtaking Himalayan vistas.