Nestled at an elevated height of 13,000 feet above the sea, Chandrashila is a favorite destination of many travelers who want to get a bit of an adrenaline rush trekking on this scenic route. Being one of the most popular trekking sessions one can engage in Uttarakhand, the good news is that it is available throughout the year. However, during winters, there may be chances of the route being covered in snow.
Being one of the most frequented treks loved by travelers, the popularity of the Chandrashila trek can be attributed to its accessibility and easiness as well. This makes the route suitable for all trekkers and what’s more is that people can get to be caught in the fascination of the 360-degree view of the snow-laden magnificent Himalayan peaks featuring the likes of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. You can engage in some spiritual solace and explore the sacredness of the place by visiting the holy Tungnath shrine and paying obeisance. Soak your senses in the refreshing and warm aroma of the deodar trees that are enough to make you immerse in the beauty of the moment and forget all your troubles and tensions. The green meadows enliven your imagination and make you feel like you are caught in a beautiful renaissance painting. While you’re in Chandrashila experiencing all these beauties and emotions, you feel that life is beautiful.
A Brief History of Chandrashila
The word “Chandrashila” translates to “Moon Rock”. The place has two major mythologies associated with it. Some suggest that Lord Lakshman came to this place to meditate at the Chandrashila peak after he defeated Ravana, the demon king. According to some people, Chandra, the moon God, spent his penance at this peak. This makes it evident that along with some breathtaking trekking moments, you will also get to engage in some historical moments and explore mythology.
Why should you experience the Chandrashila trek?
Life can get exhausting. Today, we lead fast-paced lives where our sole focus is fulfilling our daily needs and ensuring that we meet all the deadlines of our job. Performing all of these tasks is necessary to enjoy a secure and stable present and future. However, amidst this rush, one must learn to slow down, take a break, and have some change of air and environment so that they can engulf themselves in bliss and tranquility. If you are longing to take a break and refresh your senses, there is no denying that Chandrashila is the perfect place to get rid of your exhaustion. From enrapturing your senses in the scenic sights of the place to awakening your spirituality and getting enlightened about the place where Lord Rama’s younger brother Lakshman meditated by visiting the Chandrashila Temple, you can have a variety of experiences apart from adventurous trekking in this beautiful abode.
Guide To Staying In Chandrashila
Located at a height of 4,000 meters, Chandrashila is considered to be Chandranath’s summit. You must keep in mind that you will not find accommodation facilities or the opportunity to camp at the peak. Therefore, to book accommodation, you have to travel to Tungnath Temple which is 1.5 km away from the peak. However, even in this area, the ashram has limited rooms which are not available for booking either. Therefore, the best place to stay during your trip to Chandrashila is Chopta where you can find sufficient accommodation facilities. You can start your trekking from here.
Guide To Chandrashila Food
The Tungnath Temple is open from May to October during which travelers can come here to indulge in some local delicacies. However, apart from this, you can only find food facilities at Chopta in the respective camps or nearby hotels.
Itinerary for Chandrashila
Chandrashila trek has around 3 different routes and your itinerary will mainly depend on where you are staying. Two of the major starting points, however, are Sari Village and Kund camp. If you are planning a 5-days trip to Chandrashila, you can plan it according to the following itinerary or customize it according to the number of days you have planned the trip for.
Day 1: Base Camp
You can set up your base camp at the picturesque Sari village which is located in the Rudraprayag district. From Haridwar, it takes an 8-hour drive to this base camp. Trekkers can stay in guest houses, homestays, or campsites. Before heading to Deoria Tal the following day, trekkers take an overnight halt at Sari. During their stay here, travelers get to witness the village’s lofted landmass, the majestic snowy mountains, and the beautiful scenic view causing them to develop a sense of serendipity.
Day 2: Deoria Tal
With a distance of 3km from Sari, Deoria Tal has an elevation of an estimated 1300 feet. The entire trek requires almost an hour to complete. It is a beautiful campsite where you can be mesmerized by the abundance of maple forests. While trekking, you can rest in the “Hawa Ghar” which is a convenient facility constructed by the forest department to allow trekkers to have some rest during their exhausting yet exciting activity.
Apart from the gigantic Himalayan peaks, you can also grace your sight with the pretty emerald lake located at a height of 8000 feet. While trekking in this enchanting place, you can witness the beautiful stretches of scenic farmlands, dainty village houses, and ancient historic temples. Once you reach Deoria Tal, be prepared to soothe your eyes with the pleasant views waiting to greet you. You can play your overnight stay at the campsite located near the lake.
Day 3: Chopta
Once you are done admiring the majestic Mount Chaukhamba that looms over the mesmerizing Deoria Tal Lake, be prepared for the bid day that comprises the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. Here, you will be climbing further at 1000 feet. This is where you have to gear up and brace yourselves to trek along the treacherous pathways that are located amidst jagged alleys and abundantly dense forests.
The distance between Deoria Tal to Chopta is approximately 14 km and takes around 9 hours. While trekking in this route, you will come across 2 or 3 water points ahead of Akash Kamini Waterfall, Rohini Bugyal, and Bhrujgali. In Rohini Bugyal, you can trek amidst forest ridges and enjoy the endearing views of rare Himalayan birds. You can soothe your hearing senses with their sweet chirpings.
Experience spectacular and memorable sunsets in this region and whilst you are trekking along this trail, you will also come across the tiny huts along the mountains which are occupied by local shepherds. Stop for a while and interact with them. Tell them about your trekking experience so far and get to know more about their daily lifestyle because life is not just about the friends you already have but also about the strangers you make friends with along the way. After your trekking session, you will reach Chopta in the evening where you can relax at the rejuvenating campsite.
Day 4: Chandrashila Trek
On day 4, get ready to be involved in more adventures as you trek along with one of the most popular trekking routes that are the Tungnath trek. During this trek, you will surpass a Shiva temple that is believed to be almost 1000-year old. The Tungnath temple is also considered to be the world’s highest Shiva temple. You will be ascending amongst steep climbs that pave the way for Chandrashila peak which is 8km away from Chopta.
The final summit is 45 minutes away from here and once you reach it, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful Kumaon and Garhwal ranges from the top. You will also get sights of some prominent peaks such as the Kedar dome, Nanda Devi, Gangotri ranges, Kamet, Trishul, and Chaukhamba to name a few. You can descend to Chopta valley after a serene and exhilarating trekking session which will take around 2 hours. You can stay in guesthouses after you arrive here.
Day 5: Departure
Day 5 marks the end of your trekking adventures and hence, you can start planning your departure by having luggage that is filled with enchantment, adventure, exploration, enlightenment, thrill, and breathtaking moments. You may be leaving but you are sure to leave with a desire to come back again.
Best Time For Chandrashila Trek
Chandrashila Trek is an adventure you can experience any time of the year but to get the best of it, visiting the place from October to December is recommended as this is when you get to see the original beauty of the snow-capped peaks. However, the best time to visit the place ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and the season in which you want to visit it.
Dos of Chandrashila Trek:
- Always carry a trekking pole with you so that you can tread along in the mountains with comfort and without any hassle.
- Always carry adequate water so that you can stay hydrated at all times during the trek.
- Carry a raincoat with you at all times as the weather in the mountains can be quite unpredictable.
- Invest in some good and durable trekking shoes to ensure that you can trail along the paths with comfort.
- Wear outfits that are light, comfortable, and have the ability to dry quickly.
Don’ts of Chandrashila Trek
- Don’t roam around the place without a guide especially if you are new to it. The mountain trails can be confusing. Therefore, having a professional or a group of people with you is recommended.
- Do not take any medicine without the recommendation or consultation of the guide.
- Do not walk around in haste or hurry as the trails can get quite slippery.
- Do not wear tight or body-hugging clothes that do not allow you to be flexible or move in comfort.
Essentials to carry during the Chandrashila Trek
- When you are packing your clothes for the trek, carry a thick jacket, a full sleeve tee shirt, synthetic track pants, thermal innerwear, waterproof and windproof jacket, a headscarf, mittens, raincoat, and a light towel.
- Be sure to carry some medicines and first aid essentials like band-aids, antiseptic cream, mosquito repellent, pain relief spray, cough and cold syrup or tablets, pain relievers, and the like.
- Carry shoes that are specifically designed for trekking and pack at least four pairs of socks.
- Be sure to pack some skincare essentials like good sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, and the like.
- Some other essentials you need to carry are a torchlight, a trekking pole, and a hot water bottle or bag.
Final Thoughts
Remember that life is about experiencing new things. You may be satisfied with your daily routine but indulging in cherishing moments you can cherish for a lifetime is what makes life interesting and worth living. Breaking through the monotonous routine of everyday life and experiencing the adventures the world has to offer makes you feel accomplished in many ways from within. Hence, use this guide to plan a memorable trip to Chandrashila Trek to make it the trip of a lifetime.
