- Itinerary
The trek to Chopta and Chandrashila offers amazing views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul...

The trek to Chopta and Chandrashila offers amazing views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba, and is one of the most popular treks among trekking enthusiasts. Chopta is popularly known as the 'Mini Switzerland' in Uttarakhand and Northern India and is situated amidst thick forest of pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The trek route takes one to Tungnath (literal meaning: ‘Lord of the Peaks’) – the highest Hindu temple in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beyond Tungnath is the summit to the Chandrashila peak (it literally means ‘Moon Rock’) – an impressive vantage point that offers 360 degrees panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. This is a beautiful trek, with difficulty level rated as easy to moderate.
We meet at Rishikesh early in the morning and drive to Duggalbitta Village on the Ukhimath-Chopta road in Uttarakhand. Reach our campsite/hotel by evening, and spend the rest of the day exploring the area and preparing for the next day’s trek.
After breakfast, we start our trek to Deoria Tal – a heavily wooded emerald lake with lush green surroundings and snow covered mountains in the backdrop. The mighty peaks of Chaukhamba and Neelkanth are reflected in the pristine waters of this lake – it’s a photographer’s delight. The trek is through dense forests. The legend is that the Devas bathed in this lake, hence the name. The lake is sometimes believed to be the “Indra Sarovar” referred to in the Puranas. It is also believed that it was the place where Yaksha asked the Pandavas to answer his questions before drinking the water of the lake. After spending some time here, we’ll trek back to Dugalbitta for an overnight stay.
In the morning we make our way to Chopta – a small but picturesque hamlet with untouched natural beauty and peace. It is the starting point of the trek to Tungnath. Once there, we’ll explore the surrounding areas and spend some time to relax. Chopta affords spectacular views of the high snow-clad mountains.
After an early morning breakfast, and with packed lunches, we start our trek to Tungnath. The trail takes one through lush green meadows and finally joins a pilgrim trail which goes all the way up to the Tungnath temple – one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district.
After a little relaxation and a lunch break here, we’ll push for the Chandrashila summit. It is a short (1km) but rigorous hike to the top. The view from the top is most promising and truly breathtaking – something one will surely remember for a lifetime. Later, we’ll retrace our steps to the hotel in Dugalbitta for an overnight stay.
In the morning, after breakfast, we wind up camp and drive back to Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Devprayag.
Fixed Departures (2015)
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