Every Adventure Junkie Should Experience The Thrilling Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Chandrashila is situated at an elevation of 4000 meters about 13000 feet above the sea level. Right in the heart of the Uttarakhand, Chandrashila Trek is a year-round adventure. Here, you walk the snow trails and live in charming campsites with some of the most scenic backgrounds. 

Photo Courtesy: Rustik Travel

 

Apart from being the thrill and adventurous trek, Chandrashila Trek is a year-round trek as the level of fun, thrill and excitement are exclusive for every season.

 

It is best to start early in the morning from Chopta to Tungnath, which is the highest Shiva Temple in the world, located at a height of 3,680 meters. The temple is one of the Panch Kedars and is tucked in the lap of the Chandrashila peak. 

Photo Courtesy: Rustik Travel

 

Chopta is a hill station nestled amidst the mountains of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2600 meters. The initial point of this Trek is the famous Tungnath Temple, Chopta boasts of enchanting views of the Himalayas with plentiful flora and fauna to admire. Being an unspoiled and non-commercialized location has endowed Chopta with the bliss of beautiful meadows and excellent trekking trails throughout the year. 

 

Things To Carry

Photo Courtesy: Scoopwoop

 

Trekking gear: How can you imagine trekking without a sporty and comfortable trekking gear? Go for good quality, but resist the shiny bleeding-edge trekking toys. Good trekking gear is the first thing that should come to your mind while packing for a trek. 

 

Water Bottle: Carrying a water bottle is a must. When you are trekking, your body dehydrates but most times due to the cold or cool temperature, you do not realize you are sweating. So, do keep on sipping on water to keep your body hydrated. 

 

Munching from time to time: You can munch on dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars come handy and are easy to consume. 

 

Torchlight or Flashlight: First-time trekkers often forget to carry a torch as they do not realize the importance of having a torch or flashlight. It is a lifesaver when you are trekking at night. So, don't forget to carry a torch!

 

Sunscreen, Sunblocks, and Lipbalms: This can be forgotten easily as there are so many other things to worry while going on a trek. Do pack the sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays and while trekking and traveling. 

 

Medical Kit or First-aid Kit: You must be aware of the fact that there'll be no medical help in the mountains while trekking. So, you need to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. 

 

Miscellaneous: Soaps and hand sanitizer, Hiking shoes, Walking stick, Flip flops to offer rest to your feet.

 

 

Places To Visit In And Around Chopta

 

1. Deoria Tal

Photo Courtesy: The Travelling Stacker

 

Deoria Tal is a very beautiful lake situated amid dense forests of Rhododendron and Oak trees in Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand state in India. It is situated at a height of 7800 feet. It is accessible by trekking from Sari Village. From Sari the lake is only 2 kilometer of moderate trekking. The trek is well defined and any person in good health condition can do it. Sari is at a height of 6554 feet, it means you need to gain an altitude of 1246 feet on your trek

 

2. Ukhimath

Photo Courtesy: eUttaranchal

 

Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1,317mts above sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. Ukhimath is also written as Okhimath sometimes.  Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winters. Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple here during winters, when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed. 

 

3. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Photo Courtesy: Hello Travels

 

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is located on Chopta-Gopeshwar Road and sprawls over an area of 5 sq km. This sanctuary is enveloped with dense forest, and visitors can enjoy splendid views of nature. This sanctuary is renowned for breeding musk deer. The Kanchula Korak Deer Musk Sanctuary houses the famous Musk Deer and more importantly, and abundance of lush green vegetation, a lot of varieties of which are claimed by locals to have not even been scientifically classified yet.

 

4. Madhyamaheshwar Mandir

Photo Courtesy: Chardham Package

 

Madhmaheshwar is mystically covered by the snow-capped Himalayas on the right side, lush green alpine meadows on the left side and dense forest act as its backdrop. The shepherd huts, village houses, thousands of years old Madmaheshwar temple and picturesque views complete this town. The temple architecture is a classic north Indian style.

 

Things To Keep In Mind About Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

1. Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.

 

2. Avoid consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.

 

3. Do not disturb the local life while trekking.

 

4. Do not encourage trekking during the nights; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.

 

5. It is best to reach Tungnath by 10, pay your respects at the temple and enjoy the scenery. 

 

How To Reach Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

 

By Air

The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant in Dehradun. It is situated 226 kms away from Chopta. Flights from Delhi are at regular intervals to Dehradun. One can hire cabs that are easily available for Chopta.

 

By Rail

The nearest and most convenient railway station is Rishikesh from Chopta. Situated at about 209 kms, Rishikesh railway station is connected to several cities in the country. One can easily access bus or taxi services for Chopta from Rishikesh.

 

By Road

 

If you plan to visit the neighboring towns in Uttarakhand, then a road journey would be most convenient. Many buses from nearby towns come to Chopta at regular intervals. One may even hire private taxi or jeep from any of these towns.

 

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FAQ

Q. How to reach Chopta by bus?

A. Buses and Taxis to Chopta and Ukhimath are easily available from Rishikesh. Chopta By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport of Chopta, situated 226kms away in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. The remaining journey has to be covered ether in a taxi or in a bus.

 

Q. How to start trekking?
A. Start brisk morning walks followed by jogging at-least a month before the start of your trek. Choose the correct footwear and walking socks most importantly. Build leg strength and increase your walking training. Train on similar walking terrain using backpacks and walking poles. Kee yourself hydrated.