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.

Day 1: Rishikesh – Sari
We meet at Rishikesh early in the morning and drive to Sari 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. [Meals: Dinner]
We meet at Rishikesh early in the morning and drive to Sari 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. [Meals: Dinner]

Day 2: Sari – Deoria Tal (7,900 ft) – Sari
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 Sari for an overnight stay. [Meals: All meals]
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 Sari for an overnight stay. [Meals: All meals]

Day 3: Sari – Chopta (9,500 ft) and surrounding areas
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. [Meals: All meals]
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. [Meals: All meals]

Day 4: Chopra – Tungnath (12,070 ft) – Chandrashila (13,415 ft) – Chopta
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. [Meals: All meals]
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. [Meals: All meals]

Day 5: Chopta – Rishikesh
In the morning, after breakfast, we wind up camp and drive back to Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Devprayag. [Meals: Breakfast]
In the morning, after breakfast, we wind up camp and drive back to Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Devprayag. [Meals: Breakfast]
↑Check out this amazing video of the good times we've had on our previous treks to Chopta and beyond.
Here are pictures from our past treks. For more, do join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/januarythefourteenth → |
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
WHAT’S NOT:
Dhyaan deejiye: All programmes are subject to change without prior notice.
- Chai-paani-naashta: The package includes meals as mentioned in the itinerary, along with snacks and refreshments throughout the trek. Meals would be wholesome, delicious and abundant.
- Ghar-baar: Accommodation in a campsite/hotel on twin-sharing basis. Please be advised that these properties are in the middle of nowhere and has simple, basic facilities to offer.
- Aana-jaana: Transfers from Rishikesh to the starting point of the trek, all internal travels and back.
- Kaagaz paththar: Entry fees, permit to trek and forest camping charges in the region for the entire duration of the trek, wherever applicable.
- Upkarann: Needless to say, we’ll provide you with sleeping bags, mattresses, tents and other safety equipment required, wherever applicable.
- Margdarshak avam coolie: We’ll have English-speaking guides and a team of porters, wherever required, to carry your rucksack (strictly not more than 10 kg). You just need to carry a day backpack for water, light food/refreshments, your camera, sunglasses and other personal items.
- Maharaj: A trained cook with helpers will accompany us on the trek.
- Nazaaré: The view from the Chandrashila summit is truly breathtaking.
WHAT’S NOT:
- Jéb kharch: Expenses that are personal in nature, e.g. shopping, phone calls, tips for support staff, insurance, etc.
- Aapatkallen paristithiyan: Expenses arising out of emergency/evacuation/rain/landslides/unforeseen circumstances beyond one’s control.
- Dawa daru: Though we’ll have a well-equipped first-aid kit, we suggest that you bring your own personal medicines. Daru (liquor), of course, is NOT included.
- Bacha-kucha: Anything not expressly stated.
Dhyaan deejiye: All programmes are subject to change without prior notice.