Chopta Chandrashila Trek

A popular trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta Chandrashila is a great way to discover joy in the Indian Himalayas. It is certainly a paradise for vivid trekkers. 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.

Chopta Chandrashila trekking provides tremendous views of some of the prominent peaks in the Indian Himalayas including Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nandadevi, Trishul, Massif, Neelkanth, Bandarpuch, Yellow Tooth, Kalanag. This trekking in the garhwal Himalayas is often combined with Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila along with Deoria Tal. Places on the way of this trekking tour are Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Augustmuni, Ukhimath, Sari Village, Chopta.

The attractions:

Deoriatal: A beautiful lake at an altitude of 2,387 mtrs and just 3 kms from Saari Village. The trekking route is heavily wooded with lush green trees like Rhododendron bearing completely red colored flowers like china rose during May-June. It is believed that it was the place where mighty Pandavas were asked queries by the Yaksha. There is walking route around the lake paved with several boulders to make it comfortable for those willing to take parikrama (round walk) of the lake.

Chopta: The 12 kms trek ahead to Deoria Tal leads to Chopta, 2900 mtrs. Chopta could be reached by road and its 34 kms from Ukimath, 36 kms from Gopeshwar, 254 kms from Rishikesh, 450 kms from Delhi. Chopta is generally base for trekkers who wish to trek Tungnath and Chandrasilla Summit. It is a small settlement and commencement point to 3rd of Panch Kedar Tungnath and offers amazing view of Himalayan Range including Trishul, Nanda Devi (the most sacred mountain) and Chaukhamba. Chopta is rich in varied flora and fauna and is situated amidst thick forest pine deodar and rhododendron. Slopes of Chopta region is highly favorable for snow Skiing where Government is planning to start snow related games. Some activities in Chopta that can be undertaken are Camping and Trekking, Yoga, Survival Activity – Snow Trekking , Snow Skiing – Rock Craft, Rock climbing, Rappelling – Outdoor Games- Cricket, volleyball, Badminton, Foot ball etc.

Tungnath: The highest Shiva temple in the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar temples located in the mountain range of Tunganath in Rudraprayag district. Located at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrasila, Tungnath temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the second in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata Epic.

Chandrashila: Chandrashila is 2 kms ahead and summit of the Tungnath. It literally means “Moon Rock”. It is located at a height of about 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) above sea level. This peak provides a spectacular view of Himalayas, especially Nandadevi,Trishul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpuch and Chaukhamba Massif peaks. There are various legends associated with this place. According to one of the popular legend, this is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the demon-king Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek: Chandrashila trek can be undertaken round the year.