Trip Overview
Start – Rishikesh
Finish – Rishikesh
Destination – Chopta – Tungnath Temple – Chandrashila Peak
Highest Point – Chandrashila peak 13000 feet.
Theme – Trekking
Duration – 4 Nights 5 days
Category – #trekking #adventure #camping
Style – #original #diy #fixeddeparture
Trip Summary
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity”
― John Muir
Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila trek is known for its mesmerizing beauty. It passes through the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary full of Deodars, Rhododendrons and other flora and fauna. Himalayan snow laden peaks are a treat to eyes as well as soul. Tungnath is famous for its 1000 year old Lord Shiva temple believed to have been built by Arjuna himself. Chandrashila peak offers panoramic views of Gangotri peaks, Chaukhamba and other Himalayan peaks. It is one of the few peaks that can also be climbed in winters.
Chopta, popularly known as Switzerland of India, due to its large meadows and widespread pine forest, is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas and offers views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2,709 meters (8,888 ft) above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna including rare species of birds and musk deer.
Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples located in the Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Tungnath mountains form the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys.
Chandrashila is the summit above Tungnath temple in India. It literally means “Moon Rock”. The height at the summit is 13000 ft and is one of trekkable peaks in Himalayas. It is also one of the peaks that can also be Climbed in winters.
The total distance of the trek from Chopta to summit and back to Chopta is around 10 km.
Why you will love this trip?
- Transportation, accommodation and meals included.
- Widespread lush green meadows.
- Panoramic view of Himalayan Range.
- Amazing campsite at Chopta.
- Small Group Size – Freedom to Explore more.
- Professional and certified guides with experienced cooks.
- Bird watching in Chopta.
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip is mostly suitable for seasonal trekkers who have an experience of trekking upto 12-13k feets.
- The trip involves steep ascents of trekking. It is recommended to prepare for strength and endurance at least one month before a trek.
- Try to pack accordingly and try to make your luggage as light as you can. There will be porters, but it is recommended that you carry your own backpack.
- Keep the clothes considering the weather.
- Before taking any adventure activity, please mention if you are pregnant, have heart related disease.
Itnerary
Reach Rishikesh early morning by taking overnight volvo/train from New Delhi. We start our day 1 from Rishikesh after having morning tea at a cab stand. Enroute Chopta, we stop at various locations to have breakfast and lunch. By evening, we reach Chopta village. We will check into our camp site. We will brief the trek details and other important information with the participants of the trek over a bonfire.
After dinner, stay at the camp.
After an early breakfast, we will start our trek to Tungnath with a packed lunch. Tungnath is situated at the height of 3680 mts above the sea level. The trek is 3 kms upward and en route you will find lush green meadows. The trail is full of Rhododendron trees, famous for their summer refreshment drink made from its flowers. You can witness a wide range of snow capped Himalayas. Upon arriving, pay a visit to Tungnath Temple. Stop to admire the temple, the highest of its in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva, before making your way to Chandrashila peak. The peak is 1.5 km above the temple complex. During winter, this trail is completely buried in snow and the climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is a steep, 600-ft ascent. But the views from the peak are incomparable! You will be able to sight some of the most notable mountains Uttarakhand, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalay Sagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and more. There is also a small temple here. If you are lucky, you can even Himalayan Griffon encircling the peak.
The descent is quite an easy one.
Start descending to Chopta just before the sunset as it offers brilliant and vibrant sky.
Upon reaching the campsite, enjoy the refreshments. Share your experience of the trek among other participants over a bonfire. Enjoy the sky watch and after dinner, stay in the camp.
After breakfast, drive back to Rishikesh. After dinner, stay in a hotel. End of the trip.
Kindly Note – If you have more days for holidays, You can choose a different destination trip, starting from Rishikesh or you can spend a day in Rishikesh.
https://indicafila.com/rishikesh-the-mystical-himalayan-town-of-adventure-and-yoga/ will give you the information about the things to do in Rishikesh.
Inclusions
Meals
Breakfast - 2 Breakfast (at the camp in Chopta)
Dinner - 2 Dinner (at the camp in Chopta)
Lunch - 1 packed Lunch (on the trek)
Bonfire at the campsite in Chopta
Transport - Rishikesh - Chopta - Rishikesh
Sedan cab - 2 to 3 people
Suv cab - 4-5 people
Tempo traveler - 8 people
Accomodation
2 nights in a luxury camp in Chopta.
1 night in a hotel in Rishikesh.
Activities
1. Trekking to Chandrashila peak.
2. All camp gears , mattresses, sleeping bag, etc.
3. An experienced guide and cook.
4. GST
Add on activities (Chargeable )
1. Single sharing camp while on the trek
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Transport that is not mentioned in inclusions.
- Any porter charges
- Any entry fees to monuments/ wildlife region/fort
- Any expense of personal nature packaged drinking water/ phone calls/ laundry/camera,etc
- Any kind of travel insurance.
- Costs arising due to force majeure
- Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions.
Essential Trip Information
Why you will love this trip? What weather you can expect during the trip? What are the best months to visit? What to pack and what not to?
