Deoriatal Chandrashila Peak Trek

The journey starts from Dehradun to base camp Sari through gorgeous places like Devprayag, peep out of your window and you will love the beautiful mountain views. Reach there in the evening; it is a small village with many fields and a school.

From Deoriatal to Syalmi the trail beautiful with amazing views of Chaukhamba peaks and Kedar Dome. Go through a forest section of Maple and Rhododendron trees. After you exit this section with views of Sari village Chandrashila peak come into sight.

Ascent and you will be mesmerized by the views of valleys both sides. Climb and reach the ridge top which offers sight of Jhandi Dhar. From here the forest starts to get thick, descent and start climbing the forest ridge, this place has rich variety of Flora. On the way you will come across small shrines with flags.

Walkthrough the forest of Chopta under the shade of trees, spot Himalayan birds in this region. After half an hour, take the ascending trail which leads to Rohini Buyal and walk on the flat ground for 15 minutes and Chandrashila peak is visible in front. Now, go towards the second ridge through a grassland, when you ascent enter the section of forest which has Oak, Maple and Rhododendron trees, this is a part of Kedarnath Sanctuary.

Ahead reach Bhagdwal which is next to a temple, there are three trails take the middle one and you will reach a small meadow. Reach Rohini Bugyal in 30 minutes, it is a beautiful small meadow amid Rhododendron forest with views of Black Peak and Kedar Dome. The campsite is in front of Rohini Bugyal and you can reach there in another 30 minutes.

Today cross the forest ridge on right of Rohini Bugyal and enter the Bhrujgali meadows. You will reach the upper Rohini Bugyal, ascent gradually and reach the ridge top it is called Tikidi Khal by the locals.

Two trails bifurcates from here, one leads to Black Peak and another leads to Bisuri Tal and Nandikund. Another trail descends to Akash Kamini River which comes from Chandrashila. Descent and cross a bridge over a stream, ascend gradually and after half an hour reach a meadow, there are shepherd huts which are made of stones these remain occupied during summers.

Enter the meadow and a descent through a forest will lead you to road head, trek for a kilometer and reach your campsite Baniya Kund. Setup you camps and comfortably sleep in tents.

Today start the trek before sunrise to reach Tungnath and Chandrashila on time. From Chopta to Tungnath the trail is cemented. Ascent and cross scissor bends, the trail is steep for about 2 km. At Tungnath is a small temple and a flag towards right.

The views get exotic when Chandrashila and Tungnath can be seen; it is the highest temple in the world. Ravanshila is a peak that connects to Chandrashila; it is also visible to the right. Reach Tungnath in 30 minutes after crossing the 11th scissor bend. It is believed that this temple was made by Pandavas and is third of Panch Kedar. It was made to atone for sins of killing their brothers and Brahmins. Pandavas were searching for lord Shiva for apology and forgiveness but he transformed himself into a bull to hide from them and at Tungnath his chest and hands appeared.

Now, Chandrashila is 1.5 km ahead, pass behind the temple through dormitories and follow the trail from right side of the base of this peak. Cross scissor bends and ascent is steep. Reach the peak’s upper base and from here Chandrashila is visible from here you can reach there in 30-40 minutes.

Come to the top and you will love the panorama views of Garhwal and Kumaon mountains. The great mountains visible from there are Trishul, Nandaghunti, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Chaumkhamba, Kedar Dome, Gangotri group, Jahanukut, Thalaysagar, Dunagiri, Jahanukut etc. At the top is a temple of Lord Shiva, it is believed that this temple was built by Lord Ram to atone for the sin of killing Ravan.

Descent to Chopta by following the same route, you can reach there in half an hour and in one hour reach Chopta.

Post breakfast leaves early for Dehradun to reach there on time.