Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila

Tungnath - Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chandrashila means Moonrock. Chandrashila trek is a journey to the height of about 4000 meters above sea level. Changrashila is with a spectacular view of the Himalayas, especially Nandadevi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks. There are many legends about the place. One such is that Lord Rama meditated here after defeating the Demon King Ravana. Another one of such legend stories is that the moon god Chandra spent time here in penance. The beauty of this trekking location is incredible with its impressive vantage point offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas.

Highlights of Chandrashila Trek:

• A major highlight of the trek is the summit view of the snow-capped high mountain peaks in the Himalayas.

• Nature lovers adore the place for Bird watching.

• Experience the Himalayan eco-lodges and huts with the view of the valley.

Basic Details of Chandrashila Trek:

The height of the peak: 13,123 feet

Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Age group: 12-45 years

Duration: 3days/2nights

How to Reach Chandrashila Trek from Dehradun:

By Air

Dehradun brings the closest to our base location with the airport Jolly Grant. Dehradun is linked to all the states and city with a daily flight from Delhi.

By Train

From Delhi - DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)

From Kolkata - Doon Express (13009)

From Mumbai - Dehradun Express (19019)

From Chennai - Dehradun express (12687)

By Road

Dehradun is connected by roads across the country with NH 72 connecting regions like Panchkula, Chandigarh and Shimla. There are ample local and private buses to Dehradun.

Chandrashila Trek Itinerary:

1- Dehradun to Chopta

We drive through the towns of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath to reach Chopta. This is a reserved forest and the nip in the air is easily felt due to the omnipresent oak trees. We pitch tents in Chopta and spent the night in the forest with a hot dinner.

2- Chopta to Tungnath temple (3,680 m) to Chandrashila (3,950 m) and back to Tungnath Chopta (2,680 m)

• 5-6 hours trek: 8 km

We start early today. From the picturesque environs of Chopta, we take the path through the arch leading up to the temple. Along the way, one may be able to spot a monal bird in the forest towards the left. Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttrakhand. Chopta Tungnath is a short 2 km trek from Chopta. The temple is only visible in the last few hundred meters. It opens only in early summer and remains closed in winter. There are a few shops before the temple. We head up past the temple to the peak. According to a legend, Chandrashila 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. Stories apart, one gets to see a wide expanse of the most famous peaks of Garhwal from here. Soaking in the beautiful 360-degree views of the Himalayas we begin heading down to Chopta and reach by late afternoon.

3-  Chopta to Dehradun

• 7 hours' drive: 203 km

On this day, we can visit the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. It is the winter abode of the idols of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples. The idols are brought here in palanquin when the Kedarnath temple closes in autumn. We drive back to Dehradun and reach by early evening.