Short Itinerary of DeoriaTal - Chandrashila Trek
- ✅ Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village (200 km, 7 hrs). Overnight stay.
- ✅ Day 2: Trek to DeoriaTal (3 km) & descend to Sari. Drive 15 km to BaniyaKund campsite.
- ✅ Day 3: Drive to Chopta, trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila (5 km), return to Chopta & drive to BaniyaKund.
- ✅ Day 4: Drive from BaniyaKund to Rishikesh (200 km, 7 hrs).
Why choose DeoriaTal - Chandrashila Trek?
If you’re looking for a beautiful Himalayan trek that doesn’t need too much time or tough preparation, the DeoriaTal to Chandrashila trek is just right for you. Set in the peaceful Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this 4-day journey (2 day drive + 2 day hike) offers forest trails, high-altitude temples, and stunning mountain views—all in one trip. It’s a great choice for beginners and nature lovers alike.
The trek starts from Sari village, a small and quiet place surrounded by hills. A short uphill walk takes you to the calm and beautiful DeoriaTal Lake, located at 8,000 ft. Local legends say the Pandavas from the Mahabharata once visited this spot. On a clear day, the lake reflects the snowy Chaukhamba mountains—a view that feels magical.
From DeoriaTal, the trail continues through oak and rhododendron forests to Chopta, a lovely meadow often called Mini Switzerland of India. With its open fields and forest-covered slopes, Chopta is peaceful and refreshing.
As you climb higher, you reach Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple at 12,000 ft. This ancient stone temple is part of the Panch Kedar, a group of five sacred temples linked to the Pandavas. Covered in snow during winter and wrapped in mist during monsoon, the temple feels holy and timeless.
Above Tungnath lies the final goal—Chandrashila Peak, which means “Moon Rock”. Standing at 13,000 ft, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the great Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and Bandarpunch. It’s said that Chandra Dev meditated here when Daksh Prajapati gives him curse, adding a spiritual touch to this beautiful place.
What makes this trek special is how easy and beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need to be super fit or experienced. The trails are clear, the altitude is moderate, and the both trek can be done in just 1+1 days.
Whether you want to watch the sunrise from a mountain top, visit ancient temples, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and silence of the forest, the DeoriaTal–Chandrashila trek gives you an experience you won’t forget.
Trek Highlights
- ✅ Trek Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
- ✅ Total Trek Distance: 16 km (Almost)
- ✅ Maximum Altitude: 13,000 ft
- ✅ Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- ✅ Best Time to Visit: Mar - June & Sep - Feb
- ✅ Last ATM: RudraPrayag
- ✅ Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- ✅ Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
Key Highlights
- 🌿 DeoriaTal Lake – A pristine high-altitude lake with stunning reflections of Chaukhamba peaks
- 🏕️ Tungnath Temple – The highest Shiva temple in the world at 12,000 ft.
- 🌸 Chandrashila Summit – Breathtaking 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul & Chaukhamba.
- 🏡 Chopta – Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," with lush meadows & pine forests.
- 🏔️ Best Sunrise & Sunset Views – Witness golden hues over snow-capped peaks
- ✅ Best For: Seeing fresh greenery, wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks.
- ✅ Camping under starry Himalayan skies.
Weather & Temperature Guide
- March to April
- ✅ Day Temperature: 10°C - 18°C
- ✔️ Night Temperature: 0°C - 7°C
- May to June
- ✅ Day Temperature: 12°C - 22°C
- ✔️ Night Temperature: 5°C - 10°C
- September to November
- ✅ Day Temperature: 8°C - 16°C
- ✔️ Night Temperature: -2°C to -5°C
- Decenber to Feburary
- ✅ Day Temperature: 0°C - 10°C
- ✔️ Night Temperature: -5°C to -10°C
Things to Carry
- 🧥 Clothing: Layered wear, waterproof jacket, thermals
- 🥾 Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- 🎒 Essentials: Backpack (40-50L), trekking pole, headlamp
- 🥤 Hydration: Water bottle, ORS sachets
- 🍫 Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits
- 🩹 Medical Kit: Personal medicines
Brief Itinerary of DeoriaTal - Chandrashila Trek
Drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village
📍 Distance: 200 km | Duration: 7 hours | Altitude: 2,000m (6,600 ft)
Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Rishikesh to Sari, a quaint Himalayan village surrounded by lush forests and mountain views. Sari serves as the base for the Deoriatal trek.
📌 Key Highlights:
✅ En route views of Devprayag – confluence of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda rivers.
✅ Last ATM at Rudraprayag (carry cash in advance).
✅ Stay at a homestay in Sari.
✅ Meals: Dinner included (Breakfast & Lunch not included).
Trek to DeoriaTal & Drive to BaniyaKund
📍 Trek Distance: 3 km | Drive Distance: 15 km | Altitude: 2,438m (8,000 ft)
Start an early morning trek to DeoriaTal, a pristine lake reflecting the towering Chaukhamba peaks. After spending time at the lake, descend to Sari and drive to BaniyaKund campsite, close to Chopta.
📌 Key Highlights:
✅ Stunning sunrise views of Chaukhamba, Nilkanth & Kedarnath peaks.
✅ Deoriatal’s crystal-clear reflections.
✅ Stay at a campsite in BaniyaKund.
✅ Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner included.
❌Permits & Entry Fees for DeoriaTal:
❌ Indian Nationals: ₹200 per person (Excluded)
❌ Foreign Nationals: ₹600 per person (Excluded)
Trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila Summit
📍 Trek Distance: 5 km | Drive Distance: 4 km | Altitude: 3,690m (12,100 ft)
Drive to Chopta early morning and begin the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Continue to Chandrashila Summit, offering 360° views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul & Chaukhamba peaks. Descend back to Chopta and return to BaniyaKund campsite.
📌 Key Highlights:
✅ Breathtaking sunrise at Chandrashila.
✅ Visit the Highest Shiva – Tungnath Temple.
✅ Stay at a campsite in BaniyaKund.
✅ Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner included.
Drive from BaniyaKund to Rishikesh
📍 Distance: 200 km | Duration: 7 hours
Bid farewell to the mountains as you drive back to Rishikesh, reaching by evening.
📌 Key Highlights:
✅ Scenic drive through Ukhimath & Rudraprayag.
✅ Expected arrival in Rishikesh by 6-7 PM.
✅ Meals: Breakfast included.
F.A.Q
Yes, this trek is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require prior high-altitude experience. The trail is well-marked, and the gradual ascent makes it accessible.
The best months are March to May and September to February, when the skies are clear and views of the Himalayas are at their best.
The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is short (1.5 km) but steep. It requires basic fitness and is achievable for most people with breaks.
Yes, entry permits are required for DeoriaTal.
- Indians: ₹200
- Foreigners: ₹600
It changes time to time
- Panoramic Himalayan views from Chandrashila (13,000 ft)
- Visit to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple
- Reflection views at DeoriaTal Lake
- Dense rhododendron forests & wildlife spotting
Includes All
- ✔️ Accommodation (Guesthouses/Camps as per itinerary)
- ✔️ All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- ✔️ Transportation (Dehradun to Sari, Chopta & return)
- ✔️ Experienced trek leader & support staff
- ✔️ Trekking equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses)
- ✔️ First aid medical kits & oxygen cylinder
- ✔️ Bonfire (wherever allowed)
Excludes All
- ✖️ Meals during transit (Dehradun-Sankri-Dehradun)
- ✖️ Personal expenses (Laundry, Phone calls, Tips, etc.)
- ✖️ Entry fees for the trek
- ✖️ Any kind of insurance (Travel/Accident/Medical)
- ✖️ Bottled water, beverages, or personal snacks
- ✖️ Anything not specifically mentioned in the "Includes" section
