Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Distance: 225 kms Duration: 7-8 hours If you have signed up with HIM EXPED for a drive from Dehradun to Sari, our day starts early. All of us assemble at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Sari – a quiet hamlet deep in the laps of the Himalayas. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 8-hour drive and settling into mountain air, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons: One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark. Sari is a picturesque hamlet in the Ukhimat block of the Rudraprayag district bordered with oak and rhododendrons trees which are also a constant throughout the trek. Declared as an eco-tourist village by the government of Uttarakhand, this quiet farming hamlet rests peacefully in the lap of the Himalayas far away from the noises of the city. Patterns formed from the dozens of paddy fields on the many slopes of the mountains in the village make for a neat design soothing to the eye. Expect to reach this peaceful haven by early evening to be welcomed by some warm smiles into a warm homestay.

Distance: 4 kms Duration: 3-4 hours Today is a short and easy day with a gradual ascent all the way to the campsite right next to this marvel of an alpine lake – the first highlight of our trek. The trail takes us through the thick forests of oak and rhododendrons on a well laden path to reveal a placid Deoriatal at its short end. We have all day to gaze at this beauty as it reflects the changing hues of the day in its clear waters. Overnight in tents.

Distance: 18 kms Duration: 5-6 hours Today is a long day but one filled with immaculate beauty as we walk through thick forests ablaze with rhododendrons of various hues which get thicker and thicker in density as we advance. The path goes through the Kedarnath Sanctuary. If you look closely, you may find some of the animals and birds that inhabit this region. The trail today also offers up some magnificent views of the big peaks as it promised to do. The thicket of these blooming colours gives way to a clearing which is the meadows of Rohini Bugyal. And just a little further from here is another spectacle to behold which is our destination for the day: Baniya Kund. This will be our home for tonight and tomorrow night. The distance for today may be long but the climb is not very strenuous. The trail goes up and down to cover a total of 200M of ascent for today.

Distance: 7-8 kms Duration: 6 hours Today is two high-points bunched in one on a path that takes us on well-marked trails. The day starts early so we have a chance to catch the first rays of the sun from the Tunganath Temple. The trail alternates between birch trees and meadows to take us to Tunganath and then onwards towards Chandrashila Top which presents the most glorious views of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Range. Tunganath to Chandrashila Top which lies at 3,700M is a fairly steep climb but the trail for today is otherwise gradual. After our venture for today, we return to Baniya Kund for the night.

Distance: 4 kms + 225 kms Duration: 2 hours trek + 7-8 hours drive We retrace our steps back to Sari to get our drive back to Dehradun. We cross through Chopta (Mini Switzerland) village as an added highlight today and a perfect finish to this delightful trek. The picture-perfect landscape of Chopta is where the trek gets its alternate name Chopta Chandrashila from. Expect to reach Dehradun by late evening.