All You Need to Know About Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

A Perfect Blend of Serenity, Spirituality & Himalayan Adventure

The Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek is undeniably one of Uttarakhand’s most rewarding short Himalayan adventures — a perfect blend of serene landscapes, ancient temples, and breathtaking summit views. To begin with, starting from the quiet village of Sari, the trail leads you to Deoria Tal, a calm, crystal-clear lake famous for its mirror-like reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peaks. Subsequently, the journey continues through dense oak–rhododendron forests and rolling meadows to Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.”

Above all, the highlight of this trek is the climb to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, followed by a steep but stunning ascent to Chandrashila Peak. At nearly 4,000 meters, the summit rewards trekkers with a spectacular 360° panorama of Himalayan giants — including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath Dome, and Chaukhamba.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking a manageable Himalayan trail or an experienced trekker looking for a quick mountain escape, this trek packs in scenery, spirituality, and adventure in the most balanced way. Therefore, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila experience.

Where Exactly Is Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek?

Specifically, the Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, nestled deep within the Garhwal Himalayas. The journey begins at Sari Village, a peaceful hamlet situated about 12 km from Ukhimath. A short ascent from Sari leads you to Deoria Tal, a pristine mountain lake perched at an altitude of around 2,438 meters, within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

From there, the trail continues toward Chopta, a scenic meadow region often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Chopta serves as the base for the climb to Tungnath Temple and, further up, to Chandrashila Peak, which stands tall at approximately 3,960 meters.

Moreover, it is easily accessible from major hubs like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The trek lies along a well-connected route yet retains the charm of a quiet Himalayan retreat. This combination makes it an ideal choice for trekkers seeking both beauty and accessibility.

Best Time to Do the Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

The beauty of this trek is that it’s almost a year-round adventure, with each season offering a completely different experience. However, the best time depends entirely on the kind of landscape and weather you want to witness.

1. Spring (March to May) – Rhododendrons & Mild Weather

Spring is one of the most popular seasons for this trek. During this time, the forests burst into shades of pink and red with blooming rhododendrons, the temperatures are pleasant, and the mountain views are crisp. It’s an ideal time for beginners and photographers.

2. Autumn (September to November) – Crystal-Clear Views

Autumn is often considered the golden season for this trek. This is because the monsoon rains clear the atmosphere, gifting trekkers sharp, uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas. Days are stable, nights are cold, and the trail looks fresh and vibrant.

3. Winter (December to February) – Snowy Wonderland

If you’re dreaming of walking on snow, winter is magical. Tungnath and the trail to Chandrashila often transform into a snow-covered landscape. While the trek becomes slightly more challenging, the rewards are unmatched — frozen forests, powdery trails, and surreal sunrise views from the summit.

4. Monsoon (July to August) – Not Recommended

On the other hand, heavy rain, slippery paths, and the risk of landslides make monsoon the least ideal time. Trails can be unsafe, visibility is poor, and forest sections become leech-prone.

Cost of the Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

Generally speaking, the cost of the trek can vary a lot depending on the operator, length of the trek, inclusions (camping vs. guesthouse, meals, transport), group size, and your starting point. To illustrate, here’s a detailed breakdown with typical costs and sample packages:

💵 Typical Cost Ranges

Here are various package options and what they roughly cost:

Permits for the Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

Before you go, here’s what you need to know about the essential permits for this trek:

Forest / Sanctuary Permit

• First and foremost, the trek route lies within the Kedarnath Wildlife Division / Sanctuary.
• Therefore, trekkers need a valid permit from the forest department for entry.
• Crucially, according to the Kedarnath Wildlife Division, permits are non-transferrable and tied to the specific persons named in the booking.
• While making the permit booking, you must provide a valid government ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).

Camping Restrictions

• Camping inside the core forest/sanctuary area (for example, in Rohini Bugyal) has been restricted by the forest department to protect local wildlife, especially the musk deer.
• Because of this, some trek operators note that they only camp in permitted zones (such as around Deoria Tal or at Baniyakund), rather than in deeper sanctuary zones.
• Consequently, it’s important to check with your trek organizer regarding their exact camping locations.

How Permits Are Handled

• Typically, most trek operators include the forest permit and camping permit (if allowed) in their package.
• Alternatively, you can apply for trek permits through the Kedarnath Wildlife Division’s online system.

Trek Timing Rules

• According to the Kedarnath Wildlife Division’s rules, treks in this sanctuary (including Chandrashila) must start before 2:00 PM.
• This rule is in place to ensure safety and proper monitoring by forest officials.

How to Reach the Basecamp

The trek usually begins from Sari Village for Deoria Tal and Chopta for Tungnath–Chandrashila. Fortunately, both lie in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and are easily accessible from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh.

1. Reaching Sari Village (Base for Deoria Tal)

• Distances: Rishikesh to Sari (~200 km); Dehradun to Sari (~240 km); Haridwar to Sari (~210 km).
• By Road: Take a bus or shared cab from Rishikesh or Haridwar towards Ukhimath or Guptkashi. From Ukhimath, hire a local taxi to Sari (12 km).
• Best Option: A direct taxi from Rishikesh/Haridwar is the most convenient and fastest way, especially if you are trekking in a group.

2. Reaching Chopta (Base for Tungnath & Chandrashila)

• Distances: Sari to Chopta (20 km); Rishikesh to Chopta (~200 km). Chopta lies on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar road and is accessible throughout most of the year.
• By Road: From Rishikesh, take a bus/shared taxi to Ukhimath. Subsequently, hire a local taxi to Chopta (30 km).
• Self-Drive Option: The roads are scenic and well-maintained, but expect sharp bends and mountain driving conditions. Avoid driving late in the evening.

3. Nearest Railway Stations

• Haridwar Railway Station (~200–225 km) or Rishikesh Railway Station (~185–200 km).
• Generally, Haridwar offers better train connectivity if you’re coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or other major cities.

4. Nearest Airport

• Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is approximately 220 km from Sari and 230 km from Chopta.
• Upon arrival, you can hire a private taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh and continue the journey.

5. Recommended Travel Route (Most Popular)

Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Ukhimath → Sari → Deoria Tal → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila.

This specific route is smooth, scenic, and ensures proper acclimatization for the trek.

Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek Itinerary

Most trekkers combine Deoria Tal, Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila into a 3 to 4-day itinerary. Below is the most practical and popular version:

1st Day: Rishikesh/Haridwar → Sari Village → Trek to Deoria Tal

• What to Expect: Reach Sari by afternoon, freshen up, and immediately start the short, scenic trek to Deoria Tal. The well-laid stone trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests. Spend the evening at the lake watching Chaukhamba’s golden reflection on the water — the most iconic view of this trek.

2nd Day: Deoria Tal → Rohini Bugyal → Chopta

• What to Expect: A long but rewarding forest walk. Specifically, this trail passes through dense, untouched woodlands, small clearings, and the beautiful Rohini Bugyal. The trail undulates gently, offering Himalayan glimpses throughout. By late afternoon, you will reach Chopta.

3rd Day: Chopta → Tungnath Temple → Chandrashila Summit → Chopta

• What to Expect: Start early for the climb to Tungnath. The stone-paved trail is steep but rewarding. From Tungnath, continue the final push to Chandrashila, where you’re rewarded with a 360° panorama of India’s greatest peaks. Afterward, descend to Chopta by noon and enjoy a relaxed evening.

4th Day: Chopta → Rishikesh/Haridwar

• What to Expect: Use this day to return comfortably. If you’re heading to Delhi, you can conveniently catch an overnight bus or train from Rishikesh or Haridwar.

How Difficult Is the Trek?

Overall, the Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is considered easy to moderate, making it one of the most beginner-friendly Himalayan treks. Nevertheless, the difficulty varies slightly depending on the season and your fitness level.

1. Trek Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate

• Well-defined trails: Most of the trail — Sari to Deoria Tal and Chopta to Tungnath — is stone-paved or clearly marked, significantly reducing navigation challenges.
• Steep sections: The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is the steepest part. It’s short but can feel tiring, particularly at higher altitudes.
• Forest trails: The Deoria Tal to Chopta route is longer and involves gradual ups and downs, yet nothing technically difficult.

2. Altitude Considerations

• Although the max altitude is 12,110 ft at Chandrashila, the altitude gain is gradual, greatly reducing the risk of AMS.
• As a result, most trekkers do not face altitude-related issues if they hydrate well and ascend at a normal pace.

3. Seasonal Difficulty

• Spring & Autumn: Offer the easiest conditions with stable weather and clear trails.
• Winter: Difficulty increases because of snow, slippery patches, and colder temperatures. Microspikes may be required.
• Monsoon: Not recommended as trails become muddy, slippery, and leeches are common.

Who Is This Trek Suitable For?

In short, this trek is ideal for beginners, families, fit first-time trekkers, and photographers looking for a rewarding Himalayan experience.

What is the Fitness Level Required?

Fortunately, the trek doesn’t demand extreme fitness, but being in moderate physical shape ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience—especially on the longer forest day and the steep push to Chandrashila.

1. Basic Fitness Is Enough for Most

Since the trek is graded easy–moderate, anyone who exercises regularly can comfortably complete it. Essentially, if you can walk 5–6 km at a stretch, climb several floors without getting breathless, and maintain a steady pace, you are ready.

2. Cardiovascular Endurance Helps

The longest day on this trek is the 14 km walk from Deoria Tal to Chopta. Therefore, good stamina will help you enjoy this day rather than struggle through it. Recommended preparation includes brisk walking, jogging, and stair climbing.

3. Prepare for Steep Climbs

The steepest part is the final ascent to Chandrashila. Ideally, focus on leg strength (squats, lunges) and breath control during your training.

4. Winter Trekkers Need Better Fitness

If you’re trekking in snow (Dec–Feb), you will need stronger legs and better balance, as snow trekking requires more effort than walking on dry trails.

Bottom Line

You don’t need to be an athlete for this trek. However, basic fitness combined with a few weeks of preparation is more than enough to help you enjoy the journey.

Clothing & Layering for the Trek

Since this trek ranges significantly in altitude from 6,600 ft to 12,110 ft, temperatures change quickly — from mild at Sari to freezing cold near the summit. Thus, proper layering is essential to keep you warm, comfortable, and safe.

Here is a simple, effective layering system:

1. Base Layer (Inner Layer)

This is the layer that touches your skin. Use 1–2 Dry-fit T-shirts (avoid cotton). In addition, carry thermal innerwear if trekking in winter.

2. Mid Layer (Warm Layer)

This constitutes your insulation. A fleece jacket is mandatory. Furthermore, carry a light sweater, and in winter, add a padded jacket for extra warmth during the summit push.

3. Outer Layer (Protection Layer)

This layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. A waterproof windcheater is essential. Additionally, a poncho is important in spring and monsoon.

4. Bottom Wear

Opt for trek pants made of quick-dry fabric. Avoid jeans as they are heavy and take forever to dry.

Bottom Line

Layering equals comfort plus safety. While temperatures at base camps may feel pleasant, the summit push can be extremely cold. A good mix of layers will prepare you for all conditions.

Essential Trekking Gear

Even though this trek is graded easy–moderate, carrying the right gear makes a huge difference in comfort and safety. Below is a complete list of must-carry items.

Key Essentials

• Trekking Shoes: Your shoes are your most important gear. They must have good grip and ankle support.
• Backpack & Rain Cover: A sturdy 40–50L backpack is necessary. Moreover, a rain cover is mandatory as weather can change quickly.
• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for the steep ascent to Chandrashila and for balance on slippery sections.
• Headlamp / Torch: This is mandatory for the early morning summit climb and moving around camps at night.

Additional Must-Haves

• Hydration: Two 1-liter water bottles.
• Sun Protection: Sun cap, sunglasses (mandatory in snow), and sunscreen.
• First-Aid Kit: Always carry personal essentials like painkillers, band-aids, and antiseptic cream.
• Cold & Snow Gear (Winter Treks): If trekking between December and February, you must add microspikes, gaiters, and waterproof gloves.

Bottom Line

You don’t need heavy technical mountaineering gear. But good shoes, proper layers, a headlamp, and a sturdy backpack are absolutely essential.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is one of those rare Himalayan journeys that blends spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure into a single, unforgettable experience. From the mirror-like reflection at Deoria Tal to the breathtaking 360° summit views from Chandrashila — every step feels like a reward.

What truly sets this trek apart is its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or stepping into the Himalayas for the very first time, this trail welcomes you with open arms. The well-marked paths and lush forests make it a perfect introduction to trekking in Uttarakhand.

With the right preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy this trek in all its glory—be it in spring, autumn, or winter. Ultimately, the journey to Chandrashila isn’t just about reaching a summit; it’s about slowing down and soaking in the Himalayas.

For a firsthand feel of the adventure and to see what the journey is really like day-by-day, don’t forget to read my Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila trek travelogue.

Summary

Article Name

All You Need to Know About Deoria Tal & Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek

Description

A complete guide to the Deoria Tal & Tungnath–Chandrashila trek — including best time to visit, difficulty level, permits, itinerary, cost, how to reach, packing list, and essential tips for a smooth and memorable Himalayan trek.

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Abhilash

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Just an Ordinary Trekker

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