Garhwal, a region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It boasts of some of the most stunning landscapes and diverse trekking trails. Among the many treks in Garhwal, the Deoriatal, Chopta, and Chandrashila Trek is a hidden gem that you should not miss.
Deoriatal Trek:
The Deoriatal Trek is a short and easy trek that leads you to the enchanting Deoriatal Lake. The trek starts from the village of Sari, where you can witness the rustic life of the locals. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, where you can spot various birds and animals. As you reach the lake, you will be spellbound by its crystal-clear waters that mirror the majestic Chaukhamba peaks. Camping by the lake under a starry sky is a magical experience that will linger in your memory.
Chopta Trek:
Chopta, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a quaint hill station surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas. The Chopta Trek is a moderate trek that takes you through verdant meadows, thick forests, and picturesque villages. The highlight of this trek is the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trek to Tungnath is steep but rewarding, as you get to see the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. From Tungnath, you can continue the trek to Chandrashila, which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan range.
Chandrashila Trek:
The Chandrashila Trek is a challenging trek that takes you to the summit of Chandrashila Peak, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The trek starts from Chopta and passes through lush forests and meadows. As you climb, the views become more and more spectacular, with the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba looming over you. At the summit, you will be greeted with a stunning sunrise view and a feeling of achievement that comes with scaling a peak.
These treks not only offer stunning natural beauty but also provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Garhwal region. Along the way, you will encounter friendly locals who will welcome you with warm smiles and offer a glimpse into their way of life. You will also have the chance to taste delicious local cuisine and learn about the folklore and legends associated with the mountains.
Culture of Garhwal:
The culture of Garhwal is a blend of the indigenous population and the traditions of other immigrants that settled here over time. The people of Garhwal are known for their simplicity, honesty, and hospitality. They follow Hinduism, but also have their own unique rituals and festivals. Some of the popular festivals of Garhwal are Basant Panchami, Phool Dei, Makar Sankranti, and Ganga Dussehra. The Garhwali language is the main dialect spoken in the region, and it has many variations and sub-dialects. The Garhwali people also have a rich heritage of art and sculpture, which can be seen in their temples, houses, and utensils. The Garhwali music and dance are also an integral part of their culture, and they express their emotions and stories through songs and folk dances. Some of the famous Garhwali songs are Bedu Pako, Chhopati, and Ghughuti. Some of the famous Garhwali dances are Barada Nati, Langvir Nritya, and Pandav Nritya.
Garhwal is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts as well. The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Himalayan monal, musk deer, and even the elusive snow leopard if you’re lucky. The Garhwal region has some of the finest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India, such as the Nanda Devi National Park, the Rajaji National Park, the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the Valley of Flowers National Park, and the Corbett National Park. These parks offer a variety of wildlife tours and safaris, where you can witness the beauty and diversity of nature. You can also enjoy activities like camping, birdwatching, photography, and trekking in these parks.
Indian tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the Garhwal region is no exception. With its untouched beauty and serene surroundings, it offers a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner, the Deoriatal, Chopta, and Chandrashila Trek are sure to leave you spellbound. These treks take you through some of the most scenic and adventurous routes in the Garhwal Himalayas, where you can enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks, the crystal-clear lakes, the lush meadows, and the ancient temples. These treks also challenge you physically, as you have to climb steep slopes, cross rivers, and brave the weather. These treks are not only a test of your endurance, but also a test of your spirit, as you have to overcome your fears and doubts, and push yourself to the limit.
So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Garhwal. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, challenge yourself physically, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Deoriatal, Chopta, and Chandrashila Trek await you with open arms, ready to take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Here is a 9 Nights Trekking Plan(Economy):
May is a good time to visit this region, as the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in full bloom. You can expect clear skies and moderate temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun by flight, Dehradun to Sari by car
- You will take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun, which will take around an hour. You can choose from the following options:
- You will then take a car from Dehradun to Sari, which will take around 7 hours. You can enjoy the scenic views of the Garhwal hills and the confluences of the Alaknanda river along the way. You will reach Sari by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and acclimatize to the altitude, or explore the village and its surroundings. You can also visit the Ukhimath temple, which is the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath.
Day 2: Sari to Deoriatal by trek, Deoriatal to Chopta by car
- You will start your trek from Sari to Deoriatal, which will take around 2-3 hours. You will ascend through a forest trail and reach the lake, which is surrounded by forests and mountains. You can enjoy the views of the Chaukhamba peaks and their reflection in the lake2.
- You will have lunch at Deoriatal and spend some time there. You can also do some birdwatching, boating, or photography at the lake. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Deori3.
- You will then take a car from Deoriatal to Chopta, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Chopta by evening and check into a budget hotel or campsite, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the meadows and the Himalayan peaks. You can also visit the nearby villages and interact with the locals2.
Day 3: Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila and back by trek
- You will start your trek from Chopta to Tungnath, which will take around 3-4 hours. You will ascend through a forest trail and reach the Tungnath temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. You can visit the temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
- You will then trek further to Chandrashila, which will take around an hour. You will reach the summit and enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba.
- You will have lunch at Chandrashila and spend some time there. You can also do some photography, meditation, or yoga at the summit. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
- You will then trek back to Chopta, which will take around 3-4 hours. You will reach Chopta by evening and stay at the same hotel or campsite.
Day 4: Chopta to Kartik Swami by car, Kartik Swami to Kanak Chauri and back by trek
- You will take a car from Chopta to Kartik Swami, which will take around 4 hours. You will reach Kartik Swami by noon and start your trek to Kanak Chauri, which will take around 2 hours. You will ascend through a forest trail and reach the village, which is known for its apple orchards and organic farming.
- You will have lunch at Kanak Chauri and spend some time there. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Kanak Durga.
- You will then trek back to Kartik Swami, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Kartik Swami by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the Garhwal hills and the sunset. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to Lord Kartik, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Day 5: Kartik Swami to Anusuya Devi by car, Anusuya Devi to Atri Muni Ashram and back by trek
- You will take a car from Kartik Swami to Anusuya Devi, which will take around 3 hours. You will reach Anusuya Devi by noon and start your trek to Atri Muni Ashram, which will take around 2 hours. You will descend through a forest trail and reach the ashram, which is the abode of the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya6.
- You will have lunch at Atri Muni Ashram and spend some time there. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Anusuya, who is revered for her devotion and power.
- You will then trek back to Anusuya Devi, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Anusuya Devi by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the forest and the valley. You can also visit the nearby temple dedicated to the goddess Anusuya, who is revered for her devotion and power6.
Day 6: Anusuya Devi to Gopeshwar by car, Gopeshwar to Rudraprayag by car
- You will take a car from Anusuya Devi to Gopeshwar, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Gopeshwar by noon and visit the Gopinath temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Garhwal. You can admire the architecture and the history of the temple.
- You will have lunch at Gopeshwar and then take a car to Rudraprayag, which will take around 3 hours. You will reach Rudraprayag by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. You can also visit the nearby temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Day 7: Rudraprayag to Devprayag by car, Devprayag to Rishikesh by car
- You will take a car from Rudraprayag to Devprayag, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Devprayag by noon and visit the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, which form the Ganga river. You can also visit the nearby temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Shiva.
- You will have lunch at Devprayag and then take a car to Rishikesh, which will take around 2 hours. You will reach Rishikesh by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the Ganga river and the Himalayan foothills. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, and Triveni Ghat.
Day 8: Rishikesh to Haridwar by car, Haridwar to Delhi by train
- You will take a car from Rishikesh to Haridwar, which will take around an hour. You will reach Haridwar by noon and visit the Har Ki Pauri, which is the most sacred ghat on the Ganga river. You can also visit the nearby temples, such as the Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, and Maya Devi.
- You will have lunch at Haridwar and then take a train to Delhi, which will take around 4 hours. You can choose from the following options:
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express, departing at 6:13 PM and arriving at 10:45 PM, costing ₹ 700
- Nanda Devi Express, departing at 12:55 PM and arriving at 5:00 PM, costing ₹ 500
- You will reach Delhi by evening and check into a budget hotel or guesthouse, costing around ₹ 500 per night.
- You can relax and enjoy the views of the city and its nightlife. You can also visit the nearby attractions, such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Lotus Temple.
Day 9: Delhi to Gurugram by car, Gurugram to home by flight
- You will take a car from Delhi to Gurugram, which will take around an hour. You will reach Gurugram by noon and visit the Kingdom of Dreams, which is a cultural and entertainment hub. You can enjoy the live shows, musicals, street performances, and cuisines from different states of India.
- You will have lunch at Kingdom of Dreams and then take a flight from Gurugram to your home destination. You can choose from the following options:
- SpiceJet flight, departing at 4:30 PM and arriving at 5:40 PM, costing ₹ 3000
- Air India flight, departing at 7:00 PM and arriving at 8:10 PM, costing ₹ 3500
- You will reach your home by evening and end your memorable trekking trip to Garhwal.
