Introduction


Imagine standing beside a serene emerald lake surrounded by lush greenery, while animals quench their thirst nearby and snow-capped mountains rise in the distance. Deoriatal offers just that—a picture-perfect experience for nature lovers, often described as a "paradise on Earth." Nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, this trek is ideal for beginners, families, and even solo travelers. With dense forests, tranquil lakes, and majestic views of the Himalayas, Deoriatal is truly a hidden gem. It’s not just about the scenery; the trek also offers sightings of rare birds and is an excellent introduction to high-altitude trekking.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your Deoriatal Chandrashila trek an unforgettable experience.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek: An Overview


Location: Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Altitude: 12,083 ft above sea level
Base Camp: Sari Village
Best Seasons to Trek: September-June, December-February (for snowfall)
Trek Route: Rishikesh → Sari Village → Deoriatal
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Railway Station: Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a family-friendly, easy-to-moderate trek that takes you through meadows, forests, and the picturesque Deoriatal Lake. One of the highlights is the climb to the Chandrashila summit, offering panoramic views of the Chaukhamba, Nikantha, and Bandarpoonch peaks.

Best Time for Deoriatal Trekking


The trek is accessible for most of the year, with each season offering a unique experience:

Spring (March-April)
During spring, the landscape comes alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms, creating a red and pink canopy. The snow begins to melt, making the trail more accessible.

Summer (May-June)
The greenery is at its peak, and birdwatchers will love this time as migratory birds return to the lake. Despite the warm days, evenings and nights can still get chilly, so pack accordingly.

Autumn (September-December)
Autumn offers clear skies and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The crisp, cool weather is ideal for trekking and photography.

Winter (December-February)
Winter treks are more challenging due to heavy snowfall, but the rewards are worth it. Snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, but you’ll need to be cautious of slippery roads and challenging driving conditions.

Detailed Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Itinerary


Day 1: Rishikesh to Sari Village
Distance: 190 km | Duration: 7-8 hours
Start your journey from Rishikesh and drive to Sari Village, the base camp for your trek. Expect the drive to take about 7-8 hours. Sari Village is your last stop for mobile connectivity, so prepare to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

Day 2: Sari Village to Deoriatal
Trek Distance: 3 km | Duration: 2 hours | Altitude: 2438 m
The trek begins! Walk through oak, rhododendron, and pine forests as you ascend to Deoriatal. The emerald lake, reflecting Chaukhamba Peak, is a sight to behold. After arriving at Deoriatal, set up camp and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Day 3: Deoriatal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
Trek Distance: 5.4 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude: 2680 m
Today’s trek leads through dense forests and rhododendron trees. The climb is steep at times, but the views make it worthwhile. After reaching Rohini Bugyal, descend towards Syalmi for the night.

Day 4: Syalmi to Baniya Kund
Trek Distance: 5.4 km | Duration: 6 hours | Altitude: 2600 m
The day starts with a descent to the Akash Kamini River, followed by an ascent through meadows and forests. The trek includes a variety of terrains, from rocky patches to flat roads, leading to your campsite at Baniya Kund.

Day 5: Baniya Kund to Chandrashila via Tungnath, then back to Sari
Trek Distance: 13 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude: 3690 m
Begin your final ascent to the Chandrashila summit, passing through Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is steep but rewarding, with unparalleled summit views. Afterward, trek back to Sari and rest.

Day 6: Sari to Rishikesh
Drive back to Rishikesh from Sari Village, completing your trek.

How to Reach Deoriatal


By Road: Drive from Delhi to Ukhimath, then take a taxi to Sari Village, the trek's starting point.


By Train: The nearest station is Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station, 272 km from Sari Village.


By Air: Fly into Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From there, a taxi will get you to Sari in about 8 hours.


What to Pack for the Deoriatal Trek


Clothing & Accessories


1/ UV-protected sunglasses, woolen caps, scarves, and balaclavas for head protection
2/ Full-sleeve, non-cotton t-shirts, fleece jackets, and waterproof clothing
3/ Sturdy trekking shoes, woolen socks, and gloves


Trekking Gear


1/ A 50-60 liter rucksack with a rain cover
2/ Essential toiletries and a first aid kit
3/ Documents, ID proofs, and forest permits


Quick Tips for a Successful Trek


The trek is beginner-friendly and suitable for kids.
Abide by the guidelines set by the forest authorities as the area falls under the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Always inform your group before venturing out alone at night.
Carry enough cash as ATMs are sparse.
Mobile connectivity is limited beyond Sari Village, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

1/ How far is the trek from Chopta to Deoria Tal?
The trek is about 14 km through dense forests.

2/ How difficult is the Tungnath trek?
The Tungnath trek is moderately difficult, combining steep ascents and descents.

3/ Is camping allowed at Deoriatal?
Yes, camping is allowed. You’ll need to pay a small fee to the forest department.

Explore our trekking range
Related tags :