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PriceNote – Listed Price & Customisation Rules:
The listed trek price applies to our fixed departures for the specified itinerary. Trek fees including any add-ons for customized groups may vary based on your preferences, ensuring every adventure is tailored to your needs.

Group Booking Offer:
For groups of 8 or more booking together, the trek fee for 1 participant will be waived as a token to encourage shared adventures.

Scholarship for Kids:
Children under 15 years receive a 30% discount on the trek price, making it easier for families to explore the Himalayas together.

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Transport Price Note:
The transport price mentioned is only an indicative estimate per person, assuming a small vehicle shared by at least 4 participants.
Fewer participants → cost rises;
More participants → cost decreases.

Transport Selection During Booking:
Selecting transport during booking informs us of your preference. No payment is collected at booking.

Final Cost & Payment:
Final transport cost will be communicated before departure and to be paid directly to the cab driver.

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Itinerary Note:
This itinerary represents the most updated plan, but minor adjustments may occur due to operational needs or mountain conditions.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

A Perfect Himalayan Panorama

Gallery

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 5 Nights / 5 Days
  • Trek Grade: Easy
  • 🏔️ Max Altitude: 12,000 ft (Chandrashila peak)
  • Trek Distance: 32 Km
  • 🌤️ Best Time: September-May
  • 🗺️ Region: Rudrayaprayag district, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
  • 📍 Start Point: Sari
  • 🏁 End Point: Sari
  • 🧥 Cloakroom facility: Available

Price starting from ?

INR 10,900 * Sari to Sari

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions | Cancellation & Refunds

Addons (Optional)

  • Transportation – INR 4,000 (* Haridwar to Haridwar) ?
  • Offloading-Bags – INR 1,500 (* Maximum weight 9kg / bag)

Customize your trek to suit your preferences.

Sign up for our fixed departure dates below.

Registration Dates January 2026

05 Jan - 09 Jan Loading…

Registration Dates February 2026

Registration Dates March 2026

Registration Dates April 2026

Walking The Trail

Experience a side of the Garhwal Himalayas that feels both mythical and impossibly serene. The Deoriatal–Chandrashila Trek begins gently, winding through ancient oak and rhododendron forests where the air is cool, birdsong echoes between the trees, and the forest floor glows with moss and wildflowers. As you climb, the landscape becomes a moving canvas — Himalayan woodpeckers darting between branches, verditer flycatchers glowing turquoise in the sunlight, and the elusive Himalayan Monal flashing iridescent colours in the undergrowth.
Soon the trail opens to the emerald shores of Deoriatal, a quiet, glass-still lake set against a backdrop of towering snow peaks of Chaukhamba and Kedarnath range. Locals believe gods and goddesses once bathed here — and when you see Chaukhamba reflected perfectly in the water, you’ll understand why this place feels sacred.
Beyond the lake lie wide, breezy meadows like Rohini and Shyalmi Bugyal, where the world suddenly expands. Shepherd shelters, soft grasslands dotted with seasonal blooms, and sweeping ridgelines guide you forward as the forests slowly give way to open Himalayan wilderness. Sunrise and sunset here are unforgettable — golden light spilling across distant ranges, clouds drifting like slow rivers below your feet.
The final ascent to Chandrashila Peak (12,083 ft) is short but exhilarating. As you reach the summit, the horizon bursts open into a full 360° panorama of the greatest Himalayan giants — Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kamet, Nilkanth, and countless unnamed ridges fading into the sky. No other easy–moderate trek offers a summit view this grand.
Along the way, the spiritual heartbeat of the region accompanies you — especially at the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, standing resilient against roaring winds and centuries of snow.
This trek is more than a scenic trail — it’s a gentle, soul-stirring journey where forests, lakes, meadows, mythology, and mountains come together to create an experience that stays with you long after the trek ends.
Read More

Highlights

✅ Trek starts from Sari Village, a scenic hamlet nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas

✅ Visit the tranquil Deoriatal Lake, reflecting snow-capped peaks

✅ Walk through lush green forests of rhododendron, maple, and oak in the Chopta region

✅ Camp in the serene Shyalmi Bugyal (meadow) under starlit skies

✅ Stay in Swiss tents at the picturesque Baniyakund

✅ Catch sunrise from Chandrashila, one of the most breathtaking views in Uttarakhand

✅ A perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and nature — this trek is ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers looking for a rewarding Himalayan experience.

Itinerary

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• Drive: From Rishikesh → Sari Village (195 km / 7–8 hrs).
• Your journey begins from Rishikesh — the last bustling foothill town before the Himalayas rise ahead. The drive snakes along the turquoise Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, crossing Devprayag where these two sacred waters merge to form the Ganga. Every turn introduces you to deeper mountain silence, mist curling around pine forests, and distant peaks glimmering above terraced valleys.
As you reach Sari by late afternoon, the air feels cooler and sharper. Tiny homestays line the narrow road, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the first view of the mountains fills you with quiet excitement. Evenings here are simple — a cup of tea with the villagers, the smell of wood-smoke, and the sound of crickets echoing through the valley. This is where your trek officially begins. Overnight stay in Sari Village Guest House / Homestay
• Trek Distance: 4.1 km | Duration: 2.5–3 hrs.
• The day begins in the quiet mountain village of Sari, where trails wind past terraced fields and stone houses. After breakfast, you set out on a gradual uphill path that gently curves through oak, rhododendron, and maple forests alive with mountain birds.
About an hour into the trek, the trees thin out to reveal wide views of the valley below. Far ahead, the twin landmarks of Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila summit appear faintly across the ridgeline — a hint of what lies further on this journey.
The trail soon passes through Ropini Bugyal, a beautiful open meadow where you can rest and take in the first grand view of Mt. Chaukhambha glowing in the distance. From here, the final stretch meanders through a shaded forest and then suddenly opens up to the shimmering emerald waters of Deoriatal.
The reflection of the snow-clad Chaukhambha massif on the lake is a sight that stops every trekker in awe. Legends say the lake was once a celestial bathing spot for the gods — and as you stand there in silence, it’s easy to believe it.
Since camping by the lake is restricted, you trek another short stretch uphill (about 400 m) to the forest campsite. Don’t miss the sunset over the lake — when the mountains turn golden and their reflections dance on the still water, it feels like the Himalayas are quietly breathing with you.
• Trek Distance: 9.1 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs.
• The morning begins with mist swirling above the lake as you leave Deoriatal behind and head southeast toward Jhandi Top. The trail winds through a dreamy forest of rhododendron, oak, and maple trees — the kind that glows pink and red during spring. Every now and then, the mighty peaks of Chaukhambha and Kedar Dome peek through the branches to your left, reminding you that you’re walking deep inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
After about an hour of gentle ascent, you reach the open ridge of **Jhandi Top**, a flag-posted viewpoint offering a 360° panorama — from the terraced fields of Sari far below to the snow towers of Kedarnath and Chaukhambha ahead. The descent from here is sharp but pleasant, winding back into thick forest where sunlight flickers through the leaves and birds fill the silence. You may spot Himalayan woodpeckers, verditer flycatchers, and even small forest shrines marked with yellow flags.
The trail then climbs gradually again towards **Rohini Bugyal**, passing through ancient oak and maple groves. Soon, the forest opens into a serene clearing with grand views of Kala Parvat and the distant Chandrashila peak. This small meadow, surrounded by glowing rhododendrons, is the perfect spot for lunch and photographs.
From Rohini Bugyal, a short forest ascent brings you to the day’s highest point. Afterward, the path drops steeply through dense forest to reach **Syalmi**, your campsite for the night — a quiet, hidden meadow alive with the sounds of nature. This area is known for its rich wildlife, so keep your eyes open for foxes, Himalayan griffons, or the occasional barking deer.
As dusk settles, the forest turns golden and silent. Sitting around the campsite, surrounded by thick oak woods and distant mountain silhouettes, you realize you’re deep in the heart of the Himalayas — far from roads, phones, and the rush of the world.
• Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 6 hrs.
• The day starts from the serene **Syalmi campsite** with a gentle southeast descent towards the **Akashkamini River**, a clear mountain stream originating from Chandrashila. Pause to refill your water bottles and enjoy the soothing sound of the gurgling water as you cross a small wooden bridge.
Past the rivulet the trail ascends gradually through dense mixed forest. Immerse yourself in the jungle symphony which is rarely experienced on any other Himalayan trek.
After a few gradual ascents and descents, passing a few rivulets, walk past a fenced government forest office land, reach Baniyakund. A few hotels and a lot of swiss tents mark your way towards your own accomodation. Tonight, you stay in comfortable **Swiss-style tents** at Baniya Kund, surrounded by towering pines and the crisp Himalayan air. As dusk falls, the surrounding mountains glow in soft golden hues, creating a perfect alpine evening under the stars.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs trek + 40 min drive.
• Begin your day early from **Baniya Kund campsite** and drive 5 km towards Chopta, the base for the sacred **Tungnath Temple**. From Chopta, follow the well-marked cemented pilgrim trail ascending sharply through scissor bends. After approximately 4 km of climb, you reach Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at 12,083 ft. Along the way, keep an eye out for Himalayan Monals and other mountain birds nesting among the Birch trees.
From Tungnath, the trail continues behind the temple complex towards **Chandrashila Peak**. The path winds steeply with several switchbacks, covering a 600 ft ascent over 1.5 km. During winter months, expect snow-covered trails and ensure proper gear such as crampons or microspikes.
Reaching the summit, you are rewarded with a breathtaking **360° panoramic view** of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges — Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kamet, Dunagiri, and Gangotri ranges unfold in every direction. The sunrise here is spectacular and considered one of the best in the Himalayas.
After soaking in the views, descend via the same route back to Tungnath and then drive back to Baniya Kund. From Baniya Kund, after lunch, a 40-minute drive brings you back to Sari, completing your trek. Today’s journey combines high-altitude pilgrimage, steep climbs, and some of the most iconic vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.

Packing list

For a comprehensive packing list, download the PDF below: Download Packing List

Did you know?

Deoriatal is steeped in Mahabharata lore!
This mystical lake is believed to be the site where the Pandavas encountered Yaksha, who tested their wisdom with riddles before granting them life.
Chandrashila means ‘Moon Rock’.
Legend says Lord Rama meditated here after slaying Ravana, while another tale claims it’s where the Moon God performed penance. Mythology breathes life into its rocky summit.
Five towering Himalayan peaks in one frame!
From Chandrashila you can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath Dome, and Bandarpunch — a rare 270° panorama that few treks in India can match.
Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple.
At 3,680 m, Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar shrines, older than Kedarnath itself, and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.
A haven for birdwatchers.
The trek lies inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Expect sightings of the Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand’s state bird), crimson sunbirds, Himalayan barbets, and lammergeiers.
A rare 4-season trek.
While most Himalayan trails shut in winter, this trek remains open year-round — rhododendron blooms in spring, lush greenery in monsoon, crisp skies in autumn, and snow-draped magic in winter.

Map

How to reach

✈️ Air: Nearest airport: Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun

🚆 Train: Nearest railway station: Haridwar/Rishikesh

🛣️ Road:
        📍 Distance from Haridwar/Rishikesh: ~210 km
        🕒 Travel Time: 7–8 hours
        🌍 Route: Haridwar/Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayg → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Ukhimath → Sari Village

🗺️ Travel Tip: Transport Options:
        1. Private Cab / Taxi (Recommended for Groups)
                Duration: 7–8 hours
                Cost: ₹5,000–₹7,000 (for a one-way cab for 4–6 people)
                Where to book: Local taxi stands in Haridwar or Rishikesh
        2. Public Transport
                Reach Ukhimath: Bus/shared jeep from Haridwar to Ukhimath (6–7 hrs)
                OR
                Bus/shared jeep to Rudraprayag (5-6hrs) and then a shared jeep from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath (1-2hrs)
                Reach Sari: Shared jeep or taxi from Ukhimath to Sari (~30 mins)

TrekFAQs

  • The Deoriatal-Chandrashilla trek is meant for everyone — whether you're stepping into the Himalayas for the first time or are a seasoned trekker seeking a refreshing experience. With moderate slopes, easy accessibility, and a comfortable altitude profile, it’s ideal for first-timers while remaining equally rewarding for experienced trekkers who enjoy panoramic trails and classic Himalayan landscapes.
  • Essential items include sturdy trekking shoes, layered clothing, a 40–50L rucksack with rain cover, thermal wear, a water bottle, trekking poles, and a headlamp. For a detailed packing list, refer to the downloadable PDF above.
  • In spring (April–June), daytime temperatures range between 10°C to 18°C, with chilly nights dropping to around 0°C. During autumn (September–November), expect pleasant days between 8°C to 15°C and cold nights around -2°C to 3°C. Winter (December–March) brings snow and sub-zero conditions — daytime temperatures hover around 0°C to 5°C, while nights can fall as low as -8°C to -10°C, offering a true Himalayan winter experience.
  • Yes, offloading services are available at an additional cost. Please check with the trek organizer for current rates and availability.
  • Mobile network coverage of Airtel and JIo is available throughout the trek. You may get intermittent signals while inside the forest, still overall connectivity is unreliable. It's recommended to inform friends and family beforehand.
  • The trek requires forest permits for the entry of Deoriatal region and also for the entry of Tungnath trail from Chopta when temple is closed. These are typically arranged by the trek organizer and included in the trek package.
  • The trek is best undertaken from February to June (spring–early summer) when rhododendrons bloom in abundance throughout the forest turning it red and trails a carpet of flowers. Also wildflowers blanket the upper meadows. Next best season is from September to November (autumn) when the skies are crystal clear and the landscape glows golden. Winter (December to February) is equally rewarding for those seeking solitude and snow — the meadows and forests turn pristine white, offering a completely different, magical experience. Monsoon (July–August) is less recommended due to slippery trails and heavy cloud cover.
  • This trek combines serene Deoriatal Lake with a thrilling ascent to Chandrashila Peak, offering 360° panoramic views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti. It's a short yet highly rewarding trek that showcases the best of Garhwal Himalayas in a single adventure.

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Every journey with us is carefully crafted for a deeply personal mountain experience.

Not Just a Trek — A Journey That Stays With You

Every trail we walk is a carefully chosen path into the heart of the Himalayas — not just to witness their grandeur, but to feel them under your skin and soul. Our treks are designed not as bucket list checkmarks, but as life-affirming journeys. At Planethimalayas, we believe a mountain journey is deeply personal — and that belief runs through everything we do.

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