CHOPTA TUNGNATH TREK
OVERVIEW
Chopta Deoria Tal area is an unspoiled bit of the Garhwal Himalaya. The forest is that of oak and rhododendron interspersed with pine. The lake is nestled in a lost hollow surrounded by meadows and the Tungnath Temple is worth the climb for the spectacular views. This is a great area to explore and a comfortable trek route. Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples. As per mythology, it was built by Pandavas asking for Lord Shiva's forgiveness and atonement of their sins incurred by killing their kin in the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a bull and parts of his body appeared in five locations where the shrines are built. Tungnath is where the limbs and chest of the bull appeared.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Flora and fauna with high diversity.
Emerald lake at Deoria Tal at 2350 m.
Holy temple at Tungnath at 3680 m, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Panoramic view of Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba, Kedar & Trishul peaks.
COST AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
RISHIKESH TO SARI
Pick up from Rishikesh bus stand early in the morning and depart for Sari. We will stop for breakfast and freshen up at Byasi and have lunch en route. The drive along Ganga is spectacular. Of the 5 famous prayags, we will drive past two – Devprayag which is the confluence of the Bhagirathi & Alaknanda rivers, and the starting point of Ganga and Rudraprayag, the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. By late afternoon we reach sari village and stay there overnight.
TREK SARI TO DEORIA TAL
After an early breakfast, we start our trek to the beautiful Himalayan lake Deoria Tal. It is a well-defined rocky trail that goes through the forest of Maple and Rhododendrons. We will set up camp in the meadows surrounding the lake. The alpine lake nestled in between the mountains is surrounded by the majestic Garwhal Himalayas, the most prominent of which is Chaukhamba Peak. It’s a perfect dreamy setting for camping for the night.
TREK DEORIA TAL TO ROHINI BUGYAL
We wake up early, have breakfast, pack camp, and trek from Deoria Tal to Roni Bugyal. It’s a gradual trek that passes through the Rhododendron forest that blooms in two colours, red & pink. The dense forest opens up to alpine meadows dotted with flowers and a gurgling stream passing through it. We arrive at Rohini Bugyal and camp in the meadows for the night.
TREK ROHINI BUGYAL TO CHOPTA
After breakfast and packing camp, we trek from Rohini Bugyal to Chopta. The trail passes through Kedarnath Sanctuary and you could possibly spot some Red Fox and other small animals and birds like Griffon Vultures, Verditer Flycatchers & Himalayan Woodpeckers, etc. We cross the beautiful meadows of Tali & climb up to reach Chopta where we camp in the meadows.
TREK CHOPTA TO TUNGNATH TEMPLE & BACK TO CHOPTA
We start our trek early today and climb up the pilgrim path to the Shiva temple that is situated at 3480 m making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. Along the way we see blooming rhododendron trees all around and the mighty Kedar range in full view throughout the trek. After visiting the temple and exploring the area we stop to have lunch and then trek back to Chopta.
DRIVE BACK TO RISHIKESH
After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Rishikesh for our journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
DAY 01: RISHIKESH TO SARI
Pick up from Rishikesh bus stand early in the morning and depart for Sari. We will stop for breakfast and freshen up at Byasi and have lunch en route. The drive along Ganga is spectacular. Of the 5 famous prayags, we will drive past two – Devprayag which is the confluence of the Bhagirathi & Alaknanda rivers, and the starting point of Ganga and Rudraprayag, the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. By late afternoon we reach sari village and stay there overnight.
DAY 02: TREK SARI TO DEORIA TAL
After an early breakfast, we start our trek to the beautiful Himalayan lake Deoria Tal. It is a well-defined rocky trail that goes through the forest of Maple and Rhododendrons. We will set up camp in the meadows surrounding the lake. The alpine lake nestled in between the mountains is surrounded by the majestic Garwhal Himalayas, the most prominent of which is Chaukhamba Peak. It’s a perfect dreamy setting for camping for the night.
DAY 03: TREK DEORIA TAL TO ROHINI BUGYAL
We wake up early, have breakfast, pack camp, and trek from Deoria Tal to Roni Bugyal. It’s a gradual trek that passes through the Rhododendron forest that blooms in two colours, red & pink. The dense forest opens up to alpine meadows dotted with flowers and a gurgling stream passing through it. We arrive at Rohini Bugyal and camp in the meadows for the night.
DAY 04: TREK ROHINI BUGYAL TO CHOPTA
After breakfast and packing camp, we trek from Rohini Bugyal to Chopta. The trail passes through Kedarnath Sanctuary and you could possibly spot some Red Fox and other small animals and birds like Griffon Vultures, Verditer Flycatchers & Himalayan Woodpeckers, etc. We cross the beautiful meadows of Tali & climb up to reach Chopta where we camp in the meadows.
DAY 05: TREK CHOPTA TO TUNGNATH TEMPLE & BACK TO CHOPTA
We start our trek early today and climb up the pilgrim path to the Shiva temple that is situated at 3480 m making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. Along the way we see blooming rhododendron trees all around and the mighty Kedar range in full view throughout the trek. After visiting the temple and exploring the area we stop to have lunch and then trek back to Chopta.
DAY 06: DRIVE BACK TO RISHIKESH
After breakfast, we pack our bags and depart for Rishikesh for our journey back home with wonderful memories made with Adventureism.
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in a tent, homestay, or camp on a sharing basis.
- All meals are as per the itinerary.
- Qualified instructors and facilitators during the programme.
- Wilderness First Responder trained and certified guides from NOLS-USA to handle any medical emergencies.
- Transfers to and from Rishikesh.
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, and flight/train cancellations.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation expenses.
- Any expense of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
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