Introduction –
Treks in India generally offer a whole lot of experience to the trekkers and serve beautiful views to them. One of the most satisfactory things for adventure seekers is the view they get after reaching the topmost point of the mountains. This is very much offered by the Chopta trek.
The Chopta trek is a crossover trail through forests. Situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this easy to moderate trail is a 5day trek covering 30 kilometers and having the highest altitude of 12100 ft. This trek represents the grandeur of the Himalayas.
How to reach the actual destination – The Chopta trek
Rishikesh is the nearest railhead for reaching the base camp of Sari village. If someone is traveling by air then they can land in Dehradun and take a car to the Sari village.
Best season to visit –
If you are someone who loves to go on winter treks then November to March is your time. You will experience immense snowfall which might be a hindrance as well but you will enjoy if you like it. Summer treks have a time of April to June. Autumn treks are from September to November.
Along the trek, you will witness beautiful surroundings – an emerald Lake called Deoriatal is worth mentioning, Tugnath, the holy shrine and also the highest Shiva temple on earth and the captivating and mesmerizing summit point of Chandrashila. Chopta itself is a fascinating destination full of natural beauty and a delightful experience.
Itinerary –
SARI TO DEORIATAL
You can begin by a trek to Deoriatal from Sari via a rocky trail. It is a gradual climb, after about 30 minutes of a steady upward and steep trek, you will reach the first viewpoint. You may halt and feast your eyes on the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Re-start the trek and walk through a maple and rhododendron forest. After walking for another 40-minute you will reach Deoriatal, which would be your camp site for the night. Deoriatal, a beautiful lake surrounded by snow-clad mountains. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
DEORIATAL TO SYALMI
Located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the way from Deoriatal to Chandrashila is a treat for wildlife lovers. The trail on the third day would be a breathtaking one. You will even get some glimpses of the Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba peaks. In the summers the trail looks beautiful with the presence of pink rhododendron flowers. You will also in your way pass by Rohini Bugyal, a beautiful meadow surrounded by beautiful rhododendron forest and a view of the Kedar dome and the Kala Parvat peaks.
SYALMI TO BANIYA KUND
On this day, you have to cover 6 km, during which you will pass through a ridge top called Tikidi Khal, which is covered in dense forest cover and a small beautiful meadow.
BANIYA KUND TO CHOPTA BY CAR. REACHING CHANDRASHILA PEAK VIA TUNGNATH
You should begin the day early, if you wish to experience a stunning sunrise from Tungnath. The path between Chopta and Tungnath is about 3 km. You may hault to see the temple, the highest of its kind in the entire world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The peak is 1.5 km from the temple complex. During winter, this trail this completely buried under snow and the climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is a 600 feet climb. But the views from the peak are very mesmerizing . You will be able to sight some of the most notable mountains of Uttarakhand, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and more.
You have to trek back to Chopta by evening. The descent is rather simple, and it won’t take more than two to three hours. Take rest for the night.
On the last day of the trek, you would drive back to Rishikesh, a distance of around 170 km and it will take you about 5 hours to cover it. If you wish to you can stay in Rishikesh for a day. Rishikesh itself has a lot to offer in terms of its religious aspects and sanctity. It is the yoga capital of India and people across the world visits Rishikesh to experience spirituality in its deepest core. Also the Ram jhola and Laxman jhola are popular on its own. This would also have a rejuvenating effect after a hectic 5-6 day trek. You can also head back to home if funds don’t suffice or if you don’t to enough time.
Conclusion –
India has no dearth of trekking opportunities as we can very well see. The best treks of Himalayas are the major point of attraction. Even people across the world travels to India to trek in the Himalayas. Besides the Himalayas treks in the western ghats are also very popular among trekkers.