Deoriya Tal – Tunganath – Chandrashila

Description

It is a long but scenic 6-hour drive from Mussorie/Dehradun to Sari village from where the trek starts. En route one can stop to visit the Rudranath temple (at Rudraprayag) and the ancient Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath. The serene Deoriya tal lies a mere 3 km from Sari. However the steep climb along a well-defined path should take about 2 to 3 hours when done at an easy pace. On a clear day, one should be able to see the reflection of Chaukhamba and Kedar Dome, the most prominent of the snow-clad peaks visible from the watch tower near the lake.

After spending a relaxed day at the lake, it is time to trek to Syalmi campsite via Rohini Bugyal, a beautiful campsite with amazing. This trail initially passes through a beautiful rhododendron forest and then involves a steep climb to Jhandi Dhar, a view point from which one can enjoy splendid views of both sides of the ridge. From Rohini Bugyal, it is a steepdescent up to Syalmi

The next day’s trek involves a climb down to a perennial stream that ultimately joins Akash Ganga, a tributary of Mandakini. A dip in the natural pool in the stream is hard to resist. The last leg of the walk for the day involves a steep climb to Martoli/Brujghali, another beautiful meadow. Baniyakund is a short distance from there.

On the 5th day, we follow the pilgrim’s trail and ascend to Tunganath. It’s a further 2 km climb to Chandrashila peak. Sitting at 3700m, Chandrashila offers a majestic view of the Garhwal Himalayas, panning from Draupadi ka danda to Nanda Devi in the east. We visit the temple on the way back. Tunganath is one of the Panch Kedars and is supposedly older than Kedarnath too. After ‘darshan’, return to Baniyakund/Chopta and stop for the night.

Return to Dehradun on the last day.

Itinerary

• Day 1Rishikesh - Sari village

  A long drive to Sari passing through Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag. Stay at a guesthouse in the picturesque Sari village.

• Day 2Sari - Deoirya Tal

  Set off for Deoriya Tal after breakfast. The 3 km uphill trek to Deoriya should take about 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day in the peaceful environs of the lake. Bird-watching and a nature walk in the afternoon are possible activities.

• Day 3Deoirya Tal - Syalmi

  Take the trail that starts near the watch tower and leads one into a rhododendron forest. The walk to Rohini Buygal should take 4 to 5 hours. From there it’s a steep descent up to Syalmi campsite, a secluded place with fantastic views.

• Day 4Rohini Bugyal - Brujghali

  The 6 km walk to Baniykund should take about 4 hours. First, descend to bridge across a stream that joins Akash Ganga. Stop to enjoy a dip (or simply dip your toes) in the icy cold waters. The trail from there is a steep ascent up to Brujghali and then on to Baniyakund

• Day 5Baniyakund - Tunganath-Chandrashila & back to Brujghali

  We start very early in the morning as the views at sunrise are quite spectacular from Chandrashila peak.The 3 km walk to Tunganath is along a concrete pilgrim trail. Chandrashila is another 2 km from there. After enjoying the sunrise at the peak, those interested can stop at Tunganath for darshan before heading back to Baniyakund.

• Day 6Chopta - Dehradun

  Check out in the morning and embark on the longish, 6-hour drive to Dehradun.

Inclusions

FAQ

Reviews