The walk
This is the trek we suggest when someone wants the Himalaya without a week away from work. You drive from Haridwar into the Chopta meadows, walk to Deoria Tal, and climb through Tungnath to the Chandrashila summit.
The walking is moderate. The views, on a clear morning, run from Chaukhamba to a long line of Garhwal peaks. Nights are in a guesthouse or a camp, not a dorm you have to hunt for after dark.
Winter brings snow on the upper trail. Spring and autumn are clearer and busier. We keep the group small so the temple path does not feel like a weekend crowd.
You will remember
- Deoria Tal and the Chaukhamba reflection
- Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world by local claim
- Chandrashila summit ridge
- Guesthouse or camp nights, not a rushed day trip
- Drive from Haridwar included both ways
On this trail
Day by day
01 Day 1 · Haridwar to Sari
We meet in the morning and drive into the Garhwal hills. The evening is at Sari, the village below Deoria Tal, with time to sort bags and eat a proper dinner.
02 Day 2 · Deoria Tal and back
A steady climb through forest to Deoria Tal. We spend the middle of the day at the lake and walk back to Sari before dark. Chaukhamba is the peak you are looking for.
03 Day 3 · Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila
A short drive to Chopta, then the stone path to Tungnath and the steeper hour to Chandrashila. We return to Chopta for the night. Start early if you want the summit while the sky is still clear.
04 Day 4 · Chopta to Haridwar
Breakfast with the meadow outside, then the drive back to Haridwar. You are dropped by late evening. Keep a buffer if you have a night train.
Included
- Stay on the nights listed in the itinerary, in guesthouses, homestays or camps
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Trek leader and a local guide
- Permits and forest entry fees for the route
- Transfers that are written into the day-by-day plan
- Group first-aid kit, and an oxygen cylinder on high camps
- Cloakroom support for the main bag on walking days where the trail allows it
Not included
- Travel to and from the meeting point
- Personal clothing, shoes and insurance
- Meals during the drive to the trailhead, unless the day says otherwise
- Tips for the guide and kitchen team
- Emergency evacuation or hospital costs
- GST, if it applies, until we confirm the invoice
- Anything not written in the inclusions
Before you go
Walk 5 to 6 hours with a light daypack. One steeper morning to the summit.
Meet at Haridwar. Ages 12 to 58.
Winter, Spring, Autumn.
What to carry
- Worn-in waterproof trekking shoes with grip
- A warm layer and a jacket for camp
- Rain shell and trekking pants
- Sun cap, woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves and spare socks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two water bottles, about two litres
- Personal medicines and a small toiletry kit
- Government photo ID
- Daypack, 20 to 30 litres
How to reach
Meet at Haridwar in the morning of day 1. We drive towards Ukhimath and Sari, which takes most of the day.
The nearest railway station is Haridwar. The nearest airport is Dehradun. If you are already in Rishikesh, tell us and we will confirm a pickup point on that drive.
If plans change
If we cancel the departure, you can move to another date or receive a refund of what you have paid.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, the trek amount is refunded minus a processing fee we state in your confirmation. Between 15 and 29 days, half is retained. Inside 14 days the departure is non-refundable, because the stay, food and guide team are already committed.
The full note also lives on the Cancellations page.
Before you come
Carry a government photo ID. Mention a special diet when you book so the kitchen can buy for it.
Questions on this trek
Is this suitable for a first trek?
Yes, if you can walk for about six hours. The summit morning is the steep part. Children over 12 usually do well with a parent.
Will there be snow?
From late December to February the trail above Chopta often holds snow. Spring and autumn are clearer and may be dry.
Where do we sleep?
Sari is a village guesthouse. Chopta is a guesthouse or a fixed camp, named on your departure note before you pay.