12D / 11NPanch Kedar Tour Package: Five Shiva Temples of Garhwal in 12 Days
● Starts Rishikesh
₹45,000
From₹35,000* / personEMI from ₹1,714/mo
4 days
3 nights
Ukhimath
start point
Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
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Overview
Tour overview
Deoria Chopta Chandrashila trek combines the best of Uttarakhand in one journey. Apart from being an exhilarating adventure trail, it discloses the most invigorating traits of the Himalayan region. From the snow-blanketed summits of Garhwal Himalayas to the richly green forests of rhododendrons, oaks and pines and picturesque meadows and pastures, every frame is just picture perfect. Then, there are waterfalls, rivers, lakes and bountiful biodiversity consisting of alpine flowers, Himalayan birds and high-altitude animals. Not only that, you get the opportunity to seek blessings of Lord Shiva at his highest temple-abode at Tungnath. In short, you have all great opportunities to bring out the adventurer, nature lover, photographer and peace-seeker within yourself. There’s nothing better than walking through the pristine crowd-free, pollution-free environments and camp in the laps of Mother Nature. Devariyatal Chopta Chandrashila trek is perfect if you have only few days in hand, but a reviving break is much-needed.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Devariyatal Chopta Chandrashila trek combines the best of Uttarakhand in one journey.
Tour highlights
Deoria Tal
Ukhimath
Kedarnath
Madhyamaheshwar
Destinations covered
Best Time
Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov
Ideal For
Families, Couples, Seniors, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.
Deoria Chopta Chandrashila trek begins at Ukhimath, which at a height of 1,311 m. is famous for its Omkareshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. When heavy snowfall occurs in the region, cutting routes to high-altitude temples, idols from the famous shrines of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought here for worship. Ukhimath is well-connected by road with the nearest railheads of Rishikesh (181 km.) and Haridwar (204 km.) and the closest airport of Dehradun (196 km.). On arrival, check in at the campsite near the town and stay overnight.
Have to breakfast and begin to drive to Saari Village, the starting point of the trek to Devariyatal. At a height of about 2,377 m., Saari (or Sari) is blessed with picturesque orchards of peach and apples. It is a pleasure to admire the beauty of dense woods of oaks and rhododendrons all around the place. Begin the trek from the village after a short rest. Trek to Devariyatal (or Deoria Tal, height 2,438 m.). Soon, the mighty Himalayan peaks dressed in white and dwarfing everything around comes into view and your excitement escalates. You may stop at a small Shiva Temple on the way. Please Note:Horses are available (INR 200-250) for carrying people/luggage, though you are advised to enjoy the route by trekking only. Small eateries are available within 1 km. of a trek and near the lake too. These shop owners charge about 20% more than the normal rates for every item. If you plan to return here for camping in future, the charges include INR 150/600 as entry fee and INR 50-500/ 100-1,000 for camps for Indians/foreigners. Please Note: Legends state that the lake gets its name from the belief that Devas take bath here. It is also believed to be the lake where the eldest of the Pandava brothers, Yudhishtra, answered Yaksha’s questions. Apart from the mythological significance, it is the unbeatable splendor of the lake that mesmerizes one and all. Dense forest canopies on one side and verdant meadows on the other, while hoary peaks of Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch and others peeping into the water – everything is extremely overwhelming. After spending some quality moments near the lake, descend back to Sari and drive to Chopta for overnight stay.
Set amidst meadows and evergreen forests, Chopta boasts of unspoiled and explored charm at an elevation of 2,680 m. Popular as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, it provides incredible views of pine, rhododendron and deodar forests with the backdrop of sky-reaching peaks. You would be lucky if you spot the state bird monal or high-altitude species musk deer over here. Post breakfast, we begin the trek to Tungnath, one of the five Panch Kedars that are homes to shrines of Lord Shiva. Mythology states that when Shiva disguised as a bull to hide into the ground from Pandavas, his body appeared in parts at these five locations. It was at Tungnath that his arms appeared and Pandavas built a temple here. Do you know?At the elevation of 3,680 m., Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple. Do you know? During the trek, you would be enchanted to view terraced fields, alpine meadows, blooming rhododendrons and serpentine journeys of Rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda. On arrival, pray at the temple and continue the trek to Chandrashila Peak. Chandrashila (meaning moon rock), at the height of 4,000 m. is a wonderful vantage point with fascinating views of Nanda Devi Peak (elevation 7,816 m.; highest in Uttarakhand, second highest in India) and many other peaks like Bandarpunch, Kedar, and Chaukhamba. It is believed that Lord Rama and Moon God performed penance over this peak. Enjoy the panorama all around and start the trek back to Chopta. Stay overnight in camp.
Check out from the camp in the morning and begin your journey back to home. What to Carry
Temples on the way
Sacred temples you can visit
On this journey you come close to 3 holy temples of India, from the Jyotirlinga, Chota Char Dham, Char Dham circuits. Below you can see each temple and how far it is from where you stay, so you can plan your darshan with a calm mind and enough time.
A short drive from your stay
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
Jyotirlinga · Chota Char Dham · Shiva · Uttarakhand
Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a short drive from your stay at Ukhimath (about 25 km). You can go for darshan and come back the same day.
An easy day trip from your stay
Badrinath Dham
Char Dham · Chota Char Dham · Vishnu · Uttarakhand
Badrinath Dham is an easy day trip from your stay at Ukhimath (about 46 km).
Gangotri Dham
Chota Char Dham · Ganga · Uttarakhand
Gangotri Dham is an easy day trip from your stay at Ukhimath (about 55 km).
UNESCO World Heritage
World Heritage Sites on this journey
This tour takes you close to 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. These are places the world has recognised as our shared treasure. Below you can see each one and how far it is from where you stay, so you can plan your darshan and sightseeing with time to spare.
An easy day trip from your stay
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
Natural · Inscribed 1988 · Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks makes an easy day trip from your stay at Ukhimath (about 46 km).
Want to plan your trip around India’s World Heritage Sites? See all UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips For This Tour
Travel Tips For Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Travel Tips For Chopta Chandrashila Trek
- The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a moderately easy trek and is one of the most beautiful trekking trails in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is also home to many sites of great religious importance so that you can also quench your spiritual thirst. You can pray at the Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath and also enjoy the majestic scenic beauty of the Chopta valley, lying unspoiled in the lap of the Himalayas.
- First-time trekkers are urged to carry a trekking pole and buy hardy trekking shoes to protect your feet from the rugged terrain of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek and snakebites. Also, try to exercise regularly so that you are accustomed to the continuous walking and climbing that you have to do on this trek.
- Carry energy bars with you as a snack if you get hungry on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek as there very few shops. There will be a few shops near the Ukhimath campsite, so don’t forget to load up on supplies there!
- The general temperature in this region is fairly low, even during summer, so make sure to pack adequate clothing.
- The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is absolutely beautiful in terms of sheer photographic value. The best time to undertake this trek is during April-May when the rhododendrons lining the trail will be in full bloom. Elusive birds like the Mountain Hawk Eagle and the Himalayan Griffon will also be nesting, so bird-watchers make sure to carry your binoculars, as you do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity.
- The trek to Deoriya Taal is lined with beautiful apple and peach orchards. The produce here is very cheap and of very high quality. Do not miss a chance to get some for your loved ones back home.
- Always keep extra photocopies of your identification documents like Aadhaar Card/Driver’s License etc. on hand. These areas have constant military patrolling and you may be asked to produce proof of identity.
- Drink only boiled water. Carry a well-equipped first-aid kit with you at all times.
What travellers say
What travellers say
4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
Y
Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”a month ago · Google
A
Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”2 months ago · Google
Y
Yash Bhargava★★★★★
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”5 months ago · Google
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
For the Chopta Chandrashila Trek, no special permits are required for Indian nationals. However, foreign nationals may need to check with local authorities for any specific regulations. It's advisable to carry valid identification and inform local authorities about your trekking plans.
The best time for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trails are accessible. Winter months can be challenging due to heavy snowfall, while monsoon season may lead to slippery paths.
Pack warm clothing, including thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy trekking shoes. Don’t forget trekking poles, a first-aid kit, energy bars, and sufficient water. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended for sun protection, especially at higher altitudes.
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is considered moderately easy, making it suitable for first-time trekkers. However, it involves continuous walking and climbing, so some level of physical fitness is recommended. Regular exercise prior to the trek can help prepare your body.
There are limited shops along the trek, primarily near the Ukhimath campsite. It’s advisable to stock up on snacks and water there, as options are scarce on the trail. Carrying energy bars and other lightweight snacks is a good idea.
Chandrashila is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. This elevation can lead to altitude sickness for some trekkers, so it's important to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
While trekking alone is possible, it is generally safer to trek in groups. The trails can be remote, and having companions can enhance safety and provide assistance in case of emergencies. Always inform someone about your trekking plans.
The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 220 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ukhimath, the starting point of the trek.
The Chopta region is rich in biodiversity. You may encounter various species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, and possibly some wildlife like deer and foxes. Always maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding any animals.
Mobile connectivity can be limited in the Chopta region. While you may have signal in Ukhimath and some parts of the trek, it is advisable to inform family or friends of your plans beforehand, as you may not have consistent access to communication.
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