Tungnath-Chandrashila-DeoriaTaal storytrek
Beginners' Dream Trail!
The Tungnath-Chandrashila-DeoriaTaal is easily one of India's finest trek trails.
Offering one of the finest campsites in the country, this is a fairytalish trail, right out of your childhood story books!
3 trails rolled into one trek, it's a unique trak trail that offers something for everyone: be it families, beginners, or hard-core hikers.
Breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, riot of colors in the form of rhododendron flowers, it's a birdwatchers' paradise, too. This is one of the few treks where you'll find Monal, the beautiful and the majestic state bird of Uttarakhand.
DeoriaTaal is straight out of your childhood 'scenery' paintings.
Tungnath Mahadev, the highest Shiva temple in the world (yes, higher than Kedarnath ji!), sits majestically at 12,000 feet.
And Chandrashila, at close to 13000 feet, the highest peak point of the region, offers unmatched, 360 degree view of the Himalayas.
And, of course, how can a 'Storytrails' trek be complete without stories?!
This is one trek trail which offers plenty of stories dating back to the Mahabharata era.
Brief Itinerary
Itineraries at Storytreks are different, bearing in mind that hiking for us is a medium to tell stories of the land.
Hop on!
Day 0
Overnight train to Haridwar/Kathgodam
Day 1
Cab/Traveller picks you from Hardwar railway station.
Drive down to Sari Village(170 odd kms).
Stop at, and listen to the stories of, Devprayag and Rudraprayag, the holy confluences of the mighty Alaknanda.
Alaknanda meets the sacred Bhagirathi at Devprayag, and what emerges from the union is the holy Ganga. And She meets Mandakini at Rudraprayag.
Stop by at DhariDevi, the protective deity of the region, for Her divine darshan.
Listen to Her story.
Reach late afternoon.
Tea.
Trek to DeoriaTaal, one of the finest campsites in the country.
An easy trek of around 3 kms.
Check into your tent camp.
Relax.
Get lost amidst the Himalayas and deep forests.
Day 2
Enjoy DeoriaTaal.
Listen to its story, dating back to Mahabharat times.
Option 1:
Trek back to Sari Village, check into your magnificent cottages.
Enjoy what is left of the day.
Dinner.
Option 2:
14 kms trek from Deoriataal to Chopta through deep jungles and hills. This is what we call the 'getting lost, finding yourself' trek!
Reach Chopta late afternoon.
Drive back to Sari village, check into your cottages.
Enjoy what is left of the day.
Dinner.
If you have the time & the intent, do visit the mystical & the mysterious Kalimath temple.
GuptKashi is not too far away, either.
Day 3
Early morning trek (4.5 kilometres) to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world(higher than Kedarnath).
Carry packed lunch with you.
Listen to the legend of Tungnath Mahadev.
Trek to Chandrashila (900 metres).
It’s a steep climb, unprotected by mountains from either side.
Absolutely exhilarating!
A favourite sunrise/sunset hunting point for many.
Offers unbridled views of the entire Himalayan range.
Return to your cottage by late afternoon/early evening.
Rest.
Dinner.
Day 4
Leave for Haridwar early morning.
If you have the time, attend the magnificent and the divine Ganga Arti at Triveni Ghat. Or at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar.
You might want to pay a visit to Maya Devi temple, one of the 52 Shaktipeeths.
And Daksh Mahadev temple. This is where Mata Sati immolated herself in the yagna fire after her father, Daksh, insulted her husband, Lord Shiva.
Enjoy the bustling streets of Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Take the overnight train.
Get lost in memories, forever!❤️
Gallery
Some of our pics from this trail.
Each pic here tells a story of it's own!