The topic of the Post is Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal’s memoirs. The name Uttarakhand: The moment this name is used in conversations, the primary thoughts that run through the mind are the Himalayas and spiritual belief. Since ancient times, this state has been the focal point for the above two factors.
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand
It has been the gateway to spiritual belief and becoming one with nature since Sri Adi Shankar Acharya’s times. Thousands have come here for peace; many have found their true inner calling among the dense forests and virgin rivers flowing through the lower Himalayas. Home to the greatest of all ancient rivers, the Ganges herself; on her banks, many a great spiritual soul has contemplated life and its essence. Boasting of some great trekking options in the region is a must on any traveller’s Bucket list.
Mountains are Home
There is a saying that says home is where your heart is, and the other side to it is that the earth is our home. So when we combine the two, we realize how incredible home is. We all have our “go to “places; for me, that part is the mountains; the landscape just makes the heart sing. It makes me feel alive. Those who stay in the heart of our country or the western regions do not have to go far to experience mountains at their best. The lofty ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas, with the image of the mighty Chaukhamba, make anyone feel right at home.
Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal journey
Getting to Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal
A journey of eight hours by road from Haridwar, along the Kedarnath trail but with a diversion at the settlement of Kund towards the holy town of Ukimath. This route takes one via Augustamuni, where one can visit the ashram of Sage Augustamuni. Afterward, one crosses Bhiri village and finally arrives at Ukimath. All the places are small towns nestled in the foothills of mountain ranges. The scenic beauty is evident all along the route. The pause sustains the journey through a familiar/unfamiliar world, and such a journey sustains the pause.
Ukimath District, Uttarakhand
Omkareshwar Temple at Ukimath houses the deities of Kedarnath and Madhmaheswar during winter. Five Shiva lingas, representing the five paanch Kedar, are established here. The construction and decoration of the Parvati temple are very soothing. This temple is a must-visit.
After the visit, one proceeds towards Chopta via Baniyakund and Duggalbitha. The roads grow narrower as one progresses further into the mountains, steadily gaining height. This region comprises deodars, pines, and birches, with range after range of heavily forested lands.
The grandeur of Chopta
Chopta (elevation 2700 mts), a series of undulating meadows on the slopes of the foothills of the mighty Garhwal Himalayan ranges, is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a base camp for trekking sojourns to Tungnath ji and Chandrashila, the moon rock. Chandrashila literally meaning “moon rock “ is situated at a height of 4000 mts above sea level and is the summit of Tungnath. This peak provides a 270-degree view of the Himalayas and is famed for its sunrise, with the peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul clearly visible.
Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal travel memoirs. Those who reach magical Chopta are greeted by the blue sky overhead, calm wind blowing through their hair, and the sight of Rhododendrons in full bloom. Yes, this is a sight to see and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country, for this tree is the state tree of Uttarakhand.
FAQ on Chopta
best season to visit Chopta
So which is the best season to visit Chopta: For a combination of snowcapped peaks, wintry chill and to see the rhododendrons in full bloom, one has to come in the months of march-april when the winter still has its sway in these regions with spring making its presence felt by way of signaling the flowering of the rhododendrons.
Stay Duration
Stay Duration: This is a purely personal choice. What can be better than waking up to the sounds of birds chirping in the deodar and pine trees or, better still, watching the sun rays kiss the Himalayan peaks as they signal the start of yet another glorious day? However, as a rule of thumb, a two-day stay is more than apt. Later, one can move towards Deoriyaa Taal, which we will discuss soon enough.
Stay Options at Chopta
Stay Option. A place’s beauty needs to be experienced in the old ways, and this calls for a stay at one of the numerous cosy shacks that cater to the traveller’s needs. Expect no luxurious stay; however, a few tented camps at one of the lower meadows at Duggalbitha is also an option.
Activities to do at Chopta
Activities to do: There is much to do in the time you spend at Chopta.
(a) Immerse yourself within oneself and with your loved ones away from the humdrum of city life.
(b)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Go for a walk amidst forgotten paths within forested glades of pines and deodars and witness the beauty of the State Bird of Uttarakhand, known as the Monal. Just take a diversion off the main path, explore the lovely bugyals (meadows) on foot, and find many hidden gems.
(c)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Soak in magical sunsets occurring on the peaks of Chaukhmaba (7138 mts) .
(d) Feel the night’s warmth by a campfire underneath the starry sky.
(e) For the adventurous, go for a night drive to face the elusive leopard in its natural habitat.
Reality Check: Do remember that pristine virgin places like these imply a shortage of electrical supply, limited cuisine and menu options, and very basic creature comforts at the place of stay, including the washroom facility. In addition, the phone network is sketchy, but it is available on the BSNL network. Also, carry a portable water filter; I recommend that LIFESTRAW be safe.
Clothing advice for Chopta
Clothing advice: Chopta, situated at an average height of 2700 mts, gets fairly cold at night, with temperatures dropping to as low as the single digits in the months of March – June. Hence, warm clothing is a must; the trick in warm clothing is to wear them in layers to trap the body heat. Comfortable shoes with a good sole grip are a must. Also, gloves and woolen caps should be worn for evenings and nights. A hot water bottle will be a godsend for many at night when the temperature drops. I would recommend inner woolen layers as well as outer waterproof warm layers from Quechua . Read about the technique of clothing layering here for better preparation.
Things to do in Chopta
What next after Chopta??? Those who decide to have more magic and mystical experiences when departing from Chopta can opt for the religious visit to Tungnath Ji, a four-hour trek one way, followed by a short hike to Chandrashila. There is an adjoining peak called Raavanshila, which offers a different perspective for those who visit it. Tales state that Raavan mediated during the Tretayuga out here. Alternatively, take the trek route to the magical Deoriyaa Taal, and for those who wish to move further, a two-hour drive will bring one to the historical and significant temple town of Gopeshwar and a return to civilization.
Highest Shiva temple in the World Sri Tungnath ji
Trekking to the highest Shiva Temple in the world(3680 mts): Tungnath, one of the five Panch Kedars, is more than 1000 years old and accessible only in the non-winter months. Steeped in religious myth and belief, existing since the dawn of the previous Vedic age of Dvpara Yuga, the abode of Lord Shiva. There is something profound out there. Under the vast universe, the temple stands silent, emanating vibrance that reaches out in all the eight directions, with the mighty Himalayan peaks standing as the personal guards.
Tales of Lord Shiva and the Pandavas, in their quest for forgiveness and atonement for the sin of killing kith and kin, surround this place and transport those who undertake the sojourn to pay homage to a different plane altogether.
Trekking to Tungnath
Trek details. The total distance is around five kilometres; however, in the Himalayas, we generally speak about hours and not kilometers. To a non-trekker city dweller, the trek gradient would appear steep; however, at a steady pace, it would be doable in three to four hours. The path is well laid out, and numerous rest/tea shops are dotted all along the trek route.
Best time to trek to Tungnath
Best time to trek. Tungnath is inaccessible in the core winter months, and with the temple too closed, few venture here. However the best time to visit would be in the months of March –April when the beauty of the rhododendrons in full bloom change the face of the mountain slopes into a carpet of red color. Additionally, the glamour of walking on snow-covered patches has its own charm, and the vistas of the Himalayan peaks that come into view as one climbs higher and higher make the arduous trek worthwhile.
stay options for Tungnath
Stay Option. The best option is to stay at Chopta to avoid health complications, considering the height and the cold that would follow as the sun sets. However, there are tea shops for diehard souls where one can stay in basic comfort. The effort taken is definitely worthwhile, for the sunrise views will be incomparable to anything seen previously.
What to carry for the Tungnath trek
Clothing advice. Warm layered clothes are definitely a must out here, for the temperature drops rapidly and steadily as the winds pick up by late afternoon. By the time the sun has set, the temperatures plummet, and the cold would be very unpleasant if one is not comfortably layered in warm clothing. I would recommend inner woolen layers as well as outer waterproof warm layers.
Activities to do: What does one do at a height of 4 km vertically up from sea level?
(a) Immerse yourself in the religious vibe at the feet of Lord Shiva at Tungnath.
(b) Take a short, steep hike to Chandrashila, the moon rock, for a 270 view of the Garhwal Himalayas.
(c) Soak in magical sunsets and sunrise.
(d) Indulge in heart-to-heart talks with your companions under the starry sky, totally cut off from the threads of modern existence.
FAQ for Tungnath Trek
Reality Check: Do remember that a place like Tungnath has no electrical supply, limited cuisine and menu options, very basic creature comforts at the place of stay, including the washroom facility, and no medical support, especially for those staying the night out there. In addition, the phone network is not available. Also, carry a portable water filter; I recommend that LIFESTRAW be safe.
Trek to Deoriyaa Taal
Trekking to the enchanting lake of the Devas(2500 mts): Deoriyaa Taal. In the age of the Mahabharata, during the twelve-year exile of the Pandavas, in the course of their wanderings, they were put to test on the quotient of Dharma in their thoughts and actions. This test was conducted by none other than Lord Yama, the God of death and other than Yudhishthira, all his brothers failed. He was blessed by Lord Yama, stating that no one would recognize them during the course of their exile of twelve years. The place where this episode occurred is none other than the Deoriyaa Taal. As per the Hindu Mythology, this enchanted lake is also believed to be the favored bathing place for the Devas.
Beauty of Deoriyaa Taal, Ukimath
The lake’s exalted history takes a subtle backseat when mere mortals like us are confronted by its physical beauty. Nestled at an average altitude of 2500 mts in heavily wooded surroundings, with the Himalayan Peaks in the backdrop, the beauty stills the heart for a few moments.
On cold winter nights when each breath freezes, under the black starry night adorned with constellations, one can see the pale white peaks of Mt. Neelkanth, Bandarpoonch, Kedar dome, and Mt. Chaukhamba glittering in the distance, casting their reflection in the still water of Deoriyaa Taal. A sight such as this mesmerizes all those who brave the cold in order to witness these mystical sights. One is transported back to a time when the creator was still forming the earth.
Trek details for Deoriyaa Taal
Trek details. The best option is to reach Saari village by metalled road a day before from Chopta and stay overnight in the comfortable homestays at the village. The next morning one is greeted by visuals of a mountain village and its hardworking positive inhabitants going through chores of yet an everyday morning; visuals of women working in the terraced fields, cattle grazing, school children in morning prayer at the school and men in groups discussing something which I do not know .. it was atmosphere of calm poised lifestyle so vastly different from the hordes of people on their way to work in cities each peering into their android and apple phones as their mind focused on the day coming ahead. I do not say which is better or worse just correlating both versions of humanity as experienced personally.
The climb starts from the village, and it is a steep climb of around three kilometers to the campsite. The forest trail is through enveloping tunnels of thick wooded trees and wooded glades over moss paths. The chirping of a wide variety of birds of various hues and sizes, ranging from the Long-tail Minivet to the Himalayan Bulbul, is a melody that can never be replicated, soothing the trekker and setting up a mental frame that aligns the inner subconscious with nature and its positive vibes.
Trek Eligibility
Trek Eligibility. The trek is a beginner’s trek and can be done by just about anybody. Those who feel that the journey is tough can hire a horse from the Saari village, which is readily available. It is still to be understood that in the Himalayas, trekking is never to be taken lightly, and due care and preparation are mandatory.
best time to visit Deoriyaa Taal
Best time to trek. The lake is accessible all year round, and the vistas that greet the traveler each season are different. However, the top slot still goes to the months of March and April. This is the best time to witness the views of the mountains and enjoy the warmth of the wintry sun and the chill of the cold night.
stay option at Deoriyaa Taal
Stay Option. There are two main staying options available: tents and tea stalls. Many companies offer tents, and a small restaurant built a bit away can serve hot basic food if intimated in advance and also offer a place to stay the night.
Travel essentials for Trek to Deoriyaa Taal
Clothing advice. Warm layered clothes are definitely a must out here, for the temperature drops rapidly and steadily as the winds pick up by late afternoon. Comfortable hiking shoes are also mandatory, for one of the worst things to occur is a shoe bite when one is in such a location. Personal sleeping bags are desirable and should be taken to augment what will be provided at the camp site.
FAQ for Deoriyaa Taal camping
Reality Check: Do remember that a place like Deoriyaa Taal has no electrical supply, limited cuisine and menu options, very basic creature comforts and no medical support, especially for those staying the night out there. Also, carry a portable water filter; I recommend that LIFESTRAW be safe.
Medical support. If you suffer from breathlessness at heights, check with your doctor before arriving at high-altitude places like these. Though you might not be affected by high-altitude sickness (AMS) in these places, that does not imply that exceptions do not happen. Never ignore your body’s signs and take corrective action in time.
Giving back. Everyone who visits the above bought-out places is responsible for not littering them, defacing them, or cutting down tree branches for firewood. Their beauty draws visitors and soothes them in their short time there. Hence, they have to be preserved the way they exist.
| Essential check list for Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal journey |
| Warm layered Clothing |
| Comfortable hiking shoes |
| Woolen socks |
| Woolen cap |
| Eye shades |
| Sunscreen |
| Woolen gloves |
| Walking Stick |
| Essential medication including glucose |
| Power Bank Charger |
| BSNL connection |
| Rucksack |
| Life Straw Water Bottle |
| Torch with spare batteries |
| Camera |
| High energy content eatables like chocolates and resins |
| Sleeping Bag with ground mat |
| Emergency numbers of the district administration |
My thoughts on my journey and experiences to Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal
This journey to explore Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal was indeed a spiritual and deeply connected experience with nature. I strongly recommend that all nature lovers plan a trip to this region. There is so much more to see out here, including history, religious beliefs, and the simplistic way of life in the mountains.
What is my blog about ?
My blog focuses on nature-based places and offbeat destinations. India has an abundance of these kinds of places. From the region of Ladakh to the 1000 temples of Tamil Nadu, there is everything for all of us to see and experience. It is my endeavour to showcase this great country of ours through my travels.
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Summary
Article Name
Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal's memoirs
DescriptionA helpful guide to knowing about Chopta Tungnath and Deoriyaa Taal. All details in the curated post to plan your own trek
Author
sumit walia
What beautiful captures …… makes one to be there pronto 🙂 Thanks for taking the pain to pen down an elaborate post making it convenient for people who would be travelling there.