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If one is looking at a short 5-day trek in the Himalayas then look no further. This is one of the most enchanting short treks and lies in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. This hike is in a protected area and hence there are minimal signs of civilization and abundance of flora & fauna, which adds to the beauty of the place. In the first leg of the trek we hike up to Deoriatal. This is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 2438 m and has captivating surroundings with forests all around. The Chaukhamba peak feels like it is an arm’s length away and the reflection of the mighty peak in the crystal clear waters of the lake creates a beautiful effect.
The story associated with this scenic place is that when the Pandavas were in exile and were hiding from the Kaurava king, Duryodhan, they stopped nearby for a rest. When their mother Kunti felt thirsty, one by one four of her sons went to fetch water from this lake but died, as they could not answer the question put forth to them by the Yaksha Devta who resided here. When the eldest son's Yudishtra's turn came, he answered all questions correctly and with the result the dead brothers also came back to life. Here we will camp by the lakeside and enjoy the star spangled sky in the night. Next on our trail is Chopta, popularly referred to as the Mini-Switzerland of India because of its undulating green meadows (carpets of snow in winter!!) and a breath taking view of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Camping here is a totally enjoyable experience.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: Haridwar – Kund (1350m) Drive/200 kms/6-7 hrs
We will meet at Haridwar railway station at 7:00 a.m and from here board a vehicle and be driven up to Kund. This is an interesting drive. You will, for most part of the journey drive along the Ganga & Alaknanda river before turning into the Mandakini valley. Enroute you will be crossing the holy towns of Rishikesh, Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Evening we will go for a short hike to stretch our leg muscles and also spend some time by the riverside. Overnight in the lodge.
DAY 02: Kund (1350m) – Deoriatal (2438m) Trek/4-5 hrs
Today when you start hiking from the lodge you will initially walk through a few villages and a small temple town, Ukhimath. The walk from here on is through an enchanting mixed forest abundant in bird life. Today’s hike is mostly uphill. We will reach Deoriatal lake by afternoon and spend rest of the day exploring the serene surroundings. This is a fine place for photography and bird watching. Overnight in tents.
DAY 03: Deoriatal (2438m) – Chopta (2800m) Trek/4-5 hrs
Today we walk on a ridge for some time and then get into a series of ascents and descents which are gradual and completely enjoyable. You will encounter a mixed forest having oaks, pines, rhododendrons and a few more local varieties. Also we start getting views of other snow-capped Himalayan peaks. We will reach the campsite by afternoon and spend rest of the day exploring Chopta. The views towards the evening are going to be great so keep your cameras handy. The sunset from Chopta is also a photographer’s delight!! Overnight in tents.
DAY 04: Chopta (2800m) – Tungnath (3680m) – Chandrashila peak (4000m) – Kund Trek/4-5 hrs & Drive/1 hr
We start the day by climbing up the slopes of the meadow. The climb is demanding but short and extremely scenic. It will take about a couple of hours to reach Tungnath temple. The golden meadows in this area are very striking so are the views of big mountains and valleys. Religious or non-religious does not matter, just sit by yourself for a few minutes in the courtyard of the temple with eyes closed you will feel very light! After a brief stop for refreshments and rest carry on with your climb to reach the summit of Chandrashilla peak at about 4000m. The effort is going to be rewarded multiple times with views which are surely unparalleled. From the summit you can see big Himalayan peaks (Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and many more) and surrounding valleys in all directions. After capturing the views in your camera start walking down to the base camp at Chopta and from there get onto your vehicles and drive down to the lodge in Kund where a refreshing shower and hot dinner awaits you. Spend time by the riverside. Overnight in the lodge
DAY 05: Kund – Haridwar Drive/200 kms/6-7 hrs
After breakfast those who want to try their hand at the exciting sport of river rafting will get an opportunity to do so. We will offer a stretch of rafting on Alaknanda river which is suitable for first timers also. In case someone does not want to raft they can enjoy at the camp by the riverside and wait for the rest to join them after rafting. After finishing the rafting we will depart for Haridwar enroute crossing the spiritual capital of the country, Rishikesh. Trip will end at Haridwar and one can proceed with the onward journey. We will reach Haridwar by 3-4 p.m. Trip ends here.
