Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Deoriatal Lake is a quintessential lake located in Sari Village near Ukhimath, Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 7,810 feet above sea level, the Lake offers a breathtaking and picturesque view, especially in the morning and evening. The snow-covered Chaukhamba peak in the backdrop of the lake looks majestic, and its reflection on the lake seems like a picture postcard scene. The lake is en route for trekkers on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek via Devriyatal.

The Deoriatal Trek is easy and can be climbed by beginners, but if the trail is extended further to the Chandrashila summit, then it becomes a moderately difficult trek. The Deoriatal Lake falls under the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary; the trekkers need to obtain a permit from the forest department check post. In the morning, you can spot some animals that visit this lake to quench their thirst. In this Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Guide, we are going to share some valuable information about the trek.

Base Camp of the Trek

Sari Village serves as the base camp for the Deoriatal Trek, which is about 187 km from Rishikesh. The village is easily accessible by road using public transportation options such as buses and shared taxis. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to reach the place. Sari village offers several accommodation options, most of which are homestays.

Trek Difficulty Level

Well, the difficulty level of Deorialtal Trek is considered easy and can be climbed without much difficulty, even by beginners. However, if you are planning to undertake the Chandrashilla Trek via Deoriatal, it might not be that easy, as it is graded as moderately difficult and requires more effort. The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek distance is around 32 km, which is usually covered in 6 days. Physical fitness is essential for this trek as you will encounter some steep patches, especially the last stretch of the trail. Trekking during winter is not easy and adds some extra challenges due to heavy snowfall. The weather in the region constantly changes, and the strong wind current will surely test your resilience.

Best time for the Deoriatal Trek

The ideal time for the Devriyatal Chandrashila Trek is from May to November, except during the monsoon season. During this period, trekkers will not face extreme weather or other challenges. In summer, the clear skies and lush green meadows create a stunning view. During the spring season, the trail is lined with beautiful red rhododendron flowers, adding more charm to the landscape.

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Short Itinerary

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek can be completed in 6 days. However, if you opt for the alternative option on day 3, the trek can be completed in five days. The details for each day's trek are shared below: -

Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village

• Board a bus or shared taxi or hire a cab from Rishikesh.
• The distance to cover is around 187 km, which takes around 7 hours.
• Bus and shared taxi services are available up to Ukhimath only.
• From Ukhimath, you can hire a shared taxi to reach Sari Village, which is about 12 km away.
• Check into your accommodation for an overnight stay to begin the trek the next day.

Day 2: Sari Village to Deoriatal

• Trek from Sari Village to Devriyatal, which is around 4 km away.
• The trek will take around 2-3 hours to cover the distance.

Day 3: Trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi (via Rohini Bugyal)

• Trek from Deoriatal to Syalmi, which passes through Rohini Bugyal.
• The total distance to cover is around 9 km, which takes about 7 hours.
• Alternatively, you can trek from Deoriatal to Tala Village and then drive to Baniyakund.
• You have to trek around 10 km to reach Tala Village, which takes about 7 hours.
• From Tala village, you have to drive about 15 km via shared taxi services to reach Baniyakund, which takes around 45 minutes.

Day 4: Trek from Syalmi to Baniya Kund

• Trek from Syalmi to Baniya Kund, which requires covering around 5.5 km.
• The trek will take approximately 6 hours to complete.

Day 4 (If opting for the alternative path): Drive from Baniyakund to Chopta and trek to Chandrashila and Return

• Drive to Chopta from Baniyakund, where you have to cover around 5 km
• The drive will take around 20 minutes to reach.
• Trek from Chopta to Chandrashila, which is around 5 km away (one way) and approximately takes 3-4 hours.
• After enjoying the scenic views, trek back to Chopta and drive back to Baniyakund for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Trek from Baniya Kund to Chandrashila (Via Tungnath) and drive back to Sari from Baniya Kund.

• Trek from Baniya Kund to Chandrashila via Tungnath Temple, covering a total distance of 13 km.
• The trek will take around 7-8 hours to complete.
• From Baniyakund, drive back to Sari village, which takes about 1 hour to cover a 21 km distance.

Day 5 (If Day 4 alternative route opted): Drive Back To Rishikesh

• For your return journey, take a taxi from Baniyakund or Sari Village.
• For more transportation options, you can also travel to Ukhimath.

Day 6: Drive from Sari to Rishikesh

• On the final day, take a taxi and travel to Rishikesh.
• The total drive distance is 187 km, which takes around 8 hours.

Journey Commenced From

• The journey for the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek begins from Rishikesh, which is around 259 km from Delhi.
• It provides good road, rail, and air connectivity from Delhi and its nearby cities.
• Although Rishikesh doesn't offer direct air connectivity, the nearest Airport, Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, is just 16 km from Rishikesh.
• The airport offers direct and regular flights from major cities.
• Currently, Rishikesh Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway Station offers limited train services from Delhi.
• It can also be reached from nearby places, as it provides regular bus and taxi services.

Deoriatal Trek Route: Key details

Deoriatal Trek Route Map

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek journey commences from Rishikesh. The base camp of the journey is Sari village, which is around 187 km away and takes around 7 hours to reach. The last motorable point is Sari Village, though the buses and other transport services are available up to Ukhimath, which is 12 km from Sari Village. Shared taxi services are easily available from Ukhimath to reach the destination. The entire route passes through some important places: - 
 

Rishikesh → Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi) → Srinagar → Dhari Devi Temple (protector of Char Dham) → Rudraprayag → Tilwara → Agastmuni → Ukhimath → Sari Village

Backpack Check List for Deoriatal Trek

Accommodation

During the peak season, trekkers on the Chopta Tungnath Trek also stay at Sari due to overcrowding and unavailability of accommodation at Chopta. As a result, finding accommodation in Sari can sometimes be challenging. Since the village offers limited lodging options, it is advisable to book your stays in advance. Some recommended places to stay are: -

• Cafe Buransh
• Lake Heaven Resort
• Ragi Homestay
• Hariyali Homestay
• Oakland Holiday Home
• Hilltop Homestay
• Heaven Hills Cottages
• The Raibar Chalet
• Green Hills View Cottages
• Nanda Devi Homestay
• TMS Resort
• Pine Tree Hotel
• Akash Homestay
• Hotel Chopta Heavens

Important Tips for Trekkers

• It is essential to have good physical fitness, as the trail goes through steep sections.
• Avoid visiting during the monsoon, as landslides and road blockages can cause several problems.
• An expert trek guide is required in winter, as the region receives heavy snowfall.
• ATM facilities are available only up to Ukhimath, so it is advisable to carry enough cash.
• Mobile network coverage is limited in the area.
• For a better experience, take the services of trekking agencies.
• To avoid last-minute issues, always book your accommodation in advance.
• Before embarking on the journey, obtain the permit issued by the forest department.

Deoriatal Trek Package

• Various trekking agencies provide packages for the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek.
• Visitors can choose a package, as per their needs and requirements.
• The six-day Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek package costs around Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000/-
• The package includes basic services such as permits, trek guides, stays, meals during the trek, and others.
• The facilities which are not included in the package can be added as an optional service.
• Check the services offered and the terms and conditions before completing the registration.

Facilities offered by the agencies

Popular Trek providers

Note: The prices mentioned above are indicative and subject to change by the agencies. For the latest package cost, visit the portal of the respective agencies.