"To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles !!"
Winters in India calls for different types of adventures and trips, where most people ascend to tropical regions, I like to explore the unexplored or maybe a snow trek :p
A much needed adventurous trip. Chopta, a perfect long weekend destination to witness the real beauty of Himalaya.
HISTORY OF PLACE
Tungnath is the highest altitude(12,073 ft) Shiva temple in the world. Tungnath is one of the panch-kedars (Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar) which holds religious significance for the Hindus.
How to reach ?
Reaching chopta is not big task if you're okay with long hours of the journey.
You can hire a taxi or can take your own car. The road fine but might find a few rough patches due to an ongoing work for the National Highways.
You can even take public transport (buses), which are easily available and has a good frequency as per your convenience.
Option 1: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Rudraprayag - Ukimath - Chopta
Option 2: Delhi - Meerut - Kotdwar - Landsdowne - Pauri - Shrinagar - Rudraprayag - Ukimath - Chopta
My Journey
It was windy and chilly morning in Rishikesh as compared to Delhi. The sun was yet to rise. We took a halt for few hours in Rishikesh near natraj chowk where we had our bus change, after travelling overnight from Delhi. We had long way to go, so we started our long journey after fulling our stomach.
The journey continued for another 8 unpleasant hours. The traffic jams were big headache due to ongoing highway work. Nevertheless, the spectacular views kept us on edge of our seats.
Finally, we reached Rudraprayag and had lunch. From there we decided to covers the remaining distance in the shared cab as it was more comfortable option. After Rudraprayag take road towards Ukhimath. Chopta is 2.5 hours away from Rudraprayag. We were hoping to reach Chopta before it gets dark.
It was secluded area as we were moving towards Chopta. There was no car ahead us and no car behind us, only our car was climbing up in dense mountain road surrounded by pine trees. The sun had gone away. Chopta was another 12km. The conditions of the roads were not that good as well. We were hungry and tired, wanted to reach the destination as early as possible.
We had our camps booked, but little to our knowledge we knew the temperature will drop below the freezing point real quick. We somehow managed to stay alive (dramatically speaking) in -10°C overnight. It was the chilliest night I have ever experienced.
We woke up early in order to cover the maximum distance and experience the snow trekking as much as possible. We knew it won't be easy buy hey 'the best view comes after the hardest climb'. Chopta is enriched in flora and fauna, we drove to starting point of trek and started our trek to Tungnath.
Trek was of 5 KM and trekking difficulty level was tough. It has stone paved path across the route till Tungnath all covered with heavy snow. White ocean as far as one can see. The degree of difficulty increased due to slippery portions of the trek, many people fall prey to the to the nature of snow.
En-route Tungnath surprises with many amazing views. Tungnath temple opens in April or May each year and closed during the winter season. We took almost 2.5 hrs to reach to Tungnath temple.
Highest Altitude Shiva Temple in the World and here we are.
Temple arena was very calm and peaceful, covered with thick blanket of snow, it is divine paradise. We offered prayers to Lord Shiva from outside of temple as temple was closed. The architecture of Tungnath temple is very similar to Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temple. The forest rangers were reminding people to leave the shoes outside the temple in -3°C.
The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and built by Pandavas to appease Lord Shiva. Tungnath temple is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft.
Next destination was Chandrashila, which was only 1.5 KM from Tungnath, trekking difficulty level was moderate. Ascending to Chandrashila was adventurous, there was no path to follow, just look at peak and chose your path.
It was getting difficult to climb in snow clad mountain with icy wind, slush and mud on route. The climb was steep. Finally we reached to peak at an altitude of 13000 ft and it was breathtaking 360 degree view.
It was one of my tough yet beautiful trekking experience. I would definitely come again in summers and lush green meadows to experience the sanctity of the place.
Till then the journey continues....!
ITINERARY
Night 1 - Overnight journey to Rishikesh and halt for few hours.
Day 1 - Bus to Rufraprayag and reach by Chopta by evening.
Day 2 - Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila and descend to Chopta
Day 3 - Return to Delhi
THINGS TO KNOW
No prior booking required at Chopta.
If you are going in winter season keep enough woolens.
For trekking use shoes with good sole and grip.
Keep your body hydrated during trek.
While trek carry water bottles as there is no water available.
Temple is closed for six months in winter season Nov - April.
Do not litter and take back all the wrappers and bottles.
Do not drink alcohol as this place is sacred to Hindus.
If you have good amount of time visit Deoria Tal, it also have some historical beliefs. It is small trek of 2 km from Saari Village which is 20 KM away from Chopta. You can choose to trek to Tungnath from Deoria Tal.
Visit Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple, and Madhyamaheshwar are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months.
Pauri - Lansdowne has beautiful route.
Avoid driving car in dark
