| The winter, contrary to popular belief, is a great time to be in the mountains. The views are clear and one gets to sun themselves in the extremely pleasant winter sun. During our traditional Xmas trek, we usually end up camping in the snow for a couple of nights and trekking through the same to some really exotic locales. This year, we travel to some very beautiful areas in the Garhwal Himalayas – Chopta, Tungnath and Deoriatal. DEORIATAL: This is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 2438 m. This lake has captivating surroundings with forests all around. The reflection of the mighty Chaukhamba peak in the lake creates a beautiful effect. The road is motorable up to Sari, 10 kms from Ukhimath and from there one has to trek about 3 kms. 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 the mother Kunti felt thirsty, one by one four sons out of five went to fetch water from this lake but died, as they could not answer the question of 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. CHOPTA: Known as the “Switzerland of India”, Chopta at an altitude of 2600 m offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Himalayan peaks against the backdrop of clear blue skies. With bugyals (high altitude meadows) all around, it is one of the best camping sites in Garhwal. Also, the sunset as seen from Chopta is a sight one can travel any distance to see!!! TUNGNATH: The As per mythology, it is believed that when Shiva went into the earth while escaping from the Pandavas, his arms reappeared at Tungnath. He is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars. At an altitude of 3680 m, is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch Kedars. From here one can view the Bandarpoonch, Kedar, Chaukhamba and Dunagiri peaks, amongst others. The trek to Tungnath is abundant with rich flora and fauna, with one passing through many a grassy (now snowy) slope. |
DAY 1 : Dec 25: HARIDWAR – SARI (Drive/8-9 hrs) – DEORIATAL (Trek/1-2 hrs)
Departure from Haridwar Railway satation at 0530 hrs. Today, we will drive from Haridwar to the roadhead for the trek, Sari. This drive would take 8-9 hrs, with a break for freshening up and breakfast enroute. From Sari we would begin the trek to Deoriatal that would take 1-2 hrs depending on your pace. On arrival here, we setup camp for the night and celebrate Christmas under the stars. Overnight in tents.
DAY 2 : Dec 26: DEORIATAL – CHOPTA (Trek/12 kms/5-6 hrs)
After breakfast trek to Chopta. Enjoy the sunset from Chopta….something to behold for a lifetime. At Chopta we will set up a camp for the night.
DAY 3 : Dec 28: CHOPTA – TUNGANATH – CHOPTA (Trek/6 kms/5-6 hrs)
After an early breakfast we trek up to Tungnath temple (3.5 kms). The trail is steep and will take 3-4 hrs. The views enroute are truly outstanding. Relax at the temple and depending on the snow conditions we would try and trek up to the summit of Chandrashilla Peak (I km). Enjoy the breathtaking 180 degree view of the Himalayas from here and trek back to Chopta (2-3 hrs).
DAY 4 : Dec 29: CHOPTA – HARIDWAR (Drive/8-9 hrs)
Post breakfast, trek to the roadhead and board your vehicles for Haridwar. |
