Panoramic Himalayan Experience:: Deoriatal to Chandrashila Trek
… We were awestruck at the grand Himalayan panorama in front of us.
Alpine glow of the early sun rays on the ‘Himalayan Crown’ Chaukhamba peak was particularly enchanting, besides the handful of the tallest peaks in India. Standing at 12,083 feet (3683 meters) on the top of the summit of Chandrashila peak with my little daughter was indeed a dream come true moment!
I had started with a simple purpose of investing into rich experiences with my 12 year daughter Radha, while giving her a glimpse into my passion of trekking. A group of like-minded friends, families
with kids joined the gang, and we took help of a competent provider IndiaHikes to do our trek. We had travelled from Pune to Delhi to Hrishikesh; and later to the trek
basecamp at quiant village of ‘Sari’ - in Kedarnath Sanctuary located in the
state of Uttarakhand.
Day 1: Bold n’ beautiful rainbow at Lake Deoriatal, at the backdrop of Mount Chaukhamba
A simple 4 hour trek took us from the basecamp at Sari (6,560 ft) to the campsite of Deoriatal (7810 ft). Mystical Deoriatal lake boasts the place where mythological story took place, where Yudishthira wisely answered the philosophical ‘Yaksha-Prashna’. By the time we had lunch at the camp, it started pouring, and we were worried about missing out on the lake and mountain views. Fortunately, rains stopped. A bold and beautiful 270-degree rainbow emerged at the backdrop of clear views of mountains and wave-like clouds shapes (the way we used to draw).
Day 2: Dense forest, meadows and mountain views, while traversing from Deoriatal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
It was DIY Navigation Day for the kids, as they had to use GPS and navigation skills to find the trail for the 7 hour/ 9 km trek from Deoriatal (7810 ft) to Syalmi campsite (7600 ft) via Rohini Bugyal (meadows at 9,020 ft). The kids were equipped with walkie-talkies and excitedly took up the leadership role. Sight of Mt Chaukhamba from the shores of the Deoriatal was pleasing. It was a day of spotting fauna - wild fowl at Deoriatal, venomous snake viper in the forest after Zhandi top and finally a fox at Syalmi camp. Overall, a bit of heavy but scenic trek, as the route was through deep forest full of rhododendron, Oak and maple trees.
Day 3: Meditational
Ascent from Syalmi to Baniya Kund and Pristine ‘Akash Kamini’ river
It was one of the beautiful trekking days, when we took a series of ascents and descents from Syalmi camp first to Akash Kamini river and later ascended till Baniya Kund camp. Trek distance of 5.40 km and an altitude gain from 7600 ft to 8,520 ft. A meditation break at Akash Kamini river and drinking the river water like a tiger was soothing. Akash Kamini river originates at the Tungnath temple. So, touching the river water gave the vibes of “साक्षात तुंगनाथजी के पैरो का गंगाजल प्राशन करना”. During the steady ascent through beautiful jungle, our guides advised to make it a silent walk and absorb the forest through the five senses and beyond. We experienced gratitude that the deep dark jungle had allowed us to enter its region. Like the trees giving us so much, could we become a tree for somebody else!
Day 4: The Summit Push to
Chandrashila via Tungnath: Stretch, but Satisfying
The 3500 ft steep ascent to the summit required special effort and a gameplan. Having got up at 1:15 am (mid-night), we embarked on night trek to Chopta at 3 am. Bright Milky Way in the sky was captivating. Gradual ascent to Tungnath on a well laid out pilgrim trail from Chopta until the Tungnath temple path, followed by a steeper climb to Chandrashila for about an hour was to be conquered. The delicate ‘Monals’ - the state bird of Uttarakhand encouraged us to keep marching, despite the long ascent. Slowly, alpine glow on mighty Himalayan peaks started appearing. Upon taking blessings of Shri Tungnath Ji, we proceeded to the peak of Chandrashila. Such a great vantage point offering a 270-degree panorama! On our left were the Gangotri range of peaks, Mt Jaunli, Mt Jogin, Mt Thalaysagar, the Kedarnath and the Kedar dome. Mandani Parbat and Janhukut. The imposing Chaukhamba was right in front. On our right, we could see Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri. And, then right ahead Mt Nanda Devi, Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul. Unbelievable view!!! Mission was accomplished!
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