When I booked the 5 day Chopta Chandrashila trek, I was very sceptical. I wasn’t sure if I could complete the trek, but my friends forced me. Anyway it was mid-April, and our yearly gang of girls holiday was pending. I was unaware of the thrilling and adventurous trek I was about to embark on.
Trekking upwards to an altitude of 13,000 was certainly an incredible experience. The trek was approximately 30 kms and I trekked almost 10 kms a day. I feel like I definitely lost some weight on the trek, and gained some incredible memories.
I decided to take a train to Haridwar and from the railway station I took a private vehicle to the start point, which was Chopta. As I began the upward climb, I came across beautiful open meadows with blooming wildflowers. I had fortunately carried a camera to capture such blossoming moments. I decided to sit and enjoy the full bloom before heading upwards.
My friends and I also trekked through pine and rhododendron trees which were in full bloom, which was an added bonus of trekking in spring season. We stopped so many times to pose for photos, but it was not so long. In summer, the trail is full of colourful, alpine flowers and bushes, and I just fell in love with it. But I had heard from a few fellow trekkers that during the winters there are snowy vistas, especially in Chandrashila. I’m thinking of returning this winter to see the white paradise.
One of the highest Shiva temples in the world sits on the summit of the Tungnath mountain at an altitude of 12,073 feet, by the name of Tungnath temple. The trail is quite easy besides a few steep climbs and one such was the Chandrashila peak which is a smaller peak of the Garhwal range. At 13,00 feet the Chopta Chandrashila trek was a real Himalayan experience. I stumbled upon the Switzerland of India. Yes we have one, and they are the lush hills of chopta. Chopta is perched on the Himalayan mountains over 7,700 feet. It was an absolute treat. For me this was heaven.
After a tired day of trekking I camped for the night by the detrital lake. The lake was crystal clear and I could see the reflection of the soaring mountains. I was very pleased that I did not need to compromise on my comfort. There were swiss tents with attached washrooms, comfortable beds and the sweet sound of the mountain stream. I completely sunk into the bed until next morning when I woke up early to follow my trek ritual of watching the sunrise.
My trek ended at Deoriatal and I headed back to Haridwar railway station to take a train back home. My Himalayan fantasy was a success and it exceeded my expectations. Sitting in the lap of nature is a dream for us metropolitan people and let alone enjoying the fresh bloom of the flowers. My inner adventurer cherished every moment and was happy to breathe in fresh clean air. If this trek is not already on your bucket list, it should be. You will be overjoyed by the scenic beauty at each step.
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