The Winter Sojourn

Even the 'Gods' have descended down with the priests to a comfortable place leaving the highest altar of Lord Shiva at (3680mts) in the Chamoli district of Garhwal to the elements of Nature. Iif you are the devout and a hardy trekker nothing can stop you from reaching Tungnath temple even in the thick of winter when it is half hidden in snow. If you push harder you can reach the summit of Chandrashila (3925mts).

Tungnath is worshiped as the arm or baazu in the panch Kedar tradition along with four other shrines -- Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhmahehswar and Kalpeshwar represents different parts of Lord Shiva. Tungnath stands under the spectacular summit of Chandrashila and is less frequented by pilgrims and trekkers.

Due to unusual heavy snowfall this season in the Garhwal Himalayas, the trees are still half buried in snow. The beautiful alpine meadows this time around are covered under more than fifteen feet of snow, making it difficult to establish the route to the temple.

Mountain of Moon
An hour of ascent from the temple takes you to the summit of Chandrashila or Mountain of the Moon. Legend has it that Goddess Chandrama (Moon) had spent a long time here in penance. It is a 360-degree view from the top, and to the north, a great section of the Himalayas are visible. Chaukambha, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Nandadevi, Sudarshan Panat, Gangotri, Neelkanth and several other peaks are visible if you are lucky and the weather is clear. To the south and further west you can see Chopta and Sari. The winding road from Chopta to Gopeshwar appeared as a road legend on a three-dimensional map from the spectacular summit. 

Chandrashila Winter Summit Trek

Rishikesh - Ukhimath - Devariya Tal - Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila - Ukhimath - Rishikesh

It is a popular trek that can be undertaken round the year , more extreme during heavy snowing months December and January. Chandrashila summit is a rock face above the temple of Tungnath, the highest of all the temples in the Himalayas. It is a shorty but rigorous hike beyond the tenmple. The Chandrashila summit affords the most beautiful view of the Nandadevi, Trishul, Kedarpeak and Chaukhamba peaks. If the sky is clear in the morning and you might be able to catch a clear sky The oak forest through which you trek to the summit abounds in wildlife, especially foxes, pheasants, musk deer and leopards. We begin at Chopta, which is one of the most mesmerizing alpine meadows in Garhwal Himalayas; what more, it also offers excellent camping opportunities. And if we're here in the month of March, there are good chances that as we climb from Ukhimath to Chopta we may get the rare opportunity to see Rhododendron flowers in shades varying from crimson-red to bright white. 

Day 1. Delhi to Rishikesh 245 km  6 - 7 hrs. drive. O/N - Hotel / Camp
Day 2. Rishikesh to Chopta 229 kms. 8 - 9 Hrs. Drive. O/N - Camp

Day 3. Chopta - Tungnath : Base Camp. 4-5 Hrs trek O/N - Camp

Day 4. Tungnath - Chandershilla peak. 3-4 Hrs/ Trek O/N - Camp

Day 5. Reserve day for acclimatize. 

Day 5 : Return back to Chopta. 3 - 4 Hrs Trek. O/N - camp

Day 6. Drive to Rishieksh. Drive 8-9 Hrs. O/N - Hotel / Camp

Day 7. Drive to Delhi. Drive 5-6 Hrs. Tour ends.

Seasons: May and June are ideal for pilgrimage though you can't avoid the rains. August and September are ideal in terms of weather when the flowers are in full bloom. During winter - November to March, and even sometimes extending to April - most of the mountain is covered by snow.

             Itinerary \ Terms are available upon request.

Be Our Guest Have A Wonderful Time In The Himalayas !

 

'' I still believe that Garhwal Himalaya in India is the most beautiful country of all high Asia." T.G. Longstaff, The Ascent of Nanda Devi. Trekking in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve , Himalaya!   Back to Top   The Indian Himalayas contains some of the world?s most diverse and breathtakingly beautiful challenging impressive peaks of the Himalayan chain in the north, high-altitude plains and remote mountain passes. Catch the most panoramic views of the incomparable land of Indian Himalayas. The Indian Himalayas takes you across the lovely land that it dotted with a variety of thrill adventure destinations.   Minimum 2 Persons & above traveling together can have departures dates as per the travel plans.   For our specialized tailor-made trekking programs for Individuals and small groups please write to us details with exact number of persons, No. of Days, & month of travel. We will send you detailed programs most suitable to your requirements.   OUR MOTTO        * to explore & preserve Indian Himalayas in an ecological way, * to enjoy sports challenges and Adventure Holidays in secure conditions, * to share Indian / western cultures in an open and light way.   We propose you trekking, eco tours, biking, rafting, skiing, climbing and Adventure Holidays in the "Abode of Gods", as Indian people name Garhwal Himalayas. We have our own latest Snow Skiing / trekking / rafting / climbing equipments and we do not sublet our clients to other operators, as other do.        We welcome American Express, Master, VISA Credit Cards                                                                 For Further Details Contact us : The Himalayan Adventures & Holidays :   Email us :  garhwalhimalaya@yahoo.com  / garhwalhimalaya@gmail.com / garhwalhimalaya@hotmail.com                                                                                Our purpose is to do eco trekkings as a challenge to show that balance between different cultures and balance between human and earth is possible.