When should I plan the trek? This is a common question most trekkers have when planning for the Chopta Chandashila Trek for the first time.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of India’s most famous treks and offers a feast of scenic views. It is accessible throughout the year and offers you a pristine experience in every season.
Each season is unique. Hence, you need to time your trek right to enjoy it to the fullest.
But how do you do that?
In this blog, I will discuss the Chopta Chandrashila Trek in detail, focusing on each season. This will help you decide the best time to visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek that matches your preferences.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek: Jewel Of Himalayas
Chopta Chandrashila Trek is among those rare treks in the Himalayas that are easily accessible and can be done on a long weekend.
Furthermore, this trek is nothing short of a high-altitude trek in terms of views and experiences. The trek offers you grand views of the mighty himalayas, hosts a pristine lake, has a thrilling summit climb, and offers you the opportunity to camp on beautiful and undulating meadows.
Isn’t it amazing to experience such beauty on your weekends?
Moving on, the trek has six significant attractions, including:
1. Sari Village
It is a quaint and picturesque village where your trek starts. The village is full of traditional pahadi houses and offers you a scenic view of Chandrashila Peak and other snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
2. Deoriatal Lake
This lake will definitely surprise you with its beauty. It is located at a short distance of 3 Km from the Sari village and is an integral part of the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary.
The Deoriatal Lake is perfectly placed amidst the dense forest, with massive views of the mighty Chaukhamba Peak in the background. It feels like a feast at a touching distance. You can also see the clear reflection of the peak in the Deorial Tal.
Moreover, the view of sunrise and sunset from the lake is amazing.
3. Rohini Bugyal
It is a picturesque meadow amidst the Rhododendron forest and offers you a view of mighty Himalayan peaks like Kedar Dome and Kala Parvat Peaks. This is the perfect spot for taking your pictures and relaxing during your trek.
4. Baniyakund (Chopta)
Chopta is popularly known as the Switzerland of Uttarakhand. Here, you are offered the experience of camping and walking on large meadows with a scenic view of snow-capped peaks. In addition, you are surrounded by beautiful forests.
5. Tungnath Temple
This is the world’s highest Shiva temple, which you come across while climbing Chandrashila Peak. It is an ancient temple depicting traditional architecture and has great significance in the Hindu religion. So, during your trek, take the blessing of Shiva before moving ahead.
6. Chandrashila Peak
This is the topmost point of the trek at 12,083 ft and offers you the best view of Chopta Valley and a 360-degree view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Kedar Dome. Here, you also find a small temple dedicated to lord Shiva.
You cover these places in a series, as mentioned here during your trek.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek?
To answer this question, let’s first explore each season in detail.
Spring Season: March to April
The spring season on Chopta Chandrashila Trek starts with the melting of snow in lower areas and the blooming of flowers on the trail. Furthermore, the grass on the meadows is also used to decorate them in a lush green colour.
As the season moves ahead, the whole trail on this trek is decorated by beautiful rhododendron flowers, and the sky gets clearer. This is the perfect time for those who don’t like to trek on snow in freezing temperatures but want to see snow and also the greenery.
The temperature during spring months is usually between 13 °C and 17 °C throughout the day, and it’s around 0 °C at night. Moreover, due to the fading winter weather, wildlife also starts to become active.
All in all, if you want to witness snow, walk on trails adorned with rhododendron flowers under the clear blue sky, and want a soothing temperature, the months of March and April are best.
Summer Season: May to June
Summer months are the time when the skies are the clearest, temperature is soothing, and wildlife is most active. Moreover, the forest and meadows are vibrant and lush green.
That said, trekking during these months is easy and comfortable compared to other months. But also remember, the strength of tourists on the Tungnath route is at its peak during summer.
So, if you are a beginner or planning to trek with family, summer is the best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
Monsoon Season: July to August
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek receives heavy rainfall during monsoon months, which leads to slippery trails and landslides. Thus, due to such danger, the trek is closed during these months.
Autumn Season: September, October and November
The autumn season on Chopta Chandrashila Trek comes with lush green landscapes and clear views of the stunning mountain ranges. This is the time when the trek is the most beautiful.
Thus, post-monsoon is best for you if you like to trek on a lush green trail with clear and stunning views of the himalayas.
Winter Season: December to February
This is the time of the year when the whole Chopta Chandrashila trek is draped in white snow, making it a winter white wonderland. It is a perfect time for you to do this trek if you want to enjoy trekking in the snow.
Usually, you find snow on Chopta Chandrashila Trek from 20 December to the last week of February. During these days, the day temperature ranges between 4°C to 8°C and the night temperature ranges from -6 °C to -10 °C.
Recommended Time for Different Types of Trekkers
As you are now familiar with all the different seasons of Chopta Chandrashila Trek, below are my recommendations for different types of trekkers.
For Beginners
If you are a beginner, the summer and autumn seasons are the best times for you to do the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. It is so, as the weather is clear and the temperature is soothing during these months. Furthermore, all routes are open, and every facility is available, making the trek easier and safer for you.
In this season, you can also witness the most clear views of the mighty Himalayan peaks and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
For Photographers
Chopta Chandrashila trek is a paradise for photographers due to the scenic views and variety of birds and animals found on this trek.
That said, spring, summer and autumn are the best months for you to do this trek if you are a wildlife photographer or a landscape photographer. Otherwise, if you would like to capture some adventurous moments, winter months are best for you to do this trek.
For Adventure Seekers
If you want the thrill of trekking in snow in freezing temperatures, December to February is the best time to go on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. As already stated, throughout winter months, the whole trek is covered under a thick layer of snow, offering you a thrilling adventure.
For Nature Lovers
Are you among the folks who love blooming flora and vibrant greenery? Spring and post-monsoon seasons are the best for you to do Chopta Chandrashila Trek. In the spring season, the flowers, including rhododendrons, bloom in full flow, adorning the trail with vibrant colours. On the other hand, in post-monsoon months, you find greenery everywhere.
So, these were my recommendations for you based on my experience. Now it’s up to you which season you choose. But before that, below are some factors you must consider when shortlisting the best time to do Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time
- Weather Conditions
- Trail Accessibility and Safety
- Scenic Beauty during Different Seasons
- Activities like Bird-watching or Photography
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is the best month to visit Chopta?
This depends on your preferences. If you want to witness snow, December to February are the best months. If you want a comfortable temperature with a clear sky, summer and post-monsoon months are the best. Furthermore, if you love bird watching or want to walk on colourful trails, spring months are the best time to visit Chopta.
Is Chopta Chandrashila Trek difficult?
No. It is an easy-grade trek, perfect for beginners and family members.
How long is Chandrashila Trek?
The trek from Chopta to Chandrashila is approx 6.5 km.
Is Chandrashila Trek good for beginners?
Yes. Chandrashila trek is perfect for you if you are a beginner due to its easy accessibility, short distance and easy gradient.
Is there no electricity in Chopta?
No. There is no electricity in the Chopta.
Is there a mobile network in Chopta?
No. There are hardly any spots where mobile networks are available.
Conclusion
Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a beautiful trek as it offers numerous scenic views, the thrilling experience of snow trekking, and the opportunity to witness one of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets. Moreover, It is accessible throughout the year.
However, you still need to time it to the best of your preferences to ensure you enjoy it to the fullest. Considering that, I hope all the information shared above will help you choose the best time to visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
