Deoriatal Chandrashila
Rhododendron Trail
Garhwal, Uttarakhand
-SWIFT-
20th-24th April 2026
This program immerses you in the natural splendor of the Garhwal Himalaya, guiding you through serene lakes, lush meadows, and to the spiralling heights of the Chandrashila summit, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 01
Drive from Dehradun to Sari village. The journey begins with a scenic long-distance drive from Dehradun, winding through the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. Along the way, you will witness the spectacular holy confluences at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganges, and Rudraprayag. As you ascend toward Sari village, the air becomes crisper and the landscape transforms into lush green terraced fields. You will spend the evening in this quiet hamlet, preparing for the trek ahead and enjoying local hospitality.
Day 02
Today features a short but steep uphill climb that takes you from the village into the serene wilderness. The trail is well-defined, passing through thick forests of ancient Oak and vibrant rhododendrons. Upon reaching Deoriatal, you are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Chaukhamba peaks mirrored in the lake's still waters. The afternoon is yours to explore the lakeside, photograph the reflection of the Himalayan range, and enjoy a peaceful sunset at one of the region's most beautiful campsites.
Day 03
This day involves a beautiful traverse through the dense canopy of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail connects the lake to the remote village of Tala, passing through the sprawling meadows of Rohini bugyal. This section of the trek is known for its incredible biodiversity, offering frequent sightings of Himalayan birds and occasionally rare wildlife.
Day 04
The most challenging and rewarding day begins with an early morning ascent toward Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. From the temple, a steep 1.5 km climb leads you to the Chandrashila summit. Standing at the peak, you are greeted by a staggering 360-degree view of the Great Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedar Dome. After spending time at the top, you will descend back to the road head and take a short drive back to Sari village to celebrate the successful summit.
Day 05
On your final day, you bid farewell to the mountains and begin the return drive to Dehradun. The route follows the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers once more, allowing for a few final stops at scenic viewpoints and local markets. You will arrive back in Dehradun by late evening, where you can connect to your onward journey at the airport or railway station, carrying memories of the high-altitude vistas and the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Transport:
Pick-up and drop-off from the designated starting point as per the itinerary (Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Kathgodam).
All sightseeing in a dedicated mountain-ready vehicle (Ertiga or similar). - Accommodation:
Comfortable guesthouses on the drives to and from the trailhead, homestays in villages, and alpine tents on the trekking trail. - Permits & Fees: Forest department entry fees and trekking permits.
- Trek : Guided trek with professional camping gear.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and dinner and breakfast for the remaining itinerary.
- Staff: English-speaking tour leader, experienced local guides, and camping staff.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal Gear: Personal equipment (thermal wear, hiking poles, etc).
- Meals: Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Beverages: Any drinks including soft drinks, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Extra Tours: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for the local guides, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff.
- Taxes: All applicable taxes and transactional fees.
- Contingency Fee: Any additional expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks or unrest, that result in an extension or change in the program, or emergency evacuation for medical reasons.