Two interesting treks to do in North-India

 

DEORIATAL CHANDRASHILA TREK

The Deoria Tal Chandrashila trek in Uttarakhand is a unique, enticing and refreshing trek altogether. With its circuit in the exotic wilderness of the Garhwal Himalayas of the state of Uttarakhand, the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek remains one of the most endeared and sought after treks in North India. With 13,100 ft being the highest altitude to be trekked during this expedition, this trek is fairly suitable for amateurs as well as beginners.

The trek to the enchanting and Godly Chandrashila Peak begins with a pleasant drive from the magical city of Rishikesh. Distanced approximately 200 kms away from Rishikesh is Sari; a serene village which also serves as the starting point for the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek. It will take at least 7 hours of swift driving for you to reach Sari from Rishikesh.

The drive from Rishikesh to Sari is recharging and exhilarating with vibrant geographic locations entering and exiting the frames. From Sari, a 3 km long trek along gradual ascents will elevate you to the next stop on the itinerary; the enlivening and alluring Deoria Tal perched at an altitude of 7,800 ft. The trek from Sari to Deoria Tal is short but action-packed.

It does not last for more than an hour but the trails connecting Sari and Deoria Tal take you through interesting dense forests that appear exceptionally refreshing and charming. As you gain height along this route, you will be able to catch glimpses of many snow-clad mountains in the backdrop. The Deoria Tal is encapsulated by many of these mighty, snow-smeared peaks and the famous Chaukhamba Massifs which the lake clearly and beautifully reflects.

The sight of this emerald green lake scooped amidst robust snow-capped mountain peaks is spellbinding as well as breathtaking. Since the trek to Deoria Tal is short, you will have sufficient time to sit beside the lake and relish nature’s relentless bounty. You can also attempt bird-watching and steal exciting moments of spotting exotic wildlife.

Baniya Kund that lies at a distance of roughly 16 kms from Deoria Tal is to be trekked next. Situated at a height of 8,700 ft, the trek to Baniya Kund from Deoria Tal is done via the Rohini Bugyal in approximately 7 hours. The trail to Baniya Kund traverses several thickets of Oak and Maple forests before entering the surreal and fascinating Rohini Bugyal.

You will cut paths with the famous Kedarnath Sanctuary before reaching the Bhagdal Temple; a landmark. As you traverse the Kedarnath Sanctuary, you can look out for Red Foxes that inhabit here and even spot them if fate permits. You will find three paths intersecting at Bhagdal, trek down towards Rohini Bugyal to descend to the campsite.

With every step that you place downwards, you will be able to catch clearer views of the enthralling and electric Chandrashila Peak as well as the glorious Kala Parvat. After crossing a gurgling stream, you will finally reach the campsite at the village of Baniya Kund snuggled close to the endearing and gasp-worthy Rohini Bugyal.

A swift drive covering 3 kms from the beautiful village of Baniya Kund will lead you to the village of Chopta from where you will further trek to reach the holy Tungnath Temple, ahead of which lies the summit of Chandrashila at an altitude of 13,100 ft. You will trek for approximately 8kms in total to first reach the Tungnath Temple and then climb all the way up to the Chandrashila Peak.

The trek from Chopta to Chandrashila is easier to do during summers when the trails are dry and well pathed when compared to the winters when the trails are layered with knee-deep carpets of powdery snow. In both seasons, however, the trek remains on the easy-moderate grade of the difficulty spectrum.

Upon reaching the peak, you will unruffle 360 degree views of the staggering and spellbinding Garhwal Himalayas and the enticing Kumaon Mountains. You will also be able to spot many notable peaks of mountains such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Kedar along with the peaks of Gangotri and Thalaysagar ranges in the backdrop. After relishing the picturesque views of those mountainscapes, gradually descend back to Chopta and return to Baniya Kund to camp for the night and bring the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek to a full circle with a pleasant 7 hour drive from Baniya Kund to Rishikesh, the next morning.

PIN PARVATI TREK

The Pin Parvati Trek is a fascinating venture into some of the most remote and exotic layers of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a crossover trek with trails emerging from the lush green Kullu valley and entering the cold and arid deserts of the Spiti valley. What sets this trek apart from the innumerable treks out there is the exotic leap into wilderness that it offers. Spanning over 11 days, covering a distance of roughly 110 kms, the trek to Pin Parvati Pass is an extremely challenging journey curated for the thick skinned and determined trekking enthusiasts.

The best time to hop onto the expedition to the Pin Parvati Pass is between the months of June and September, since the weather around that time remains most hospitable. With its starting point in Barshaini, the Pin Parvati expedition begins with a 10 km long trek to Kheerganga. You will traverse fascinating forests of Oak and Pine trees with the teal-coloured Parvati River accompanying you to a far good extent. The trail to Kheerganga is mostly well pathed with gradual, more evened out ascents.

Try to reach the top as early as possible and indulge in a hot water bath at the spring on top to wash away the exhaustions from the day. Approximately 13 kms away from Kheerganga is Tunda Bhuj; the next stop on the itinerary. You will traverse vast, mesmerizing meadows with wildflowers in their full bloom to reach the exquisite campsite at Tunda Bhuj located at a height of 10,500 ft. 11 kms of steady trekking from Tunda Bhuj will further elevate you to an altitude of 11,000 ft at Thakur Kuan. As you gain height towards Thakur Kuan, you will be able to catch glimpses of the fierce and robust Mt Kuller Eiger along with many other mighty mountain peaks.

The trail from Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan is not very well pathed and is mostly along loose boulders and meandering streams. 9 kms away from Thakur Kuan is the enchanting and alluring Odi Thatch lying at an altitude of 11,880 ft. The trail from Thakur Kuan to Odi Thatch is quite tricky and even daunting. You will come across a couple of fascinating cliffs, rousing waterfalls and fiercely gurgling streams, this day. Carefully climb along the ascents and descents to reach the campsite at Odi Thatch and grab some rest for the day. Next to be trekked is the serene and soul warming site of Mantalai.

Distanced 9 kms away from Odi Thatch and perched at a height of 13,500 ft; Mantalai is a bewildering and staggering campsite worth drooling over. You will traverse gigantic boulders to witness that stark shift in the colour scheme of the landscapes. You will now leave behind the bright and vibrant landscapes to enter dark, cinematic and cold-desert mountainscapes. You will also trek past swamps and ridges and also find streams of the teal-stained Parvati River as you reach closer to Mantalai.

The Parvati base camp that lies at an altitude of 16,207 ft lies approximately 11 kms away from Mantalai. You will have to climb a mountain, cross a frozen river and traverse heavy, gigantic boulders to finally reach the flattened ground at the Parvati Base camp. Relax in the wilderness and enjoy the freshness in the atmosphere. Buckle up, to trek to the Pin Base which lies roughly 15 kms away from the Parvati Base.

You will trek to the Pin Base via the Pin Parvati Pass, elevating to the highest altitude of the expedition. The trail from the Parvati Base to the Pin Base is challenging, adventurous and spine-chilling. You will trek along tough and rugged routes, as well as cross a few fiercely gurgling rivers and finally trek along steep and tricky ascents to reach the enchanting and unbelievably fascinating Pin Parvati Pass, perched at an altitude of 17,500 ft. As challenging and daunting it may sound, the trek from the Parvati Base to the Pin Base remains the most electrifying and thrilling part of the entire expedition.

With mighty, robust and glorious, raw-faced mountain peaks looking back at you, the feeling of innumerable emotions surging in you is inexplicable. Relish the wide-screen views of the exotic mountains-capes and carefully descend to the Pin Base to retire for the night. You will be trekking to Tia, the next day. The trek from Pin Base to Tia is enthralling with the raw and startling beauty of Spiti gradually unruffling. At this point you will find the landscapes completely smeared in brown and white hues with no signs of greenery whatsoever.

A final trek from Tia to Mud will mark the last part of the expedition. You will trek for approximately 12 kms to reach the enticing and soul-stirring destination of Mud. An hour long drive from Mud to Kaza will wrap the 10th day of the expedition which will be followed by a swift and pleasant drive from Kaza to Manali bringing the Pin Parvati Pass Trek to a decent closure.