Camping in Chopta
with my rucksack in tow, I made
my way to Tungnath (3,680 m), it is
the highest Shiva temple in world.
Believed to be around 1000 years,
Tungnath temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva, is one of the sacred Panch
Kedar and the highest of them all.
Although it was a short 4 km trek, the
incline was fairly steep. I climbed up
cross country for most of the way in
order to avoid the donkeys and their
dung strewn along the stone pathway.
While climbing up the green slopes,
I came across wild red berries and
flowers growing on the mountainside.
Largely known as an easy trek, I
found the incline challenging and took
several breaks in order to pace myself.
About an hour later, a thick blanket
of mist enveloped the mountain.
Thankfully, we reached our local
home stay where we were to spend the
night. I was drenched in sweat by the
time we got there. As the washroom
was very basic, I decided to splash
my face with cold water and use wet
wipes thereafter. Simple but delicious
vegetarian food was provided at a
neighbouring dhaba. I climbed up the
last few steps to the temple and made
an offering there. The view of the
surrounding snow crested mountain
peaks from the temple was amazing.
Electricity is only available
between 7–10 pm in this region.
Hot water for a bath is hard to come
by; although the friendly locals try
their best to help you out. I woke up
at 4 am the next day in order to get
Travel Tips
How to reach: Frequent volvo bus
services are available from Delhi to
Haridwar or Rishikesh. Buses also ply
from Rishikesh to Ukhimath which is
the closest town.
Must do: Trek at sunrise trek to
the Chandrashila peak, stay in the
camps at Chopta , bask in the sun at
the meadows of Tungnath and trek
to snow-clad Chaukhamba peak at
sunset.
Must try delicacies: Pahadi (local)
pumpkin vegetable and local sweets
that are sold by the villagers
Expense: Under `10,000
Duration: 3 day trek
Safety : The area is relatively safe
and one can see solo as well group
ready to climb up to Chandrashila
peak (4000 m) to watch the sunrise.
Equipped with a torch, I started
climbing up under a blanket of stars.
Although it was a 1.5 km hike, the
path was incredibly steep. As the
horizon lit up in orange, I made it
to the summit. There were at least
a hundred people there, waiting to
capture the sunrise on their cameras.
The snowy mountains stood tall in
front of me, providing the perfect 180
degree panoramic view of the entire
area. With the sun rising up from
travellers along the way. It is always
crucial to ensure that your phone
and power banks are well charged as
access to electricity is limited in the
area. Also, make sure your loved ones
are aware of your itinerary as you
would be trekking at high altitudes.
Essentials: Don’t forget to carry a
power bank, medicines and a torch.
Accommodation: Camping. Many
camping sites are available for all
types of budgets. Moksha is a good
choice for people on a budget. They
arrange group treks as well.
Conveyance: Roadways is the most
reliable form of conveyance; taxi, own
vehicle or bus.
Itinerary: Chopta - Tungnath -
Chandrashila. Add Deorit taal lake to
your itinerary if you have tim extra time.
behind the Nanda Devi (7816 m),
the second highest mountain peak
in India, the snow-capped mountain
peaks seemed to catch on fiery
reddish hue and then turn a glittering
white as the sun rays reflected off
them. The warm glow of the sun
felt very comforting in the chill of
the morning and filled my heart
with happiness.
The writer is a full time marketer
with a media company and part
time traveller.
www.outlookmoney.com December 2017 Outlook Money
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