Rishikesh to Baniyakund

• Altitude: 2,600 m/ 8,500 ft.
• Drive Distance: 210 km | 7-8 hrs
• Accommodation: Cottage tents

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey from Rishikesh to the serene Baniyakund, starting at 6:00 AM. As the vehicle winds through the mountain roads, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas, with every turn presenting a new perspective of the towering peaks. En route, you’ll pass through the sacred town of Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers converge. This picturesque spot is not only a visual delight but also holds deep spiritual significance as a major pilgrimage site in Hinduism.

Throughout the journey, we will stop at Devprayag, giving you the chance to take a break and enjoy breakfast or lunch at your own expense, while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the landscape. It’s a perfect way to start your trek, with scenic moments that set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with tea and a briefing of the trek ahead. The evening is free for you to relax and settle into your cottage  tents. Baniyakund provides a peaceful ambiance surrounded by forests and meadows, you could also spot the Chandrashila peak from here. If time permits, you can explore the surroundings or simply unwind. Stay the night in a comfortable swiss cottages, where you’ll be well-rested for the days ahead.

Baniya Kund to Chopta (drive) and trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila and Return

• Altitude:
  • Tungnath: 3,500 m / 11,500 ft
  • Chandrashila Top: 3,700 m / 12,000 ft
  • Chopta: 2,800 m / 9,400 ft
• Trek Distance: 9-10 km | 7-8 hours (Both sides)
• Drive Distance: 5 km | 10 min (One way)
• Accommodation: Cottages tent

Today is the summit day of your adventure, and you will begin early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise from Chandrashila, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The day begins with a short drive from Baniya Kund to Chopta, where you’ll start your trek to Tungnath. The path from Chopta to Tungnath is a well-defined, concrete trail that winds through meadows and forests. The trek is about 4-5 km long and ascends gradually with a few bends, making it a manageable climb. The views improve as you approach Tungnath, and you can spot Tungnath temple from the last bend. The trail also provides great bird watching opportunities, with glimpses of birds like the Monal and Griffon Vultures.

Once you reach the Tungnath temple, you’ll feel the weight of history and mythology. This sacred shrine, one of the revered Panch Kedars, holds deep spiritual significance and is steeped in ancient folklore. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas in their search for Lord Shiva. Standing at an impressive altitude, Tungnath is an ancient stone structured temple. Coupled with the temple’s peaceful surroundings, it creates an atmosphere that feels timeless and reverent. The rich history and mythology of Tungnath infuses the journey with a sense of deep spirituality and reverence, making it a memorable highlight of the trek.

From Tungnath, the trek to Chandrashila summit is a short but moderate climb. In winter, crampons and gaiters are essential for safety, and TTH will take care of providing them for you.The trail ascends steeply behind the temple and climbs 500 feet. Once at the base of Chandrashila, the peak is visible, and a final 30-45 minutes of steep climbing will lead you to the summit. The panoramic views from here are absolutely breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Gangotri ranges, Kedar Dome, and other sights.

The sunrise from Chandrashila is truly a sight to behold, a moment that will stay with you long after your trek. The first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, and the surrounding peaks, bathed in soft golden hues, come to life, casting a serene glow over the entire landscape. The sky transitions through shades of pink, orange, and purple, creating a breathtaking contrast against the snow-capped peaks. From this vantage point, you can see the towering mountains. This magical moment is the perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the Himalayas in all their glory, so don’t forget to take plenty of photos to preserve the memory of this awe-inspiring experience.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, retrace your steps back to Chopta. Once there, you’ll drive back to your campsite at Baniya Kund to rest and rejuvenate after an exhilarating day.

Drive to Rishikesh

• Drive Distance: 210 km | 7-8 hrs

Today will be the last day of your journey in the mountains. In the morning you will wake up to splendid views and have morning tea. After a relaxing morning tea, you’ll begin the drive from Baniya Kund back to Rishikesh, which will take around 7-8 hours. As you retrace the scenic mountain roads, you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had, the stunning views, the challenging climbs, and the peaceful moments surrounded by nature.

The vehicle will make stops for breakfast and lunch along the way, which you can enjoy at your own expense.The drive back provides one last chance to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Garhwal, where the winding roads, deep valleys, and snow-capped peaks will remain etched in your memory.

You will arrive in Rishikesh, where we will drop you off at the designated spot opposite Shiv Vilas Hotel, Tapovan. From Rishikesh, you can make your onward travel arrangements, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. This marks the end of your incredible journey, but the mountain magic will surely stay with you long after you leave.