The Deoriatal-Chandrashila trail is located in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, going up to an altitude of 3,700M. It takes you through the gorgeous forest trails of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. As if the location and the landscapes were not enough, the trek also introduces you to the unique biodiversity of the area. As a beginner-friendly trek, newbies and experts alike can find themselves charmed by the pure magic of the trail.

Here we are answering some frequently asked questions about this trek soaked in historical tales.

1. Where is Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek?

Deoriatal Chandrashila is located in Uttarakhand in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. The village of Sari, which is the starting point for the trek, is a small hamlet located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

2. Why should I do this trek?

Deoriatal Chandrashila is one trek which gives so much in exchange for so little. This easy, year-long trek treats you to a mythological story about the journey of the Pandavas (of the Mahabharat fame!) at every corner and rewards you with the best views of the giants in the Garhwal range of Himalayas. The climax of this trek is made of clear and unobstructed views of giants such as the Gangotri range of mountains, Thalaysagar, Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Trishul to name a few. If you are new to trekking, this trek will introduce you to all the splendor of the mighty Himalayas as it generously reveals all the natural beauty and mythological secrets for you to witness.

For more details on the highlights of this trek, read Highlights of Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek.

3. How difficult is Dayara Bugyal Trek?

The trek takes you to an altitude of 3,700M and is a beginner-friendly trek which means that it is a safe bet if you are just about starting out your journey of Himalayan trekking. Having said that, the only thing to be cautious of are the challenges that come with high-altitude. This is a fun process of discovering how your body reacts to different heights.

Another major challenge of this trek is the long distances one has to cover each day of the trek - the distances go up to 18 kms in a single day. For specific details on the challenges of this climb, read Who is this trek meant for?

4. What is the best season to do this trek?

The Deoriatal Chandrashila trek is a year-long trek which means that it is an excellent choice for any time of the year. It treats you to different colours in each season. Our personal favourite is witnessing the crossover of seasons on the trail during March and April when the winters are just about retreating and the summer colours are settling in on the trail’s landscape. During these months, you witness a snow-covered trail and also a magnificent bloom of the Himalayan rhododendrons.

5. What is the temperature like on this trek?

The temperature on the Deorital Chandrashila trek can vary depending on the time of year you visit. Here is a general idea of what temperatures you can expect:

Summer months (April to June): During these months, the daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, while the night temperatures can drop to around 5°C to 10°C.

Winter months (October to March): During these months, the temperature during the daytime ranges from 8°C to 15°C, and the night temperature can drop to -5°C to 5°C. You may also encounter snowfall during winter months, which makes the trek more challenging.

6. What do I need to bring for this trek?

You will need all your general belongings that you would carry to any Himalayan trek. Be especially sure to carry your rainwear and your warmest clothes because the winds at this altitude make even the summer afternoons feel cold.

7. How does Deoriatal Chandrashila fair against other beginner level treks in the region?

Deoriatal Chandrashila is a beginner-friendly trek and hence is a great introduction to the Himalayas. The altitude and the terrain are fairly manageable. However, the one thing that sets it apart from other beginner treks is the long distances to be covered each day which make this trek a little more challenging that its counterparts.

There are also other beginner treks like Nag Tibba, Bead Kund, Brigu Lake, Ali Bedni Bugyal and many more which are a good place to start. You can choose between the treks based on what you are looking for from your experience in terms of the region you want to explore, the kind of terrain you are looking for and the number of days you have to spare.

Read, Dayara Bugyal vs Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek: Which is a better beginner’s trek?

8. Is it a good family adventure?

Even though it is a beginner-friendly trek, the long distances to be covered each day might make it a fair bit challenging for a group of mixed age groups.

9. Do I necessarily need a guide for this?

Since Deoriatal Chandrashila, unlike treks like Sandakphu where there are tea houses for accommodation, needs camping and a fair bit of navigation to understand the trail, it is better to go with a guide if you are a beginner.

10. Is Deoriatal Chandrashila worth doing?

The answer to this will depend on your level of experience in the outdoors, what you are looking for from a trek and how many days you have to spare. However, in terms of the beauty of the landscape and the views the trek offers, you will definitely not be disappointed. The trek boasts of some very distinct high points like Deoriatal, Tunganath and Chandrashila.

11. How long does it take to complete?

From Dehradun to Dehradun, Deoriatal Chandrashila is a five day trek.

12. How do I reach the base village of the trek?

The starting point of this trek, Sari is well connected by road from Dehradun/Haridwar & Rishikesh. It may be a bit difficult to find public transport at all times. A private vehicle to get to this small village is the most feasible mode of transport. You can even ask for transport services from your trek operator for an additional cost.

13. What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?

In case you choose to spend some time in Dehradun or Mussoorie before or after the trek, here are some places you can check out:

- Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts.

- Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties.

- Visit the holy Tapkeshwar temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed to have one of the oldest Shivlings.

- Enjoy a splash at the much-touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie

- The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.

- Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.

This was it from our end. We hope this was helpful and we hope to see you on the trails of this trek soon! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team and we promise to provide assistance in any way that we can.