1. Why should I do the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek?

If you’re looking for a trek that combines scenic Himalayan landscapes, alpine meadows, serene lakes, and a rewarding summit climb, the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is perfect.

From the serene Deoriatal Lake to the Chandrashila Summit (12,083 ft), every step offers an experience worth cherishing. 

The trek is suitable for beginners and intermediate trekkers alike and passes through the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, allowing you to connect with Himalayan wildlife and forests.

This trek is ideal for anyone wanting a Himalayan trekking experience without the extreme challenges of higher-altitude peaks.

2. Where does the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek start and end?

The trek starts at Sari, a scenic village in Uttarakhand. From there, trekkers start and pass through Deoriatal Lake, dense oak forests, and alpine meadows before reaching the Chandrashila Summit, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Garhwal Himalayas. 

The trek ends at Chopta, where transportation is arranged for you to come back to Sari. This route ensures you experience the diverse natural beauty of Uttarakhand from forests to meadows and panoramic peaks.

Click here to see the exact itinerary of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek.

3. What is the best time to do the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek?

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is a year-round trekking destination, but certain months stand out:

• Spring (March–April): Trails bloom with rhododendrons and wildflowers, offering vibrant colours and moderate weather.
• Autumn (September–November): Clear skies, crisp air, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas make this the most popular season.
• Winter (December–February): Snow blankets the trails and meadows, creating a serene environment for trekkers who enjoy winter trekking in Uttarakhand. Nights are cold, often below 0°C, but daytime trekking is comfortable during early winter.

For more information, head over to the Best Time to do the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Section on the Indiahikes Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Page.

4. What is the difficulty level of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek is classified as moderate. While the overall trek is suitable for beginners, the summit climb is steep, requiring stamina, endurance, and determination.

Trekkers will walk through oak and rhododendron forests (rhododendrons during spring), alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, covering 5–7 hours a day. 

With consistent pacing, this trek is achievable for beginners and intermediate trekkers.

5. What is the highest altitude reached during the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

The highest point is Chandrashila Summit at 12,083 ft (3,680 meters). From here, trekkers enjoy panoramic views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and other prominent Garhwal peaks. 

The summit offers some of the best viewpoints in Uttarakhand, making every step of the ascent worthwhile.

6. How many days does the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek take?

The trek is a 6-day adventure, including travel from Rishikesh to Sari and back. The itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatisation, ensuring safety and comfort. 

Each day balances trekking, rest, and sightseeing, allowing trekkers to soak in the Himalayan landscapes without feeling rushed.

For more information, head to the Detailed Itinerary Section on the Indiahikes Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Page.

7. What is the total distance covered on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

Trekkers cover roughly 32 km over 6 days, with daily distances ranging from 5 to 8 km (on average). The first day of the trek is comparatively shorter. The trail includes forest paths, meadows, and rocky ridges, providing a varied trekking experience. 

This distance makes the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek ideal for both beginner trekkers and those looking for a moderate Himalayan trek.

8. What kind of accommodation is provided?

Accommodation is arranged in comfortable two-sharing tents set up at some of the most scenic campsites on the route. You’ll find sleeping mats and warm sleeping bags in every tent, so you stay cosy even on colder nights.

What makes these campsites special is the experience around them — the starry skies and the wide Himalayan views that greet you every morning.

Evenings often turn into memorable moments: sharing meals, talking about the day’s walk, or listening to stories under the open sky. It’s these little things that make the stay feel just as memorable as the trek itself.

9. What is the food like during the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

Meals are vegetarian, nutritious, and freshly prepared at the campsites. Breakfasts are hearty to fuel the day, while lunches and dinners provide energy and warmth after long walks.

Typical meals include rice, roti, dal, and vegetables, with snacks provided during the trek. The food is designed to keep trekkers energised, ensuring the focus stays on enjoying the journey.

10. Is there mobile network coverage on the trek?

Network coverage is quite limited on this trek.
You may get a flicker of signal at a few campsites, but most of the route has very patchy connectivity. Only Jio and Airtel catch occasional bars, and even that isn’t reliable.

It’s best not to expect full network coverage at all — think of it as a chance to disconnect and really sink into the mountains.

11. What kind of fitness level is required for the trek?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a basic fitness level is essential. 

Daily walks of 5–7 hours, gradual inclines, and some steep stretches require stamina and endurance.

Preparing with cardio exercises, brisk walks, running, or stair climbing can make your trek more enjoyable. Remember, it’s about paced trekking—steady breathing, regular hydration, and enjoying every step of the Himalayan trails.

To read more about how to get fit for Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, Click Here

12. Can I trek to Deoriatal Chandrashila in winter?

Absolutely. The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek in winter is a world of its own.

Once the snow settles, the meadows and forests turn silent and magical.

Nights dip to 0°C and often below, so you’ll need your thermals, gloves, a good down jacket, and all winter trekking essentials for the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek.

If you’re trekking with Indiahikes, make sure you go through our winter packing checklist.

And about the days? They stay pleasantly chilly — just right for walking through snow-laden trails and taking in those whitewashed views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

13. Do I need prior trekking experience for the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

No prior trekking experience is necessary. 

Beginners can absolutely do this trek with a good fitness level. We’ve had so many first-time trekkers attempt Deoriatal Chandrashila, and they’ve come back with a deeply fulfilling experience. It’s a wonderful introduction to the Himalayas.

Our trained trek leaders and guides ensure safety, pacing, and support, especially on the Chandrashila summit day. 

14. What are the highlights of the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

The Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek offers a mix of natural and scenic highlights:

• Deoriatal Lake: A tranquil high-altitude lake framed by Chaukhamba.
• Chandrashila Summit: Panoramic Himalayan views including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
• Alpine meadows and forests: Full of rhododendrons (during spring), oak trees, and wildflowers.
• Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary: A chance to spot Himalayan wildlife.

Every day is photogenic, every campsite offers stunning mountain views, and the magical is filled with small, magical moments in the Himalayas.

15. What wildlife can I see on the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

Trekkers often spot musk deer, barking deer, Himalayan monals, langurs, and many beautiful birds along the trail. 

Early mornings are usually the best time — the forest is quieter, and wildlife tends to be more active.

16. How do I handle altitude on the Deoriatal Chandrshila trek?

The Chandrashila Summit reaches 12,083 ft, which may cause mild altitude effects in some trekkers. To manage:

• Walk at a steady, comfortable pace.
• Hydrate frequently.
• Communicate any discomfort to your trek leader immediately. They are trained to handle any kind of mountain emergency.

The itinerary and campsites are designed very deliberately — to give your body time to adjust, to pace out the climb, and to make sure you reach the summit feeling strong.

17. Are there water sources on the trail of the Deoriatal Chandrshila trek?

Yes, the Akashkamini stream runs along the trail.

Carry a bottle, and for safety, use purification tablets or a small filter before you drink from it.

Keep yourself hydrated through the day — especially on summit day, when your body needs that extra push.

18. Can I trek solo to Deoriatal Chandrashila, or should I join a group?

While you can trek solo, if you’re a beginner or not very experienced, joining a guided group is the wiser choice. It comes with clear advantages:

• You’re safer on remote Himalayan trails.
• You have experienced trek leaders who guide you through the summit climb and handle everything at the campsites.
• The shared stories, the camaraderie, the small moments of support — they make the whole experience different.

19. Do I need permits for the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek?

Yes. The trek passes through the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, which requires official permits. 

Indiahikes arranges all necessary permits for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience so you can focus entirely on the trek and the Himalayan adventure.