Switzerland of India: Deoriatal – Chopta – Tungnath Trek

a. Today we will do a town tour of Ukhimath, an ancient township dedicated to the marriage of Usha & Aniruddha (The Grandson of Krishna)

b. We will first be driven to Guptkashi, a town which worships Lord Shiva. It is here that Lord Shiva went incognito from the Pandavas as they were looking for Shiva to help them get rid of the sin of war.

c. Guptakashi, houses the famous Vishwanath temple which was the place where Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati for marriage.

d. From Vishwanath temple visit to Narain Koti temple complex, which is a group of temples dedicated to Laxmi Narayan built in the 9th C AD. Nine planetary temples are also enshrined in this temple complex & it is here that Lord Krishna showed his 1 crore Narayan forms to the Pandavas.

e. Kalimath, regarded as a Shakti Peeth is the place where Goddess Kali killed the demon, Raktavija & went under the Earth.No idol is worshiped in this temple, instead Sri Yantra is the object of devotion.

f. From Kalimath a visit to the Omkareshwar Temple, will complete the spiritual search within you. Omkareshwar temple is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath as here the idol of Lord Kedar is brought down from Kedarnath during winters. A legend also has it that here Lord Shiva appeared to Mandhata (ancestor of Lord Rama) who did penance for 12 years by standing on one leg. Appeased by his devotion, Lord SHiva appeared to him in the form of the sound “OM”, the sound of the Universe.

g. End your day with a stroll along the Ukhimath market.

h. Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.

a. Today rise with a lark & drive to Sari village.

b. From the hamlet of Sari we begin the 2.5 km hike to the emerald lake, Deoriatal.

c. The trek is an easy to moderate hike taking you amidst a well defined rocky terrain.

d. Once you reach the lake you will be greeted with the warm embrace of Chaukhamba peaks.

e. Deoriatal falls under Kedarnath musk deer sanctuary so the lake is often visited by animals.

f. Spend the afternoon by the lake & enjoy a packed lunch over the meadows.

g. Post lunch, begin your hike down to Sari, as the weather changes after noon in altitudes like these can be unpredictable.

h. From Sari be driven back to the hotel at Ukhimath.

i. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

a. Today post breakfast be driven to Chopta along the roads strewn with rhododendron flowers.

b. From Chopta we begin the hike along the meadows to reach Tungnath, highest Shiva temple.

c. The hike takes you along the finest views of sunrise in Himalayas with chirping birds & snow capped peaks getting illuminated with the sun rays.

d. Once you reach the temple premises, visit the temple at 12,073 ft and be ready to be charmed by Himalayan spiritualism.

e. Spend some time at the temple premises & seep in the views of a fine Himalayan morning.

f. Enjoy some packed snacks at the summit & cherish the accomplishment of being in the mini Switzerland of India.

g. Trek down to the base on the road at Chopta & enjoy a brunch at the roadside Dhaba, with all the local flavors.

h. From Chopta be driven back to Ukhimath.

i. Dinner & Overnight in Ukhimath

a. Today post breakfast, depart for onward journey.

b. Trip ends here.