Tungnath-Chandrashila

Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila

November 12th-14th, 2016

In the hustle and tussle of today’s life, seldom does one get a chance to take some time off, forget everything that is supposed to be important and get carried away in wilderness. We decided to go on a bike ride deep into the mountains to Chopta and summit the Chandrashila peak. This 3-day trip was an adorable experience that checked our stamina and courage. Each day we began with the twilight of dawn and continued till the moon shine high in the sky. Every new friend is a new adventure, the start of new memories. . . . with Gurdeep and Abhay.

Synopsis
Tungnath is the highest elevated temple of Lord Shiva situated at an elevation of 3680 meters MSL. The 4km trail from Chopta to Tungnath is easy but steep which is well maintained (as in case of Pilgrimage). Trail initially passes through dense forest and finally goes through the ridge. After Tungnath it's around 1 km to summit to Chandrashila peak (4000 m) which can be climbed directly or following the trail. Panoramic view of the snow covered peaks from the summit finishes all the tiredness. Nanda Devi (7816m), Trishul (7120m) and other snow covered peaks can be viewed from here.

Teammates:

1.Gurdeep Singh Facebook Profile

2.Abhay Chauhan Facebook Profile

3.Sahil Makkar Facebook Profile

Itinerary:

Day-1:
Noida to Ukhimath via Rishikesh (241km+190km=430km)

Our Enfields get warmed at 0500 hours in the morning. We met at a common point, filled our tanks and started our ride at 0545 hours. Weather was cold but clear. Gurdeep led the way; it was Abhay’s first ride so he was in the middle. Our Bikes were rallying on NH-34. We only stopped twice and that’s for tea till Rishikesh. It seems that tea was boosting our energy. We passed through Roorkee. I was there after 5 years. All the memories were refreshed; the thoughts caused goosebumps all over my skin. We reached Rishikesh at 1130 hours. We took a break for lunch. Both we and our rides filled their tummies and entered in the mountain ranges. We travelled along the Holy Rivers Ganga, Alaknanda and Mandakini. The thumps of our Enfileds, scenic beauty of hills and gushing rivers, zigzag bending over the turns were making the rides more enjoyable.

At around 1800 hours we reach Rudraprayag. Due to Modi's Currency Demonetization we didn’t have much cash; only cards. We were checking if we get an ATM on our way. Finally at Rudraprayag we found an ATM with no queue. We felt as we won a lottery. It was already dark; we were in dilemma whether we should go further or stay. Finally we decided to reach Ukhimath. Road conditions were bad. There were patches where road was damaged due to landslides. At around 2030 hours we reach Ukhimath, Booked beds in GMVN dormitory; enjoyed Ghar ki jaisi dal roti, dug into the quilts and slept like hell.

Entering the mountains

Calm Holy River Ganga

.	River Ganga, gushing down the valley

Lets click a photo

Tea time

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On the way

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Near Dhara Devi temple

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.	Near Dhara Devi temple

Day-2:
Ukhimath to Chopta (by road 27km) and
Chopta to Chandrashila via Tungnath (by trek 4km+1km=5km)

Next morning we were feeling fresh, had breakfast at GMVN, and moved towards Chopta. Road was narrow, passing through dense forest of Banjh trees with a few streams in between. A few camp sites were also seen on the way. There were a few muddy patches on the road. It took us 2 hours to cover 27 kms as we couldn't stop ourselves to capture those beautiful scenic views.

At Chopta we came to know that gates of Tungnath temple were closed two days earlier and no shop would be opened at Tungnath. So we packed our lunch and water; took permission from Kedarnath forest department and started our trail. Initially we were panting and exhausted, but soon we were mingled in the weather. A few campsites were also seen as treeline is passed. As the trail was bit boring, we took some shortcuts. Finally after 2.5 hours we reached the sacred Tungnath temple. Although sun was shining in the sky, water in the taps was already frozen. The air around the temple had a positive energy in it that brings peace to the mind. We lunched here and moved to Chandrashila. Peak was right above us; slope was steep so we only followed the trail. After around 1.25 hours we reach at the peak. I couldn't blink my eyes for a while on seeing the incredible 360 degrees panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. We clicked lots of photos enjoyed the view and decided to go back before sunset.

During return we didn't follow the trail but running down the peak. It hardly took 15 mins to reach Tungnath. Beautiful sunset was also witnessed at Tungnath. After passing Tungnath we couldn’t take any shortcut as light was very low. View of the dusk behind the trees was incredible. The hard surface of trail were putting pressure on knees; so we moved slowly and in 1.5 hours we were down at Chopta using our mobile flashlights.

At Chopta we were dead- tired. We rested for 1/2 an hour and again set our bumps on bikes. Grabbing the handle made us again energized for another blast. At around 20:15 hours we were back to our dormitory at GMVN, Ukhimath.

Morning at GMVN guest house

Gurdeep Singh in action

I also Tried

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Astronaut

Fun time

Road to Chopta

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Campsites on the way to Chopta

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At Chopta village

Trek begins	.
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Closed shops due to closure of temple gates

Empty Village; camps can be set nearby.	.

As the trail was boring;

so taking short cuts

And taking rest thereafter

Rest again

Fist View of Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila peak

May be a guest House of forest department

Frozen water near temple

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Way to temple

Forged temple in the Rock

At Tungnath Temple

.	Lunch time	.
Way to Chandrashila from the back of tungnath Temple

Love is in the air	At Chandrashila Peak (Ganga Dham)
Panaromic view at summit
Panaromic view at summit
.	Mt. Nanda devi (left) and Mt. Trishul (right)
Gup-shup at summit

Sunset while returing

Beautiful Scene of Dusk

Day-3:
Ukhimath to Noida

Next morning we started our ride back to Noida. Temperature was increasing with time and noon becomes hotter. We enjoyed Aaloo k paranthe at Srinagar. We didn't take any considerable break till Rishikesh as reaching home was the only thought in mind. Due to Ganga Sanan on Kartika Purnima in Haridwar huge traffic jam encountered. We couldn't touch the road till we crossed the jam; we were riding over the boulders, rolling down over the grass and sand beside the road. If one had never done the off-roading, his wish was fulfilled here. After 8.5 hours ride in dust and pollution, crossing every traffic jam with every possible way, we finally reach home at 22:30 hours. I couldn't recognize myself in the mirror. My eyes were little swollen and dark due to dust. I enjoyed a warm shower and crawled into my shell for a peaceful sleep.

Riding back from Chopta

to Rudraprayag

.	Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini River

Confluence of restless Bhagirathi and calm Alaknanda;

finally take the name Ganga at Devprayag

P.S. Cheers to Gurdeep Singh for his superb photography !!