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“Sari Village” to “Deoriatal or Devariatal” is a pleasant short weekend trek which lately has become very popular with trekkers looking for the most bang out of a trek done in a slight longer weekend time. Deoriatal , is a beautiful lake with its pristine waters captivating the eternal beauty of Chaukamba 4-3-2, Kedar and Neelkanth peaks. The area is surrounded by forests and green-lands and is one of the most scenic spots to catch breathtaking views of majestic peaks of Garhwal.
This trek is normally combined along with a trek to Tungnath and Chandrashilla from Chopta. For me, the prime interest was to cover Tungnath and Chandrashilla in winter season. This area receives heavy snowfall during December last week till February months and may become inaccessible by road.
My intent to cover both, Deoriatal and Tungnath-Chandrashilla peak drove me here to Garhwal district of Uttrakhand in the last week of January. Only a fool will want to venture here in the month when the region is closed due to heavy snowfall and has freezing temperature.
In consultation with Arjun Majumdar, this thought was given a sound direction when it was proposed that an exploratory trek would be undertaken here in the winter and the summer season. However my uncertainty over getting leaves from work, made the prospect of leading a team for Indiahikes over to this part an impossible proposition. But then hope prevailed and on 21st Jan. 2012, I was able to arrange for leave from work and conceived a plan of heading towards Ukhimath and Chopta. Many of my trek friends advised me not to head for Tungnath as it is buried in 3-4 foot snow and the prospect of trekking in such conditions will be precarious. Respecting their suggestions I made my mind to head to Ukhimath anyways and face the conditions head on.
Deepak Gahlot, my trek pal from my recent trek to Khuliya top in Munsiyari was ever ready to partner along. We headed from Delhi on 25th Jan. night and reached Haridwar at 3 am. Placing our prayers over the empty banks of river Ganga we headed to Ukhimath and reached Mukku bend, 9 kms before Chopta. The road from here was closed due to heavy snow and we had to trek all the way to Duggalbitta where we stayed for the night. Next morning we made our way to Chopta which became a 6-7 km hike for us now that the road ahead was buried in snow. There were talks that Chandrashilla trek with our limited gear is not possible and even reaching Tungnath would be a miracle. We took our chances and trekked towards Chopta with an intention of returning to Duggalbitta by the afternoon since no accommodation was available at Chopta for a night stay.
4 kms on to the trek and the level of snow was increasing step by step. By now we were buried in close to waist deep snow making our movement very difficult. My gaiters were doing their job, unfortunately Deepak was not so lucky with his lack of gear and found his shoes wet from the inside, which was a matter of grave concern. Seeing the conditions and the prospect of trekking on such snow after 12 noon (when the Sun would play its part in making the snow soft and prone to falls in areas where snow is deep) made us to take a hard decision to head back to Duggalbitta. However the view of the Chandrashilla peak and Kedar peaks was a sight to marvel and trekking in such lush snow was a delight even if it was a struggle.
We headed back to Duggalbitta and partnered along two like-minded travellers, Nishant and Ashish, to camp at Deoriatal for the night. We trekked back to Mukku Bend and got a glimpse of Chaukhamba peaks for the first time. Witnessing Chaukhamba for the first time so up close was a treat and added to my impatience to head for Deoriatal as soon as possible.
We drove from Mukku bend back to Sari village and parked our car at the village. We spoke with Negi-ji for arrangement of camping at Deoriatal and dinner and breakfast. The cost of renting of tents and sleeping bags was coming to Rs. 500 per tent. The cost of cooking was additional. The total cost for 6 people for camping and food and refreshments came out to be Rs. 1300. It was a good decision to partner with some new made friends on route, the cost was shared and was light on the pocket.
We started on our trek in the afternoon through the gate from where the trek commences from Deoriatal from Sari village. It begins with a 10 minute hike going inside of Sari Village, passing an ancient local temple. The trek is only 2.5 kms and was done with minimum of fuss. I do not understand why some people need ponies to go to Deoriatal, the distance is not that much. The climb up the mountain is steep incline and all the trees are cleared here.
This gives a great opportunity to marvel the beauty of Chandrashilla peak buried in snow. I was able to see Tungnath temple for the first time. The look of it made me determined that I will soon be returning here to trek to Tungnath and Chandrashilla for sure. Thirty minutes into our hike and we witnessed patch of snowfall on the trail. As we climbed higher, the presence of snowfall was more visible. We were informed that the snow was hardly a week old. We reached closer to a bend in the mountain and now were on the other side. Sari village was no longer visible to us and for the first time on our trek trails we went inside the forest cover. This change in environment was much appreciated, for there is nothing like being in the vicinity of a beautiful forest, an essential ingredient for a beautiful trek. We reached a point where there was a dhabba and a group of trekkers were relaxing. We were informed that Deoriatal is only a 2 minute walk downhill.
The trail now was buried in knee deep snow and as the forest opened up, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Deoriatal in the right with Chaukhamba 4-3-2 peaks looming in the background making it a picture perfect moment. The first half of the lake side was completely buried in snow and added to the appeal of the place. At the left side, two dhabas were operational run by Shri. Negi. Ji, an old chap here who we have heard a lot from many trekkers before. Forest department have a 24 hour patrolling parties in Deoriatal and adjoining forest area. It was heartening to see they even fine tourists who are found littering at the lake side, something which should be practiced religiously everywhere.
We went straight to the dhaba and relished a cup of hot ginger tea. Negi-ji is one talkative character and has loads of stories to tell. It was getting a bid annoying to hear him ramble on and on, so we decided to sight see the lake-side instead.
I am a sucker for a good old white peak and witnessing Chaukhamba so close, on face was a complete “paisa vasul”. In fact the view of Chaukhamba 4-3-2 massifs was so over-whelming that I forgot the disappointment of not reaching Tungnath and Chandrashilla peak. The peaks here are a testament to the fact that some godly activity has happened which cannot be substantiated with our modern science and way of living. For me the sight of Chaukhamba and my pursuit of witnessing it was something I could relate to the Pandava brothers who were searching for Lord Shiva here to attain salvation. Come to think of it, my pursuit towards these select mountains has something to do with my search for something pure, something like SHIVA. And then it occurred to me, I am “chasing Shiva” in my own way.
A lot of time was spent taking pictures of the lake and the peaks. The view provides some amazing view of Bandarpoonch peak starting from extreme left, Khatling peaks, Mt. Thalaysagars backside (which is next to Joggin peaks near Kedartal), Kedar peaks, Mt. Janhukut, Chaukhamba 4-3-2 and Mt. Neelkanth to name few.
A debate started regarding a mysterious peak at the left, backside of Mt. Chaukhamba-4. We assumed it to be Mt. Thalaysagar when Negi-ji told us it to be Mt. Shivling. Later when we checked on Google earth with coordinates it turned out to be Mt. Janhukut.
We camped at other side of the lake where we could see nothing but the mighty Chaukhamba peaks. The intent was to have a clear view of the said peak from inside of the tent. We enjoyed the sunset view on the peaks and had an early dinner along a bon-fire which was memorable.
Next day, I woke up early morning and was rewarded with a clear view of the peaks. The effect of first rays of sun on the peaks is always magical and I did not wanted to miss it. My camera was low on its battery so I made the most of it.
After that I trekked to the other side of the lake where there was a pile of snow collected. I climbed up on the pile of snow to get a better view of the reflection of Chaukbhamba on the lake at the cost of being buried in snow till waist deep. Satisfied with whatever I could conjure, it was time to head back to Sari Village and to Delhi via Ukhimath where I offered my prayers at Omkareshwar temple where deities from Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar resides for 6 months in winters.
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Trek Guru
Vaibhav Chauhan is an avid traveller with a passion for trekking in Indian Himalayas. With his roots in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, the love for the mountains is in his blood. He spends countless hours dreaming and planning for the next adventure. When not travelling he likes to spend time interacting with like-minded trek enthusiasts and read books on travel and mountaineering
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Trek Itinerary
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Day 1: Ukhimath to Sari Village, 23 km on road (Can also be done via 8 km trek). Sari Village 1950 meters to Deoriatal 2438 meters, 2.5 km trek, 1-1.5 hours
Day 2: Deoriatal to Sari Village back, 2.5 km trek, 45-60 minutes. Return to Ukhimath or proceed ahead to Chopta via Mukku bend, Dugalbitta for a trek trail leading to Tungnath temple and Chandrashilla peak 4000 meters. Alternatively you can also trek to Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashilla from Deoriatal via meadows which only till now local people know about.
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Trek Facts
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| Trail Type |
Easy-Medium gradients. Steep incline trek with well defined trails. |
| Road head |
Buses are available from Delhi Anand-vihar ISBT (Delhi-Ukhimath bus). From Haridwar, Rishikesh, buses are available on till Ukhimath. Take a shared cab from Haridwar or Rishikesh till Ukhimath. Delhi to Ukhimath is 416 Km. |
| Rail head |
Haridwar is the nearest rail head to Ukhimath-the base camp, 201 Km. |
| Difficulty |
Easy. No prior trek experience is required. |
| Base Camp |
Reach Ukhimath by train/bus/car from Delhi. |
| Best Season |
Mid April or End of December till March
(The mountain ranges of Chaukhamba 4-3-2, Kedar peaks, Mt. Neelkanth, Mt. Janhukut , Bandpoonch, Mt. Thalaysagar, , Khatling peaks etc are seen best from December till March. Can expect Snow on Deoriatal in second half of December till March). |
| Apprx cost of the trek |
Between Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 per head. This includes all travel via public transport, food and accommodation cost from Delhi to Delhi. Costing may increase if a cab is hired or travelling via personal conveyance like Car, SUV etc.
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Trek route
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Reach Ukhimath/Sari village by train/bus/car from Delhi.
Route:Delhi - Modi Nagar- Khatuli – Roorkee – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni – Kund – Ukhimath – Sari Village
Things to get
- Good quality hiking boots
- Waterproof rucksack
- One raincoat, 2 litre water bottle
- One water proof tracksuits/trousers
- Warm Jacket, Windsheeter, woollen cap, thermal inner-wears, water proof gloves
- Personal Items like Camera, Phone, camera and phone chargers, Towel, Identity cards, toileteries, Slippers.
- Three sets of dry clothes
- Trekking poles and gaiters. In case you happen to visit in Jan - Mar, you find knee deep snow.
- 3-4 pairs of socks
- One bed sheet, carry mat
- Camping gear, tents, stove etc (can be arranged by local guide/porters on rent)
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Photos of the trek
For the entire set of photographs of Deoriatal Winter Trek , click on this link
Deoriatal Winter Trek
How to do the Trek
Day 1 (1-1.5 hours): The adventure starts from Sari Village, 23 kms ahead of Ukhimath town. Alternatively one can start the trek from Ukhimath taking a shortcut over the mountain for an 8 km steep incline trek to Sari Village. However this can be avoided if you are short of time and instead proceed to Sari village via road.
A sign-board of the trek route for Deoriatal, can be seen in the heart of the small market in Sari village next to Hira and Murali Singh Negi Tourist house. A well defined trail made of rocks is clearly laid here. The trail from here begins with gradual climb up the mountain. You will come across village houses and an old local temple on way with a pretty view of the farmland. The locals here are friendly and one can expect them helping you in finding arrangement for stay and food. 10 minutes into the hike and trails now will start to become steeper and steeper. The forest has been cleared here so you will get a good view all around. At the valley facing end, you can see the Chandrashilla peak buried in snow and below it, the holy Tungnath temple. May need binoculars to spot the temple for the first timers here.
If required, take a breather here and enjoy the view of Chandrashilla Peaks and Sari village below. On the way you will find 3 spots where proper benches and tables are laid for the travellers. These spots are ideally located to relax and enjoy a grand view of the mountains and the valley.
30 minutes into the climb and you will notice patch of snow along the trail depending upon which month you are visiting. The trails here remain well defined throughout so there is very less chance of getting lost here. Be careful about wild animals as this is home to Himalayan bear and leopards. Getting into the last 1 km of hike, one will find self at the backside of the mountain and you will get a view towards Ukhimath side of the valley, though only for a while. You are now nearing closer to your destination. Another 20 minutes of hike and you reach a spot where you will find a dhabba. From this point there is only a 2 minutes of downhill walk with trails full of knee deep snow until it opens up for a grand view of Deoriatal lake and Chaukhamba massifs looming in the background. You have now reached Deoriatal. Do not forget to miss out on the sunset view on the magical Chaukhamba and Kedar peaks here. Camp next to the lake for the night.
Day 2 (30- 45 minutes): Get up early morning to enjoy the sunrise view on the mountain ranges. Do not miss on exploring the whole lake by doing a circumbulation of it. It is highly advised of using your camera in capturing the reflection of Chaukhamba and Kedar peaks on the lake. You can now think of trekking back to Sari village and proceed to Haridwar on road. If you have time to spare, a trek to Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashilla via the meadows from Deoriatal itself can be looked at. If plan is for the latter, be sure to hire an able guide cum porter who knows the area. One can contact Shri. Heera Singh Negi who you can find at Deoriatal running his own Dhabba for the same. This old gentleman here is highly respected both by locals and trekkers who visit here. This said trail can be done in another 3 days of trek ahead from Deoriatal.
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