The 10 Best Things to Do in Chamoli, India
Discover the best top things to do in Chamoli, India including Tungnath Temple, Auli, Hemkund Sahib, Roopkund Lake, Joshimath, Hemkunt Sahib, Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, Hemkund Lake, Temple Complex, Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple.
1. Tungnath Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By AlokYad - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
Introduction
We are group of three friends who loves to visit Mountains during last week of December and able to keep up the tradition from last 8 years continuously. We have already been to most of the commercial hill stations and few offbeat locations; and chose Chopta for our this year endeavor largely due to distance from Delhi (Expecting less crowds as we need population detox), High altitude (expecting pure oxygen and excellent air for body detox) and plan to do some easy on feet treks (Not mountain expeditions).
Trek Information
The first stop we chose was Deoria taal (*feel free to read mine/others detailed review on Deoria taal and stay option on TripAdvisor) where we stay for overnight stay. Next was trek to Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak. We stayed in Magpie camp in Chopta (Detailed review in another post). Ideally it is advised to start your Tungnath/Chandrashila trek as early in morning as possible in Winter due to multiple reasons like black ice condition deteriorate as day progress, sunset early (around 5.30 pm) makes decent extremely dangerous and hard if there is dark, hard to find trek shoes suitable to your requirement and size as they were taken up by early groups etc (more on each point in below). All the pts above we learned in hard way as despite we had information, we started late largely due to one more group requested to join us.
We reach starting point/gate of trek crossing extremely beautiful dense forest area laden with very good freshly laid tarmac which is filled with snow in patches. The drive was relatively uneventful which is good thing considering decent snow on road to give you some panic attack or adrenaline rush depending on your mindset. The parking on Tungnath gate is limited but we manage to find parking space right on gate. The amount of vehicles or tourist was in absolute contrast of our need to avoid crowd as there was more than 4K+ people in various phases of trek. Big letdown for me personally. The entry gate is guarded by forest department though primarily there for ticketing purpose (Rs 150/- per Indian, Sorry fail to register cost for Foreigners). The trek to Tungnath is around 4 km and 5.5 km for Chandrashila peak. The route/trek is covered 70-80% with snow in December end week (when we travelled) in which 50% snow become Black/Dark ice (Due to huge number of people walking on them and snow melting in wake of fresh snow). This scenario made walking on trek extremely hard and dangerous as most of the tourist slipping while walking despite trek shoes and support sticks. No such issues during summer as learned from local/fellow trekkers. It also takes 3-4 hours to reach Tungnath template {Highest Shiva template on earth/ 3,680 m (12,073 ft)} depending on the trekker's physical ability. The view from route and especially from temple of adjacent peak is breath taking and worth the effort. One can see Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and Kedarnath peaks. Temple is ancient and small with simple architecture. It was closed as temple remain closed in Winter. I along with one of my friend decided to decent back to base/parking due to smaller time window before sunset and due to complexity involves in decent/walking down on snow laden trek which is much hard to climb down then up. Rest of the group was more courageous and decided to trek to Chandrashila peak. Decent though very hard but I manage to reach to base location without even a single fall/slip (Pat on my back) though not everyone face same fate and most of the people fall without major injuries and I find mostly people enjoyed it baring few.
In conclusion, trek is middle difficulty level in Winter and low difficulty level in summer. Views and ambiance is amazing. If one can start early and go slow, he/she can enjoy excellent flora of region as well as nature at its best.
Things to remember
1. Shoes – It is one of the most important tool in Trek especially in Winter. Try at least waterproof ones. One can bring their own as well as it is available on rent for Rs 200/- day. The quality of rented one is basic but will serve purpose. During high snow condition, try to find metal spikes which can be attached to shoe which will make ascent/decent very easy. Lot of camps in area can arrange them as part of your package so check and agree with them in advance during your package negotiation stage. Also, don't forgot to carry good quality stick especially one with sharp metal fitment as it will help a lot in trek.
2. Water & Food – In entire trek route especially in winter, there is not a single vendor/shop serving any water or food to anyone. I came to know that they do exist in summer when temple is open. Due to high altitude and steep ascent/climb, one can easily get thirsty or Hungary. Eating snow/ice for thirst is not a good idea as it may be adulterated/contaminated with fungus or bacteria. So, take plenty of water and some food with you. Also, do take lip balm with you as well as your lips will be dead dry in few hours due to temp, less oxygen and effort. NOTE – Oxygen is less due to high altitude (3800 meter) but will not cause any breathlessness or any high altitude sickness at least in any normal or healthy individual. Do check with doctors if you have any history of same.
3. Electricity/Light – The entire Chopta region still has no electricity supply (YES! in 2018) hence no lighting post in trek/route. So, please your trip accordingly as I strongly suggest not to decent in darkness in any time of year especially winters. My travel mates who chose to go to Chandrashila without respecting time frame had very hard time coming back to base location as one losing camera (broke during slip on snow) and other losing their bums/cloths while skidding on ice instead walking which is very hard if not impossible. So, please carry high intensity torches if you plan night travel as part of your trip to support you well better then mobile limit LED lights. Also, carry extra power banks for your mobiles as no enroute charging station.
4. Vehicle Parking – There is huge amount of snow in parking lot. Don't park you vehicle ever on snow especially engine bay area on it as due to snow melting during day and cold, it make your engine above it very cold as well and oils/lubricant can also affect badly leads to engine not able to start.
5. First aid – Carry your first aid with you as Shameless garhwal govt charges Rs 150/- per person for trek but there is not a single person/medical practitioner available in case of any mis-happening. I have seen worst on route (avoiding details so not to discourage others) so better prepared for any condition.
6. Mobile connecting/Internet – The mobile connection is available in patches and especially in upper part of trek. Internet connection is limited to 2G and sparsely available.
How to Ascent/Decent on Snow
Though I am not an expert and you can read on net to find better experienced trekkers guide but if it can help – Always walk in Penguin style on snow i.e. Very-2 small steps and lower feet of first leg touching firm and first on snow before lifting another leg. Use stick for balance. Never panic as it will increase anxiety and make your fall even worse. Chose to walk on fresh snow lying on side of path wherever available & possible. While decent, you can chose some off roading/mountain path but chose it carefully as if you fall, it will create greater injury then slipping on ice.
2. Auli
Overall Ratings
5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Bharat A - Kuwait
I visited Auli as part of leisure trek arranged by Foliage Outdoors group. We stayed at Auli for 1 night and visited Gorson Bugyal for camping.
Auli is famous for skiing during the winters. However, it is really beautiful in the summers too. Narrow roads going leading to the top of the beautiful Mountains is amazing.
3. Hemkund Sahib
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Rishabh H A
What a place? Must visit. Experience of heaven. Calm, cool, beautiful, serene. Amazing surroundings including snow Mountains, clouds a beautiful lake. Coming here is a huge task on your own but totally worth it. Would definitely like to come back. Memory for a lifetime.
4. Roopkund Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Hiren D - Mumbai, India
Once in a life time experience... The trek had beautiful landscapes and scenery all around... It was a roller coaster ride for me.. But it was all worth.. Started ascent from lohajung with forest.. Which got converted to meadows as we proceeded and finally only rocks with almost no vegetation and snow clad summit on the peak... Each and every day I had different experience and beautiful in its own way. Must do for thrill seekers
5. Joshimath
Overall Ratings
4 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By ddevarshi - Jaipur, India
I am not sure whether Joshimath should be treated as an 'attraction' under Chamoli or a separate destination alike Chamoli. Anyway, it serves as base station for Badrinath, Ghangaria, Hemkund, Valley of Flowers, Auli and some treks. It is relatively a better station compared to others mentioned above as it has facility of ATM and banks.There are many hotels and Guest Houses but I found that town needs some better quality restaurants. One can get taxis/shared taxis from this place to Govind Ghat or Badrinath or Chamoli or Haridwar. There is little to do at Joshimath itself. The so called attractionsofJoshimath- Narsimha Temple, shankaracharya temple, Shankaracharya math etc are not not very attractive and can be finished in an hour. The nearby attractions such as Auli, Tapovan, Badrinath etc are the reasons for tourists to stay here.
6. Hemkunt Sahib
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Rahul B - Gurgaon
Out of the world experience... Devine... peaceful serence . Strongly recommend the helicopter service from govind ghat to govinddham and back. Saves 2 night's and a strenous climb. Start your day early as weather can get unpredictable. Day breaks as early as 4 am..
7. Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By anuradha2013 - Mumbai, India
Steep climb of 70 degree inclination most of the way and six kilometres is literally an uphill task in freezing cold. Definitely worth the climb, foggy, serene, divine and soulful experience. We also saw the 'bramha kamal'.
Have kichadi and tea from the langar before climbing back.
8. Hemkund Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By JASVINDER1981 - Panipat, India
Hemkund lake is near Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. it is one of the beautiful lake i have seen. You can compare its beauty with Pangong Lake. More from that it is a holy river and it is worth to take a bath in its ice cold water. Apart from Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, The holy Lokpaal Temple is also situated on its bank. the beauty around this lake is such that you want to stay there for ever. the beautiful landscapes, snow covered peaks and touch able clouds makes you speech less.
9. Temple Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By SoloIndianTravellers - New Delhi, India
One has to cross the bridge over saraswati alaknanda river to reach the Badrinath Temple Complex
There is a Huge Bell over the main entrance gate of Badrinath Temple Complex. Also there is a hot water Kund right on the right side of Badrinath Temple Complex.
NAR and NARAYAN Peaks are visible on the back of the Badrinath Temple Complex.
10. Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
