Tunganath in March - Help needed

Intend to visit Rudraprayag and Syalsore in second week of March 2013 with family and friends including kids. Wondering
1) what the weather/ snow condition would be at that time in connection with visit to 1) Chopta/ Tunganath 2) Ukhimath, Deoriyatal. Does not have much experience in trekking. Will it be possible for us to cover the distances required by foot?
2) What will be the temperature levels at Rudraprayag/Syalsore at that time of the year. Should we carry heavy woolens?
3) What will be the tentative cost of Sumo/ Qualis for a six day Haridwar to Haridwar tour to above region including driver.

Help/ suggestions/ information is sought from experienced travellers. Kindly respond.

Chopta Tungnath in March 2010. Taken from this thread.

Thanks aarosh ! Got some answer to my question number 1. Awaiting responses for other questions.

Recently did a snow trek to Chandrashilla-Tungnath and Deoriataal in last week of January 2012. The snow was insane but surprisingly was not that freezing cold as was expected. We could not reach Tungnath due to some team members not coming prepared with adequate gear so moved to night camping at Deoriataal.

Thanks Himwandarer! Although I would not be able to go to a snow trek in January with my group, but would love to have more details and photographs if possible of your journey at this forum. Thanks again.

Still awaiting answer to my question on Rudraprayag/ Syalsore weather and tentative vehicle cost if anybody is kind enough to offer help to a not so experienced traveller.

Jayant,the weather in Rudraprayag and Syalsore is pleasant at day time and gets little chilly at night. In January we were wandering in the streets in t-shirts so going by that heavy woolen clothing may not be required. However the scene is different when you reach Chopta. This year it snowed heavily in Chopta side and in March too there was good snow-cover.

Thanks for putting in the valuable information, Himwanderar! Now two questions that came to my mind.
1. Did you face any difficulty in reaching chopta by car (which was the case I presume)due to the snow conditions?
2. Did you stay at Chopta? If that is the case was there any readily available accommodation/ food joint at chopta during winter? Or did you have to arrange in advance?

Inviting other people to put in their valuable comments also.

Jayant we were only able to drive in our car till Mukku bend from where there was close to knee deep snow. There was a tours operator 4*4 Gypsy operating but they also were not able to drive ahead of Duggalbitta. We stayed the night in Duggalbitta but the accommodation was terrible with basic minimum supplies also lacking. Early morning we pushed for a 8 km hike in snow to Chopta. We were only able to reach Chopta and the snow was knee deep. There was no accommodation or ration available at Chopta so we decided to head back to Mukku bend and went for Deoriataal trek instead. So the lesson learned was to carry your own food and sleeping supplies if you want to do a winter snow trek to Chopta and ahead and carry proper clothing and footwear etc. In my personal experience, avoid staying at MAYADEEP HERBAL RESORT in Dugalbitta. The incharge there, Mr. Rawat provides deplorable services and charges high tariff which does not justify the service provided.

"So the lesson learned was to carry your own food and sleeping supplies if you want to do a winter snow trek to Chopta and ahead and carry proper clothing and footwear etc."

Thanks a lot friend for your valued response.

Can someone suggest the type of clothing and especially footwear needed for this kind of snow trek? Hopefully the snow level will be reduced by a little by March!?
Can tour operators including GMVN arrange those?

All are welcome to put in their valuable reponses.

You can speak with Dhanender Singh Negi (Annie) who can help you out. His number is 09897857304. You can give my reference, Vaibhav Chauhan aka Himalayan Wanderer.

Thanks a lot Vaibhab! I will definitely contact this person if I go for the trek. Thanks for sharing.

But I would love to have a little bit of suggestions/ information about the clothes/ footwear matter from the indiamikers.

I did this trek in March two years back. It get's really cold, but I was ok with a sweater and a jacket. You might want to carry thermals, to be safe. You will have to camp at Duggalbitta (about 1 hour walk from Chopta), and then go up. I'm not sure if Chopta will have accommodation. Your guide should be able to arrange for tents.
As far as shoes are concerned, try getting waterproof ones, as you would most definitely be trudging in snow. All our team members got the insides of the shoes wet (despite some wearing so-called "waterproof" shoes). Good footwear + gaiters should be sufficient.

Thanks Sajish!