Chopta-Tungnath-Dharmshila in Mid Feb

Hi All,

I am planning to visit Chopta and trek to Tungnath and may be Dharmshila in Mid Feb. Planning to go there on bike. Just wanted to know the feasibility and time required. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanx

Rowl

Think its ChandraShila, when u had typed DharmaShila.

I had been there in Oct 2009 on Panch Kedar Trek.

From what i heard, it will be totally closed for pilgrimage. Though its a soft trek in non-winter months, it will be under many feets of snow in February for sure.

I am not really positive whether you can camp above, not to mention whether you can summit at all, in such snow. However if you arent particulary worried about your descination, you may try.

It seems like you are alone, so just one advice, forget it. If you really want to attempt it then take a chance for same day return trek from Chopta to Tungnath with proper snow boots. Avoid Chandrashila in this case too.

Thanx for your replies shyam and jitu and correcting me too..


I wont be going alone for sure. We would be 2-3 or maybe more people on respective bikes. I would like to know about staying options over there (Chopta and Tungnath), if any. Also what would be best route (read most scenic) route to take from Delhi to Chopta ?

Is any place nearby over there from where i can procure snow boots and jackets maybe?

Would it be too difficult to ride to chopta on bikes at that time of the year?

I know many questions..but would really appreciate some info.

Thanx

Rowl

All depends on how heavily it has snowed. In mid Feb, the chance of you not able to go beyond dugalbitta is quite likely.
There are no stay options at chopta. You would need to stay at Ukhimath. The GMVN rest house is really good. If you are in a group, you may carry your camping equipments and trek but frankly, only experienced trekkers can do it.

If not chopta-tungnath-chandrashila, then what would be the next best thing for 3-4 people on bikes at that time of the year? Given snow, some solitude and scenic beauty are must haves..

Keep the same programme. Stay at Ukhimath and you may be lucky to do trek as planned. If that does not happen then go to Deoria tal, another good but easy trek with great views.

Well I will keep the program as same and hope for the trekking route to be open. Are there any places nearby which are off the beaten trail?

As I said, Deoria tal is there, plus it being off season, you will find too few tourists. That should be ok as it is better to also have a relaxing trip rather than trying to fit in too many places. However, if you do need to venture out, there are many places within 50 kms of Ukhimath, which you can inquire from locals. Or, you can stay one day at GMVN rest house situated along the river between Tilwara and Kund (Don’t remember the exact place).

Thanx Jitu.

Just wanted to confirm whether it would be possible to stay at kali kamli dharmshala in chopta.

Rowl,
My cousin went to Chopta last week, he said everything had been shut for Winter. I don't think you can get any accomodation in Chopta. Please double check.

On the contrary, you may want to arrange accomodation in Ukhimath (for a comfortable stay) else in Sari (Basic Accomodation) or Devaria Tal (Tent). Note, it was very very cold in Devaria Tal/Sari for you to consider staying.

I am not sure once agian, but you may want to try what jituyadav suggests - There are some stays in DuggalBitta. Youy may want to check that (7 KMS before Chopta, 20 KMS from Ukhimatt reeference: http://www.indiamike.com/india/uttar...bitta-t80587/).

Kali Kamli is in Tungnath, and No, it won’t be possible as it will be closed. As I said, the best option, comfort and location wise, will be Ukhimath GMVN. You can stay in dorm if you are travelling on a tight budget.

Any news or updates about snowfall/snow in and around chopta?

Just returned from the trip..was just awesome...thanx for all your help guys.