Dehradun to Tungnath Chandrashila – A ₹4000 Trek with Food & Stays
By Pragya, Urban Chats Contributor
Hey, wanderlust warriors! It’s Pragya, your Uttarakhand-born travel buddy and food-loving storyteller, here to whisk you away on a 2-day adventure from Dehradun to Tungnath Chandrashila trek.
Picture this: snow-kissed peaks, vibrant buransh flowers, sacred rivers, and plates of steaming local grub that warm your soul. My crew of four dove into this journey with a tight budget (under ₹4000 per head!) and a thirst for epic experiences. From holy sangams to Himalayan trails, this trip was a love letter to Uttarakhand’s raw beauty. So, grab a cup of pahadi chai, and let’s hit the road together!
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Day 1: Dehradun to Ukhimath A Journey Through Sacred Stops and Savory Bites
Our adventure began in Dehradun, the gateway to Uttarakhand’s wonders. We booked a comfy cab for the four of us (₹10,000 total, so ₹2500 each total steal for the flexibility!). A cab was our vibe because we wanted to soak up every scenic stop en route to our big goal: the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek. Public transport’s great for some, but with our packed itinerary, we craved the freedom to linger where our hearts desired.
Our first stop was Devprayag Sangam, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers swirl together to birth the holy Ganga. The sight of those turquoise waters dancing under the sun is like nature’s own masterpiece. We stood on the steps, feeling the spiritual hum, snapping photos (because, hello, content creator mode!), and letting the moment sink in. If you’re here, don’t miss the tiny stalls nearby serving aloo puri with tangy chutney—crispy, spicy, and oh-so-perfect for a quick breakfast. Pair it with a glass of buransh juice, made from local rhododendron flowers. It’s tart, refreshing, and screams Uttarakhand.
Next, we rolled toward Dhari Devi Temple, revered as the protector of the Char Dham. Tucked amidst rugged hills, this temple radiates a quiet power. The intricate carvings and serene vibes make it a must-visit. After prayers, we grabbed some pakoras from a roadside dhaba golden, crunchy, and served with fiery green chutney. Pro tip: dhabas here often whip up pahadi saag with makki ki roti if you ask nicely. It’s hearty, earthy, and sticks to your ribs for the journey ahead.
By afternoon, we arrived in Ukhimath, a charming village 1-2 hours from Chopta, our trek’s base camp. We picked Ukhimath for its affordable stays (our room was ₹1200, so ₹300 per head) and laid-back vibe. Hotel Neelkanth was our pick clean rooms, warm blankets, and a balcony with mountain views that’ll make your jaw drop. If you’re after something fancier, GMVN Guest House in Ukhimath offers cozy vibes with hot meals on-site. For food, we hit a local eatery for dal-chawal topped with a dollop of desi ghee simple but soul-warming. They also served kheer made with jaggery, a sweet hug after a long drive. If you’re a dessert fiend like me, hunt for bal mithai at nearby shops Uttarakhand’s iconic chocolatey treat with those sugary white dots.
Since we had daylight left, we ventured to Triyuginarayan Temple, a 1-2 hour drive from Ukhimath. This is where Lord Shiva and Parvati are said to have tied the knot, and the eternal fire in the temple still burns! The stone walls whisper ancient love stories, and the surrounding forests add a mystical touch. On the way back, we stopped at a roadside stall for maggi because nothing says mountains like a steaming bowl of masala noodles with extra chili. Trust me, it hits different at 7000 feet.
By evening, we were back at our stay, swapping stories over cups of ginger chai, ready to recharge for the big trek.
Where to Stay in Ukhimath
- Hotel Neelkanth: Budget-friendly (₹1000-1500), clean, with epic views. Perfect for groups.
- GMVN Guest House: Slightly pricier (₹1500-2500), but comfy with in-house food.
- Himalayan Homestay: Homely vibes (₹800-1200), often includes home-cooked pahadi meals.
Foodie Finds in Ukhimath
- Local Dhabas: Try pahadi dal with manduwa roti a nutty, gluten-free local grain.
- Sweet Tooth: Grab bal mithai or singori (khoya wrapped in malu leaf) from sweet shops.
- Quick Bites: Maggi or bread-omelette at roadside stalls for instant comfort.
Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath-Chandrashila A Trek Through Fairytale Trails
Day 2 started with an early rise, fueled by excitement (and strong coffee). We checked out of Ukhimath and drove to Chopta, about 1-2 hours away. As we neared, the scenery morphed into a dreamscape—buransh trees bursting with fiery red blooms, their petals carpeting the road like nature’s confetti. Snow-dusted peaks winked at us, promising magic ahead. We stopped for a quick breakfast at Chopta’s Shiva Cafe, a trekker’s haven. Their parathas stuffed with spicy aloo and served with curd? Absolute game-changer. Wash it down with buransh tea for a floral kick.
We stocked up on snacks (chocolates, biscuits, water) from Chopta’s tiny shops trust me, pack enough, as the trail has zero stalls. Around 7 AM, we began the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek, and oh boy, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. The path winds through meadows dotted with buransh trees, their scarlet flowers glowing against the green. The air’s so crisp, it’s like a shot of pure energy. Sure, the climb’s steep, but those views white peaks teasing you at every turn make every huff and puff worth it. We paused often, not just to catch our breath but to soak in the beauty. My crew was all giggles, pointing out quirky cloud shapes and pretending we were in a Bollywood montage.
As we climbed higher, patches of snow crunched underfoot, adding a thrill. Soon, we reached Tungnath Mahadev Temple, the world’s highest Shiva shrine. Even with the gates closed off-season, its stone spire against the Himalayan backdrop felt sacred. We sat there, munching on energy bars, letting the silence speak. The 360° views mountains stretching forever were like a warm hug from nature. If you’re trekking in peak season, the temple’s open, and you might catch aarti vibes.
From Tungnath, we pushed to Chandrashila Peak, the trek’s crown jewel. This last stretch is no joke steep, snowy, and a bit slippery without gear. But we took it slow, cheering each other on, and holy moly, the payoff was unreal. At the top, a 360° panorama of giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba unfolded. It’s not just a view it’s a moment that rewires your soul. We stood there, wind in our hair, feeling like we’d conquered the world. I popped a piece of bal mithai from my backpack sweet victory never tasted so good.
By afternoon, we started our descent, legs wobbly but hearts full. Back in Chopta, we treated ourselves to samosas and chai at a local stall crispy, spicy, and the perfect trek reward. The drive back to Dehradun was a blur of happy chatter and playlists, with one last dhaba stop for paneer masala and fluffy naan. Nothing fancy, just honest food that hits all the right spots. Late that night, we were back in Doon, dreaming of mountains and already planning our next escape.
Where to Stay in Chopta
- Magpie Camp: Tents with cozy bedding (₹1500-2000), unreal stargazing.
- Hotel Snow View: Basic rooms (₹1200-1800), close to the trailhead.
- Chopta Eco Resort: Splurge-worthy (₹2000-3000), with hot showers and mountain views.
Foodie Finds in Chopta
- Dhabas: Ask for pahadi chicken curry with rice spicy and soulful. Budget: ₹150-250.
- Shiva Cafe: Must-try aloo parathas and buransh tea. Budget: ₹100-200.
- Local Stalls: Samosas, maggi, or chai for quick bites. Budget: ₹50-100.
Budget Breakdown: How We Nailed It Under ₹4000
Here’s the tea on costs:
- Cab: ₹10,000 (₹2500 per head for 4 people)
- Stay in Ukhimath: ₹1200 (₹300 per head)
- Food & Misc.: Under ₹1000 per head (meals, snacks, small buys)
- Total: ~₹3800 per person!
For a 2-day whirlwind of treks, temples, and tasty food, that’s a bargain. A cab gave us the freedom to explore at our pace, but if you’re on a tighter budget, buses to Ukhimath or Chopta are dirt-cheap just plan for less flexibility.
Nearby Gems to Explore
If you’ve got extra time, these spots near the route are pure gold:
- Rudraprayag: Another sacred sangam (Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers), with serene ghats and cozy dhabas serving kheer-seviyan.
- Kartik Swami Temple: A short detour from Chopta, this hilltop shrine offers sunrise views that’ll leave you speechless. Pack theplas for a picnic.
- Sari Village: Near Chopta, it’s the base for Deoria Tal, a lake reflecting snow peaks. Local homestays serve gahat dal nutty and warming.
Why This Trip Stole My Heart
This journey was more than a trek it was a feast for the senses. The sacred hum of Devprayag, the spicy kick of dhaba pakoras, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the jaw-dropping view from Chandrashila it all wove together like a perfect pahadi song. As an Uttarakhand girl, I’m biased, but there’s something about these mountains that feels like home, no matter where you’re from. Sharing it with my crew, laughing over maggi bowls, made it unforgettable. If you’re itching for adventure, culture, and food that warms your soul, this Dehradun-to-Chopta route is your ticket.
Tips for Your Tungnath-Chandrashila Adventure
- Timing: Early spring rocks for buransh blooms and light snow. Late spring brings open temples and crowds.
- Gear: Sturdy shoes, a warm jacket, and sunglasses (snow glare is real). Trekking poles help on snowy bits.
- Stay: Ukhimath for budget; Chopta for trail vibes. Book early in peak season.
- Food Hacks: Carry snacks like nuts or bal mithai for the trail. Ask dhabas for jhangora kheera millet dessert.
- Plan Smart: Cabs rule for groups; solo travelers can try shared jeeps from Dehradun.
- Essentials: Water, sunscreen, and a power bank no shops or charging on the trail.
- Respect Nature: Stick to paths, pack out trash, and keep the Himalayas pristine.
Extra Nuggets for Foodies
Uttarakhand’s food is a love language. Beyond what we ate, here’s what to hunt for:
- Gahat Dal: A protein-packed lentil curry, often spiced with cumin. Best with rice.
- Jhangora Kheer: Millet pudding with jaggery sweet, nutty, and rare outside pahadi kitchens.
- Singori: Khoya wrapped in malu leaf, like a sweet burrito. Grab it in Ukhimath sweet shops.
- Buransh Squash: Stock up on this floral syrup for home it’s lemonade’s cooler cousin.
How to Prep Like a Pro
- Fitness: The trek’s moderate, but practice stairs if you’re not a regular hiker.
- Packing: Layer up mornings are chilly, afternoons warm. A small backpack’s enough.
- Local Connect: Chat with shopkeepers or homestay hosts they spill the best offbeat spots.
- Photo Ops: Sunrise at Chopta, buransh trails, and Chandrashila’s peak are Instagram gold.
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