Deoriatal-Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Expedition 2026

The Deoriatal - Chandrashila - Chopta trek starts from Sari village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is famous for the beauty of Deoriatal lake, set at an altitude of 7,800 feet. The route passes through beautiful meadows and a variety of jungle at Deoriatal, opening out at Rohini Bugyal. The forest holds unique biodiversity, refreshing air and mesmerising scenic beauty.

Chopta is among the most beautiful and famous destinations in the region - a true paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers, so lovely it is often called the mini Switzerland of India. The many species of birds and the highest Lord Shiva temple, Tungnath, are the main attractions here.

Chandrashila Peak is well known for its 360-degree view of the mighty Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Mt. Nandani Parwat, Mt. Janhukut, Mt. Chaukhamba and other unnamed peaks.

Birds of the Region

• Himalayan Swiftlet, Crested Goshawk, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Griffon
• Mountain Hawk Eagle, Golden Eye, Hill Partridge, Koklas Pheasant
• Himalayan Monal, Maroon Oriole, Cheer Pheasant
• Long-billed and Pied Thrush, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Scarlet Finch, Spot-winged Rosefinch

Organised By

• Trekking Department, National Office, YHAI
• 5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Contact: 7827999000 · Email: trekking@yhaindia.org

Trek grading: Easy to Moderate. Note: the route and schedule of the program may change without prior notice based on local conditions.

Inclusions

• Accommodation on sharing basis in homestays or tents
• Nutritious, sumptuous vegetarian food
• Group insurance
• Forest entry fees
• Expert guidance and trekking support

What Participants Should Bring Along

• Rucksack (if you have one) and a walking stick
• Woollens, sun cap, goggles and cold cream
• Trekking shoes and socks
• Enamelled or steel mug, plate, lunch box and spoon
• Toilet paper and a rain sheet
• Medicines you normally use at home

At the time of reporting, participants must carry the YHAI membership card (or receipt of payment), admit card, the original medical certificate and two passport-size photographs. Without these documents members will not be allowed into the base camp.

Who Can Participate?

• Age 18 to 65 years.
• YHAI membership is mandatory.
• Eight batches of 30 participants, reporting daily from 1 to 8 October 2026.

Medical Certificate - Mandatory

• A trekking medical certificate is compulsory at the time of reporting, valid within 30 days, duly signed by a registered medical practitioner (MBBS/MD only) with registration number and stamp.
• A soft copy of the medical certificate will not be accepted.

How to Reach the Base Camp

• Take a bus from ISBT Haridwar or Rishikesh to Rudraprayag by 6 AM; the journey takes about 7-8 hours.
• From Rudraprayag there is a daily bus to Sari via Ukhimath, leaving at 3 PM. Small cabs and taxis are also available.
• Nearest railway stations: Haridwar and Rishikesh. Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (56 km from Haridwar).

How to Join

• Online: apply through the YHAI website by paying the program fee of Rs. 8,500. Net banking, debit and credit cards are accepted. An admit card is generated after a successful transaction. 30 seats per batch are opened online.
• Offline: apply on the prescribed Trekking Registration Form with a Trekking Medical Certificate and a demand draft for Rs. 8,500 favouring 'Youth Hostels Association of India', payable at New Delhi. Send to the Trekking Department, National Office. Offline confirmation is subject to seat availability.
• Members can also apply through their local YHAI unit or state branch.

Accommodation & Food

• Accommodation on sharing basis in homestays or tents.
• Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals.

Safety & Security

• Extensive preparation goes into planning the trekking route; field staff and experienced camp leaders check the area in advance.
• While every care is taken, YHAI cannot be held responsible for accidents, illness or other unforeseen eventualities.

Program Rules

• Smoking, alcohol and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited.
• Staying anywhere other than the YHAI camp is not allowed for the duration of the camp.
• This is an environment-friendly trek - carry any litter you find to the base camp.
• Burning wood during campfires is strictly prohibited.

Certificates

• Participants who complete the trek and abide by the program discipline are awarded certificates.

Special Casual Leave

• YHAI trekking expeditions are approved by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT), Government of India, vide Office Order No. 28016/3/89-Estt (A) dated 25 October 1989. Central Government employees may avail special casual leave of up to 30 days in a calendar year.

Scholarships

• Justice T.P.S. Chawla Memorial Adventure Scholarship for underprivileged girls whose family income is less than Rs. 1,00,000 per year. Applicants submit a salary certificate, or income on an affidavit in the case of business.
• Off the Beaten Track Siddharth Scholarship - 50% of the program fee for underprivileged young men and women under 30 whose family income is less than Rs. 2,50,000 per year, applied for through their state branch.

Online Bookings

• Participants who have booked online must cancel their booking online through the website at least 5 days before the reporting date.

Offline Bookings

• Participants who have booked offline must send a cancellation request by email to trekking@yhaindia.org at least 5 days before the reporting date.

Eligibility for Cancellation

• Only cancellations made within the above timeline are eligible for a credit shell or refund.
• Cancellation requests received less than 5 days before the reporting date will not be entertained and are not eligible for a credit shell or refund.

Refund

• Participants opting for a refund will get 50% of the paid program fee.
• The refund is processed only after completion of the program.

Credit Shell

• Participants opting for a credit shell receive 100% of the paid participation fee as credit, valid until 31 December 2027.
• The credit shell may be used for any program organised by the YHAI National Office, or by YHAI State Branches and Units that operate a credit shell policy on their programs.
• The credit shell can only be used against treks and programs. It cannot be adjusted against membership fees or hostel bookings.

Adjustment of Credit Shell

• If the new program costs less than the available credit, the balance may be used for another eligible trek or program until 31 December 2027.
• If the new program costs more, the difference must be paid by the participant.

No Further Cancellation

• A program booked using a credit shell cannot be cancelled, or converted into another credit shell or refund, under any circumstances.

Transfer of Seats

• A confirmed seat may be transferred to a family member or friend. Once transferred, the seat cannot be transferred again or cancelled.