Chandrashila Peak

My last blog covered the journey from Delhi to Chopta and the trekking to Tungnath temple. We reached Tungnath temple and after paying offering our prayers to the deity we started on our trek towards Chandrashila peak.

The shops nearby the temple provided a retreat and after freshening up and recharging with some food we set out for Chandrashila peak. The trek from Tungnath temple to Chandrashila is an unforgiving one as the route gets steep in many places. As we visited in the last week of March, so the snow covered trail had started to thaw in some places. As such, adrenaline rush’ kicked in as we hold onto each other’s hands and tried to make a grip in the snow. Striding the route at a snail’s pace, we finally managed to reach the Chandrashila top.

There were only a few people there, in spite of many with whom we trekked together till Tungnath temple. The panoramic view of the snow clad mountain ranges is a sight to behold and is worth every step that we have slipped and every sweat that we have dropped all the way. The whole area was engulfed in a surreal calmness, no birds around and only a brazen breeze to keep company. As the clouds played hide and seek with the mountains we could hear our hearts beat and the distant chattering of people. We lost track of time and as the weather headed for a light snowfall we started our journey downhill. Coming down on the snowy steep track was a bit scary at first but as it started to snow we let ourselves enjoy the splendor of nature and soaked in the moment. The snowfall was the cherry on top of the marvelous journey that we undertook from Delhi three days back. As the snowfall receded we started our trek back to our camps. The green meadows welcomed us on our way back and we enjoyed the afternoon in its lap enjoying the enchanting views around. We reached our campsite by late afternoon and we all shared our experiences with our fellow companions. The camp fire, the full moon night, the dark silhouette of the nearby mountain ranges provided a perfect taste of camping.

We were awoken the next morning by the chirping of birds and a bright sunshine. We tried to savor the charm of the mighty peaks, the green forest and valleys and the humbleness and hospitality of its people. As we started our journey back to Delhi, we relived each moment we had experienced with the promise of coming back again to this adorable hamlet.