Why You Should Do Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Chopta Chandrashila Trek is considered a stunning trek in the Garhwal region, offering the Himalayas’ grandeur. Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” because of its picturesque landscape. This trek is a vantage point with astounding panoramas of mountains like Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba, Kedar Peak, and Mt. Trishul.
Flowers: This hike is awash with flowers, particularly Rhododendrons, pink, red, and vivid colors along the trek in the summer. From Ukhimath, you would be walking through wildflowers and ferns; the other side of the valley is filled with white and purple flowers in the upper part of Chopta.
Mythology: The story goes that the five brothers of the epic poem Mahabharata, once thirsty, were drawn to the water of Deoriatal and had to face an examination of their wisdom. According to Mahabharata, another legend goes that the Panch Kedars were built by the Pandavas, asking for Lord Shiva’s forgiveness and atonement for their sins incurred by killing their kin in the battle of Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva appeared in a bull form, and parts of the bull appeared in these five locations where the shrines were built. Tungnath is where the limbs and chest of the bull appeared.
Mountains: As we walk on the trail, spectacular mountains like Bandarppoonch Kedar and Chaukhamba are visible. The summit is attained with a 360-degree panorama across The Garhwal and the Kumaon mountains waiting to greet you. Some notable peaks in this view of grandeur include Nanda Devi Trishul, Nandaghunti, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and Kedar. Some glimpses into the Thalaysagar and Gangotri ranges can also be discerned from the edges.
Forest: Old Oak, Maple, and rhododendrons cover the dense forest trail when you come near Rohini Bugyal, bringing a cool and refreshing feel. Absorb the scent of the Deodar trees as you come close to Tungnath Shrine. You will also see Birch trees from the shrine, also known as Bhojpatra.
Wildlife: It’s one of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and with some luck, trekkers may find red foxes and other smaller wild creatures, which you can see as you walk ahead of Deoriatal. You could also see some birds like Himalayan Monals, considered more beautiful than the peacock because it is more colorful.
Meadows: The trail passes through the lush green fields of Rohini Bugyal, Chopta destination site (the Meadows) of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state.
Shepherds – See several shepherd huts made of stones with their livestock.
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Important
Guidelines
Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Government Employees
Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
- Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
- Leave Details:
- As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
- Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Application Process:
- You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
- How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Your booked trek date.
- The trek name.
- Aadhar Card
- Designation
- Office Address
- Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
- Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Documentation Support:
- Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
Age-Based Requirements for Junior Trekkers
- A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
- Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
- Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.
Medical Fitness Required for Trek
If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:
1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):
- Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
- Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.
2. Blood Pressure (BP):
- Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
- Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
- Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.
Recommendations:
- Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
- BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:
- Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
- Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
5. Bronchial Asthma:
- Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
- Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
6. Heart Problems:
- Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
- Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
7. Hypertension:
- Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
8. Pacemaker Implant:
- Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
9. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
- Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
Additional Recommendations:
- High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
- Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
- Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.
Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator