Trek Overview
Madhmaheshwar Chandrashila Trek - Sacred Panch Kedar Journey through Uttarakhand's Finest Landscapes
About Madhmaheshwar Chandrashila Trek
Where Sacred Temples Meet Himalayan Summits – A Complete Uttarakhand Pilgrimage & Trek
The Madhmaheshwar Chandrashila Trek is a spiritually rich and visually stunning Himalayan journey through some of Uttarakhand's most sacred and scenic locations. This unique trek blends ancient Panch Kedar temples, alpine meadows, dense forests, remote Garhwali villages, and majestic Himalayan peaks into a single unforgettable experience starting from Delhi.
Ransi Village to Madhmaheshwar Temple
Your journey begins with an overnight drive from Delhi to Ransi Village in the Rudraprayag district — a peaceful Garhwali hamlet that serves as the base for the Madhmaheshwar Trek. From Ransi, the trail winds through lush green forests, traditional villages like Gaundar and Bantoli, scenic river crossings, and high-altitude meadows. The destination is the sacred Madhmaheshwar Temple at 11,473 ft, one of the revered Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Budha Madhmaheshwar – Sunrise Over the Himalayas
An early morning hike from the temple campsite takes you to Budha Madhmaheshwar at ~11,900 ft — a high vantage point offering some of the most spectacular sunrise views in the Himalayas. Watch Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth peaks glow with golden morning light in a scene that remains etched in memory long after the trek ends. This is widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments of the entire journey.
Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila Summit
After descending to Ransi, the route continues to Chopta — the "Mini Switzerland of India." From here, a stone-paved trail through rhododendron forests leads to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple at 12,073 ft. A final steep ascent brings you to the Chandrashila Summit at 13,123 ft — the crown of this trek — offering a breathtaking 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar ranges.
Deoriyatal – The Reflective Farewell
The trek concludes with a serene visit to Deoriyatal Lake, a high-altitude gem celebrated for its crystal-clear reflections of the Chaukhamba massif. After soaking in the tranquility of this pristine lake, you descend to Sari Village and begin the drive back to Delhi. With its rare combination of Panch Kedar pilgrimage, mountain summits, glacial lakes, and forest trails, this trek is ideal for anyone seeking a deeply meaningful and adventurous Himalayan escape.
Day-wise Itinerary
Detailed day plan for your Madhmaheshwar – Tungnath – Chandrashila – Chopta Trek adventure
Pickup from Delhi – Overnight Drive to Ransi Village
Distance: ~450 KM | Duration: 12–14 Hours. Evening pickup from Delhi. Overnight journey through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Ukhimath, and the scenic Mandakini valley. Arrive at Ransi Village by morning — a peaceful Garhwali hamlet and the base camp for the Madhmaheshwar Trek.
Ransi to Madhmaheshwar Temple
Trek Distance: 16–18 KM | Altitude: 11,473 ft. Begin the trek from Ransi on a moderate trail passing through the villages of Gaundar and Bantoli, dense forests, river crossings, and high-altitude meadows. Arrive at the sacred Madhmaheshwar Temple, one of the Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in tents near the temple.
Budha Madhmaheshwar Hike & Return to Ransi
Hike Distance: 2 KM one way | Altitude: ~11,900 ft. Rise early for the hike to Budha Madhmaheshwar for a legendary Himalayan sunrise — Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth peaks ablaze in golden light. Descend back to the temple, then continue the full 16–18 km descent to Ransi. Overnight stay in homestay or guesthouse.
Ransi to Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila – Back to Chopta
Drive: 60–70 KM | Trek Distance: 5 KM one way | Tungnath: 12,073 ft | Chandrashila: 13,123 ft. Drive to Chopta — the Mini Switzerland of India. Trek through rhododendron forests on a stone-paved trail to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple. Continue the steep ascent to Chandrashila Summit for a stunning 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar peaks. Descend to Chopta for overnight stay.
Chopta to Deoriyatal Lake – Drive Back to Delhi
Trek Distance: 2.5 KM one way. Visit the serene Deoriyatal Lake — famous for its mirror-like reflections of the Chaukhamba massif. Descend to Sari Village and begin the return drive to Delhi. Late-night arrival in Delhi, marking the end of a truly spiritual and adventurous Himalayan journey.
What's Included
Everything covered in your package
Inclusions
- Delhi to Delhi transportation
- Accommodation (Guesthouse / Homestay / Camps)
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Experienced trek leader & local guide
- Basic first aid
- All toll & parking charges
Exclusions
- Personal expenses
- Pony / Doli charges
- Travel insurance
- Any cost not mentioned in inclusions
Things to Carry
Essential packing list for your trek
Payment Policy & Terms
Important booking information
Payment Policy: Pay ₹1,000 per head to reserve your seat. Remaining amount payable on arrival of trip. Any flight bookings shall be paid 100% in advance. 25% rescheduling charges apply.
Cancellation: If trek is called off due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, pandemic etc), no refund will be provided. Alternatives may be offered based on situation.
Terms: Full payment must be made before trip begins. IDs shall be verified before boarding. Transfer of bookings is not permitted. Drinking & smoking strictly prohibited. Travelers must take care of their luggage. Management not responsible for damage or missing items.
Note: Due to weather, forest officers or government officials may forbid vehicle passage. Travelers may need to use local share transport. No refunds for inclusions not availed by client.
Payment Details
Secure your booking with UPI or bank transfer
Bank Transfer
Account: Explore Hills
A/C No: 5877892417
IFSC: CBIN0284083
Bank: Central Bank of India
Branch: Clement Town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries about Madhmaheshwar – Tungnath – Chandrashila – Chopta Trek
It is moderately difficult and suitable for trekkers with basic fitness. The longest day is the 16–18 km Ransi to Madhmaheshwar section, while the Chandrashila ascent from Tungnath involves a steep but short climb. Regular walkers with some prior fitness preparation handle it comfortably.
The ideal seasons are March–June and September–December. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views, while autumn and early winter offer crisp skies and stunning snow-dusted peaks around Chandrashila and Tungnath.
The highest point is the Chandrashila Summit at 13,123 ft, reached on Day 4 after crossing Tungnath Temple at 12,073 ft. The summit offers a 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and the Kedar ranges.
Yes, beginners with moderate fitness can comfortably complete this trek. The itinerary is well-paced, with adequate rest and acclimatization built in. Basic cardio preparation — jogging or brisk walking for 3–4 weeks — is recommended before the trip.
Yes, both temples are among the five sacred Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas. Madhmaheshwar is the fourth Kedar, while Tungnath is the third — making this trek a rare opportunity to cover two Panch Kedar temples in a single journey.
Typically 15–25 trekkers accompanied by experienced guides and dedicated support staff. The group size ensures personalised attention, safety, and a great social experience on the trail.
Accommodation varies by campsite — guesthouses and homestays in Ransi for a warm local experience, and tents near Madhmaheshwar Temple and Chopta for an authentic camping feel. All accommodation is clean, comfortable, and well-suited to the mountain environment.
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