A heavenly trek to Chandrashila Summit through World's highest Shiva temple

After doing a Winter trek in Kedarkantha, i wanted to experience the Spring in the Himalayas. But this took so much time because of restrictions in Covid. But finally, on 10th January 2023 , I decided and booked my next Himalayan trek. And this time it was Chandrashila!

I welcome you all to my new blog and I will take you through one of the best Summit views of the Indian Himalayas.

View of the Greater Himalaya range from Chandrashila Peak

After registering for the trek i was all set for preparation. I started running / jogging and started using stairs instead lifts. As I was going after a big gap, so didn't want to take any chances even though this is not the toughest of the trek. 

The Starting Point

We had a small group of 8 members (so no fight for a window seat in our traveler 😃) and our starting point was at Rishikesh. Our base village was Sari and it took around 7 hours to reach there from Rishikesh. The drive from Rishikesh to Sari is very picturesque. On the way, we sighted the place called Devprayag which is the confluence of the Alakhnanda and Bhagirathi rivers and they make Ganga (Ganges) from there on .

Dev Prayag

The journey continues the hilly ways, the fresh air, mountains, and rivers all through the road. I was already lost and was in almost disbelief that i have made it to the trek finally.

love the hilly roads

After around 5 hours of travel in the Kedarnath Highway, we left the highway and made our way toward Sari .

As soon as the traveler started towards Sari , whole village's greenery was in a flash in front of our eyes. Sitting in the window seat and looking those meadows was absolutely breathtaking.

First view of Sari village

We reached around 2 PM at our first base and had lunch.

after some rest, we gathered for high tea and introduced ourselves to the group. Then we explored the village 

Thats the Chandrashila Peak

Beautiful Sari Village 

Start of the trek 

This was our first day of trekking. Target was to reach Deoriatal (lake). It was an easy to ascend of around 4 hours . on the way we sighted the first Red rhododendron 🌺.

First glimpse of Rhododendrons flower on the way to Deoriya Lake

A perfect weather for trekking

All set !

There was a very old Shiva temple.

Very old Shiva temple on the way

After 4 hours we reached to our base camp. Now it was time to explore the sacred lake. After having lunch (which looks so delicious after hiking) . After following the terrain for 30 minutes we reached at the bank of the lake . 

View of the lake from the top

Serene!

After having fun around the lake we went to our campsite and this was the first time we witnessed the great Himalayan range of Chaukhambha and Kedarnath Dom.

First glimpse of Chaukhambha under the clouds

It was a time of sunset and everything was so magical. Serene and peaceful!

The Sunset from our first campsite

Day 2 - 16 Km long trek in the forest 

This was going to be a long day. 16 km. Deoriatal to Baniyakund . Even before starting our trek, in the early morning whole range of Chaukhambha and Kedarnath dom was clearly visible. The weather was clear and it was enough for us to motivate us for a long trek.

We started early around 6:30 Am and there was a steep ascend in the starting till a point called Jhandi Top

Finally, we had a clear view of all the snowy peaks

After that, it was all forest. It was dense.  The best part was that no one was there except this group so it was quiet. Birds chirping were all around. The great Himalayas range was always visible towards our left throughout the forest.

The dense forest

Views all around!

In between, all of a sudden we found a beautiful plateau and trees loaded with Rhododendron.

As we were moving ahead these flowers were changing colors to pink and then whitish.

Trees loaded with red flowers all around

This was enough to motivate us for a long trek

One of the best months is March or April to witness these views

Some more views

The hike was mixed of ascending and descending and it was so much fun.

We took a break for lunch around a small river and started again.

The way toward the river

Finally, we managed to reach Baniyakund campsite. The weather was pleasent and this campsite was beautiful.

Baniyakund campsite

Stretching is important after a long hike 

After some rest, we explored the site. Around 6 pm it started raining followed by a hailstorm. We all were worried if we will be able to go to the summit the next morning or not. Plan was to start in the night around 3 AM but we thought of pushing it because of the very heavy rain.

After a delicious dinner we went to sleep. Rain was still continuing.

Around 2 AM, someone knocked on the door and shouted "Weather is clear". I got out of my bed and directly open the door and then I witnessed the pure magic which is hard to describe in words. 

The rain actually helped to clear the weather and all the snowy peaks were shining in front in the darkness. I looked up in the sky and it was full of stars. 

We all were happy and excited now. We started our journey toward the Chandrashila summit

Shining Chandrashlie Peak in night

Rain helped to clear the weather

Marching with head torches ON

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Day 3 - The Summi Day 

Trekking in night is a different experience. I have done a few treks in the Sahyadris range. We started ascending, our heads were down, torches were on and our speed was constant. Whenever I got tired i was looking at my left where the Himalayas range was visible and shining in the moonlight. It was a challenging ascend and since our plan was to witness the sunrise from the leak so have to maintain the speed also.

After 2 hours of ascending, we could see the Tungnath temple which is Worlds highest Shiva temple.

Tungnath temple (image captured while returning )

Even temple was closed but we stayed there gathered some energy and pushed for final summit which is a 1.5 km steep ascend from there. Now our target was visible.

Happiness and excitement of going to the summit! 

Like all other peaks, this was also looking very near but I knew it was going to take some effort to reach there.

By this time we were already walking on fresh snow.

I took a pause, turned to my left, and then saw down and got completely hypnotized by the beauty of nature.

Finally, just about sunrise, i stepped to the top of Chandrashila. 

Slowly the peaks become orange

The Sunrise from 12500 feet height

This was undoubtedly the most beautiful 360-degree view I could have ever imagined.

Looking at the rising sun, on my left, i could see Chaukhambha, Kedarnath dom, and Haathi parvat . This is the best greater Himalayas range one could witness.

All tiredness was gone looking at those magical peaks.

To the east, i could see India's highest peak Nanda Devi, Trishool Parvat.

Just lost in the view

We took group pictures and then I went to the edge of the cliff and sat there for about 40 minutes.

Still, there was no one at the top except our group.

I have been to Kedar Kantha peak but this will certainly be close to my heart. I will never forget those 30 minutes. I feel so blessed and grateful for everything.

Shadow of the peak 

All the Greater Himalayas peaks

We started descending, and continue to the temple.

Stairways to heaven 

After some rest there we started again and then we realized how much we climb during night. At a point, it looked like a never-ending descend.

We finally reached back to base around 12. The initial plan was to stay at the site for the whole day and move to Rishikesh the next day.

But since we had time and chances of rain were high in Baniyakund so we decided to leave for Rishikesh the same day.

It was raining all over. I was very happy that i decided to go for this trek and made it successfully. The feeling of seeing the beautiful temple and the time spent at the top will always remain close to my heart.

We were a small group but had great bonding and made some good friends in the trek.

Tent mates!

The Team

Chandrashila 

Hampi , Land of ruins and Jewel of Vijaynagara Empire

Hello Readers, Welcome to my another blog. This time it is the land of stories, Vijayanagar (Hampi).
There are many ruins in India that have some story to tell but this is Hampi, which has preserved its beauty even after many hundred years.

Ruins telling the story

The month of December, I was still trying to get over from my Spiti trip but Hampi was always in my plan and this time I was all set for this.
In this blog, you will be going through all the details of Hampi, places to visit, food to eat, where to stay, how to roam around the city, etc.

What to expect in Hampi  : -

The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire present in Hampi, which are included in the World Heritage Site, show that in its glorious past, the artists developed a unique style of architecture, painting, and sculpture.
While walking in Hampi, many times it seems, that we are in the middle of medieval history and you start realizing how grand history of ancient India must have been and how foreign invaders must have ruined it.

Land of ruins and stories, Vithal temple

The artistry you will see in temples of Hampi will be telling you the story of unlimited talent and creativity of Indian artists in ancient times.

A Glimpse of artistry 

Vitthala Temple :

Vitthala Temple is an outstanding example of exquisite art and architecture. The historians behind the stone chariot tell that King Krishnadeva Ray was so impressed by the chariot stuck on the wheels of Konark temple that he got the same chariot built in Vijayanagar.

The most iconic stone chariot  

Found this in our currency note too

Behind the chariot, there is Mahamandap temple. The musical pillars inside this temple can surprise anyone. With these beautifully carved pillars, 60 instruments can be heard. 

The British tried to break it down and to find if something is there inside pillars, but they too did not find anything. It was solid inside. These columns are a living example of Indian ancient engineering skills.

The glory of Hampi empire 

Musical Pillars

Elephant Stable :

Lotus Mahal :

Design of each door of this building is like Lotus 

Ranga Temple :

Another beautiful ruin

Mahanavami Dibba :

Example of artistry and engineering
(used for bathing of the queen in that era)

The island Part

All these are on one side of the river Tungabhadra. When you cross the river and go to the other side, you will see a different side of Hampi.
This is more mythological and related to Lord Ram when he came in this part of the country in search of Sita.

The river can be crossed by boat or using a bridge. There are Durga temple, Hanuman temple. Many hippies can be found alongside the river at this part. I decided to go to Hanuman Mandir first and had to climb 600 steps to reach t the top. But all was worth it when I got this panoramic view from the top.

Funny coracle ride to cross the river

View from Hampi Island

Sunset point from Island
(It was very cloudy so no sunset on that day )

Some mysterious caves

Stones, ruins, stories, myths 

Ram temple:

According to beliefs, Lord Ram stayed and worshipped Shiva in this temple for  4 months. There are many pieces of evidence of the Ramayana era can be found. Continuous chanting of Shree Ram takes you to that period and makes you realize the existence of God itself.

A small temple on top of the stone

According to beliefs, Shiva Lingas which was made by Lord Ram 

Padmanabham Temple:

Another stunning view

Rudra Narsimha

Virupakhsa Temple:

This temple is a unique example of artistic mastery and from a scientific point of view. People are still worshiping here for centuries unlike other temple which are ruin now . This was built by King Krishna Dev Rai in 1510 and the oldest temple of Vijayanagar.
There are underground rooms for meditation. In one of the room, there is a small hole which produces the inverse image of the top of the building inside the room. Today this technique is called "Pinned camera technique".

View of the temple from Othe side.

Small Trek towards Achyuturaya Temple :

Achyturaya temple can also be visited by road, but there is a more beautiful option
There is an old Hampi market behind the Virupeksha temple.  Once you cross the market, a small hill will be visible. You need to follow the terrain which leaves you exactly at Achyutaraya temple, and this is one of the most beautiful temples of Hampi. It takes around 30 minutes of walk.

Glory Of Achyutaraya temple

If you walk more about 20 minutes and cross this temple you can reach up to Vithal temple also. So, all these places can be covered by road or by just walking.

Where To Stay:

Hospet is the nearest town near Hampi where you can find many stay options with different budgets. If looking for homestays, they are available in Hampi near the Verupaksha temple. I stayed in Clark Inn hotel which is closest to Hampi (Kamlanagar) and with great facilities.

Food:

Be ready for typical south Indian cuisine. In the Hampi market (near Virupeksha ) you can find many food stalls on the streets with delicious Dosas, Idlis, Appe, etc.
But there are many good restaurants also in Kamla Nagar where you can chill and enjoy different varieties of food.
It is recommended to carry some packed food also if you are planning for a whole day visit to Hampi as you may not find many food stalls at these places.
But must try:
Mango Tree restaurant
Tibetian Kitchen
All tribes coffee shop

My love for south Indian food 😉

How to roam around the Hampi  and plan your day:

There are many options for this. You can rent a cycle, motorcycle, auto-rickshaw or cab. If you are staying in a hotel, they will provide you Hampi map with all those places. Based on the number and convenience get the taxi or auto or bike. There are signboards for each spot that can be followed easily and if you are in taxi/auto, they know almost all spots.
Hampi is divided in three zones,

• Vitthala Temple
• Virupaksha temple
• Island side

Spend a day in the Vitthala temple and nearby places. Reserve another day for the Virupaksha temple.
One day for the island should be enough so that Anjani temple and other parts of the island can be visited.

A map which is always useful when exploring new places.

In my opinion, get a cycle on rent and explore everything by yourself. That will be much more fun. Auto, taxis driver will say all these places are very far and will ask for 700 or 800 Rs. but actually, they are not. Get taxis, autos if you are with senior citizens.

Should you take a guide or not?

Outside every temple, you can find many guides. I would suggest taking a guide for the Vithal temple and Virupeksha temple only and negotiate well. But explore the other temples on your own. If you want to dig more then buy a book in Hampi and read there. It will be more informative.

People work hard for living
(Coracle ride)

Hope this blog was helpful to you. If you have any queries please comment below.
Happy traveling.
Keep traveling, Keep sharing.