Deoriatal: A trekker’s paradise in the Indian Himalayas

Deoriatal also known as Deoria tal or  Devariya Tal or Indra Sarovar  is a small village located in the state of Uttarakhand in Rudraprayag District. It is situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush green forests. The village is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The main attraction of Deoriatal is the Deoriatal Lake, which is a high altitude lake that sits at an altitude of 2,438 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and is a popular spot for camping and trekking. Visitors can also enjoy boating on the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Deoriatal is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. The forests around the village are also home to leopards, bears, and other wild animals, making it a great place for bird watching and wildlife safaris.

The village is also home to a number of temples and shrines, including the ancient Tungnath Temple, which is believed to be over 1000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in the region.

Overall, Deoriatal is a beautiful and tranquil destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas and immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.

Places to visit in Deoriatal

Here are some of the top places to visit in Deoriatal:

1. Deoriatal Lake: The main attraction of Deoriatal is the Deoriatal Lake, which is a high altitude lake that sits at an altitude of 2,438 meters above sea level. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is an ancient temple that is believed to be over 1000 years old. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in the region.
3. Chopta: Chopta is a small hill station that is located just a few kilometers from Deoriatal. It is known for its beautiful meadows and forests, and is a popular destination for trekking and camping.
4. Khirsu: Khirsu is a small village located in the Gharwal region, which is known for its traditional architecture and beautiful apple orchards. Visitors can also explore the ancient temples and shrines that are located in the village.
5. Ransi Stadium: Ransi Stadium is a popular spot for adventure sports like paragliding and zorbing. It is located just a few kilometers from Deoriatal and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Sari village: Sari village is an offbeat destination which is located around 12 km from Chopta. This village is surrounded by alpine meadows, dense forest, and beautiful views of the Himalayas. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, trekkers, and bird watchers.

Overall, Deoriatal is a great place to visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas.

Mythological story of Deoriatal

Deoriatal is a small village located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The village has a rich mythological history, and there are several stories associated with the area. One of the most popular mythological stories related to Deoriatal is that of Lord Shiva and the Pandavas.

According to Hindu legend, the Pandavas, the five brothers from the epic Mahabharata, were on a journey through the Himalayas when they came across a beautiful lake. They decided to rest there and built a small temple on the banks of the lake, which they dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, the Pandavas soon realized that the lake was haunted by demons, and they were unable to perform their daily rituals.

Feeling despair, the Pandavas sought the help of Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and killed all the demons. Lord Shiva then blessed the lake and the temple, making it a sacred and holy place. From then on, the lake and the temple were known as Deoriatal and Tungnath Temple respectively.

Deoriatal lake and Tungnath Temple are still considered as a sacred place by Hindu devotees and the temple is one of the Panch Kedar( five sacred shrines of Lord Shiva) and is believed to be the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year, especially during the ‘Chaar Dhaam Yatra’ ( a spiritual journey to four sacred Hindu temples in the Indian Himalayas) and to pay their respects to Lord Shiva.

It is said that the lake and temple have been blessed by Lord Shiva, and those who visit the lake and temple with a pure heart and mind will be blessed with peace, tranquility, and prosperity.

Stay in Deoriatal

There are several options for staying in Deoriatal, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are a few options:

1. Homestays: Homestays are a popular option for staying in Deoriatal, as they offer a more authentic and local experience. You can stay with a local family and enjoy home-cooked meals, and get a glimpse of the local culture and way of life.
2. Guesthouses: There are also several guesthouses in Deoriatal that offer comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation. Some guesthouses also have attached restaurant for food.
3. Camping and trekking: For nature lovers and adventure seekers, camping and trekking is a great option for staying in Deoriatal. There are several camping sites and trekking routes in the area, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air while camping under the stars.
4. Hotels: There are a few hotels located in the nearby Chopta and Sari village, which are known for their comfortable accommodation and great views of the surrounding mountains. They offer amenities like room service, restaurant, and wifi.
5. Resorts: There are a few resorts located in Deoriatal which provide luxury accommodations and a range of facilities like spa, restaurant, and indoor/outdoor activities.

When planning your stay in Deoriatal, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as accommodation can fill up quickly. Also, it’s a good idea to check the reviews and ratings of the accommodation before booking to ensure that you have a comfortable and pleasant stay.

Food in Deoriatal

The village also offers a variety of delicious local food options, which are influenced by the traditional cuisine of the region.

1. Local delicacies: The local cuisine of Deoriatal is heavily influenced by the traditional food of the Garhwal region. Some popular local delicacies include Bhaang ki Khatai (a sweet made from cannabis), Dubuk (a type of dumpling made from lentils and wheat flour), and Chainsoo (a type of sweet and spicy fried snack).
2. Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian: The local food in Deoriatal is mainly vegetarian, as many locals are Hindu, who follow the dietary restrictions of their religion. However, there are also options for non-vegetarian food like chicken, mutton, and fish.
3. Momos: Momos are a popular street food in Deoriatal and are available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, meat or cheese and served with a spicy chutney.
4. Rajma-Chawal and Maggi: Rajma-Chawal and Maggi are popular staples in Deoriatal and can be found in most local eateries. Rajma is a type of kidney bean curry and chawal means rice. Maggi is a type of instant noodles.
5. Local drinks: Visitors can also enjoy local drinks like lassi (a sweet yogurt-based drink), chai (tea), and kahwah (a type of spiced tea).
6. Restaurants: There are a few restaurants in Deoriatal which offer a variety of local and continental cuisine, and you can also find some street food vendors selling food.

It’s always a good idea to ask locals for recommendations, and try different dishes to get a taste of the local culture and cuisine while you’re in Deoriatal.

Deoriatal Weather

The weather in Deoriatal can vary depending on the season and the altitude.

1. Summer (April to June): During the summer months, the weather in Deoriatal is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. It’s a good time to visit for those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and do outdoor activities.
2. Monsoon (July to September): During the monsoon season, the area receives heavy rainfall, which can make it difficult to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. However, the monsoon season also brings lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls to the area.
3. Winter (October to March): During the winter months, the weather in Deoriatal can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The village is covered with snow and the lake is frozen. It’s a great time to visit for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.
4. Spring (February to April): During the spring, the weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. The village is covered with colorful flowers and the surrounding forests are full of migratory birds.

It’s important to note that the weather in Deoriatal can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning your trip and pack accordingly. Also, the temperature can drop significantly in the evening and night, it’s recommended to carry warm clothes and gear for the night.

How difficult is Deoria Tal Trek?

The Deoria tal-Chandrashila trek is considered a moderate level trek, which takes you through beautiful forests, meadows, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek is around 7 km long one way and takes around 6 to 7 hours to complete. The trek starts from Sari village and goes through the forest, meadows and rocky terrain, which can be challenging for some hikers.

The trek involves a moderate to steep ascent, and hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain and rocky sections. The trail is well-defined, but it can be slippery during the monsoon season. The trek also involves crossing a few streams, so hikers should be prepared to get their feet wet.

The highest point on the trek is the summit of Tungnath, which is at an altitude of 3,680 meters. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Kedarnath. The trek is also considered to be one of the best trek for bird watching in Uttarakhand, with a wide variety of bird species found along the trail.

Before embarking on the trek, it is important for hikers to be in good physical condition and to be properly acclimatized to high altitudes. It’s also important to be well-prepared for the trek by carrying the necessary gear, such as proper footwear, warm clothing, a good quality backpack, and a first aid kit. It’s also advisable to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area and can help with navigation and safety.

Deoria Tal to Tungnath trek

The Deoriatal-Tungnath trek is a popular trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that takes you through beautiful forests, meadows, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek is around 7 km one way and takes around 6 to 7 hours to complete. The trek starts from Deoriatal and goes through the forest, meadows and rocky terrain, which can be challenging for some hikers.

The trek starts from Deoriatal and the trail goes through the dense forest of rhododendron, oak, and deodar. The trekkers can also spot different types of birds and wildflowers on the way. As the trek progresses, the trail gets steeper and rockier, but the views of the surrounding peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Kedarnath become more and more spectacular.

The highest point on the trek is the Tungnath temple, which is at an altitude of 3,680 meters. The temple is one of the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva, and the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the surrounding valley.

Before embarking on the trek, it is important for hikers to be in good physical condition and to be properly acclimatized to high altitudes. It’s also important to be well-prepared for the trek by carrying the necessary gear, such as proper footwear, warm clothing, a good quality backpack, and a first aid kit. It’s also advisable to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area and can help with navigation and safety.

The trek is best to do between April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the trail is less muddy. Though the trek is considered to be moderate level, but still it’s advisable to be well prepared and take necessary precautions during the trek.

Deoriatal Hotels

There are several hotels in the Deoriatal that offer comfortable accommodation for visitors to the area. Here are a few options:

1. Hotel Deoriatal: Hotel Deoriatal is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of the village. It offers comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities, such as private bathrooms and hot water. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine.
2. Hotel Tungnath: Hotel Tungnath is a mid-range hotel located near the Tungnath temple, which is one of the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities, such as private bathrooms and hot water. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine.
3. Hotel Himalaya: Hotel Himalaya is a budget-friendly hotel located in Sari village. It offers comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities, such as private bathrooms and hot water. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine.
4. Hotel Chopta: Hotel Chopta is a mid-range hotel located in Chopta village, which is a short drive from Deoriatal. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities, such as private bathrooms and hot water. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine.
5. Snow Peak Retreat: Snow Peak Retreat is a luxury hotel located in Chopta village, which is a short drive from Deoriatal. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities, such as private bathrooms and hot water. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves local and continental cuisine.

How to reach Deoriatal

The Deoriatal trek is a popular trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. To reach Deoriatal, one can take the following routes:

By air: The nearest airport to Deoriatal is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 34.1km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Haridwar, which is 212.8km away from Deoriatal.

By rail: Haridwar railway station is the nearest railway station to Deoriatal, and it is well connected to other parts of the country. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Deoriatal, which is 212.8km away.

By road: Haridwar is easily accessible by road from all parts of the country, and regular bus services are available. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Deoriatal, which is 212.8km away.