Why Every Trekker Loves Chandrashila Summit in Uttarakhand

There are certain places in the world that stir something deep within your soul. For me, Chandrashila Summit in Uttarakhand is one such place.  It’s not just the challenge of the summit, but the journey itself, the people you meet, the wild beauty that surrounds you, and the memories that stay with you long after you’ve descended. Having trekked here both as part of a group and solo, I can confidently say that Chandrashila is not just a trek. It’s a profound experience.

A Journey Through the Rhododendron Forests

One of the most vivid memories I have from my first trek to Chandrashila is walking through the thick rhododendron tress that I came across on the way to Tungnath temple. The moment I stepped into the woods, I was completely captivated by the sight of the trees in full bloom, their bright red and pink flowers painting the entire landscape. These were the famous Buransh flowers.

On that trek, I met a local villager who, seeing my fascination with the flowers, shared an interesting tidbit about Buransh Juice. He told me that the locals make a refreshing juice out of the rhododendron flowers, Buransh Juice and it’s a traditional drink that’s been passed down through generations. Intrigued, I asked if I could try some, and he led me to a nearby hut where a woman was preparing the juice. The sweet, tangy taste of the Buransh Juice, paired with the warm hospitality of the locals, was a true highlight of my journey.

The Summit: More Than Just a Trek

For many trekkers, the ultimate goal is the summit, and Chandrashila certainly delivers in that regard. Standing at 13,00 ft, the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking. You look out over the Kedarnath, Trishul, and Nanda Devi peaks, surrounded by a 360-degree views of towering mountains. 

An interesting section between Tungnath and Chandrashila. You can listen water dripping throgh rocks if you’re quite

But for me, the beauty of Chandrashila isn’t just in the view from the summit. It’s the entire journey—the people you meet along the way, the stories shared around the campfire, the feeling of breathing in the crisp mountain air, and the connection to the land. Every time I visit, I discover something new whether it’s the charm of a quiet village, the taste of freshly made Buransh Juice, or the thrill of encountering wildlife. These are the moments that make the trek unforgettable.

The Moment I Met the Monal

As a photographer and nature lover, one of the most magical experiences of my second visit to Chandrashila was encountering the Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. The Himalayan Monal is a colorful pheasant known for its iridescent feathers, and I had heard about sightings of this elusive bird but never expected to see one in person.

I had just made my way to the ridge, a spot I often visited to capture the best views of the Kedarnath and Trishul peaks, when suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I spotted a flash of vibrant colors. There, just a few meters away, was the Monal, its feathers a brilliant mix of green, blue, and orange. For a moment, the bird just stared at me, its gaze as curious as mine. Then, without a sound, it took flight.

As a trekker, you often dream of these encounters with wildlife—the ones that make you feel like you’re truly part of the wilderness, not just a visitor.

Why Every Trekker Dreams of Chandrashila

The Chandrashila Summit represents everything a trekker dreams of ‘A challenging climb, stunning views, rich cultural experiences, and moments of pure magic’. It’s a trek that tests your endurance and rewards you with a sense of accomplishment. The mountains, the locals, the wildlife make it a place like no other.