There are times when you feel the need to escape from the endless routine of city life – the noise, the traffic, and the constant rush. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick getaway to recharge and feel alive again. That's exactly how I felt when I signed up for the weekend trek to Chandrashila with Safarwallah. A one-day trek with a sunrise view from a Himalayan summit sounded like the perfect antidote to a hectic week in Delhi.
The Escape Begins: From Delhi to Chopta
It was a chilly Friday evening when I hopped onto the bus arranged by Safarwallah. The journey from Delhi to Chopta, our base camp for the trek, was an adventure in itself. The group of trekkers I was with was a mix of excited first-timers like me, seasoned trekkers, and a few regulars who had been on Safarwallah’s trips before. As we left the bustling streets of Delhi behind, the excitement among the group was palpable. I couldn’t help but feel that sense of anticipation bubbling inside me. This was the start of something special. 
The bus ride was comfortable, and the distant chatter of fellow trekkers made the time pass quickly. As we moved farther from the city, the landscape began to change. The flat plains gave way to rolling hills, and the crisp mountain air filled the bus, signaling that we were getting closer to our destination. By the time we reached Chopta, it was late in the evening, and we were all ready to crash in our cozy base camp for the night. We settled in, shared stories over hot tea, and prepared for the big day ahead.
The Trek Begins: An Early Morning Start
At 2:30 AM, the camp was alive with quiet activity. We had a brief breakfast, layered up in warm clothing, and gathered our gear for the trek ahead. Safarwallah’s team had everything well organized – from headlamps to trekking poles, everything we needed for a safe and enjoyable trek. With the stars still shining brightly in the sky, we began our ascent to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
The excitement was high as we started the trek in the darkness, with only the light of our headlamps guiding the way. The air was crisp, and the faint sound of footsteps on the rocky path filled the silence. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the cold began to set in, but the anticipation of reaching the summit kept me going. It was a quiet and peaceful walk, with nothing but the sound of our breath and the crunch of our boots on the frozen earth.
The Ascent to Tungnath: The Highest Shiva Temple
After about two hours of trekking, we reached Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple. The temple stands at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) and is a revered pilgrimage site. As we arrived, the first light of dawn was beginning to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and orange. It was a magical sight – the temple's ancient structure surrounded by snow-covered peaks, with the rising sun slowly revealing the grandeur of the Himalayas.
We stopped for a few minutes to take in the views and catch our breath. The temple itself was peaceful and serene, and standing there, in the presence of such ancient spirituality and beauty, made all the exhaustion worth it. It was hard to imagine a more perfect place to pause and appreciate how far we had come.
The Final Push: To Chandrashila and the Sunrise
But we weren’t done yet. From Tungnath, the real challenge began – the final ascent to Chandrashila. The climb was steep and demanding, but the thought of the summit kept us going. Each step felt like it took us closer to the edge of the world. With every push, the excitement built, and the energy of the group kept me motivated. 
And then, just as we neared the top, something extraordinary happened. The first rays of the sun broke through the horizon, casting a warm glow across the snow-capped peaks. We reached the summit of Chandrashila just as the sun emerged from behind the mountains, transforming the sky into a palette of gold, orange, and pink. It was one of those moments where time seems to stand still. The Himalayas stretched endlessly before us, their jagged peaks shimmering in the early morning light. I stood there, in awe of the beauty, feeling a rush of emotions – from the exhaustion of the climb to the thrill of standing on top of the world.
There was a sense of unity among the group as we shared the moment – all of us together, strangers just a few hours ago, now bound by the shared experience of reaching the summit. We took photos, offered silent gratitude, and simply soaked in the beauty around us.
The Descent: Reflecting on the Journey
After spending some time at the summit, it was time to head back down. The descent was quicker and easier, but I found myself reflecting on everything the trek had given me. There’s something special about trekking in the Himalayas. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey – the quiet moments, the challenges, the breathtaking views, and the people you meet along the way.
By the time we reached our camp in Chopta again, the sun was high in the sky. We were all tired, but the sense of accomplishment made every step down feel worth it. We had trekked through forests, climbed to the highest Shiva temple, watched the sunrise from a Himalayan summit, and shared an unforgettable experience.
Why Safarwallah?
What made this trek so special wasn’t just the destination – it was the people and the experience. The Safarwallah team took care of everything – from transportation to accommodation, food to safety – ensuring that we could focus on the adventure itself. Their expertise and passion for the outdoors created an atmosphere of camaraderie and support that made the trek even more enjoyable.
This trek wasn’t just an escape from the city; it was a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. It gave me a renewed sense of peace, joy, and gratitude for the simple things in life. And the adventure is only just beginning.
