About Chenap Valley
Among all the Garhwal treks, this route is least known to the
trekkers. The valley is having wide variety of flowers throughout and
can be stated to be the best valley with so many floral varieties. The
view of the Chenap Lake is unsurpassed in beauty, but the flowers all
around makes the beauty amplified to several times. You will find the
oak and deodar forest surrounding the lake from a close distance. Pass
through the meadows and get to the trails with fresh and untouched
water. The trek is not that much difficult. Although you will have to
climb for a long time, but the altitude is gradual and thus will not be
that much difficult for you. One thing is sure in this spot – you will
find least number of trekkers, since it is only known to few. The route
is best accessible from Joshimath.
The trek will be starting from Chai, the sole village in the area. It
is having the least population, but the hospitality, you will get from
them, is admirable. Soon after you cross the village rugged path, you
will find the snow topped mountain peaks. Nada Devi will look to be the
biggest among them, with Dronagiri and Nanda Kot, closely following her.
After covering certain distance, you will find another village named
Thaing. Greenery and lush meadows surround and protects the village life
there. It is time to find the Brahma Kamal. Just cross some of the easy
slopes and beautiful natural plantation field with poppies, oaks and
the fabulous Brahma Kamal. Daisies, anemones and numerous serene looking
flowers will nod their heads to admire your arrival at the valley.
After crossing the teak forest, you will find a glance of the peaceful
Swanu and Nandu Lake. In the valley, you will be bewildered to find a
temple, where Raj Rajeswari is living a solace life with Mohan Nanda.
The flower variety of the land is really enigmatic. Hamlets chirping
here and there are trying to get your attention, for their new colourful
dress, nature has woven for them. As you continue to climb reminding of
the ancient relation with the wild family, you will find white bed
sheet in the form of snow is laid on the mountain top. Mother Nature is
calling you for the best solace sleep, you have ever slept on the snowy
bed. Swanu and Nandu are waiting for your glance, a few kilometers away.
They will show their pleasure and gratitude for your arrival, with the
warmth, endorsed by nature. You will love the trek route, since it is
easy for the beginners and is warm with the heartily blessings of Nature
God.
Godly stories will generate a divine sense: Local people will show
you some of the temples at this place and will show you a trekking route
at some distance. They will narrate that that is the valley where
Mother Durga fought the forceful battle with Mahisasura to protect her
son. You might feel top reach there in the next trip.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 09 Days (4 day travel/5 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4750 mts
Total Trekking : 60 K.M
Chenap Valley Trekking Tour Highlights
- Throughout the journey, trekkers will pass through the famous landmarks of Uttrakhand - Haridwar, Rishikesh, Joshimath, Confluences, Crystal Clear Lake, Verdant Valley, Snow clad Himalayan Peaks and many more.
- Cavernous gorges, chattering waterfalls, spacious views, vibrant landscapes and dazzling variation in scenery are some major highlights of the trek
- Meet and greet local people.
- Feel the greatness of nature by rambling over the lush meadows , sprinkled with wild flowers.
Best Time to Visit
Perhaps the best time to visit the Chenap Valley trek is June to
September. In this time the valley remains in full bloom as the snow
starts melting and there is very less rain. By the end of the September,
the flowers start drying up and put their seeds on the earth for the
next season.
Where is the Chenap Valley?
Located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal Himalaya, Chenap is a lush
green valley, quite famed for its lakes and flowers that bloom in the
region. To reach the Chenap Valley, trekkers will have to pass through
grasslands dotted with wildflowers and remote villages.
How to Reach Chenap Valley?
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant in Dehradun is the closest airport, which is around 295 km from Joshimath.
Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station, 296 km from Joshimath.
Nearest Road Head: Vishnu Prayag is nearest road
head for Chenap Valley trek which is connected by most part of the
Garhwal Himalaya like Joshimath, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
Chenap Valley Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh (230km/6hrs approx)
In the morning catch AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs, here meet our guide and drive to Rishikesh. On arrival, check in to the hotel. If interested, one can go for witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Ghat. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh - Joshimath (240km/ 8-9hrs)
Post breakfast, we will drive to Joshimath via Devprayag. En-route, we shall witness the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda River at Dev Prayag. By evening, we will be able to reach at Joshimath. Check in to a hotel for dinner and overnight stay.Day 03: Joshimath - Vishnu Prayag (10 kms by road) - Thaing Village (8 kms trek)
Today, we will drive to Vishnu Prayag, from here we will be trekking to Thaing Village. In order to enter the valley, we will cross the bridge at Vishnuprayag. Overnight stay in the camp.Day 04: Thaing Village - Dhar Kharak (6 kms trek)
Today, we shall start trekking early in the morning. Our trek will be to Dhar Kharak or Baidwa Kharak. Packed lunch will be taken to serve you on the way. The trek will pass through dense forests and along the course of several streams. We shall set our camp at Dhar Kharak for an overnight stay.Day 05: Dhar Kharak - Chenap Meadow (4 kms)
Post breakfast, we shall trek to Chenap Valley. There are around 500 species of flowers and numerous medicinal plants found here. From Chenap, one can head to Badrinath via Neelkanth Base Camp. Overnight stay in the camp.Day 06: Chenap Valley
The day is free for exploration. Overnight stay in the tent.Optional: One can Trek towards Sona Shikhar which is 8 kms via Fulna and Maskyani Bugyal. In Sona Shikhar one can see the Braham Kamal and Fan Kamal.
Day 07: Chenap Valley – Thaing Village
Post breakfast, we shall trek back to Thaing Village. Overnight stay in a camp.Day 08: Thaing Village - Vishnu Prayag - Srinagar (160km/5-6 hours)
Early in the morning, post breakfast, we shall trek down to Vishnu Prayag and from there will drive to Srinagar via Joshimath, Chamoli and Rudraprayag. Once you reach Srinagar, check- in to a hotel for dinner and overnight stay.Day 09: Srinagar - Haridwar - Delhi
After the breakfast, we will drive to Delhi via Haridwar. By the evening reach Delhi. Tour and Services end.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Chenap Valley Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
