Quick answer: December is a superb month for the Deoriatal–Chandrashila trek. Skies are at their clearest, the first snow usually reaches Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila in the second half of the month, days run from about -2°C to 5°C and nights fall to -5°C to -12°C. It is a 5-day, easy trek from Rishikesh, with 17 batches in December and one starting almost every day from the 19th.
For the least effort, this trek gives you one of the widest Himalayan views in Uttarakhand: from the 3,962 m top of Chandrashila you see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks in one sweep. Here is what December is really like on the trail, and how to plan it.
What December brings
- Crystal-clear mornings. Early winter has the clearest air of the year, and Chaukhamba often reflects in Deoriatal at sunrise.
- The first snow. Early December is usually frosty but dry. In most years the first proper snowfall reaches Tungnath and Chandrashila in the second half of the month.
- A quiet Tungnath. The Tungnath temple closes for winter around early November and its deity moves down to Makkumath. You still walk up past the closed temple to the Chandrashila summit.
- Holiday batches. From 19 December there is a batch almost every day, through Christmas and New Year.
Snowfall varies from year to year. After a heavy spell the Chopta road can be blocked, and the team may start the summit walk from lower down, which adds distance.
How cold is Deoriatal–Chandrashila in December?
| Where and when | Typical temperature |
|---|---|
| On the trail, daytime | -2°C to 5°C |
| Deoriatal and Baniyakund camps, night | -5°C to -12°C |
| Chandrashila summit at sunrise, with wind | Can feel below -10°C |
Dress in layers: thermals, a fleece, a down or synthetic jacket, a windproof shell, gloves, a woollen cap and spare socks for camp. The free -10°C jacket, trekking shoes, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with every Trekkaro booking. See our winter trek packing list for the full kit.
Your 5 days on Deoriatal–Chandrashila in December
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Sari. About 185 km, 8–9 hours by road. Overnight in a guesthouse or homestay at 2,012 m.
- Day 2: Sari to Deoriatal. 3 km, 2–3 hours, a short climb to the lake. Camp at 2,390 m.
- Day 3: Deoriatal to Baniyakund via Rohini Bugyal. 16 km, 7–8 hours along a forested ridge with big views. Camp at 2,610 m.
- Day 4: Summit day. Drive to Chopta, then 11 km, 8–9 hours, up past Tungnath (3,680 m) to Chandrashila (3,962 m) and back to Baniyakund.
- Day 5: Back to Rishikesh. About 200 km, 8–9 hours by road.
December week by week
| Dates | Snow | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 December | Usually frost but little snow; the clearest views | Quiet |
| 11–20 December | First snow likely on Tungnath and Chandrashila | Moderate |
| 21–31 December | Best chance of snow on the summit day | Busiest: Christmas and New Year |
Why December is perfect for this trek
- Big summit, short trek. You stand at 3,962 m on a 5-day trip with only two long walking days.
- An easy grade. It suits fit beginners, families with teenagers and anyone trying a winter trek for the first time.
- Views first, snow as a bonus. Early December gives the sharpest panoramas; late December adds the snow.
- Low cost with free gear. No buying or renting a heavy jacket, snow shoes or microspikes.
December tips for Deoriatal–Chandrashila
- Book Christmas and New Year early. The last ten days of December fill first.
- Reach Rishikesh the night before. The shared taxi to Sari leaves Jumping Heights, Tapovan, at 7:00 AM.
- Start the summit day with a headlamp. The best light on Chandrashila is at sunrise, so the climb begins in the dark.
- Carry UV sunglasses. Fresh snow and clear winter sun are hard on the eyes.
- Train for Day 3 and Day 4. The 16 km ridge walk and the summit climb are the long days; a month of uphill walking makes them enjoyable.
What it costs
The Deoriatal–Chandrashila trek costs ₹8,250 + 5% GST (₹8,663) per person with Trekkaro, Sari to Baniyakund. That includes stays, meals, permits, the trek team and free trekking gear. The shared Rishikesh–Sari taxi costs about ₹6,500 per vehicle each way, split among 5–6 trekkers, and EMI starts at about ₹425 a month. See the full Deoriatal–Chandrashila trek cost breakdown.
See Deoriatal–Chandrashila December dates and book | Dayara Bugyal in December | Best winter treks for beginners
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow on Chandrashila in December?
Usually, in the second half of the month. Early December is often frosty but dry with very clear views, and the first proper snow typically reaches Tungnath and Chandrashila after mid-December. It varies from year to year.
Is the Tungnath temple open in December?
No. Tungnath closes for winter around early November, and its deity is worshipped at Makkumath until the temple reopens in spring. The trail past the temple to Chandrashila stays open, and the trek runs as normal.
How cold is Deoriatal–Chandrashila in December?
Daytime temperatures are about -2°C to 5°C, and nights at the Deoriatal and Baniyakund camps drop to -5°C to -12°C. The summit at sunrise feels colder because of the wind.
Is Deoriatal–Chandrashila good for beginners in December?
Yes. It is graded easy and is one of the best first winter treks. You need reasonable fitness for the 16 km ridge day and the summit climb, and Trekkaro provides the jacket, shoes and microspikes.
How much does the Deoriatal–Chandrashila trek cost?
With Trekkaro it is ₹8,250 + 5% GST, about ₹8,663 per person for 5 days, including free trekking gear. The Rishikesh–Sari taxi is extra, at about ₹1,100–1,300 per person each way.
