Deoria Tal – Backpackers’ Paradise

Deoria Tal also known as Devaria Tal is situated in the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. This is one of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand and is considered to be a gift. Located about 3 kms from the villages of Sari and Maturba Deori Tal is an uphill lake. Deoria Tal is famous among back packers and travelers who tread across the Himalaya’s.

The lush green surroundings, the thick woods, the snow-capped mountains draw many travelers to this land. For backpackers and trekkers Deoria Tal and its beauty would inspire them to explore the unexplored.

One can either camp at Deoria Tal or trek into the heavily wooded forests. There are a couple of shops selling the basic necessities and some tea and snacks. Done expect something fancy but instead soak yourself into the simplicity of the mountain lifestyle.

Most trekkers combine their trek to Deoria Tal with a trek to Tunganath. Tunganath is the highest Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva and ChandraShila both of which are approached from Chopta.

Walk, Trek, Hike and Reach.

Be sure you are ready to walk and walk more. Although there are jeeps available from Ukhimath to reach the villages or Sari and Mastura the distance beyond the villages till Deoria Tal can only be covered by foot.

Deoria Tal also has a mythological connection with the Mahabharat. This was the place where Yaksha asked Pandavas to give an answer to his question before drinking the water from the Holy Lake.

While making your way down return to Sari and wait there for a jeep that is going towards Mastura. The lake is well known among travelers for giving the most spectacular 300 degree panoramic view.

From here one could spot mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar range, Yellow Tooth and Kalanag.

The place got its name, since its believed to be the bathing place of the Devas or the God’s according to Hindu mythology. The lake is sometimes also believed to be the “Indra Sarovar” referred to in the Puranas.

This is one of the most attractive places in Uttarakhand. The splendid reflection made by the snow capped mountains brings out the most stunning image in the water of Deoria Tal.

Apart from being famous for its scenic beauty, Deoria Tal is also known as a common spot for angling and bird watching.

The radiant green-blue water of Deoria Tal is surrounded by heavy dense vegetation. The summers are the best time to visit Deoria Tal since on sunny days you could be lucky to catch a glimpse of the beautiful image of Chaukhamba Range in the lake.

The Chaukhamba Range has magnificent mighty mountains like like Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Neelkanth and Yamunotri. The magical and mystic mountains will take to another world.

The road that leads to Deoria Tal is accessible by bike and jeeps up to Sari. The journey ahead of Sari can be made on foot or horses. Make sure that you are well prepared for the journey and you have undertaken all arrangements for a night halt at any accessible spot.

Bestowed with unparalleled beauty the Garwhal Range of Himalaya’s is a gift to the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. It is home to many treasures of nature.

At a height of 3200 meters Deoria Tal captivates everybody. The pure and crystalline water of Deoria Tal offers awe inspiring images of the surroundings.

The 2 km trek to Deoria Tal from Sari could take around 1 and half hours depending on your speed. However there are many steep roads some as steep at 70 degrees.

This exhausting journey leads to a magical and picturesque place. As soon as you reach your destination you are transformed by the surrounding.

You could spend immense time just sitting by the lake and soaking yourself into the surrounding. The place is calm and silent and occasionally you can witness villagers performing their daily chores.

A visit to Deoria Tal has an entry fee of Rs. 40 which goes for Nanda Devi reserve Forest area and the protection of forest land. This meager fee seems too little for the amount of joy and peace it brings within you.

You could have some Rice, Dal and vegetable basically a simple home cooked meal near Deoria Tal. To experience the true beauty of the place make sure you either catch the sunrise or the sunset, even better if you could see both.

In the wilderness or the comfort of a room

If you decide to spend a night at Deoria Tal there is a Forest Rest house available. There are also tent facilities available if you want to experience the true joy of being out in the open amidst the mighty mountains.

Sari village also has some affordable and cheap places where you could stay.

Since it is situated in the Kedarnath Musk deer Sanctuary, you might even get lucky and spot a few deer’s drinking water from the lake in the morning.

Deoria Tal is popular among challenging travelers who like to trek through rough terrains. There are organic sign boards with names like Basanti and Dhanno to reach Deoria Tal as the gradient is quite steep and tiring.

The trail to Deoria Tal is well paved but it is ironically harder on your feet than natural trails. Accomodation in Sari is pretty cheap since the inflow of tourists is low and there are quite a few options available.

The food available is simple and wholesome. Egg and omlettes are also available for breakfast.

There is an old Shiva temple on your way to Deoria Tal, the priest will point out 5 to 10 avatars of Shiva just on one stone.

With the inflow of tourists Uttarakhand Tourism has made food facility available at Deoria Tal, so food is something that you don’t need to worry about.

The best time to visit Deoria Tal would be early October since there are little chances of snow and rain so you could fully enjoy the place. If you plan to visit Tunganath Temple(which you should definitely add to your list) this would be the right time sonce the temple is closed after Diwali.

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